The purpose of this study was to investigate how students at the University experienced the relationship between regular physical exercise, mental mood and motivation to study. A qualitative method which consisted of individual interviews were conducted to gather the data. Seven physically active participants were asked to answer questions from an health promoting interview guide. The data were then analyzed with a qualitative content analysis, where four categories could be distinguished; a healthy balance in life, belief in their own ability, effects of exercise and a break in their studies. The results showed that participants experienced a clear link between physical exercise, motivation to study and mental mood, which they explained as a circle where all parts interacted positively. Exercise could affect the mood which in turn increased their motivation to study and when the participants felt satisfied with themselves for having performed in their studies, they were also motivated to exercise again. It turned out for the participants in the study that the possibility of a break with physical exercise in their studies were necessary to live a balanced and healthy life.