Table 1.

Reframing weaknesses as strengths in physical activity promotion.

Weaknesses (Deficits-based)	Strengths
Instead of These Weakness Statements…	…Try These Strength Statements
Population-based Messaging
Adults should engage in at least 150 min of moderate to vigorous physical activity on a weekly basis.	We are excited about the potential for small changes in physical activity to lead to marked health and wellness benefits, particularly in inactive individuals. Simply by moving more, we can improve the health and wellbeing of society.
Our children today will die at a younger age than their parents.	We have a great opportunity to address challenges such as obesity to enhance the health and wellbeing of our children through physical activity and other healthy lifestyle behaviors.
Children and adults have received a failing grade with respect to physical activity.	Many children and adults are active and reaping the benefits of routine physical activity. Building on the inherent strengths and resources available to children and adults, we can work together to meet the goal of being healthier and feeling better.
If you are inactive or sedentary your chances of dying prematurely rise markedly.	By moving more and sitting less, we can achieve the goal of a healthier society.
Person-centered Messaging
Like the majority of Canadians, I am physically inactive and therefore do not get all of the benefits associated with physical activity.	I look forward to building on my strengths, to become more active so that I can achieve the health and wellness benefits associated with physical activity.
I live with a chronic medical condition and am fearful of engaging in exercise.	I am happy to hear that physical activity is of benefit and quite safe for virtually everyone, including people living with chronic medical conditions.
I have been told that in order to achieve health benefits, I must engage in at least 150 min of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity on a weekly basis.	I am excited to know that small changes in physical activity levels can lead to significant health benefits. By making small changes in my activities, I can meet my goal to be happier and healthier.
I do so little physical activity daily that it is hard to imagine that I could meet international recommendations.	I realize that I do not need to engage in large amounts of physical activity to take control over my health and wellbeing.
My lifestyle habits and patterns have made me weak and susceptible to dying early and developing several chronic medical conditions.	I will build upon my strengths and the support of my family to be healthier. If I make small changes, one at a time, I will surprise myself by how much I can achieve.
I find many physical activities not enjoyable.	I will focus on physical activities that are enjoyable, so I can experience the multiple benefits of being physical active.
I do not enjoy exercising on my own.	My family and friends are excited to help me on my journey to become more physically active.
In the past, I have doubted myself about my ability to become more physically active on a routine basis.	I have a strong conviction to be more active and healthier. I am excited about my potential to be more active and healthier for years to come.
I do not feel confident about my ability to be physically active.	Looking at my inherent strengths and the support of my family and community, I feel empowered to become more physically active.
I feel helpless and do not know what to do.	Building on my strengths and available support systems, I can have greater control over my health and wellbeing. I have a strong sense of hope and optimism for my future.
I do not have enough time.	I can take the limited time that I have available to make small changes in my activity patterns.
When working with exercise professionals in the past, I have had little control over my activity programming.	By working together with exercise professionals, we can discuss my aspirations so that I am empowered to be more active and healthier.
I do not have a good understanding of the best way of becoming more physically active.	I look forward to working with experts and other members from my family or community on exploring the best ways to become more active and healthier.
I do not know of all of the opportunities available to me in my community.	Working together with my family, others from my community, and/or practitioners, I can gain a greater understanding of the physical activity resources that are available to me within my own community.
I cannot afford the costs associated with being physically active.	I am excited to engage in free activities that can be done within my own community with my family and friends.
I am fearful of the challenges associated with exercising with others.	I am hopeful of the strengthened relationships that I can develop through physical activity with my family and community.