A large amount of literature supports the fact that physical activity and sport participation are determinants of health and are key elements in individual wellness and successful social interaction. Scientists also point out that an active lifestyle supports the maintenance of health, and may help to ensure a better quality of life across the lifespan. It is thus recommended that persons of all ages should adopt physically active behaviours (Strong et al., 2005; USDHHS, 2008). In spite of these recommendations, there is clear evidence that large portions of the European population are insufficiently physically active. Some reasons for low levels of adult physical activity can be found in childhood and youth experiences. A robust, pedagogically sound educational approach to this issue is fundamental to the goal of motivating people to be more physically active. In other words, we need to shift from the medical paradigm of “exercise prescription” to concrete actions at individual, social and political levels. This presentation discusses the following three points: -the most prominent links between physical activity and physiological and psychological health; - evidence for the role of physical activity in cognitive and affective development; -the role of education and enjoyment in the promotion of lifelong physical activity habits.