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Objective African-American women are more likely to be sedentary and maintain higher body weights compared with Caucasian women, although some are physically active and able to maintain weight loss. To develop effective intervention strategies, we need to understand why some women are successful. Design We conducted focus groups on four distinct groups of African-American women (currently physically active; currently sedentary; successful weight loss for S 1 year; unsuccessful weight loss) to explore motivations and intervention strategies. Open-ended questions, probes, and visual aids were used to stimulate discussions. Transcripts of sessions were read to highlight themes and concepts. Results Results indicated that motivators for the exercisers to start exercising were health concerns, weight control, stress reduction, and the influence of others. Motivators to continue exercising were feeling good …