Inclusion Criteria:  physically inactive (no participation in structured or unstructured physical activity (PA) and not reaching the recommended PA guidelines: initially based on the International Physical Activity Questionnaire ) age between 30-75 years blood HbA1c of 6-10% (if taking blood glucose lowering medication) or 6.5-10% without taking blood glucose lowering medication, and/or two-hour plasma glucose ≥11.1 mmol/L or ≥200 mg/dL following a 75g oral glucose load during OGTT. women of child bearing age will be included into the trial.  Exclusion Criteria:  exogenous insulin therapy individuals suffering from any disease with significant impact on exercise intervention participation, such as: chronic heart disease or significant arrhythmias, cardiac events (myocardial infarction, coronary artery bypass graft, percutaneous coronary intervention), chronic obstructive pulmonary, cerebrovascular or peripheral vascular disease, severe hypertension (>160/110 mmHg), cancer, severe neuropathy (limiting exercise participation).