Background: Physical inactivity has been listed as one of the global health problem by WHO and is one of the important risk factor for development of non-communicable diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular illness and some malignancies. Regular physical activity plays a significant role in preventing the development of non-communicable diseases. Students of medicine in spite of having considerable knowledge about the benefits of physical activity the occurrence of physical inactivity is also common because of lack of time and busy academic schedule. Hence the present study was taken up to assess the background knowledge, barriers and motivational factors for the practice of physical activity and to study the pattern and duration of physical activity among first year medical students. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among 130 medical students. A pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. Descriptional statistical analysis was done and results were expressed as percentages. Results: in our study majority of the students said they would like to practice some form of physical activities because of the health related benefits of the same. The pattern of physical activity practiced is mainly sports related which can be attributed to the younger age of the study population. Conclusion: we conclude that there is a greater need to encourage students to practice physical activities in some feasible form during their medical training so as to inculcate good practice of regular physical activities into their own lifestyle and advice their future patients regarding the health benefits of regular practice of physical activity.