Table 1 Overview of the steps in the analyzing process

.. and so the fact that I had my legs. I was scared to death that I should end up in a wheelchair, really. Yes, that was very close to happening because they were almost ruined by arthrosis, so I went to the gym with these terrible legs, I had to stop the long walks, I couldn’t do that anymore.

I exercise in the group instead of walking long distances, to prevent my legs from getting worse

Bad knees the motivation to exercise

Disease is the reason for starting the exercise-group

Experience of health challenges: a meaningful starting point

So, doing the dishes...When I have to stand for a while when I’m doing the dishes after dinner for example, with pots and stuff, I had to rest…and that went away. Suddenly I realised that… good heavens! Now I’m done and I didn’t need a break!

I no longer need to take a break when I’m doing the dishes!

Satisfaction through better coping

Feeling of control/coping

Adherence motivated by increased life-manageability

Well, I believe it is mostly because of the instructors. They know all about this and they can guide each one of us. Me, I have things I do wrong, so the instructor helps me do it right. But it’s also having someone who can start the exercises and can give advice.

It is important to be supervised by persons with knowledge

The instructor is important for the participants’ motivation

The instructor plays an important role

Comprehensibility through skilled instruction

(…) And I have a son who is a doctor and a daughter-in- law who is a specialist in geriatrics, in fact, so they give me advice. Especially my daughter-in-law tells me to exercise and that it is not dangerous even if it hurts

Competent people in my family encourage me to exercise

Support from family is important

Social and professional support enhances motivation