ABSTRACT
Although individuals can successfully increase their physical activity (PA) through structured community and healthcare programs, the decline in and drop out from independent participation in activity that occurs six months to a year after leaving these programs is remarkably similar regardless of the population examined. Despite receiving quality education and instruction, the similar pattern of declining adherence when people are left on their own to self-manage their PA (1) demands that we alter approaches to conducting programs and interventions. Specifically, we need to provide them with the opportunity to learn how to self-manage PA and to transition from structured, instructive PA programs to practiced self-management.
