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Objective: To test the efficacy in promoting brisk walking of two theory-based interventions that incorporate implementation intentions and text message (SMS) reminders directed at either one"s walking related plans or goals. Design: Participants (N=149) were randomized to one of three conditions (implementation intentions + SMS plan reminder; implementation intention + SMS goal reminder; control) before completing measures at baseline and follow-up four weeks later.At follow-up, the experimental groups were given a surprise recall task concerning their plans.All participants took an equivalent goal recall task. Outcome Measures: Validated self-report measures of physical activity and measures of implementation intention and goal recall, weight and waist-to-hip ratio. Results: Both intervention groups increased their brisk walking relative to the control group, without reducing other physical activity. The goal reminder group lost most weight. The plan reminder group recalled more of their plans than the goal reminder group but the latter were more successful in goal recall. Conclusion: Both interventions can promote brisk walking in sedentary populations. Text messages aid the recall of, and could enhance interventions that target, implementation intentions and goals.

Implementation intentions (Gollwitzer, 1993), planning in advance the situation in which one will act, have been proposed to be an effective self-regulatory technique for changing health behaviour. Encouraging people to receive text message reminders of their implementation intentions should enhance their strength and, thus, it was predicted that this combined approach would be particularly effective in increasing exercise. Participants (N=155) were randomly allocated to one of five conditions (implementation intentions and SMS, implementation intention, SMS, or one of two control groups) then completed self-report measures of exercise behaviour and motivation. Four weeks later, they responded to similar items. Results suggested that