Editorial
Show Some Backbone!
Tommy Boone, PhD, MPH, FASEP, EPC
Professor and Chair
Department of Exercise Physiologists
The College of St. Scholastica
Duluth, MN 55811
“He was asked to promote
the ASEP organization, but he didn’t. How spineless is he?” – Tara
Fulkerson
If exercise physiologists do not learn
from their relatively brief history, they shall be compelled to endure
it. This is a quote from a friend who is not an exercise physiologist.
Unlike exercise physiologists, she understands the array of issues and
concerns that confront exercise physiology as an evolving profession.
Not only does she understand the different exercise occupational subcultures
and different political perspectives, she has repeatedly stated that exercise
physiology must be centralized within its own professional organization.
Her observations confirm the impression that either many exercise physiologists
do not get it or they are too unprepared, academically speaking, to understand
the ASEP effort to deliberately plan for increased career opportunities.
Frankly, this is a very disturbing
image of exercise physiologists. It is incredible that they cannot
distinguish between sports medicine and exercise physiology (i.e., between
the American College of Sports Medicine and the American Society
of Exercise Physiologists). Ironically, it is incredible but
not radically different from the rest of society in regards to many societal
issues. This deep unwillingness among the gatekeepers to get involved
with ASEP represents an aura of permanence. The truth is that the
future of exercise physiology no longer lies with sports medicine.
And, there is no controversy about this point.
To get an idea of where this brief
essay is coming from, here is what I’ve recently learned while reading
the book, Can America Survive? [1, p. 72]: “Women earned 4
percent of law degrees in 1956; by 1998, they earned 44 percent.”
“Women earned less than 1 percent of dentistry degrees in 1952; by 1998,
they earned 38 percent.” “Women received 5 percent of the MDs in
1952; by 1998, they took 42 percent.” Women are happy campers
more so today than 50 years ago. They understand that much of the
old system of thinking is dead, and that a new reality (i.e., a very different
paradigm from the one decades ago) now guides our thinking.
To those who do not see the changes
they want right now in exercise physiology or who are not willing to recognize
that change is an ongoing process, they should study the power in persistence.
Fifty years ago it was not believed that women would (or could) perform
well in law, dentistry, or medicine. Obviously, the thinking was
wrong even though it was not recognized then. Common statements like
“this is the way we have always believed” and “don’t rock the boat” keep
people from engaging change. They are afraid of being wrong and,
yet nobody’s perfect.
Change is Constant
All change is slow, especially revolutionary
changes. But obviously, change is taking place all around us.
The ASEP leadership has put into motion unprecedented change; all in less
than a decade. This is a statistic that is conveniently ignored by
some colleagues. They would rather believe that ASEP should shut
it doors or just simply disappear from the face of the earth. However,
as pointed out many times in numerous articles published in the Professional
Journal of Exercise Physiology [2] and the Professionalization of
Exercise Physiologyonline
[3], ASEP is here to stay. No one should forget the power in constancy.
Although only one [4] exercise physiology
text actually mentions the importance of the American Society of Exercise
Physiologists, this too will change. The texts [5,6] that do
not mention ASEP are much like the thinking of the 1950s regarding the
rights of women in the United States. It is just a matter of time
that this, too, will change. The principal point here is that [time]
is on the side of the ASEP exercise physiologists. To press this
point a bit further, significant changes have already begun to emerge at
the university level. Neither the “exercise physiologist in the rehab
setting” nor the nurse or physical therapy supervisors who represent them
can deny the ASEP achievements.
New Thinking is a Required Undertaking
Just think, better than 30 years
ago President Richard Nixon signed Title IX of the Federal Education Amendments
into law, banning sex discrimination in schools receiving Federal funds.
The impact on athletics has been especially obvious. Stein and DeMuth
[1, p. 76] state in their excellent book that, “In 1972, there were only
two female athletic teams (of any type) on average per college; by 2000,
there were more than eight female teams per school.” The increase
is a dramatic example of new thinking, persistence, and time. The
rest of the public may not have been ready but, nonetheless, it was (and
still is) a required undertaking.
There is an important reason for
new thinking [7]. Undoubtedly, part of the incredible denial of ASEP
by the PhD gatekeepers [8] is the exaggerated belief in old thinking that
continues today with sports medicine. The gatekeepers’ fascination
with research over the fundamental academic needs of their students has
reached a point of critical concern. No rational person can fail
to be moved by the need to do something about the lack of a solid, credible
education for our students. With chilling clarity, that is exactly
what the ASEP leadership has done. To be sure, it is now impossible
to go back. It is therefore imperative to stay the course.
Persistence Pays Off
Fortunately, the persistence of
the ASEP leadership is paying off in many positive ways [9]. It has
created a winning strategy based, first, on a new vision and, second, on
“what is our core business?” That is exactly why the ASEP leadership
developed the first-ever Standards of Professional Practice for
exercise physiologists [10]. The leadership understands the importance
of accreditation and the fact that it is integrally related to the crisis
of exercise science thinking. Ultimately, ASEP will have the last
laugh! Abraham Lincoln said it best: “The dogmas of the quiet past
are inadequate for the stormy present and future. As our circumstances
are new, we must think anew, and act anew.”
Unlike ASEP members, many academic
gatekeepers don’t see the world of exercise physiology clearly. They
live the quiet past. Thus, unfortunately, they view the field from
their personal reflections about the value of research. It sounds
pretty ridiculous, doesn’t it? The end result is a misdirected philosophy
of what is exercise physiology. Their blind obedience to sports medicine
is a real threat to the professional education of exercise physiology students,
which reminds me of the saying: “None are so blind as those who will not
see.”
Change Creates Opportunities
Leaders must believe that change
creates opportunities, that conviction strengthens the will, and that action
is imperative. These characteristics of a leader are the glue that
holds an organization together, that builds a solid foundation for the
future, and that keeps us all from being blind to the reality of past thinking.
Leaders understand glue, foundation, and reality. They also know
that life is about making choices. A person can choose to stay as
he has always been or he can change. It is a matter of making choices.
Recognition of this can give exercise physiologists the faith they need
to face the future.
Fortunately, the power of new thinking
is helping to reduce the wastefulness that comes from bias thinking.
Likewise, the persistence of a few who understand the culture of exercise
physiology [11], who are committed members of the ASEP organization, continues
to grip the hearts and minds of student and non-student members alike.
This is all a function of time, but with time there is genuine power to
become our vision [12]. It is the job of the ASEP leaders to stay
the course, to inspire confidence in the membership, and to act on behalf
of exercise physiologists to decrease their sense of anxiety, powerlessness,
and insecurity. They must dare to confront the possibilities that
await exercise physiologists as healthcare professionals.
Staying the Course
Today, like yesterday, and the day
before then, ASEP exercise physiologists must be unafraid of the challenges
and statements of impossibility or it can be done. However complicated,
all we need to do is stay the course [13]. Our inexhaustible passion
in building a whole different exercise physiology will pay off. Our
message is right for the right reasons. Details are obvious throughout
the ASEP website and electronic journals. And yet it is so common
to hear the statement: “I’ve got too much to lose. I’ve worked hard
to get where I am. I’m not going to put my job on the line for ASEP.”
The fear of failure is huge.
It is therefore always easier to refuse to let go of a safe way of thinking.
Viewed in this light, why take on new challenges and risk mistakes?
Why, because failure can teach us many things. For example, we know
that our fight is no longer a daring gamble. It is a reality.
The ASEP leadership knows that when they say they are going to do something,
then, they must do it. That’s why the leadership has integrity.
They have “done what they said they would do.” Having integrity,
they have paved a new and credible academic road of success for students
who want to be exercise physiologists. They welcome the future with
open arms and an open mind, with the anticipation of great things for their
students.
The ASEP Perspective
To be sure, the leadership has at
times mismanaged criticism but who hasn’t? Frustrated, yes, for certain
but who isn’t? Defensive, sure, but it is clear that they are learning
as they go along. There’s no doubt, however, that the strength of
the ASEP organization lies in its persistence [14]. The damage others
have done has been done. This is especially true of the negative
comments about the ASEP leadership. There should be no place for
such behavior among professionals. What is clear is that we are at
competition with other organizations, and we must not forget it [15].
That’s why, in part, I keep writing essays like this one to explain the
inside view of the ASEP perspective. Professional development must
be our first priority. The student is our number-one concern.
That’s why the leadership is committed above all to student credibility.
I’m proud to be a member of the American
Society of Exercise Physiologists. I’m sure others are, too.
Only in America could these new reflections drive what exercise physiology
will become worldwide. Only in America could people like the Robert
A. Robergs, Steve Jungbauer, Matthew Wattles, Don Diboll, Matthew Lehns,
and others, who come together from different kinds of jobs and personal
experiences, have enjoyed the opportunity to contribute to the professional
development of exercise physiology. Only in America could we find
ourselves believing we have the right to determine our own future and,
then, doing something about it. Only within the ASEP organization
we find a breed of leaders committed to a new, tough-minded paradigm --
the professional development of exercise physiology.
“We must cease to be mere
spectators and get involved in creating the future of exercise physiology.”
– Tommy Boone
Sharing Feelings
It’s now our job to drill this message
home. No longer caught in the sports medicine trap, let us keep our
eyes on the prize. Let us stay the course, be persistent until the
very end, and inspire whoever is willing to listen. Let us do this
because it is our duty, and it is the right thing to do. Let us be
relentless in our quest, in our dealing with the struggles to professionalize
exercise physiology, even in our moments of foolishness. Let us be
grateful of the gift and the right to share our feelings and beliefs [16].
Let us appreciate that we have not uttered pious pronouncements about doing
this and doing that as our competitors have done for decades. There
is a real dignity in knowing that the ASEP leadership is doing everything
it can to help member meet their own goals and objectives, which is directly
related to the growth of exercise physiology.
The power we have lies in our determination
and persistence. Time is on our side. Just because a colleague
says something negative about ASEP or its leadership, it doesn’t make it
right. Why not ask for an explanation? If we take the time
to ask, then it is possible we may help others to understand our point
of view. The bottom line is this: We have no reason to just
sit back and take it. It isn’t right that we must give up our dream
of exercise physiology as a healthcare profession because others don’t
agree with us. Remember, not too long ago, men didn’t believe women
should vote. They were wrong! Change is always difficult; everyone
seems to resist it and yet it is always ongoing. It would be tragic
indeed if exercise physiologists who initially didn’t agree with the founding
of ASEP failed to take a hit in stride and bounced back.
Backbone is Important
My father used to say, “Never be
a spineless person. Stand up for what you believe.” He
also believed that a college education should open the door to a career.
In the days before exercise
physiology, a young high school student who was considering the importance
of a college “degree,” came upon a college student sitting on a bench reading
a book. The high school student asked the college student, who didn’t
appear to be too engaged in his reading, “What are you doing?” The
college student answered in a less than direct manner: “I’m trying to read
this book, and it is the last thing I really want to do.” The high
school student continued his walk on the campus. Soon, he came upon
another college student who looked to be reading a similar book, who looked
neither uninterested nor challenged. “What are you doing?” the high
school student asked. “I’m reading this book for a test tomorrow.”
The high school student went on his way. Before long he came upon
a third college student, who was intensively into reading his book, who
was taking notes, and who appeared happy with what he was doing.
“What are you doing?” the high school student asked. The college
student turned to face the high school student, smiled and said, “I’m studying
to be a professional, to create a winning and convincing strategy for success,
and to be the best leader I can be.”*
There is a Difference!
The crux of the problem arises when
students fail to see the difference between exercise science and exercise
physiology. The illogical conclusion is that exercise science majors
produce exercise physiologists. Academics seem to believe this, students
are taught this and, apparently, society believes it too! As if this
weren’t enough, academics aren’t teaching the differences. Aside
from the usual jobs that benefit their career, taking risks aren’t part
of their agenda. Breaking deeply imbedded habits is hard, but not
impossible. Yet, picture this: You are attending a conference.
The speaker has just blasted the ASEP organization by saying that "the
leadership is a group of self-serving egos." He has announced his
thinking before everyone. You turn to the person next to you and
say: “That sounds like a very biased statement.” That person turns
directly to you and asks: “What’s your point?” If you’re like
most colleagues I know, you shouldn’t have to explain what is “confirmation
bias.” Similarly, you shouldn’t have to explain the following quote
in regards to sports medicine:
“To talk much and arrive
nowhere is the same as climbing a tree to catch a fish.” – Chinese Proverb
Get Some Backbone
Being caught in a situation like
the one just described, I find myself saying: “Get some backbone.”
It is time to stop the sports medicine-dominated world of health, fitness,
rehabilitation, and athletics. Let others know what you feel and
think. Stop worrying that you might say the wrong thing. Your
opinion matters just as importantly as the next person. If someone
is saying something that minimizes the accomplishments of the ASEP organization
when you know it isn’t true, speak up. Joe D. Batten said it best
in his 1989 book, Tough-Minded Leadership. “Without integrity
there is no credibility, and without credibility, no true communication
can happen.”
Take responsibility for your beliefs
and knowledge. Stating objections to a negative statement is not
just only appropriate, it is imperative (especially when others disparage
colleagues working on behalf of students). Rejecting information
that is 100% wrong increases your credibility. Start sending the
right message to colleagues that old patterns and behaviors along with
the limitations and fears have nothing to do with today’s 21st century
exercise physiology. In other words, heed the advice of Clementine
Paddleford: “Never grow a wishbone, daughter, where your backbone ought
to be.” [17, p.63]
Exercise Physiologist’s
Credo
I do not choose to be a trainer,
instructor, technician, or a common exercise practitioner. It is
my right to be uncommon – my right to be a professional exercise physiologist.
I seek professionalism and credibility – not the easy road. I do
not wish to be certified by non-exercise physiology organizations that
have nothing to do with the professional development of exercise physiology.
I want to belong to the American Society of Exercise Physiologists.
I want to be a member of the professional team of exercise physiologists
as healthcare professionals. I understand the importance of a professional
code of ethics, accreditation, board certification for exercise physiology
prepared candidates, and standards of professional practice. I refuse
to give away exercise physiology to non-exercise physiologists. I
will not trade my education or dignity for a non-exercise physiology major.
I will never cower before any other person or profession nor bend to any
threat. It is my heritage and right to stand apart from non-exercise
physiologists. I am proud of my membership with the American Society
of Exercise Physiologists. I am proud to be a healthcare professional.
I understand the importance of thinking and acting with integrity and credibility.
All this is what it means to be an exercise physiologist.
Official Credo of
the American Society of Exercise Physiologists
References
1. Stein, B. and DeMuth, P. (2004).
Can
America Survive? Carlsbad, CA: New Beginnings Press.
2. Boone, T. (2004). Professionalization
of Exercise Physiology: Images, Issues, and Trends. Journal of Professional
Exercise Physiology. Vol 1 No 1 [Online]. http://www.exercisephysiologists.com/JPEPaugust2003/index.html
3. Boone, T. (2003). The ASEP Organization
is a Paradigm Shift. Professionalization of Exercise Physiologyonline.
Vol 6 No 2 [Online]. http://www.asep.org/asep/asep/TheASEPparadigmShift.html
4. Robergs, R.A. and Roberts, S.O.
(2000). Fundamental Principles of Exercise Physiology for Fitness, Performance,
and Health. Dubuque, IA: McGraw-Hill.
5. Powers, S.K. and Howley, E.T.
(2004). Exercise Physiology: Theory and Application to Fitness
and Performance. Dubuque, IA: McGraw-Hill.
6. McArdle, W.D., Katch, F.I., and
Katch, V.L. (2001). Exercise Physiology: Energy, Nutrition, and Human
Performance. New York, NY: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
7. Boone, T. (2002). Exercise Physiology
of the Future: Thinking Out of the Box. Professionalization of Exercise
Physiologyonline.
Vol 5 No 11 [Online]. http://www.asep.org/asep/asep/ThinkingOutsideTheBoxExercisePhysiology.html
8. Boone, T. (2004). Exercise Physiologists
in Denial. Professionalization of Exercise Physiologyonline.
Vol 7 No 4 [Online]. http://www.asep.org/asep/asep/ExercisePhysiologistsDenial.html
9. Boone, T. (2004). The Leadership
of the ASEP Organization. Professionalization of Exercise Physiologyonline.
Vol 7 No 10 [Online]. http://www.asep.org/asep/asep/ASEPLeadershipSTRENGTHS.html
10. American Society of Exercise
Physiologists. (2004). Standards of Professional Practice. [Online].
http://www.asep.org/standards.htm
11. Boone, T. (2004). The Culture
of Exercise Physiology. Journal of Professional Exercise Physiology.
Vol 2 No 10 [Online]. http://www.exercisephysiologists.com/JPEPOctober2004/index.html
12. Boone, T. (2003). Doctorate
of Exercise Physiology: An Excellent Idea or Is It? Professionalization
of Exercise Physiologyonline.
Vol 6 No 3 [Online]. http://www.asep.org/asep/asep/DoctorOfExercisePhysiology.html
13. Boone, T. (2003). You Are Not
a Healthcare Professional. Professionalization of Exercise Physiologyonline.
Vol 6 No 12 [Online]. http://www.asep.org/asep/asep/ExercisePHYSIOLOGISTasHEALTHCAREprofessional.html
14. Boone, T. (2003). The COURAGE
to QUESTION What is Exercise Physiology in the 21st Century. Professionalization
of Exercise Physiologyonline.
Vol 6 No 1 [Online]. http://www.asep.org/asep/asep/COURAGEtoQUESTION.html
15. Boone, T. (2003). BEEFING UP
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: A Top-Priority Initiative. Professionalization
of Exercise Physiologyonline.
Vol 6 No 1 [Online]. http://www.asep.org/asep/asep/ProfessionalDevelopmentEXERCISEPHYSIOLOGY.html
16. Boone, T. (2001). Mastering
New Thinking About Exercise Physiology. Professionalization of Exercise
Physiologyonline.
Vol 4 No 12 [Online]. http://www.asep.org/asep/asep/MasteringNewThinking.html
17. LaBella, A. and Leach, D. (1983).
Personal
Power. Boulder, CO: Newview Press.
*Adapted from: “Why Do We Work?”
by Brian Dumaine (Fortune, December 26, 1994, p. 196), who tells
of the difference between three stonemasons.
