ASEPNewsletter
Vol
1 No 2
October, 1997
ISSN
1097-9743
The
ASEPNewsletter
is devoted to informative articles and news itmes about exercise physiology.
It is a monthly magazine of news, opinions, exercise physiology professionals,
and events that shape exercise physiology. While it contains views and
opinions of the Editor
who
oversees the ASEP Internet Websites, visitors can have a voice as well.
We welcome interested practitioners, researchers, and academicians to e-mail
the Publisher their thoughts and ideas or respond directly online via the
ASEP
Public Forum.
November
1997
Just
Thinking: By the Editor
Tommy
Boone, PhD, MPH
The
Power of Change
Visionary
Thinking
The
Power Behind A Vision
Are
Exercise Physiologists Ready?
ASEPGoals
and Objectives
The Power of Change
is an interesting idea. It is very much like a vision or a dream that says,
"Let's move forward. We can do it. We can make a difference." If only we
would take that step forward, the change (and commitment) would release
the power to make it happen. So, from the publisher, let's get on with
directing our energies toward the professionalization of exercise physiology.
Let's set a course toward a destination that others will recognize as representing
real progress for exercise physiologists. That destination is the American
Society of Exercise Physiologists. It is the opportunity to realize
a clear step ahead in effectiveness and efficiency. It is the compelling
reason for everyone to stand together to catalyze change and achieve excellence.
Visionary
Thinking
Exercise
physiologists have within their grasp the most powerful force possible
in creating change. That force is an achievable vision that can change
their destiny. But, unless they take note of where they are now and where
they are going (i.e., without a shared vision or dream), they will very
likely continue to end up on the short end of the sports medicine stick.
The question is simple, "If the direction exercise physiologists are going
is not where they wish to go, how can they change it?" The answer lies
within them and their ability to imagine what they want and how to get
there. But, first, they must want the change in direction and, second,
they must be willing to work for it.
Here
is the mystery! Are exercise physiologists ready for a change in the direction
the profession is going? Also, are they totally committed to the outcomes
(way of life) that they imagine to be true with the change? Common sense
suggests that now is the time to marshal commitment to strengthen and maximize
professional growth. With visionary thinking, exercise physiologists can
advance new and innovative professional possibilities. The vision (dream)
is a sensible link between where they are today and their ability to compete
in the twenty-first century.
What
about the ASEP Vision?
Is
it realistic and credible? Is it necessary for the professionalization
of exercise physiology?
ASEP
Goals
and Objectives point in the direction of a new view of the future
of exercise physiology. It is about tomorrow and giving shape to decades
of a shapeless existence. It is about becoming that which exercise physiologists
have hoped for without having defined a clear direction of getting there.
It is about calling forth all exercise physiologists to stand up and be
counted. Each one must contribute their part by way of their specialized
skills, talents, and resources to make a difference.
It
may be the personal trainer at the local health and fitness club who points
the way toward new job opportunities for our students. It may be the cardiac
rehab specialist who sees a way to dramatically increase the application
of exercise physiology in the educational-clinical settings. It may be
the chair of a department of physical education or human performance who
has convinced the administration to offer a new academic major (degree)
in exercise physiology. It may be the athletic trainer with an academic
background in exercise physiology who sees how to increase the use of exercise
physiologists in sport and athletic programs. It may be the exercise physiologist
who is working in corporate fitness or health promotion who comes up with
an idea so new that a totally new direction is created in hiring exercise
physiologists.
The
Power Behind A Vision
Where
does the power come from? Why is an idea so enabling, catching, and moving?
The answer is rather simple, but in itself powerful. It is the hope of
something better and different. Something that an idea or a vision creates.
Hope and faith are powerful motivators in creating change and providing
for opportunities. With hope, there is always a chance of making progress.
The power is in the belief that change will come with the idea. As a result,
people are energized and compelled to commit voluntarily to achieving success.
ASEP
is such a vision. It is right and timely. It is attractive and gives meaning
to many exercise physiologists, particularly those without the PhD degree.
It allows for a shared vision that brings exercise physiologists together
with the opportunity to build their self-image and to advance the profession.
Most importantly, it allows for the continued existence of the profession
because without a vision of hope and financial survival, exercise physiologists
are likely to continue drifting in confusion and disappointment.
Are
Exercise Physiologists Ready?
Again,
the question may be raised, "To what extent are exercise physiologists
ready for a vision?" In short, the answer is that there are indications
that a vision is needed to give direction and certainity to what they do.
From the results of a survey (n=186) by the Publisher of the ASEPNewsletter,
it is clear that exercise physiologists believe they:
1.
Need their own professional organization to address standards of competence,
accountability, and employability (81%);
2.
Need a Code
of Ethics to distinguish itself as a profession (91%);
need
their own professional journal (69%),
3.
Need an exercise physiology directory (registry) to facilitate interaction
(88%);
4.
Need to restrict the identification of an exercise physiologists to someone
with an academic emphasis or degree in exercise science or exercise physiology
(87%);
5.
Need more input into their professional development than presently realized
via ACSM and AACVPR (86%); and
6.
Although there is continued interest in licensure (76%), exercise physiologists
also believe that they need a non-governmental form (such as ASEP) to grant
certification recognition to individuals who has met certain predetermined
outcomes (83%).
ASEP
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