Definitions of the stages of activity change8
| Stage | Definition |
|---|---|
| *Different authors use different criteria for defining acceptable levels of physical activity; these are often related to current activity recommendations. | |
| Pre-contemplation | Individuals are not participating in any physical activity and have no intention to do so in the future |
| Contemplation | Individuals are not participating in any physical activity but intend to start doing so in the next six months |
| Preparation | Individuals intend to start participating in regular physical activity in the next six months and are starting to make small changes in their activity behaviour |
| Action | Individuals meet defined criteria* for physical activity but have done so for less than six months |
| Maintenance | Individuals have met defined criteria for physical activity for more than six months |