93A - Fit and Well Column for October 17th, 2004

TITLE: "Back from Russia!"

Dear David and Trish,

We heard you're going to Russia for two weeks. We're so jealous! Would you PLEASE give us a report of what you discovered there, fitness wise?

Sincerely,

A Loyal Reader in Annapolis

Dear Loyal Reader,

OK, Trish… I know it was you who wrote this question! But, in the spirit of objective journalism (and because I just can't wait to tell our readers about our experiences there), I'll answer your question.

So what's happening in Russia? We all know that ten years ago marked the end of the Socialist regime. And, since then, things have changed quite a bit.

We expected to find a country jubilant and enthusiastic about life, celebrating their transition to becoming part of the world economy.

What we found was an aura of gloom and sadness. Though life is hard in Russia, it is no harder than Brazil, the Caribbean, or other countries we have visited. We think what they need is a good dose of our friend and colleague Tom Muha to get them back on the joyous path. But, unfortunately, there is no Capital Gazette there!!!

So on a spiritual and emotional level, Russia was somewhat of a disappointment. Well, how about health and fitness?

Trish, Angelica and I did a lot of traveling between St. Petersburg and Moscow. We observed many people. As a generalization, it appears that Russians carry less weight than Americans do. However, this does not make them healthier, or more fit.

Heart disease, circulatory diseases, and cancer rank towards the top of the killers in Russia. The reason for this is likely a combination of genetics, and a lifestyle that includes a very large amount of alcohol consumption, meals with high fat content, and a very high percentage of cigarette smokers. By the way, domestic cigarettes cost around 15 cents a pack in Russia so while the habit significantly effects health, it doesn't do too much damage to the average budget. That's a shame.

As in most countries, people do tend to engage in much more walking than is common in America. This definitely is a benefit for many Russians. But things are changing… as more people can afford automobiles; this advantage may be "short-lived".

By the way, it is interesting that we saw very few bicycles in Russia. Why? We haven't a clue.

Private sport organizations (fitness clubs, gyms, etc.) are growing in number in Russia. Many high-class fitness clubs were opened in Moscow and St. Petersburg in the last couple of years. Chains like Gold's Gym, Planet Fitness, and World Class appeared. Further development of the chains and their aggressive marketing techniques help promote fitness culture on the whole.

The Russian fitness industry is just over 10 years old. The Swedish corporation World Class International opened the first modern Russian fitness club in St. Petersburg in 1990, and soon after fitness clubs opened in Moscow. In the last couple of years, the fitness industry has experienced significant development. Many new fitness clubs and gyms opened in Russia's major cities, Moscow and St. Petersburg. There are 10 fitness clubs in St. Petersburg that meet modern standards and two international fitness chains, Planet Fitness and World Gym. There are about 500 gyms in St. Petersburg alone. Although the figure might seem rather small for the city of almost 4.8 million, it is a significant increase from the previous years. Advertisements of newly established and existing fitness clubs are heavily broadcast on local radio and published in different magazines and newspapers, which was not the case just three years ago.

Some five years ago when fitness clubs just started to appear, they were attended exclusively by women. Nowadays, men also attend fitness clubs and their share of club memberships amounts to about 30%, and climbing. Fitness clubs used to be treated as places to go to from the image making point of view. Today people come to fitness clubs with practical goals in mind such as improving health and body shape.

Club membership is becoming popular, though quite expensive. The gym that we went to was Gold's Gym in Downtown Moscow. It was fabulous… reportedly one of the largest and most beautiful gyms in the world. And we really enjoyed their hospitality, and their diversity of equipment and activities. Full lap pool, steam rooms, saunas, Jacuzzi's, Tennis, Squash, Basketball, and more! All under one roof. The cost for membership? How about $250 A MONTH! And the place was packed!

Well, the first lesson that Trish and I usually learn, and re-learn in our world travels is "There's No Place Like Home"! Compared to other countries, Americans have become much more aware of the need for exercise and a balanced healthy diet. Not that everyone acknowledges this, or practices it. But at least the resources are readily available here, along with a lot of experience and encouragement.

We couldn't find ANY decaffeinated diet soda anywhere in Russia… even large supermarkets. There is only a limited amount of prepared food that would be effective in a long-term weight loss program. Though we found the fruits and vegetables very fresh and quite delicious, they were not commonly available in many of the local dishes. Much of the food was heavily creamed, fried, or over-prepared.

Probably more than anything else, Trish, Angelica and I learned that a joyous spirit is directly related to a healthy lifestyle. If that's missing, the world becomes a burden rather than a playground.

And ALL of our readers know that the Oshmans ALWAYS prefer a playground.

We're glad to be back home.

Next month… Iceland!

PLEASE BOX:

Alcohol can add hundreds of calories to your daily intake, which can make the difference between weight loss, maintaining your current weight, or gaining weight. A single glass of beer or wine can contain at least 100 calories, and some mixed drinks as much as 400. Alcohol also acts as an appetite stimulant, and can lead you to eat or crave foods that are not within with your weight-loss plan. AND, it tends to lower metabolism. So if you are dieting or are simply having trouble getting rid of that last little bit of fat, keep your alcohol intake to a minimum. Even in Russia!