Get Fit for Free: Moscow's Sport Weekends Encourage Active Living
Moscow's weekends are getting a fitness boost with the city's initiative, Sport Weekends. This programme offers residents of all ages the opportunity to participate in free group training sessions led by professional coaches. From yoga and aerobics to TRX and functional training, these sessions are designed to promote a healthy lifestyle and foster community spirit. Sport Weekends aims to make fitness accessible to everyone, turning leisure time into a chance for health and connection.
Although training sessions are held at various locations across the city, some, like the North River Station and South River Station, are not only scenic but also offer both indoor and outdoor activities. Additionally, some locations are conveniently situated near HSE campuses, making the sessions accessible for the students.
Training at River Stations
NORTH RIVER STATION
The North River Station has become a favourite spot for city residents and visitors alike. Walking tours are available around the reconstructed station building and its surroundings. There is also a restaurant serving Soviet cuisine. During autumn and winter, training sessions are held inside the building.
How to get there:
On foot: A 10-minute walk from the Rechnoy Vokzal metro station (exit No. 2).
By bus: 'North River Station' stop, buses No. 243, 342, 350, 370, 437, 440, 905, t43, t6, n1 (night).
SOUTH RIVER STATION
The South River Station is located on the right bank of the Moscow River, in the Nagatinsky backwater. Currently, the station building houses waiting rooms and retail outlets. Recently, the Ostrov Mechty park and metro station have opened nearby.
How to get there:
On foot: A 12-minute walk from Technopark metro station (exit No. 8).
By bus: 'South River Station’ stop, routes No. 888, s856, n13 (night), 831.
You can find out what types of activities are available and when they take place on these sites via their Telegram channel and website. Registration for the upcoming weekend training opens on the website on Thursdays at 12 pm. The schedule is published on their Telegram channel at 11 am on the same day.
Training near HSE campuses
SMSTRETCHING STUDIO
A stretching and fitness studio chain offering more than 10 types of training sessions conducted by top coaches.
How to get there:
On foot: A 4-minute walk from Chistye Prudy metro station (exit No. 2), a 4-minute walk from Turgenevskaya metro station (exit No. 3), and a 7-minute walk from Lubyanka metro station (exit No. 4).
By bus: 'Metro Chistye Prudy' stop, routes No. c633, n15 (night).
THREE VOKZALS. DEPOT
‘Three Vokzals. Depot’ is a large-scale redevelopment project that has transformed the former trolleybus park on Novoriazanskaya Street. After careful restoration, Moscow now boasts a new public space with expanded multifunctionality. The project has preserved the historical uniqueness of this cultural heritage site while infusing it with new purpose.
How to get there:
On foot: A 4-minute walk from Komsomolskaya metro station (exit No. 13).
By bus: stop 'Ryazanskoe depot', routes No. t88, t22, 40.
Registration
To attend the training, register on the website. In your personal account, you'll receive a QR code to show before the lesson. The QR code will appear on the day of the training. You can attend one training session on a day off, except at South River Station and Skolkovo Technopark. More details can be found on the website.
If you miss a session or cancel less than 2 hours in advance, your account may be blocked. More details are available online.
Things Needed for Training
Wear comfortable sportswear and shoes. Not all sites have changing rooms, so it's best to arrive in sportswear. Bring water with you. More specific details for each site can be found online.
For any remaining questions, you can reach out via the Telegram channel.
Text by Diana Kulyaba, Daniil Mayorov, Sofia Suliman, Maria Gureeva, Alina Tasukhazhieva, Sofia Savitskaya, bachelor’s students of Foreign Languages and Intercultural Communication, interns at the HSE University English website team