Aim. This study examined body image dysphoria and motivation to exercise among Canadian and Polish women practicing aerobics or yoga. Participants and method. Female participants (N=138), recruited for this study from fitness centres and yoga studios, completed measures of body image (Situational Inventory of Body Image Dysphoria) and motivation to exercise (Exercise Motivation Inventory-2). Results. Results showed that Polish yoga participants scored significantly lower on negative body related emotions experienced in specific situational contexts than the remainder of participants. Also, motivation to exercise differed between participants of yoga and aerobics. Canadian and Polish women were found to pursue exercise for different reasons. Conclusions. These results indicate the interplay of cultural and motivational factors with relation to body image.