Transtheoretical Model. Readiness for Change. Stages of the Transtheoretical model are pre-contemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, and maintenance. In the transtheoretical model setting a start working out date is a preparation step. In the Transtheoretical Model, behavior is predicted by what stage of change the person is in. Stages of change are constructs for when someone intends, prepares, or does a particular behavior. There are estimates of how long it will take for someone to consider a behavior change. Pre-contemplation: no intent to make a behavior change in the next six months and they are not thinking about making a change. Contemplation: they intend to make a behavioral change in the next six months. Preparation: they intend to make a behavioral change within one month. For example, they are making some initial efforts to prepare for making a change, such as marking the calendar (start working out) and buying new gym shoes. In the action stage of the Transtheoretical Model, they are doing the new behavior. Action: ongoing behavioral change for less than six months. Maintenance: they have been doing the new behavior for over six months.
 

Reference:

Coleman MT, Pasternak RH. Effective strategies for behavior change. Prim Care. 2012 Jun;39(2):281-305. doi: 10.1016/j.pop.2012.03.004.