Physical activity improves your physical and mental health. Even small amounts of physical activity are good, and more is better.
For almost everyone, the benefits of physical activity far outweigh any risks. For some individuals, specific advice from a Qualified Exercise Professional (QEP – has post-secondary education in exercise sciences and an advanced certification in the
area) or health care provider is advisable. This questionnaire is intended for all ages – to help move you along the path to becoming more physically active.
The following questions will help to ensure that you have a safe physical activity
experience.
PLEASE RECORD ALL YES ANSWERS IN THE TEXT BOX BELOW.
1 Have you experienced ANY of the following (A to F) within the past six months?
A A diagnosis of/treatment for heart disease or stroke, or pain/discomfort/pressure
in your chest during activities of daily living or during physical activity?
B A diagnosis of/treatment for high blood pressure (BP), or a resting BP of 160/90 mmHg or higher?
C Dizziness or lightheadedness during physical activity?
D Shortness of breath at rest?
E Loss of consciousness/fainting for any reason?
F Concussion?
2 Do you currently have pain or swelling in any part of your body (such as from an injury, acute flare-up of arthritis, or back pain) that affects your ability to be physically active?
3 Has a health care provider told you that you should avoid or modify certain types of physical activity?
4 Do you have any other medical or physical condition (such as diabetes, cancer, osteoporosis, asthma, spinal cord injury) that may affect your ability to be physically active?
(ANSWER ABOVE QUESTIONS BELOW IN FIRST AND 2 QUESTION OPTIONS)
Answer the following questions to assess how active you are now.
1 During a typical week, on how many days do you do moderate- to vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity (such as brisk walking, cycling or jogging)? DAYS/WEEK
2 On days that you do at least moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity (e.g., brisk walking), for how many minutes do you do this activity? MINUTES/WEEK
For adults, please multiply your average number of days/week by the average number of minutes/day: MINUTES/DAY
(ANSWER THE ABOVE QUESTIONS BELOW IS SECOND QUESTION OPTION)
If my health changes, I will complete this questionnaire again.
DECLARATION
Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines recommend that adults accumulate at least 150 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity per week. For children and youth, at least 60 minutes daily is recommended. Strengthening muscles and bones at least two times per week for adults, and three times per week for children and youth, is also recommended
Increase your physical activity gradually so that you have a positive experience. Build physical activities that you enjoy into your day (e.g., take a walk with a friend, ride your bike to school or work) and reduce your sedentary behavior (e.g., prolonged sitting).
If you want to do vigorous-intensity physical activity (i.e., physical activity at an intensity that makes it hard to carry on a conversation), and you do not meet minimum physical activity recommendations noted above, consult a Qualified Exercise
Professional (QEP) beforehand. This can help ensure that your physical activity is safe and suitable for your circumstances. Physical activity is also an important part of a healthy pregnancy. Delay becoming more active if you are not feeling well because of a temporary illness.