Table 1 Summary of the main changes for the Phase 2 programme

Programme extended from 12 to 15 weeks

To promote participant engagement by reducing time in classroom activities in each session and include graduation ceremony

One-to-one/small group discussion activities added during physical activity sessions

To support participants to achieve their goals, and help those requiring additional support

Individual discussion of personal objectives

To promote motivation throughout the programme by ensuring participants have objective(s) they value and can achieve

Introduction of beep, strength and stretch tests in Weeks 1, 8 and 14

To provide concrete evidence of improvement in physical activity and fitness levels

Inclusion of monitoring of progress in relation to wellbeing and sleep

To encourage participants to recognise and value these outcomes

Measurement and feedback on sedentary behaviour via activPAL^TM at start and end of programme

To illustrate how much time participants spend sitting (and when), and to provide evidence of any changes made

Focus on breaking up sedentary behaviour at weekend (e.g., inclusion of ‘in-cell workouts’)

To help participants identify ways of being active while locked in cells at weekends

Inclusion of physical activity of participants’ choice

To promote a sense of ownership of the programme around a valued positive behaviour among participants

Focus on avoiding unhealthy eating at weekend (e.g., ‘weekend coping strategies’)

To help participants identify how to reduce unhealthy snacks while locked up at the weekend

Specific discussion of how to make healthier choices from prison menus and canteen lists

To help participants identify ways of improving their diet within the constraints of prison meal provision

Physical representation of sugary drinks

To promote participant engagement in reducing sugary drinks intake

Discussion of quitting smoking

To provide participants who want to reduce or stop smoking with an opportunity to be supported in doing so

More inclusion of team physical activity team activities, and fun competition promoted (including the superstars programme)

To promote a sense of belonging among participants and enhance engagement and social support

Inclusion of a former participant or passman at each session

To provide peer support

Inclusion of visitor notes

To encourage men to talk about their participation in the programme and information about leading a healthier lifestyle at family visits

Introduction of relapse prevention strategies (if-then plans)

To provide (and help participants practice) a technique for avoiding setbacks

Reflections on the benefits of change

To promote a sense of wellbeing

Discussion of sustainability of change according to men’s sentences (e.g., long term, imminent release, release within 12 months)

To encourage personally-relevant discussion of how to maintain changes made