Which participant would you actively recruit for an exercise and nutrition program, based on the preparation stage of change?

Which participant would you actively recruit for an exercise and nutrition program, based on the preparation stage of change?

• A. Harry, a 23-year-old healthy male who would like to lose a few pounds but cannot afford gym fees
• B. Josie, a 35-year-old overweight female who joined the YMCA last month and works out three times a week
• C. Catherine, a 65-year-old female who plans to start exercising in 3 months when her granddaughter starts preschool
• D. Cooper, a 53-year-old male with diabetes who has lost motivation to exercise

Answer: (A)

In this stage of change, people intend to take action soon and are open to guidance and resources that help them start. They haven’t yet adopted regular behavior, but they’re motivated to begin and ready to use support to do so. Harry fits best because he expresses a clear desire to lose a few pounds and is ready to act, but cost is a barrier. This shows readiness to change and a need for accessible options, such as a low-cost or no-cost exercise plan and practical nutrition guidance. Recruiting him now with affordable, feasible strategies aligns with preparation: he’s planning to start soon and can be kept moving by removing obstacles. The other individuals are in different stages. Josie is already exercising regularly, which places her in the action stage. Catherine plans to start exercising in a few months, which is further out and not as immediate for preparation. Cooper has lost motivation, which signals readiness to change is low, not present.

In this stage of change, people intend to take action soon and are open to guidance and resources that help them start. They haven’t yet adopted regular behavior, but they’re motivated to begin and ready to use support to do so.

Harry fits best because he expresses a clear desire to lose a few pounds and is ready to act, but cost is a barrier. This shows readiness to change and a need for accessible options, such as a low-cost or no-cost exercise plan and practical nutrition guidance. Recruiting him now with affordable, feasible strategies aligns with preparation: he’s planning to start soon and can be kept moving by removing obstacles.

The other individuals are in different stages. Josie is already exercising regularly, which places her in the action stage. Catherine plans to start exercising in a few months, which is further out and not as immediate for preparation. Cooper has lost motivation, which signals readiness to change is low, not present.