Physical culture and sports in the life of the Russian population

Involvement of the population in physical training and sports determines the level of public health. The Russian government today has taken a firm course to involve Russians of all ages in physical culture and sports activities. However, the widespread introduction of physical culture and sports practices into the daily life of Russians requires a clear understanding of the motives and incentives of the population for systematical physical training and sports, as well as identification of the barriers to physical culture and sports activity. The article presents the results of a sociological study, the purpose of which was to identify the motives and incentives of the Russian population for systematic physical training and sports, as well as factors that hinder physical education. The analysis of the social situation in the field of physical culture and sports is based on the results of 16 focus groups conducted with various categories of population ranging from parents of children aged 3-5 to people over 60 living in various cities of Russia. It is shown that the vast majority of parents of children, adolescents, youth, people of middle and older ages have formed sufficiently stable attitudes for regular physical education. However, they are not always implemented due to a number of barriers. Among them are: high cost of sports sections, subscriptions to fitness and gyms, payment for a personal trainer; lack of specialized sports organizations, lack of necessary equipment in them; high engagement of the population in labor, educational and household activities; fears for the life and health of children, fear of great physical strain and chronic diseases; psychological barriers and stereotypes: adolescents experience embarrassment associated with the presence of unfamiliar spectators; middle-aged and older people are afraid of being judged by other people, they are afraid to look ridiculous. The results of the study can become the basis for development of measures to motivate the Russian population to systematic physical training and sports, as well as measures to overcome the barriers hindering physical culture and sports activity of Russians.