When conducting a PAR-Q assessment, what should a fitness professional aim to understand?

In the context of a PAR-Q (Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire) assessment, the focus is on understanding an individual’s readiness and potential risk factors for engaging in physical activity. The assessment aims to glean information about the client's typical daily activities and stress levels because these factors are crucial in determining their physical capabilities and overall health status.

Understanding daily activities helps the fitness professional gauge the client's current level of physical fitness and the types of movements they are used to performing. It allows for tailoring exercise programs that consider their lifestyle and minimize the risk of injury. Additionally, assessing stress levels can inform how stress may impact the client's physical and mental well-being, further guiding how to create an effective and safe fitness plan for them.

While factors like career goals, dietary habits, and family medical history may be relevant in a broader health and wellness context, they do not directly relate to assessing a client’s immediate capacity for physical activity and readiness, which is the primary aim of the PAR-Q.