This study highlights the importance of considering cultural backgrounds when promoting physical activity (PA) and limiting sedentary behaviour (SB) among Asian Indian migrants.

Participants had holistic views of PA, considering it as 'any sort of movement' or 'physical exercise.' Their definitions often included aspects related to the mind, social interactions, culture, and the outdoor environment.

When it came to SB, participants described it as 'not having movement,' 'doing nothing,' or 'being lazy.' Their definitions of sedentary behaviour were influenced by ideas of purpose and duration.

Women discussed how their perspectives on PA and SB were shaped by their native Indian experiences, such as gender roles, social caste, and regional subcultural norms. These factors played a significant role in how they perceived and engaged in physical activity in a Western setting like Australia.

Researchers and practitioners should take these varying perspectives into account to effectively encourage physical activity in migrant populations.