Physical exercise serves as a vital means to promote the physical and mental well-being of college students, with exercise persistence being the key to sustained effects. However, many students face challenges in maintaining exercise consistency. Psychological control source, defined as an individual’s sense of control over their behavior, is a significant psychological factor influencing exercise persistence. This study explores the interactive mechanism between exercise persistence and psychological control source among college students, analyzing their impact on exercise continuity. The research indicates that balancing external and internal control sources is crucial for enhancing exercise persistence. By examining the mechanisms of different control sources, this paper proposes strategies to promote exercise persistence, aiming to help students develop healthier exercise habits and behavioral patterns.