Table 1 Inclusion/exclusion criteria

• Age 18 years and older

• Medical diagnosis of HIV-1 positive serostatus

• Sedentary lifestyle: not actively exercising  ≥ 3 d · wk^-1 for 20 min per session

• Stable, DHHS-approved ART regimen for previous 3 months, with HIV viral load below 75 copies/mL

• Capable of performing the required exercise regimen

• Have daily access to a telephone for approximately 10 months

• Capacity and willingness to provide informed consent and accept randomized group assignment

Exclusion criteria

Temporary exclusion criteria

• Individuals who have a clinical history strongly suggestive of Type 1 diabetes.

• Total cholesterol ≥240 mg/dl with LDL-C ≥160 mg/dl or TG levels ≥300 mg/dl. Note: Individuals on cholesterol lowering medications but meeting blood lipid requirements are eligible.

• History of serious arrythmias, cardiomyopathy, congestive heart failure, stroke or transient ischemic cerebral attacks, peripheral vascular disease with intermittent claudication, myocardial infarction, or CABG.

• Resting blood pressure >160 systolic and/or 90 diastolic. Note: Individuals on blood pressure medications but meeting blood pressure criteria are eligible.

• Malignancies in the past 5 years, except therapeutically controlled skin cancer.

• HbA1c ≥11%. Individuals whose HbA1c exceeds this level will be recommended to seek treatment immediately. Such individuals may be re-screened after three months to re-assess HbA1c eligibility.

• Plans to be away > 4 weeks in the next 9 months.

• Current opportunistic infection at the time of screening.

• Score of 5 or greater on the DAST or MAST (signifying excessive use of drugs or alcohol).

• Participation in another intervention trial.

• Weight loss in excess of 10% body weight in previous 12 weeks.

• Other temporary intervening event, such as sick spouse, bereavement, or recent move.

• Chronic or recurrent respiratory, gastrointestinal, neuromuscular, neurological, or psychiatric conditions.

• Inflammatory-related conditions such as collagen disorders.

• Any other medical condition or disease that is life-threatening or that can interfere with or be aggravated by exercise.