From the Guidelines
Convincing patients to engage in strength training requires addressing their misconceptions and providing proper education about its benefits, as it is crucial for overall health, bone density, metabolism, and functional independence, and can be achieved through a well-structured program with minimal risk of injury, as supported by recent studies 1. The challenges in convincing patients to engage in strength training are multifaceted. Many patients lack understanding of the benefits, believing strength training is only for athletes or bodybuilders rather than recognizing its importance for overall health.
- Fear of injury is common, especially among older adults or those with existing health conditions who worry about worsening their situation.
- Time constraints present another significant barrier, as patients struggle to fit new exercise routines into busy schedules.
- The delayed gratification aspect of strength training discourages many patients, as visible results typically take weeks or months to appear.
- Cultural and gender stereotypes that associate weightlifting with masculinity can deter women and some men from participation.
- Additionally, many patients lack access to proper equipment or knowledge about correct techniques, while others experience discomfort during initial training sessions and abandon the practice before adapting. Healthcare providers often face these challenges when prescribing strength training, requiring them to address misconceptions, provide proper education about techniques, suggest modifications for individual limitations, and emphasize the long-term health benefits to improve patient adherence, as recommended by recent guidelines 1. A well-structured strength training program, with initial sessions performed on 2 nonconsecutive days per week and progressed to 3 days per week, can help patients achieve significant health benefits, including improved muscle strength and mass, and reduced risk of chronic diseases, as demonstrated by studies 1.
From the Research
Challenges in Convincing Patients to Engage in Strength Training
- Patients may perceive several barriers to active self-management of chronic conditions, including difficulty exercising, depression, weight problems, fatigue, and financial problems 2
- Lack of awareness, physical symptoms, transportation problems, and cost/lack of insurance coverage may also hinder patients' access to self-management support resources, including strength training programs 2
- The benefits of strength training, such as injury prevention and musculoskeletal health, may not be immediately apparent to patients, making it harder to convince them to engage in regular strength training activities 3, 4, 5
- Patients may require personalized and practical approaches to strength training, taking into account their individual needs, limitations, and goals, in order to increase adherence and motivation 4, 6
- Healthcare providers may need to address patients' concerns and misconceptions about strength training, provide education on its benefits, and offer support and guidance to help patients overcome barriers and develop a consistent strength training routine 2, 6