Russians more willing to exercise – poll

(Interfax – MOSCOW, April 9, 2013) Physical education and sport in Russia have improved over the past seven years in the eyes of respondents polled by the Russian Public Opinion Study Center (VTsIOM).

The percentage of positive opinions grew from 42% to 59%. The negative opinions declined from 44% to 30%, VTsIOM told Interfax. The majority of positive opinions were expressed by young Russians (70%).

VTsIOM polled 1,600 respondents in 130 towns and cities in 42 regions on March 30-31.

Some 52% of the respondents said they were exercising (39% in 2006). Ten percent exercise daily, 14% several times a week, 9% once a week, 7% several times a month, and 11% several times a year.

The number of Russians who exercise regularly has grown since 2006: the number of persons exercising daily has grown from 6% to 10%, and the number of persons exercising several times a week from 8% to 14%. The most actively exercising respondents are persons aged from 18 to 24 (40% compared with 16% in the elderly group), Muscovites and St. Petersburg residents (33%). Men exercise more than women (27% to 22%).

General physical exercises are the most popular (43% as against 31% in 2006). Less popular are track and field (15%), swimming (14%) and exercise therapy (14%). The least popular of all are wrestling and basketball (2%) and ice hockey (1%).

Russians explain little exercise with the lack of time (37%). Many admit they do not need exercising (28%), have bad health (23%) and lack the will (22%). Less frequent explanations are shortage of money (6% now, 11% in 2006), underdeveloped sport infrastructure in their home region (4% now, 10% in 2006) and inaccessibility of coaching and training (3%).