It is becoming increasingly important that all doctors should have a good understanding of all the medical aspects of exercise. A questionnaire survey of final-year, British, medical students has demonstrated widespread acceptance that regular exercise is conducive to good health. Nevertheless, there were important deficiencies in the students' knowledge of the physiology of exercise and of physical training, and in their knowledge of the prevention and management of sports injuries. It is recommended that undergraduate education (and examinations) should put a greater emphasis on the medical aspects of exercise.