Table 1.

Examples of fear-based versus acceptance cognitions in BE-FIT

Before BE-FIT: Fearful Cognitions			After BE-FIT
Catastrophizing	Uncertainty	Discomfort Intolerance	Acceptance
“I’m tired and breathless— I might be having another heart attack!”	“I’m tired and breathless—what’s causing that? Is something wrong with my heart that they didn’t fix?”	“I’m tired and breathless—that’s a sign that I should sit down and rest. I need a break.”	“I’m tired and breathless—that’s a sign that I’m doing good work to strengthen my heart!”
“My heart is beating faster— if I don’t slow down, I will pass out!”	“My heart is beating faster — Am I trying to do too much? Is this really safe?”	“My heart’s beating faster — I can’t stand that feeling. I guess I can’t walk this fast.”	“My heart is beating faster — This walk is doing a great job of getting me to my target.”
“My legs are starting to ache. If I keep walking, I will not be able to move tomorrow due to pain.”	“Why are my legs aching? Does that mean there’s a problem with my circulation?”	“My legs are achy, and I shouldn’t have to put up with that. I can’t finish this walk.”	“My legs are aching from working hard. It will take more time for my muscles to build some strength.”
“I feel wobbly on the treadmill. There must be something wrong with my balance. I could fall.”	“What if I lose my balance? What if I fall off the treadmill?”	“I just hate walking on the treadmill. I feel wobbly, and I’m not used to it. I can’t do it.”	“Walking on the treadmill is new for me, and it makes sense that I will not feel comfortable right away.”