Life style is characterized by a large group of independent factors, which can modify level of individual health. Level of physical activity presents one of the most important factors, affecting the life style. It has been proved that the low level of physical activity, hypokinesias, has direct relationship with a number of serious diseases. Presented article brings an overview of the basic characteristics of physical activity, concerning primary prevention in general population. These characteristics are defined by volume, structure (type), intensity and frequency of exercises. The main determinants of basic characteristics are given by age, sex, health and functional state and by the purpose of physical activity. The volume of physical activity is characterized by a number of hours of exercises a day or a week, by volume of given energy or by multiple of basal metabolism. The structure of activity is characterized by a complex of endurance, muscle power, skill, mobility and coordination. Load of cardiovascular system characterizes the intensity of physical activity and its criterions are the heart rate or the maximum volume of consumed oxygen. The number of exercises per week characterizes the frequency of physical activity. The frequency is dependent on duration and intensity of the exercises and on selected type of the physical activity.

        Key words: hypokinesias, physical activities, primary prevention