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Building Self-Efficacy with the Barbell by Dustin Jones, PT, DPT and Jeff Musgrave, PT, DPT
What happens when you show someone what they’re capable of doing? • “I never thought I could do that!” • “I’m stronger than I realized!” • “I can now pick up the heavy bag of dog food!” • “I haven’t been able to do that in decades!” These comments are not uncommon at StrongerLife in Lexington, KY. StrongerLife is a fitness community founded by buddies Dustin Jones PT, DPT and Jeff Musgrave PT, DPT for people 50+ to get strong and achieve things they thought were impossible. StrongerLife, blending business models of physical therapy with strength and conditioning, provides group fitness classes and personal training. There is specific emphasis on attracting individuals with chronic medical conditions or musculoskeletal issues. The following recounts these authors' story and experiences: Most of our members are 65+ and come to us concerned, nervous, and, often, recently discharged from physical therapy. They know they need to get stronger but they’re very intimidated to start and concerned about getting injured. Many of these people could be considered to have low self-efficacy related to exercise. Self-efficacy is the belief one has in one’s capabilities to successfully carry out a course of action.1 Low self-efficacy related to exercise has been linked to poor exercise adherence and can lead to lower physical activity levels.1,2 When we reflect on what’s been the most impactful variable in changing people’s lives with low self-efficacy, GeriNotes • August 2021 • Vol. 28 No. 4
it has been using the barbell to apply load. We know applying load has tremendous implications for physical health.3,4 Yet, what we’re seeing is that by progressively applying load over time with equipment that is often reserved for the “young,” we’re impacting our members’ self-efficacy just as much as their strength. We’re helping people realize what they’re capable of doing and thus improving self-efficacy. StrongerLife operates within the context of fitness, yet there are similar trends in the context of physical therapy. We will discuss how we introduce and progress load within the first visit to build our members’ self-efficacy. As you read this, consider how some of these things can be applied to your caseload in your particular setting.
StrongerLife members being introduced to the shoulder press with the PVC Pipe. 11
