Health Screening & Liability Release
It is the responsibility of all fitness leaders to ensure the safety of their clients or program participants.
Health screening is a process of gathering information about an individual prior to the start of an exercise program to ensure he or she is physically capable of exercising without any risk to his health & safety. This is usually done with a simple questionnaire such as the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP) Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire, or Par-Q form.
If an individual answers yes to one or more of the questions on the form, medical clearance is required before proceeding. This could be a written note from the person’s family doctor or health care professional, or a completed PAR-X form (a detailed assessment designed for health professionals). Regardless, it should contain a statement that exercise is safe for this individual and it should include any specific directions on what should or should not be done in the exercise program.
The following people should receive medical clearance before starting an exercise program. Anyone with:
* a history of heart disease, high blood pressure of hypertension
* symptoms of circulatory problems (dizziness, pains in heart of chest)
* joint or bone problems (arthritis, injuries, sprains, recent fractures)
* a previous experience of having difficulty with physical exercise
* anyone over 69
Other individuals who may require medical clearance include:
* pregnant women or mothers who have given birth within the last three months (physically fit and otherwise healthy pregnant women should complete the PARmed-X for Pregnancy (Physical Activity Readiness Medical Examination)
* anyone with a chronic illness (diabetes, respiratory problems, chronic fatigue
* anyone recovering from a recent surgery
CFES (Canadian Fitness Education Services)
A fitness professional will review the completed PAR-Q form, and may need to ask further questions, to make a reasoned judgment on whether an individual or participant should proceed onto an exercise program or be referred to a medical professional for assessment.
Consent and Liability Release
The individual or client should be fully informed about the risks associated with physical exercise and be willing to personally accept those risks before starting a program. This is usually done with a written liability waiver, which releases the instructor and the facility from legal responsibility should an injury occur during the program. CFES (Canadian Fitness Education Services)
This is why I include a disclaimer. I hope it makes sense to those of who have refused to fill out forms before starting a program with me. All responsible trainers will request the same.
Disclaimer: It is my pleasure to answer your questions regarding exercises. I am not however able to help you if you’ve recently had an injury or surgery & have not yet received your doctors approval to exercise. You must have the green light to start an exercise program before I can recommend appropriate exercises for you. I am all about safety first!
Move more to feel better.
Where there’s a will, there’s a way & I can find a way that works well for you :)