The aim of this research is to identify the motivational structure of recreational exercisers and to investigate differences in motivation with respect to gender, ie to determine the hierarchy of motives for which they choose recreational exercise. This research shows that the strongest motivation for recreational exercise is maintaining and improving health, and certainly relaxation. After them, the most important motivation is socializing and meeting new people, and improving and maintaining physical ability. The research also showed that there are very small differences in the motives for exercise in relation to the age of the respondents, and they are reflected in good looks and fun, while relaxation and relaxation and improvement and maintenance of physical ability are equally important for all ages.

Insufficient physical activity is the fourth leading risk factor for mortality. According to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2012), people who are insufficiently physically active have a 20% to 30% increased risk of all-cause mortality compared to those who engage in at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each day. Previous research has confirmed that regular physical activity and well-organized leisure time improves human health and affects the prevention of a number of diseases. The purpose of this paper was to show the habits and attitudes towards the contents of sports recreation through a survey conducted on a sample of students from the University “Džemal Bijedić” in Mostar. 331 students participated in the survey. Of the total number of respondents, 81% are active as athletes and recreational athletes. It is important to emphasize that out of the total number of respondents, 27.8% decide for activities in gyms and exercises on devices.