Professionalism Requires Unmasking
Our Thinking
Tommy Boone, PhD,
MPH, MA, FASEP, EPC
Professor and Chair
Director, Exercise Physiology Laboratories
Department of Exercise Physiology
The College of St. Scholastica
Duluth, MN 55811
“Every intersection in the
road of life is an opportunity to make a decision, and at some point to
listen.” -- Duke Ellington
FREQUENTLY, when we fail to do the right
thing, we give power to someone else. We know this is true.
Remember, when you were in high school and you decided not to go to soccer
practice. What happened? Very likely, you found yourself watching
someone else play in your place. Life is full of little curves like
that, and we don’t have to think very hard to remember them. This
may also be the reason we tend not to talk about the “everyday” problems
of life, especially if we have failed to stand our ground. Personal
feelings about sports, school, and work are all common responsibilities
that require “doing the right thing”.
When we struggle and, perhaps, even
with a sense of embarrassment from our failure to control and even determine
our breaks, personally and/or professionally, we are imprisoned by our
own limitations. And, yet the most dominating idea is that other
people don’t have actual power over us. We give it to them when we
fail to unmask our reasons for not doing the right thing. Similarly,
disagreement with the ASEP spirit is the right of every exercise physiologist.
There isn’t anything unusual about people with different ideas. However,
I thoroughly and enthusiastically believe in certain demonstrated and effective
principles which, when practiced, produce a direct improvement in the kind
of life members of emerging professions are permitted.
If you read this article thoughtfully,
carefully absorbing my concerns, and if you will sincerely make an effort
to understand the purpose of ASEP, you can expect to experience a feeling
of hope. By acknowledging the work of the Board of Directors [1]
and other hard-working committee members, you can become a change-agent
on behalf of all concerned exercise physiologists. Your work can
help create the circumstances to assume control over obstacles and redefine
your relations with other professionals. It is no little matter before
us, but it is achievable. We can act and do as we believe is right
or we can deliver ourselves straight into the hands of others. Right
thinking is a committed choice. In this spirit, may it help move
us toward the places that we need to develop exercise physiology into a
profession.
“It is only with the heart
that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.”
-- Antoine De Saint-Exupery
Unmasking our thinking (i.e., chipping
away at our traditional thinking) begins with believing in who we are.
Are we fitness experts? Personal trainers? Exercise technicians?
The problem is a complex one because no one has ever taken the time prior
to the founding of ASEP to define “what is exercise physiology” and “what
is an exercise physiologist”? The definitions may appear as an easy
understanding by reasonable thinkers. But with just a little discussion
with colleagues, a sense of confusion exists. The resulting problem
is that if you are not part of “something” – then, it is hard to believe
in yourself. Having faith in your academic studies is not an easy
task when humbled by remarks in the public sector. Ultimately, the
lack of faith may lead to a sense of inferiority and inadequacy that promotes
self-doubt.
Because of the importance of a college
degree, it is a sad state of affairs to realize that a number of our colleagues
are hampered in carrying out their dreams. They are down right miserable
by the lack of steps that should have been taken decades ago to develop
the professional foundation of exercise physiology. In fact, it is
appalling to realize that other healthcare professions have made major
steps towards professionalism whereas the thinking about exercise physiology
remains in yesterday’s physical education (now, exercise science).
But, with proper professional steps taken, as has been recently the case
with ASEP, history doesn’t have to keep repeating itself. Tomorrow
is another day, and I am encouraged by the display of confidence by members
of ASEP.
Exercise physiologists my age and
older played a part in making exercise physiology what it is (or isn’t)
today. We are among others of all ages who can restore it to what
it should be in the public sector. But, first, we must stop the masquerade
of exercise science and dozens of other academic titles as exercise physiology.
Second, I should add that to know “what is exercise physiology” requires
a discernment that is distinctively ASEP and not unfortunately consistent
with the definitions found in most exercise physiology textbooks.
The ASEP definition of Exercise Physiology
is:
"… the identification of
physiological mechanisms underlying physical activity, the comprehensive
delivery of treatment services concerned with the analysis, improvement,
and maintenance of health and fitness, rehabilitation of heart disease
and other chronic diseases and/or disabilities, and the professional guidance
and counsel of athletes and others interested in athletics, sports training,
and human adaptability to acute and chronic exercise.” [2]
Now, compare the ASEP definition to
the following textbook definitions of Exercise Physiology:
“…a basic and an applied science that
describes, explains, and uses the body’s response to exercise and
adaptation to exercise training to maximize human physical potential.”
[3]
-
“…is an aspect of kinesiology
and sports medicine that involves the study of how the body – from a functional
standpoint – responds, adjusts, and adapts to exercise and training.” [4]
It is also important to note that
the authors do not present exercise physiology from an exercise physiologist’s
point of view. Take, for example, the following introductory comments
from their text: “…it is necessary for physical educators, therapists,
coaches, trainers, fitness instructors, and kinesiologists to recognize
the vital part science plays in the successful conduct of physical education,
athletics rehabilitation, and activity programs. Toward this objective,
all such exercise professionals must have a solid understanding of basic
exercise physiology.”
In other words, it appears that the
authors are saying that the science of exercise physiology is essential
knowledge for everyone but the exercise physiologist! Taken a step
further, one could conclude that if the authors believe that exercise physiology
provides the physiological basis of physical education, fitness, athletic
and rehab programs, and not the “actual academic foundation for exercise
physiology as an emerging profession, then there must not be any exercise
physiologists!
Therefore, anyone who is a physiologist,
a kinesiologist, a physical educator, or a medical doctor who teaches the
subject matter “exercise physiology” can call themselves an “exercise physiologist”.
Well, what does your common sense tell you about this line of thinking?
-
“…is a branch of physiology that deals
with the functioning of the body during exercise. [5]
-
“…is the study of how our bodies’ structures
and functions are altered when we are exposed to acute and chronic bouts
of exercise.” [6]
It is logical that the textbook authors
should embrace the professional organization of exercise physiologists
(ASEP) by updating the definition in their books. In time, it is
a sure fact that they will for a variety of reasons. Until then,
perhaps, it is equally a concern to all emerging professionals in the field
that the college teachers take the time in their classes to explain “who
is an exercise physiologist” and why the textbooks lag behind. The
ASEP definition is: “Exercise Physiologist" means a person who has
an academic degree in exercise physiology, who is certified by ASEP to
practice exercise physiology (as an EPC), or who has a doctorate degree
with an academic degree or emphasis in exercise physiology from an accredited
college or university.” [
2]
ASEP marks the turning point in the
appreciation of what a “professional title” means. Amazingly and
remarkably, under the view of the established exercise physiologists [7],
the lack of understanding the importance of title amounts to repression
to keep undergraduate programs decades behind other academic majors.
There is another side to this issue, too. We don’t have to think
too far back to identify the beginning. In fact, it is relatively
easy to point out that with the advancement of exercise physiology at the
doctorate level, “exercise physiology” per se caught on. Those with
the doctorate degree called themselves “exercise physiologists”.
Interestingly, there are times when an education brings out the worst in
people. Since it was inevitable that everyone else would be denied
access to the title, the investment in their education seems rather flat
to many students.
While most readers might think that
change is always ongoing among college teachers, they might be surprised
by the lack of appreciation for the dynamic needs of their students.
In fact, several years ago, several doctorate-prepared exercise physiologists
who suffered ostensibly at their major advisors’ hands emailed me out of
great confusion that I had suggested that undergraduate students with an
academic degree in exercise physiology could (and should) call themselves
“exercise physiologists”. It didn’t seem to matter to them
that an undergraduate academic major in exercise physiology should yield
the title -- exercise physiologist. In short, they refused to recognize
that a major in exercise physiology or that an academically prepared individual
with a bachelor’s degree in exercise physiology could call him- or herself
an exercise physiologist. Yet, after some discussion, they could
understand why a person who graduates with a nursing degree has the right
to the title, nurse. This malady arises out of innumerable mistakes,
most notably thinking that research alone is sufficient to create professionals.
Perhaps, in retrospect, it is not
surprising that PhD exercise physiologists did not want to believe that
someone could be an exercise physiologist without the doctorate degree.
But, of course, such thinking is outdated and obviously one-sided to non-PhD
exercise physiologists who have not had the opportunity to achieve job
and/or career autonomy. And, yet these same doctorate-prepared individuals
are willing to accept the idea its okay to spend thousands of dollars on
one’s education to be recognized as an “exercise specialist”. They
also appear equally willing to raise the bar for a variety of certifications,
many without much credibility, to sort of compensate for the deficient
undergraduate programs along with their titles.
So, who cares whether a student graduates
with a kinesiology degree and calls him- or herself an exercise physiologist?
Frankly, it appears that almost no one cares. For that reason, there
is a high rate of turnover and a serious problem with recent graduates
who could considerably become vital members of the emerging profession
of exercise physiology. Here, the attitude of the old establishment
may stay with us, but the problem itself can (and must be) corrected.
Feelings of not belonging and the sense of being inadequate may never completely
disappear, but their expression can be transformed into a positive outlook.
The secret is really no secret at all. All we need to do is believe
in our ability to succeed; a state of mind that is different from the sense
of security that the doctorate degree seems to foster.
The blows of decades of insecurity
tempered with fear (if we were to re-appraise our assets) have created
utter despair and no hope of thinking differently. This is a hard
perspective but everything, including our extraordinary ability to start
all over again, is consistent with the normal view of lifting ourselves
from relative defeat to victory. Here, victory is defined as having
the same rights and respect as other healthcare practitioners. To
be victorious, however, we need to recognize the network of embedded beliefs.
This means that we can never be considered serious competitors in the healthcare
field until we: (a) recognize our history; (b) stop ignoring the
political and social conditions that helped produce the chaos in the first
place; and (c) plan for an array of flexible solutions that unify exercise
physiologists.
Curiously enough, there is some evidence
that a few members of the old establishment may have anticipated the lack
of a professional platform. But, by virtue of the prescriptive thinking
at the time, nothing more came of it. Their failure deprived exercise
physiologists from the opportunity to gain the necessary insight early
on to free themselves from the sports medicine myth [7].
“When people are frustrated
with repeated relationships, it’s as if they’re looking for milk in a hardware
store.” – Elisabeth Kubler-Ross
To prevent that happening again, ASEP
is trying to teach exercise physiologists that they can make their own
history, that they are responsible, that they need not default to others
because it has always been that way. It is not surprising that
members of ASEP continue to believe that our destiny today lies in their
own counsel. They understand that putting their hearts into exercise
physiology as a profession will cause their beliefs to become reality.
That this thinking is of practical value is illustrated in many examples
throughout our existence. And, yet there is a curious irony here
that more exercise physiologists don’t understand this phenomenon of unmasking
their thinking than those who do understand it.
To understand “unmasking” is to understand
courage and, perhaps, this is the thinking that is unhesitatingly imperative
if not the formula for success. To take off the mask of yesterday
to appear in true character of what we are requires “stepping out of line”.
That is, we need mavericks! We need spunky, spirited professionals
who are willing to move ahead with courage to develop exercise physiology
into a profession. ASEP members invite every exercise physiologist
to call the National Office and learn how to help promote the professional
development of exercise physiology. Together, we can improve the
work environment of our colleagues.
But, where are the mavericks?
Robert H. Schuller [8] says that, “Mavericks are essential
to the survival of the herd. A herd with no mavericks huddles together
with backs to the wind, heads down, shoulders together, seeking to survive
the storm. More than one herd of cattle has frozen to death that
way. Where is the one who can break out of the group, put his head
to the wind, and venture out to find shelter from the storm or discover
new grazing ground.”
Do you dare to be a maverick?
Leadership is critical in helping with the transformation from the older,
paralyzed thinking to the newer, 21st century breakthrough thinking [7].
The door is open, however. We have our own professional organization.
It is no longer appropriate to function as if we don’t have the right to
our own professional development; everything is possible. Today,
it is clear that exercise physiology is emerging as a profession.
It is still an occupation, but it is an evolving occupation that requires
an undergraduate degree in exercise physiology. The secret is to
continue the hard work, especially the accreditation of undergraduate programs
[accreditation].
“The power to move the world
is in your subconscious mind.” -- William James
In short, exercise physiologists need
to practice what they teach. For example, instead of just exercising
and doing the physical thing, why not mentally condition ourselves for
change by: (a) shutting down the excuses and look at where we are
with a rational mind; (b) preparing our minds to visualize a future of
professional exercise physiologists; and (c) believing that what we visualize
can be achieved. The power for change is directly a function of our
subconscious mind [
9].
When we step back from our beliefs
and think rationally about the benefits that associate with professionalism,
our minds can conceive and embrace the framework of new thinking.
That is, the mental picture of a “Board Certified Exercise Physiologist”
can help influence how we think about ourselves, our attitude, and our
behavior towards change. The key to thinking outside of our traditional
views (and to begin the change process) is to unmask our traditional thinking
to allow for a new way of viewing exercise physiology. Exercise physiologists
can help to counterbalance and overcome their negative thinking by embracing
positive affirmations.
For example, slightly altered from
a commonly heard affirmation, “Day by day in every way exercise physiology
is becoming a profession.” Imagine the power in the repetition of
the affirmation. In ASEP terms, exercise physiologists are the healthcare
practitioners of the 21st century. Repeat the statement a dozen times
each day to imprint the thought in the subconscious mind. “Exercise
physiologists are healthcare practitioners.” When repeated over and
over, we will not only come to believe it but we will also mentally condition
ourselves to upcoming changes taking place in exercise physiology.
Dare to use positive affirmation
statements such as “I can do it,” or “I believe I can make a difference,”
or “Every day in every way, exercise physiology is getting better and better.”
The following list of sample affirmation statements can be used to prepare
the mind for positive imagery and subconscious building:
-
“I am happy and content with the
ASEP influence on exercise physiology.”
-
“I am filled with hope, support,
and content with the ASEP leadership.”
-
“The ASEP vision makes this a
great day.”
-
“I feel happy and am proud of
the work of ASEP members.”
To establish a mindset for a new exercise
physiology, we must alter (unmask) our traditional views of exercise physiology.
This means removing the mental, if not, emotional barriers that limit our
influence and recognition as a healthcare practitioner. It is as
Napoleon Hill [
10] said, “Whatever the mind of man can
conceive and believe it can achieve.” Hence, a word of caution: when
we fail to conceive that it’s O.K. to have our own professional organization
or when we fail to believe it is possible to get ahead on our own efforts,
then our minds are not prepared for success. This is part of the
inertia of thinking today or, if you will, the failure to collectively
follow our natural instincts and appetites for professional development.
Others may have said it similarly, but Michael Korda [
11]
said it convincingly. “To succeed…to convince yourself…, that what
you want is O.K. – that you have a right to succeed…tell yourself:
-
It’s O.K. to want recognition as the
leading professional organization of American scholars and practitioners
in the study and application of exercise physiology to fitness, health
promotion, rehabilitation, and sports training.
-
It’s O.K. to want unification of all
exercise physiologists in the United States and worldwide to promote and
support the study, practice, teaching, research, and development of the
exercise physiology profession.
-
It’s O.K. that through proactive and
creative leadership, the Society empowers its members to serve the public
good by making an academically sound difference in the application of exercise
physiology concepts and insights.
It’s O.K. to want something different,
and it’s O.K. to think of ASEP as the best way to succeed. It really
isn’t complicated. Instead of waiting for others to lead us in the
right direction, it is better to seize the opportunity. Others don’t
hold us back. They have no control over our success. Rather,
it is our own fear of failure that is hard to overcome. It is the
fear that we might look foolish or down right stupid trying to do something
different that holds us back. All of us know this and, yet we continue
to think we can accomplish great things without taking risks. Beyond
this, it isn’t too dazzling a story. So, why not stop waiting for
others to take the lead? Take the initiative. Get in tune with
the reasons for the ASEP objectives:
-
Unify exercise physiologists to promote
and support the professionalization of exercise physiology.
-
Promote exchange of ideas and information
regarding all phases of exercise physiology.
-
Encourage the implementation of academic
programs to meet the diverse interests and career opportunities in exercise
physiology.
-
Promote the exchange of scientific information
between ASEP and organizations interested in health promotion, disease
prevention, rehabilitation, sports fitness, and athletic training.
-
Set the agenda, enhance, and increase
visibility of the exercise physiology profession.
-
Commit to quality and integrity in exercise
physiology through adherence to a formalized code of professional responsibility.
Imagine what would happen if the academic
exercise physiologists would take the time to daydream about the healthcare
potential of exercise physiology. Imagine the opportunities our students
would have when the daydreaming is taken to its fullest point of fantasy.
Imagine exercise physiology as a profession and not as a specialist in
fitness and strength development. Imagine if more professors could
walk away from their traditional thinking; unmasking is important to dreaming
and succeeding. Don’t be afraid to daydream, to hope, and to believe
it is O.K. to argue for something that is right. It is permissible
to be yourself. It is permissible to change, to want to change, and
to grow as a professional. In the words of St. Francis de Sales,
“Do not lose courage in considering your own imperfections, but instantly
set about remedying them.”
Do not lose courage! Be patient
but work hard at remedying the problem. That is exactly the course
of action of ASEP members. I’m sure you remember the following verse
from Hill’s book: [10]:
If you think you are beaten,
you are.
If you think you dare not, you don’t.
If you like to win, but you think
you can’t,
It is almost certain you won’t.
If you think you’ll lose, you’re
lost,
For out of the world we find,
Success begins with a person’s will
–
It’s all in the state of mind.
If you think you are outclassed,
you are,
You’ve got to think high to rise,
You’ve got to be sure of yourself
before
You can ever win a prize.
Life’s battles don’t always go
To the Stronger or faster person,
But sooner or later the person who
wins
Is the person who thinks he(she)
can!
The power of faith, that is, the power
in believing that we can change the direction of exercise physiology is
inspired by individuals who think they can! This is an important
understanding, especially since the power is invested in every exercise
physiologist who dreams of something different. That power is organized
into an ASEP plan of action that is directed to a definite end through
an extensive visualization process consistent with the ASEP vision.
John Zumerchick [
12] may have said it best for anyone
interested in high-precision golf and, yet his “three-step process” to
increase 3-dimensional thinking bears directly on exercise physiology as
well.
1. Develop a visual
picture of the desired outcome, from start to finish. Visualize
the accredited undergraduate academic program, the exercise physiology
course work, the hands-on laboratory skills, graduation followed by sitting
for the “Exercise Physiologist Certified” exam, and then professional work
in the public sector as a healthcare practitioner.
2. Never take your eyes
off the target as a professional with respected credentials.
Concentrate on remembering everything that is important with nursing, physical
therapy, occupational therapy, and other healthcare practitioners.
It is important to visual with confidence and conviction that exercise
physiology is a healthcare profession with a multitude of other career
opportunities as well.
3. Finish the visualization
with playback each and every day. Visualize the beginning
as an undergraduate student, the ASEP professional credentials, the access
to a job with respect that is financially rewarding. The picturing
may also include additional academic study and other professional connections
that strengthen and stabilize your future as a successful profession.
Belief is the force behind almost everything
we do. Belief enables us to achieve our goals. Yet, it is the
“belief” that can also be troubling when misplaced. For example,
Bristol [
9] points out that: “…many people will
believe only what they like to believe or what fits into their own scheme
of things, summarily rejecting anything to the contrary.” Since it
is true that we become what we believe then, logically, we must evaluate
our beliefs and weigh them in accordance with our reality (or, more specifically,
the reality of our students). This is the unmasking so important
in understanding that much of what we think we believe is shaped by the
thoughts of others. Often times, therefore, these thoughts keep us
from changing and/or turning towards a high purpose.
“Believe that you have it,
and you have it.” – Old Latin Proverb
Are you an exercise physiologist?
Or, are you a kinesiologist? Perhaps, you are an exercise scientist?
Maybe, you are a physical educator? What is an inescapable conclusion
is that “thinking like a professional” is important and, in a nutshell,
it encompasses looking important and believing that what we do is important.
But, the penalty for failure (to develop within the framework of a profession
of people thinking as professionals) is that our students have become bogged
down in a battle where there is no victory without unmasking our thinking.
The whole of other professional programs
and the effort it has taken (and still is for some) to professionalize
career opportunities is, in part, a function to keep others from infringement.
Here we have failed to guard against infringement. This fundamental
contradiction as so-called professionals, arising from what we think we
are (mostly, academically speaking) versus actually what we really are
in the eyes of the public sector (on behalf of our students), is at the
root of our problems.
In order to go on, to hope, to believe
that there is a better world for our students and for ourselves, we are
obligated to feel the concern and the need for changing the direction of
exercise physiology. And, indeed, however challenging it is to create
a profession of exercise physiologists, we are condemned by future thinkers
and those who will look back upon us as less than responsible if we don’t
struggle as long as necessary to get the job done.
“In science the important
thing is to modify and change one’s ideas as science advances.” --
Claude Bernard
References
1. American
Society of Exercise Physiologists. (2002). ASEP Board of Directors. [Online].
http://www.asep.org/asep/asep/execbod.htm
2. American Society
of Exercise Physiologists, (2002). ASEP Board of Certification Standards
of Professional Practice. [Online]. http://www.asep.org/asep/asep/StandardsofProfessionalPractice.html
3. Plowman, S.A.
and Smith, D.L. (2003). Exercise Physiology for Health, Fitness, and Performance.
2nd edition, San Francisco, CA: Benjamin Cummings
4. Foss, M.L. and
Keteyian S.J. (1998). Fox’s Physiological Basis for Exercise and Sport.
6th edition, Boston, MA: WCB McGraw-Hill.
5. Brooks, G.A.,
Fahey, T.D., White, T.P., and Baldwin, K.M. (2000). Exercise Physiology:
Human Bioenergetics and Its Applications. 3rd edition, Mountain View, CA:
Mayfield Publishing Company.
6. Wilmore, J.H.
and Costill, D.L. (1994). Physiology of Sport and Exercise. Champaign,
IL: Human Kinetics.
7. Boone, T. (2001).
Professional
Development of Exercise Physiology. Lewiston, NY: The Edwin Mellen
Press.
8. Schuller, R.H.
(1983). Tough Minded Faith for Tender Hearted People. New York, NY:
Thomas Nelson Publishers.
9. Bristol, C.M.
(1948). The Magic of Believing. New York, NY: Cornerstone Library.
10. Hill, N. (1966).
Think and Grow Rich. North Hollywood, CA: Melvin Powers Wilshire Book Company.
11. Korda, M.
(1977). Success! New York, NY: Random House
12. Zumerchik,
J. (2002). Newton on the Tee: A Good Walk Through the Science of Golf.
New York, NY: Simon & Schuster.
Copyright
©1997-2007
American Society of Exercise Physiologists All Rights
Reserved.