One of the stereotypes best known and used about the Russians is their high consumption of vodka. This custom, which was especially high in the 20th century, contrasts with the dynamics of many Muscovites who have fled from this type of hobby and have sought a healthier type of life, what is often called ‘zosh‘ by its Russian acronym. And in this way of life there is no place for junk food, the habitual consumption of hard alcohol or a sedentary lifestyle. It was paradoxical for some that the home of so many elite athletesespecially in individual sports such as gymnastics or athletics, was also a country with so much alcoholism. And that is what many citizens have been seeking to change since the beginning of the century.
An open-air gym in Moscow. / EDUARDO YATTAH
This new lifestyle has had facilities such as gigantic parks (some of them large enough to contain native elk and deer populations), public athletics tracks and numerous soccer fields (the small ones are usually known as “boxes” because of the bars that delimit the space) and it has been well received by some of the locals. This is the case of Aleksander, who usually runs along the paths of snowy parks. “Now there are many more facilities than years ago. There is much more specialized sports equipment, there are groups for running and many parks are in good condition,” he explains. He adds that in winter it doesn’t stop “because if it did, you could be between three and six months unemployed”. With snow in his hair, he also points out that when playing sports in these conditions “if you are well dressed, it is easier to get in shape in less time due to the body’s need to keep warm.”
Everyday leggings
With the exception of the dawns and the days of cold waves below -20ºat practically any time of the day and year you can see Muscovites dressed in tights (and some coat if the occasion requires it) jogging on sidewalks and parks. They even play football on the fields. when the snow covers the grass. Although professional football takes a break in the harshest winter months, sports fans do not do so if the cold is not extreme.
Playing soccer in the snow. / EDUARDO YATTAH
In addition to sports, consumption of the strongest alcohol, the known vodkahas been on the decline for the average Russian. While the most spirituous beverages at the national level currently represent 40% of sales, at %. “Now people are more aware and prefer to drink while enjoying the moment instead of torturing their liver,” says Svetlana. Many young Muscovites prefer to drink beer, wine or mixed drinks instead of drinking the harshest alcohol without anything to go with it.
See sport
Even for those who prefer to watch rather than participate, the Russian capital is also a suitable site. Soccer fans have many options. This is the case of Yuri, a fan of CSKA Moscow. In the Russian capital it shares a city with Lokomotiv, Spartak, Dinamo and Torpedoof which all except the last compete in the first division. Watching football is an important part of this fandom, and he believes that, although only his team is relevant, “the more clubs there are, the more opportunities CSKA has to compete with them, and consequently, the more interesting it is to watch the games.” His club won the UEFA Cup in 2005, something that is now impossible due to the inability of Russian teams to play in international competitions. In addition to these clubs, the most powerful, there are other teams in lower categories of Russian football.
In another neighborhood of Moscow, near the Dinamo stadium, there is a bar exclusively dedicated to him. T-shirts of the most popular players, club symbols and flags of different types decorate the walls of the premises. Among the brands present, those of the russian empirea sister club of Serbia and the Balkan country’s own flag. One of those present, Igor, explains that Dinamo “is his life” and he dedicates many weekends to watching the games and “enjoying the atmosphere here.”
In addition to the beautiful sport, in the Russian capital there are many other opportunities to watch top-level competitions. This is the home of CSKA basketball (one of the most successful and one of the toughest teams in Europe while it was able to participate in international competitions) and some of the most powerful ice hockey teamsthe true king sport in Russia. In the Continental Hockey League (international competition) Dinamo, CSKA and Spartak participate, where they achieve more success than their football counterparts.
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