Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Moscow Government – Moscow Government –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Running a distance faster than before, doing a few more pull-ups, or testing your endurance in the pool—for many Muscovites, meeting the standards of the All-Russian Physical Culture and Sports Complex "Ready for work and defense"It becomes a personal challenge. Some do it for the sport's sake, others for the distinction or extra points when applying to university.
On March 11, the GTO (Ready for Labor and Defense) complex turns 95. We explain how this physical training system came to be, where in Moscow you can meet the standards, and what opportunities participants receive.
From the Soviet tradition to the modern system
The "Ready for Labor and Defense" program appeared in 1931. It was developed as a mass physical training system: it was believed that regular exercise would help raise a strong and resilient generation. The program's name reflected its concept. The gear on the sign symbolized labor, and the star symbolized readiness to defend the country. Schoolchildren, students, and adults completed the standards. Mass physical training parades and competitions became an important part of life at the time.
After the collapse of the USSR, the program ceased to exist, but interest in it remained. In 2014, the complex was revived as an all-Russian physical training system.
Today, the GTO program is a unified physical fitness and sports complex that promotes regular exercise and maintains good physical fitness. Completing the standards has become a personal initiative for participants—an opportunity to test their strength, set a new goal, and earn a well-deserved distinction.
From preschoolers to participants of the Moscow Longevity Project
The GTO (Ready for Labor and Defense) movement is actively developing in the capital. Muscovites of virtually any age, from schoolchildren to senior citizens, can achieve the standards.
So, last year more than 135 thousand capital schoolchildren and students collegesbecame holders of the "Ready for Labor and Defense" complex awards, confirming their high level of physical fitness.
Adult city residents also meet the standards. Senior citizens have access to this opportunity through the "Moscow Longevity" project. This can be done by signing up for classes in the following area: GTOProject participants can also prepare for the standards through other activities. More than 50 sports are available. These workouts help develop the strength, flexibility, and endurance needed to successfully complete the tests. Activities chosen by seniors include Nordic walking, cross-country skiing, yoga, stretching, exercise, soccer, volleyball, weight training, and much more.
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City of sports opportunities
The capital has created all the conditions for meeting the GTO standards. They can be completed at over 300 sites. The city boasts modern fitness and wellness centers, sports centers, and outdoor venues. Here you can prepare for the tests and test your physical fitness. Eight GTO testing centers are also open. Among them is the flagship Moskvich center, located on Lyublinskaya Street (15/46, building 7). It offers the opportunity to complete most of the standards. You can find a convenient site near your home at websiteThe schedule for accepting standards is also published there.
Standards assessment can also be organized at school; judges from the testing center are invited for this purpose.
A project is being implemented in the capital this summer GTO in ParksThanks to him, Muscovites are meeting the standards in open spaces in the fresh air.
Meters, seconds and flexibility
The GTO (Ready for Labor and Defense) program includes tests of varying difficulty levels. Upon meeting the standards, participants receive a gold, silver, or bronze badge of distinction.
The tests are divided into 18 age groups, ranging from six to 70 years and older. Each group has its own set of events. Mandatory events include running, flexibility exercises, pull-ups, and push-ups. Additional events can be selected, such as swimming, long jump, ball throw, or kettlebell snatch.
Mandatory standards define a person's physical fitness: speed, endurance, flexibility, and strength—the basic skills needed in everyday life. Meeting them demonstrates the harmonious development of all the body's muscles. Alexander Popov, sports instructor at the Moscow Sports Committee
You can find out which tests are available for a specific age and what results are needed to receive a badge of merit using standards calculatorSimply enter your gender and age, and the service will display a list of subjects and required indicators.
To start testing, you need to register on website, obtain medical clearance and register at the testing center.
The next GTO (Ready for Labor and Defense) test will take place in the middle of the month. On March 15, from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM, the flagship Moskvich testing center will host tests in most disciplines of the complex—from shuttle runs and pull-ups to long jumps and kettlebell snatches. On the same day, from 6:45 PM to 7:15 PM, participants can complete the 50-meter swim test in the pool. On March 16 and 23, participants can take the general physical fitness and shooting tests at the Na Inzhenernaya Sports Complex (5a Inzhenernaya Street) from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM.
Not just a badge of honor
Participants who successfully complete the standards are ceremoniously presented with the complex's distinctions. They also receive other benefits. For example, applicants with the GTO distinction may receive additional points when applying to a university. Some universities also offer these students increased scholarships.
Since last year, those who have met the complex's standards have been eligible for a tax deduction. The maximum refund is approximately 2,340 rubles.
Additionally, for successfully completing the tests, you can earn 15,000 points in the city's "Million Prizes" loyalty program. To do this, the project City of Tasks needs to be taken into work thematic assignment and fulfill all the conditions. The points earned unlock promo codes for discounts at stores and cafes, as well as tickets to events and museums. They can be used to top up your Troika card and your Parking Russia parking account. You can choose how to use your city points in categorieson the Million Prizes website.
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