Abstract: The cognition of basic sports means and conceptsnot only relates to scientific research of sports theory, also involves people's daily sports activities. While the misuse of relevant conceptsin reality not only hinders the in-depth discussion of theories, but also cause confusion to academic exchanges. Therefore, clarifyingmisunderstanding of concepts andmaking clear the logical relations between concepts are of great significance in both theory and practice to perfect the concept system of sports discipline, promote academic research, and give proper guidance to sports practice. Using the principle of dialectics and literature review and taking Hegel's theory on development of consciousness in his writing "Phenomenology of Mind"asa guidance, this paper makes an in-depth study on the development law of the physicalexercise, physical exercise, physical activity concepts, aiming to make clear the relationships and differences between them. Findings: genetically, the three concepts are in a linear logical relation from spontaneity through self being to absolute freedom; in theory and practice, the nature and characteristics of the three basic means gradually become clear, they form their own relationship with sports respectively and interprets sports connotationfrom different angles.

Key words: physical exercise, body movement, physical activity, sports means, sports theory, spirit