This qualitative investigation explored the experiences of 23 sedentary NZ Māori men participating in a 12-week exercise intervention to improve their metabolic health. Thematic analysis of the data sought to understand what motivates sedentary indigenous and ethnic minority men to become more physically active. Four themes were evident: The Bros – having fellowship and mutual motivation; Being better informed about exercise; Impacting overall wellbeing; and Disseminating the findings beyond the study. When exercise interventions were informed by indigenous Māori cultural values and knowledge, the participants considered that the exercise was more relevant to their daily lives. These men were motivated more by culturally-based external factors than an inherent desire to lose weight.
