The article discusses modern principles of designing physical education classes in universities, aimed at increasing motivation and involvement of students. In the context of substantiating the relevance of the topic of this study, the results of the survey «Assessment of the organization and conduct of physical education classes for university students» are presented and interpreted. 114 students of the Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education «Astrakhan State University named after V.N. Tatishchev» are included. The article analyzes modern principles of designing physical education classes, taking into account individual needs, interests and level of physical fitness, the use of interactive and game methods that contribute to the formation of a sustainable interest in classes and the development of motor skills; the need to integrate information technology and modern types of physical activity into the educational process. Of interest is the author's interpretation of the concept of «the principle of designing a physical education class», which they present as a system of guidelines (rules) defining the goals, objectives, content, forms, methods and means of organizing the educational process. The design process is based on general didactic (scientific, systematic, accessible, conscientious and active, visual, individualized and age-appropriate, etc.) and specific principles that take into account the specifics of physical education. The authors identified the following principles: continuity of physical education; national standards in physical education and sports; sovereignty of physical education of young people; dynamic balance in the design of physical education classes; the introduction of information and communication technologies that complement the generally accepted rules in the process of designing physical education classes.