Healthcare providers are challenged to motivate patients to become physically active during brief clinical consultations. In a randomized-control trial, we previously demonstrated that Motivational Counseling (MC) added to traditional cardiac rehabilitation significantly enhances physical activity and exercise. PURPOSE This investigation was conducted to determine the feasibility of applying research to practice by adding MC to daily practice within an established clinical setting. METHODS Brief MC sessions (wks 1, 2 & 7) conducted by a health educator were added to a 12-wk early outpatient cardiac rehabilitation program of exercise, education and medical support. One hundred and one patients (71% males) were assessed at baseline and 12 wks. Physical activity was quantified with the Lo-PAR; an interview-administered recall of the previous week's sleep and activity at work, in the home and during recreation. RESULTS Patients ranged in age from 33–91 (Mean=63, SD=13) years and had experienced a recent cardiac event (angina, myocardial infarction, angioplasty or bypass surgery). A dependent sample t-test indicated a significant mean difference between baseline and 12-wk physical activity scores (p < 0.05). The mean physical activity score changed from 228 (SD=21) to 267 (SD=37) MET-hrs/wk. The proportion of patients classified as very inactive (< 225 MET-hrs/wk) changed from 43% at baseline to 11% at 12 wks. Inactive-somewhat active patients (225–250 MET-hrs/wk) changed from 44% to 27%. Active patients (251–300 MET-hrs/wk) changed from 13% to 50%. None of the patients were very active (> 300 MET-hrs/wk) at baseline compared to 12% at 12 wks. The mean difference between scores for exercise alone was also significant from baseline to 12-wks (p < 0.05). The mean exercise scores changed from 3 (SD = 4) MET-hrs/wk to 18 (SD = 12) MET-hrs/wk. CONCLUSIONS It was concluded that it is feasible for a non-mental health specialist to successfully integrate MC into a clinical setting and significantly improve physical activity in the early phase of recovery from heart disease.