The Physical Activity Of Russians Does Not Meet The WHO Recommendations, But Is Growing

The physical activity of Russians does not meet the WHO recommendations, but is growing

The physical activity of Russians is growing, but still falls short of the average in Europe and does not meet the WHO recommendations. Natalya Khorkina and Marina Lopatina from the Higher School of Economics compared the survey data that were conducted in 2011 and 2017. Their research was published in the journal "Questions of Statistics".

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The physical activity of Russians is growing, but still falls short of the average in Europe and does not meet the WHO recommendations. Natalya Khorkina and Marina Lopatina from the Higher School of Economics compared the survey data that were conducted in 2011 and 2017. Their research was published in the journal "Questions of Statistics".

Scientists analyzed the results of surveys conducted by the Levada Center among Russian men aged 25-60 and women aged 25-55. Comparing the level of physical activity, the researchers noted a positive trend. If in 2011 20% of women and men reported fitness at least once a week, by 2017 - already 25% of women and 31% of men. But, nevertheless, the proportion of physically active people remains below the European average.

In addition, this level does not meet the standards of the World Health Organization, which recommends 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of high-intensity exercise. Almost 60% of men go in for fitness or sports at least three times a week, but only for 15-30 minutes at a time. Most women exercise less often, but for longer - from 30 to 60 minutes.

Lack of free time is cited by 32% of women and 29% of men as the main obstacle to doing fitness and sports. At the same time, according to the results obtained, the level of physical activity does not depend on the length of the working week. Then there is laziness, lack of money to buy sports equipment, lack of gym membership, interest or self-confidence. In addition, the men noted that they “do not need it,” and that smoking and alcohol consumption hindered them.

Scientists have found that the desire to be in shape is independent of health status. Approximately 80% of respondents do not practice sports and fitness, who described their state of health as “poor”, and 60% as “good” or “very good”.

Almost all respondents are sure that there are a sufficient number of fitness centers, sports grounds and gyms in the country, but 60% prefer to exercise at home. Therefore, the overwhelming majority do not consider this a burden on the family budget - more than 80% do not spend money on fitness or sports.

Average per capita income affects the likelihood of exercising and exercising, the researchers noted. The higher a person's income, the more often he is physically active, this is especially true for men. In families with an income of 25,000 rubles or more per month per family member, 34% of men and 30% of women were engaged in fitness and sports. On average, 1000-3000 rubles per month are spent on visiting fitness centers or playing sports.

It turned out that children have different effects on the physical activity of their parents: the more children in the family, the less time fathers devote to fitness and sports, while mothers and children, on the contrary, devote more time to these activities.

It was also revealed that urban residents are more likely than rural residents to engage in fitness and sports - 1.3 times more among men and 1.1 times more among women. Moreover, it is not the size of the city that is important, but the type of settlement.