The Health Commitment Statement (HCS) is a form used during gym sign-up that formalizes the balance of responsibility for health and wellbeing between the gym/trainer and the participant, evolving from the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q). The HCS clearly lists mutual obligations, such as the facility's commitment to providing safe equipment and qualified trainers, and the participant's commitment to exercising within their abilities and seeking medical advice for pre-existing conditions.

Personal trainers minimize risk to clients by using a standardized health screen, such as the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q), which determines whether a client needs medical clearance before beginning an exercise program. If a client answers 'yes' to any question, the trainer must use professional judgment to decide if a sensitive, documented referral to a medical professional is necessary to ensure the client receives appropriate guidance, contraindications, or specialized exercise referral.

The Physical Activity Questionnaire (PAQ) is a screening tool used by fitness professionals to gather essential information about a client's training history and personal exercise preferences, distinguishing it from the health-focused PAR-Q. The PAQ's purpose is to ensure the trainer sets appropriate and enjoyable exercises by asking questions about prior experience, frequency of activity, favourite and least favourite movements, and engagement in external sports or dance.