The rapid development of science and technology and the social, economic and cultural changes taking place in modern society are putting on the agenda of the training of highly qualified and competitive specialists in the field of physical education and sport. The specifics of the professional activities of these specialists point to the need to modernize the content, forms and methods of higher education in this field. The objective of the study is to define criteria, indicators and describe the level of preparedness of future physical education teachers. To achieve the objective of the study, the following were used: analysis, comparative analysis, retrospective analysis, synthesis, comparison, content analysis of regulations in the field of physical education and sports, a study of personal experience in teaching; systematization and generalization; abstraction and classification. The article defines the structure of the preparation of future physical education teachers for professional activity. The analysis of scientific literature and in-house experience in teaching made it possible to identify motivational, value-based, cognitive, procedural and emotional components of the readiness of future specialists for recreational activities. Their own sub-structure, interrelationship and interdependence are indicated. The criteria (motivational, cognitive, activity and personal) with the indicators and levels (low, medium, high) of the readiness of future physical education teachers for professional activities in recreational activities have been defined. It has been stated that students with a high level of readiness for professional activity are well acquainted with the use of recreational and health-improving means. They are thoroughly and consciously conversant in modern technologies of recreational activity, with a creative approach they use the acquired knowledge to solve the given tasks. Work in the field of physical recreation is related to a stable feeling of psychological comfort, emotional activity, with confidence in raising social status and qualification. Keywords: Indicators of professionalism; Teacher; Healthy population; High school; Physical education.