Introduction: Physical activity is observed through four basic categories: physical activity at work; physical activity related to travel from place to place; physical activity in the household and physical activity in leisure time. Previous research has shown that there is a significant proportion of under-active people in the population that varies greatly between countries. The aim of this paper was to investigate the reasons why pupils get involved or want to get involved in physical activity, and to examine the motives for physical activity. Also, the aim of the research was to check the level of physical activity of pupils at the Gymnasium in Vukovar. Methods: The study was conducted in the time period from February to March 2020 via a questionnaire, on a sample of 119 respondents. Final grade students of Gymnasium Vukovar participated in this study. Results: Male students, compared to female students, have a higher overall level of physical activity. The main motives that drive all students are good health, refreshment, strength and endurance, and the motive that is least represented among students is social recognition. Strength and endurance are motives that moves male students the most, while among female students, it is appearance, enjoyment of exercise and strength and endurance. Discussion and conclusion: It has been proven that male respondents have a higher level of physical activity compared to the female respondents, but there are similar motives in both sexes, such as strength and good feeling. It is necessary to investigate in more detail the reason for insufficient physical activity, and the difference between the sexes.