How to create a health screening form (par-q)
A health screening form is your primary tool for managing student safety and ensuring you meet the requirements of your professional insurance policy.
To protect both your students and your business, every new attendee must complete a Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q) before their first class. This document identifies underlying health issues or physical limitations, allowing you to offer modifications and ensuring you are covered by your professional insurance. It is the most critical piece of paperwork for any fitness professional in the UK.
The Importance of the PAR-Q
The PAR-Q is the gold standard for health screening in the fitness and wellness industry. By asking a few targeted questions, you can determine if a student is ready to participate in yoga or if they need medical clearance from a GP first. Most yoga teacher insurance policies require that you have a completed PAR-Q for every student on file to validate your coverage in the event of an injury claim.
What Your Form Should Include
A standard PAR-Q focuses on heart health, bone and joint issues, and general wellness. For yoga, you should also include specific questions about pregnancy and recent surgeries. Here is a breakdown of the essential questions you should include:
| Category | Example Question |
|---|---|
| Heart Health | Has a doctor ever said you have a heart condition? |
| Chest Pain | Do you feel pain in your chest when you perform physical activity? |
| Balance & Dizziness | Do you lose your balance because of dizziness or ever lose consciousness? |
| Joint Problems | Do you have a bone or joint problem that could be made worse by a change in physical activity? |
| Other Conditions | Are you aware of any other reason why you should not do physical activity? |
Tailoring the Form for Yoga
While the standard questions are a great start, yoga involves specific movements like inversions, deep twists, and weight-bearing on the wrists. Consider adding these fields to make the form more relevant to your practice:
- Recent Injuries: "Are you currently recovering from any injuries (e.g., hamstrings, back, neck, or wrists)?"
- Pregnancy: "Are you currently pregnant or have you given birth in the last six months?"
- Blood Pressure: "Do you suffer from high or low blood pressure?" (Important for transitions and inversions).
- Emergency Contact: Always collect a name and phone number for someone to call in an emergency.
Digital vs. Paper Forms
You can use a simple printed sheet that students sign in person, but digital forms are increasingly popular. Using digital tools makes it easier to search for student information and ensures you don't lose physical paperwork. Regardless of the method, you must treat this information as sensitive personal data. Ensure it is stored securely and is only accessible by you.
Actionable Tip: If a student answers "Yes" to any health question, it does not necessarily mean they cannot join. However, it does mean you must have a private conversation with them before class to understand their limits, offer specific modifications, or advise them to seek medical clearance if their condition is serious.
Created by hatch. • Updated on April 30, 2026