Having clients imagine their greatest barrier to exercise and then imagine another barrier and still complete a workout is appropriate for which stage?

• A. Action
• B. Pre-contemplation
• C. Contemplation
• D. Preparation

Answer: (C)

This scenario targets readiness to change and the ability to plan around obstacles, which is characteristic of the contemplation stage. In contemplation, individuals acknowledge that barriers exist and weigh the benefits of changing their exercise behavior, often mentally rehearsing how they would handle challenges. Asking clients to name the greatest barrier and then imagine another barrier while still completing a workout shows awareness of obstacles and a belief that change is possible with problem-solving, even before fully committing to action. It isn’t yet action, because there isn’t sustained new behavior, and it isn’t preparation, which would involve concrete plans or a start date.