School learns fitness lesson from Soviets

02 June, 2008, 05:07

Schoolchildren in the Russian city of Ulyanovsk are being stretched in their very first lesson of the morning. In true Soviet style, the pupils are being asked to exercise before classes.

Before 8 a.m. the pupils at Ulyanovsk’s school number 40 get ready for class, but algebra and history are going to have to wait until later because instead of hitting the books they’re hitting the gym.

From the beginning of June, authorities in the region have decided that all pupils will now have 10 minutes of exercise before school. 

“Kids learn better, it’s good for their health and teachers are pleased, too, because the children come to classes already warmed-up and prepared,” said maths teacher, Oleg Zhukov.

The tradition dates back to Soviet times when schools placed a strong emphasis on physical fitness and everyone took morning aerobics. 

Recent surveys have shown that children today take considerably less exercise than their counterparts 20 years ago and officials are trying to reverse the trend.