A regional study from Regions Development indicates that yoga is the most popular sport among Russian women, with a quarter of respondents (25%) naming it as their preferred physical activity. The survey also identifies a group of activities that are pursued mainly by women: billiards, computer-based sports, fencing, and motor racing are cited as rare or niche disciplines within this demographic. socialbites.ca reviewed the study results to provide a clear picture of participation trends.
Overall, the survey reveals that activity remains a priority for women: 78% report engaging in some form of sport, while 22% do not participate at all. The data also show a pattern of relatively intense training among participants. About one-third of respondents (34%) said they exercise two to three times per week, and another 17% indicated they train four times a week or more. Conversely, 27% exercise once a week, 14% exercise one to three times a month, and 8% go to the gym irregularly, guided by mood rather than a fixed schedule.
When it comes to specific sports, yoga and related disciplines such as Pilates, callanetics, and stretching are the most popular, attracting interest from 25% of all respondents who train. Fitness activities—including aerobics, shaping, and jumping exercises—rank second, chosen by 20% of the women. Athletics, encompassing running, walking, jumping, and discus throwing, holds third place with 14% of votes.
In the wider list of the ten most popular sports, dance accounts for 13%, martial arts for 10%, and water sports for 8%. Team sports, strength training, skiing, and shooting are each represented at lower levels, with 4%, 3%, 2%, and 2% respectively. The survey also highlights several rare or less common sports mentioned by respondents, such as billiards, rock climbing, computer sports, fencing, motor sports, curling, orienteering, biathlon, and rowing.
Access to facilities emerges as a key concern: 61% of women express a desire to have sports infrastructure within walking distance of their residential complex. Another 21% would prefer to exercise at home, and 18% would like a hybrid arrangement that combines home workouts with access to nearby facilities.
Regarding proximity preferences, the majority of fans of yoga (82%), fitness (79%), dancing (68%), martial arts (65%), and strength sports (61%) say they would like a local venue to work out near their home. Around half as many participants in athletics (55%) share this need. By contrast, interest in water sports is more likely to involve traveling to a location with a pool, with only 44% favoring a nearby swimming facility. Similar patterns appear for team sports (39%), skiing (33%), and shooting (31%), where travel for training is more acceptable and common.
Earlier research also attempted to quantify global obesity trends, highlighting ongoing concerns about health and weight management in various populations.