Moscow Subway Ticket Machine Accepts Squats: Facts

Story:

Subway ticket machine in Moscow accepts 30 squats as its payment.

Other Versions

Moscow subway station lets passengers pay fare in Squats.

Analysis:

This is an interesting message that says Moscow subway station allows passengers pay their fare in Squats – a free ticket for 30 squats. Although the message does not give complete information, it is a fact!

Olympic Changes

The innovative idea came up from Olympic Changes, who installed a special ticket machine with squat sensor at the Moscow subway station. Instead of accepting money as payment, the high-tech ticket machine only accepted exercise. To get a free ticket, the passengers were to stand in front of the machine’s camera, and perform 30 squats or lunges within two minutes. In case of less than 30 reps, i.e. squat fail, they had to pay 30 rubles for the ticket (about USD$0.91). This squat for free ticket machine was meant to promote exercise among people and the 2014 Winter Olympic Games in Sochi, Russia that were held from 7–23 February 2014. The video from Olympic Changes (in Russian) shows a brief capture of this interesting sport and exercise idea. On the down side, the squat-to-ride ticket machine was only planned to operate until 3 December 2013.

Squats, a Good Exercise

Talking about their innovative idea, the Olympic officials said it was about bringing sports to the people. Alexander Zhukov, president of the Russian Olympic Committee explained saying “We wanted to show that the Olympic Games are not just an international competition most people watch on TV every two years. They are also about involving everyone in the sporting way of life.” Los Angeles-based personal trainer Josh Hoover appreciated this idea and adds squats are one of those foundational exercises that build core strength, burn calories, and if done properly, work out the entire body.

Squats are indeed a great way to get a little exercise into your day; it helps build the muscles of your thighs, hips, buttocks, quads and hamstrings, as well as strengthens the core. If not for a free ticket, why not squat for better health!