This series of handouts teaches the importance of physical activity, by using the Stages of Change Theory to structure fact sheets into pre-contemplation, contemplation, preparation, and action/maintenance stages.
Curriculum is no longer available.
The overall goal of the handouts is to have the participant exercise three to five times a week, for 30 to 60 minutes per session. Strongly based on the stages of change theory, the handouts begin with an initial assessment designed to measure the participant’s readiness to change. The participant’s responses on this handout indicate to the educator which set of handouts to use next.
Handouts for those in early stages of change address the benefits of physical activity,and personal and environmental barriers to exercising and how to overcome them. Specific types and amounts of activity are not focused on. Handouts for those in later stages of change include examples of different types of exercise and their intensities, goal setting, and maintaining activity levels. As participants are ready to change, they are encouraged to wear a pedometer (not included) to see if they can reach 10,000 steps a day. They are also encouraged to eat 100 less calories a day. An activity log and contract is also included for participants who are ready to exercise.