Adherence to Different Exercise Interventions

Regular exercise, in the form of walking 150 minutes per week, is widely regarded as having many health and fitness benefits. Despite these well-known benefits, adherence to exercise interventions is extremely low. When sedentary adults start an exercise training program only 50% adhere to the program and meet the national recommendations of 150 minutes per week. A possible explanation of the low adherence is that most adults only walk for exercise, and that providing a variety of exercise may increase adherence. Preliminary observational data show that a variety of exercise may increase weekly exercise expenditure compared to other interventions. The overall objective of this study is to investigate the feasibility, adherence, and acceptability of different exercise interventions including 1) walk intervention, 2) variety intervention, and 3) progressive intervention (see below for description).

Inclusion criteria

• 18-40 years old
• Sedentary (<1 hour per week of exercise)
• BMI 18.5 to 40 kg/m2

Exclusion criteria

• Adults with diagnosed cardiovascular, diabetes, renal, or any other metabolic disease determined by Health and Fitness History questionnaire.
• Any other disability, ailment, or physical characteristics that may hinder the ability to participate in regular exercise determined by Health and Fitness History questionnaire.
• Participating in other studies that would interfere with their ability to safely complete the exercise protocols.
• Pregnant or trying to become pregnant, and peri-menopausal or post-menopausal women.
• History of smoking within the last 6 months
• Any other vulnerable population (children <18, pregnant women, prisoners, etc.)