Updated
What it is
Before a first session, most trainers ask you to fill in a short questionnaire, often called a PAR-Q. It asks yes or no questions about your heart, chest pain, dizziness, joints, medication and pregnancy.
Is it a legal requirement?
No UK law requires one. It is standard good practice in the fitness industry, because it tells the trainer what to adapt before you lift anything.
When your GP should see it first
If you answer yes to any question, a trainer may ask you to check with your GP, midwife or physiotherapist before you start. That is a precaution, not a refusal.
What happens to your answers
Information about your health is special category data under UK GDPR, which applies across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. It needs extra protection.
A trainer should tell you why they keep your answers, where they are kept, who can see them and for how long. You can ask to see what they hold about you.
How Kestlow handles it
Tamsin asks for your consent first, keeps the paper form in a locked cabinet at the studio, shows it to nobody else and shreds it two years after your last session (sample practice).
The consultation request on this website never asks about your health.
Sources
- ICO, what is special category data? (UK GDPR) ico.org.uk/for-organisations/uk-gdpr-guidance-and-resources/lawful-basis/special-category-data/what-is-special-category-data/
Checked on 4 November 2026.
