Randomized, multicenter, demonstration and education study. Men and women primary care patients at three sites in Dallas, Palo Alto, and Memphis were randomized to two patient education intervention groups or to a standard care control group of physician advice. Intervention continued for two years for all participants. The primary outcomes were cardiorespiratory fitness and physical activity. Other outcomes were effects on blood pressure, lipoproteins, and weight; the long-term maintenance of these effects; and the cost-effectiveness of various intervention approaches. Recruitment took 15 months and has been completed with the accrual of 874 subjects.