The article reveals the peculiarities of forming students' motivation to exercise. It is established that the formation of motivation for exercise is a complex systemic process that includes many components.
 One of the indicators of students' health is their motivation to exercise. Exercise is an element that closely connects all aspects of personality in the process of development and formation. The main task of physical education in the educational process is to preserve the health of students, the development of skills necessary for the formation of a competitive specialist. The article focuses on the motivation to exercise not only during the educational process, but also in everyday life, and also substantiates the importance of physical activity for the normal functioning of the human body.
 Theoretical knowledge and practical experience gained during physical culture and sports practice form a personality's outlook in the field of physical culture and the need for it. The spectrum of these needs is quite wide: this is the need for movement and physical activity, for communication, contacts and spending free time with friends; in games, emotional relaxation, self-affirmation, strengthening the position of one's “I”, in cognition and in physical improvement. Mastering the knowledge system helps to form the need for physical exercises. It also allows students to independently use the means of physical culture, providing adequate self-esteem and self-control.
 The search for methods of increasing motivation for physical education, it is motivation that is an integral component of successful physical culture and sports activity. Preserving and strengthening the health of the student body will prepare competent specialists who are ready for productive and long-term professional activity.