Program support was faded out as naturally occurring social support for Community exercise was established. Four (baseline, post-intervention, post-maintenance, follow-up), repeated measures over 24 months assessed fitness (VO2max), physical activity (PAR), and CVD risk factors. Theoretically important mediating variables, such as self-efficacy, social support, stage of change for exercise, decisional balance, and home exercise environment were explored. Repeated measures analyses were used to determine significant differences among groups, time and group by time main effects. This study was the first to attempt to engineer maintenance of physical activity among minority women. Results will provide a model to be used to sustain physical activity and reduce the risk of cardiovascular and other diseases. If effective, this analysis will also serve as a model for designing programs to sustain physical activity in the increasingly sedentary general population.