Pre Exercise Checks

CYQ Gym Instructor L2

Session 2

Session Objectives

To be aware of the danger checks that need to be made prior to a gym session.

To identify the importance of client PARQ’s

(Physical Activity Questionnaire) and confidentiality.

To demonstrate expanded questioning techniques.

PARQ Screening Form

You must never exercise a client without them first completing a Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PARQ)

The completed PARQ will highlight any problems or contra-indications to exercise that will prevent the client from exercising safely.

Expanding on Answers

You must use your communication skills and expand on any answers that indicate the client may have a problem or contra-indication to exercise;

This will enable you to make a judgement on the level of severity of the problem or contra-indication and allow you to decide if the client is fit to exercise or needs to be referred to a GP

Expanded Examples

‘Are you currently on any Medication?’ Answer - YES

Instructor: “It says on your PARQ that you are on medication at the moment, could you tell me what type of medication you are on?”

Client: “Yes that’s right, I had an infection in my thumb and the doctor gave me some antibiotics”

This is acceptable so you would write on the PARQ “Client currently on antibiotics for a thumb infection”

Expanded Examples

Client: “Yes that’s right, I suffer from epilepsy and have been on medication for six months”

With this answer you would refer the client to the doctors using the medical clearance form and ask them to come back with the completed form from their GP stating that they are able to exercise safely.

Criteria Watch!

As part of your assessment:

It is part of the criteria that your client completes a PARQ and that you check it and sign it, and expand on anything that suggests that the client should not be exercising.

Task 1

In pairs using the PARQ provided, interview each other and expand on any answers that may indicate that your client shouldn’t be exercising.