Table 1 Process from natural meaning units to development of the central themes by using systematic text condensation

Running is boring

Type of exercise

Structural barriers

Running caused pain in my knee and back

I prioritized my family and job

Timing

The treatment itself was enough time and energy consuming

I needed somebody to encourage me

Need for commitment

Social barriers

Running with others would motivate me

There was no feeling of communion in the group

I needed support from the group members

Unsupportive relations

My family did not support me

I have no family

I feared that I could not perform as well as the others in the group

Fear, guilt and shame

Emotional barriers

I used to look good

I was used to exercising a lot in the past, but not anymore

The intervention reminded me of my alcohol problem

Negative affect

I don’t need help anymore