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Personal Trainer Client Intake Form Template: Onboard New Clients Professionally

First impressions matter in personal training. When a new client walks in and you hand them a professional intake form, you instantly establish credibility and demonstrate that you take their health seriously. A thorough client intake form also protects your business legally and gives you the information needed to design effective programs.

Why a Proper Intake Form Is Non-Negotiable

Skipping intake paperwork is a liability nightmare. If a client has an undisclosed heart condition and collapses during training, your first question from the insurance company will be about your screening process. A signed intake form with medical history and liability acknowledgment is your first line of defense.

Beyond liability, intake forms give you the baseline data that separates professional trainers from random gym coaches.

Essential Sections for Your Intake Form

**Personal Information**

  • Full name, date of birth, emergency contact
  • Occupation (sedentary desk job vs physical labor affects programming)
  • Preferred training times and schedule availability
  • **Health History and Medical Screening**

  • PAR-Q+ (Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire) questions
  • Current medications and supplements
  • Previous injuries, surgeries, or chronic conditions
  • Physician clearance requirement for high-risk clients
  • Pregnancy status if applicable
  • **Fitness Background**

  • Current exercise habits (type, frequency, duration)
  • Previous training experience and certifications held
  • Sports history and current athletic activities
  • Exercises they enjoy and exercises they dislike
  • **Goals and Motivation**

  • Primary goal (weight loss, muscle gain, athletic performance, general health)
  • Secondary goals and timeline expectations
  • What has prevented them from reaching goals before
  • Motivation level self-assessment (1-10)
  • **Lifestyle Assessment**

  • Average hours of sleep per night
  • Stress level and primary stressors
  • Nutrition habits (meals per day, dietary restrictions, water intake)
  • Alcohol and caffeine consumption
  • **Body Composition Baseline**

  • Weight, height, and BMI
  • Circumference measurements (waist, hips, chest, arms, thighs)
  • Body fat percentage if measurable
  • Progress photos (with consent)
  • **Legal and Policy**

  • Liability waiver and assumption of risk
  • Cancellation and late policy acknowledgment
  • Payment terms and package selection
  • Photo and testimonial release (optional)
  • Digital vs Paper Intake Forms

    Paper forms work in a gym setting but create storage headaches. A digital form (fillable PDF or online form) is easier to store, search, and reference during sessions. Many trainers send the intake form before the first session so the client can fill it out at home without rushing.

    Download Your Client Intake Form Template

    Get a professionally formatted personal trainer intake form with all sections above, plus a follow-up assessment template, at [our catalog](https://kincaidandle.com/catalog). Individual fitness business templates also at [our Gumroad store](https://lunamaile.gumroad.com).

    Train smarter. Onboard professionally. Protect your business.

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    *Kincaid and Le Companies LLC*


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