Verbal messages strengthen bench press efficacy
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 26, 2026

Lower Limb Biomechanical Analysis of Healthy Participants
Published on: April 15, 2020
James B Wise1, Amy E Posner, Gretchen L Walker
1Department of Recreation, Parks, and Leisure Services, Minnesota State University, Mankato, Minnesota 56001, USA. james.wise@mnsu.edu
Abstract:
This study examined the effects of verbal messages on bench press efficacy: the confidence to lift progressively heavier weights for 1 repetition. Thirty-two women who had not bench pressed within the previous 18 months were assigned to 1 of 2 groups and exposed to 2 sources of efficacy information. First, subjects in both groups performed 10 repetitions on a fixed movement, vertical bench press machine and completed the bench press efficacy scale. Next, each group received 1 of 2 possible verbal messages. Both messages included the speaker's strength training qualifications. In addition, one message conveyed specific performance feedback while the other contained more general information. Then efficacy was measured again. Results indicated both messages strengthened efficacy. Strength professionals who work one-on-one with novice women should: (a) make sure lifters are aware of their professional qualifications, (b) provide specific feedback, and (c) profess their beliefs in the lifters' abilities to perform the exercises.
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