The article focuses on the perceptions and beliefs of blue collar workers regarding coronary risk behaviors and the factors which might increase their receptivity to change for better health. A purposive sampling technique was used and potential participating industries were selected on the basis of their employing blue collar workers. A three-phase focus group discussion was employed. Phase one was designed to elicit participants' levels of information concerning heart disease and its risk factors, and to explore the relevance of this knowledge to the individual. Phase two was concerned with lifestyle activities, perceptions of the risks involved and the personal pleasure afforded by these various activities. Phase three focused upon personal lifestyle changes, motivations and barriers. All groups readily identified the major risk factors of family history, gender, age, smoking, raised blood fats, hypertension, obesity, physical inactivity, and the two indirect factors of alcohol and stress. Considerable number of participants had made positive lifestyle changes, particularly in the areas of diet change, smoking cessation and, to a lesser extent, weight, reduction. Finally, there is a need to focus more strongly on linking the desired behavior with currently acceptable social norms where possible.