The term "exercise means" is interpreted as the general term for the contents and methods of various activities used to exercise, enhance physical fitness, resist pre-diseases and improve sports technical level. The meaning of exercise means is extremely broad, from every single action to a complete set of actions, various sports events and various exercise methods adopted in sports practice, all of which can be called exercise means.

Various sports and exercise methods. According to its nature, it can be divided into fitness, bodybuilding, entertainment, competition and exploration. Commonly used are track and field, gymnastics, ball games, games, martial arts, qigong, dancing, outdoor activities and various folk sports and national defense sports.

People's various physical activities gradually formed in long-term social practice have different uses. Some of them have played an important role in improving health, mastering various skills, preventing and treating diseases, and activating cultural life. People consciously use these aspects of sports activities, and gradually formed what is now called sports means.

With the progress of science and the accumulation of experience, people's understanding of human body structure and physiological function is deepening, sports means are gradually diversified and systematic, new contents and forms are constantly emerging, and methods are more scientific. Judging from the current application of sports means, it has become not only the content of physical education, but also the content of mass physical exercise, entertainment and competitive sports.