The effect of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation on participation in physical exercise was examined in female undergraduate students at Meredith College. The fulfillment of autonomy, competence, and relatedness were also examined as defined according to the Self-Determination Theory. Participants (N = 159) were given a survey that was sent via email that contained questions related to the amount of current participation in physical exercise, motivation behind participation, and fulfillment of basic psychological needs. The X _ hours of participation in physical exercise was 2.16 (SD = 1.09). Statistical analysis revealed multiple significant findings between motivation types including performance satisfaction, support and choice (p < .05). Intrinsic motivation was significantly higher in performance satisfaction than participants that were extrinsically motivated (r = 0.899, p < .05) and in participants motivated by both types of motivation (r = 0.459, p < .05).