Table 1.

Overview of the interpretative phenomenological analysis process

Step 1: Comprehensive impression of preliminary themes	Participants’ life experiences with exercise, the influence of the cancer diagnosis, the meeting with clinicians and receiving antineoplastic treatment, initiating exercise.
Step 2: Selective code groups and quotations	Exercise history Never active; I never did sports when I was child. Exercise has never appealed to me – I think it’s boring. On and Off; My exercise habits have always varied. … my work takes up a lot of space. Active prediagnosis; Stress, family obligations and stomach problems changed my life. I was inactive in the months prior to getting colon cancer	Timing My first consultation with the oncologist was motivating and optimistic and I wanted to start exercising. For me, it was perfect timing Motivation The powerlessness I felt against cancer was the most crucial factor in reconsidering my way of life. Being told by the doctor and cancer nurse specialist … that doing exercise could perhaps mean that I’d feel better. Preference I really needed to get into the high intensity group. I needed a boost to begin an exercise programme. I was disappointed about being assigned to WCG.	Barriers in PA - symptom and side-effects I couldn’t participate for  four days after I’d received Taxotere. … Just after chemo, when I’m feeling the worst, I only walk 100–300 steps from my bed. … My joints ached. … Physical, emotional and social benefits of PA The days that I exercise… But when I’m done … I feel great and my side effects become secondary. The pedometer affects my mood. … We toughened up, forcing the disease and chemotherapy to fade into the background. They [peers] texted me when I was bedridden. My husband and friends got involved 100%. The coaches were great at cracking the whip.	Self-discipline I’m really proud of myself. I’ve changed. … I have no doubt that exercise improves my wellbeing I feel strong enough to work on my terms. PA goals I run 10K a week joined the running club and I want to horseback ride … I want to keep using my pedometer. I want to continue being physically active at a training club for elderly people. Stressful work I spoke with my employer about how stressful work was. I’m convinced that I’ll resign if things don’t change, so I have time to work out. Now I have fewer responsibilities and will start part-time. My illness has made me see what is important. … My disease has led me to reconsider my work situation. I have to take better care of myself.
Step 3: Emergent chronological major themes	Looking back: Exercise not prioritised in daily life	Transforming attitudes, oncologists put exercise on the agenda	Breaks during chemotherapy: Quickly back on track	Rethinking exercise identity and transforming priorities
Step 4: The cross-case unifying synthesis	Model of the exercise transforming process for physically inactive patients with cancer during chemotherapy ‘Opportunity–Directing–Reacting–Rethinking–Reprioritising’

PA, physical activity; WCG, waitlist control group.