Recent years have been marked by increased efforts of public health to pro mote physical activity. Concepts used for the promotion of physical activity range from the prescription of exercise to advice for "active living". The article compares existing evidence for the health benefits of the concepts of physical activity, health-enhancing physical activity, exercise and the German concept of "health sport". Furthermore, existing evidence for different promotion strategies for physical activity on the individual and population level are presented and discussed. Referring to the situation in Germany, the article intends to support current discussions regarding the development of health sport programs and initiatives to promote active living.