The article presents the results of research on the problem of constructing a generalization theory of physical culture. It is concluded that such a theory is a system of knowledge in which of the common positions describes physical education, sports, physical recreation, as well as other related forms of social practice. It is shown that at present the problem of the allocation of the motive forces of the social mechanism, which is the basis of self-development of the sphere of activity of people connected with the use of physical exercises, is not fully solved.