"What Type of Activity Suits Me?" Development and Implementation of the Exercise and Sport Counseling Approach COMET

Counseling is seen as a promising method for promoting exercise behavior. The aims of this study were (1) to describe the design of a novel counseling approach based on motives and goals in exercise and sport (COMET). The COMET approach considers individual preferences, while focusing on identifying suitable types of activities. Furthermore, (2) implementation of the counseling was evaluated. A survey was carried out where 37 and 56 participants, were asked about their satisfaction with the counseling. In-depth interviews were conducted with a subsample of seven participants. Sixteen counsellors were questioned about implementation fidelity. The results showed that the COMET approach was implemented successfully in a nonclinical setting. Overall, participants were satisfied with the counseling. They found the trial exercise sessions helpful, as they offered diverse experiences and the opportunity to reflect on them. One-to-one conversations with the counselor were also beneficial, allowing participants to identify their preferences. Implementation fidelity was good. Further research could examine the implementation of the COMET approach in different settings.