Taught the students Anatomy, the Theory of Movements, Pedagogics, and the History of Pedagogics.

P.F.Lesgaft (1837 - 1909)

was the founder of the scientific system of physical education in Russia.

In 1919, the Courses were turned into the State Institute of Physical Education which was named after P.F.Lesgaft.

In 1992, the Institute was reorganized into the Lesgaft State Academy of Physical Education and in 2005 it was elevated to the

status of University. The University, in its 110-year history, has trained a lot of European, world record-holders and Olympic champions. Among the top-class athletes are Kazankina " (runner), Salnikov (swimmer), Dityatin and Davydova (gymnasts), Valova and Vasilyev, Selezneva and Makarov, Mishkutionok and Dmitriyev, Urmanov, Yagudin and Plushenko (figure skaters).

4000 students, among whom are the students from 14 countries, are studying at the University at the moment. The applicants must pass competitive entrance examinations to be admitted to the University. The academic year is divided into two term s. At the end of each term, the students receive credits and take examinations. Most of the students are granted state scholarships.

After graduating from the University, the students work as coaches, PE (physical education) teachers. They also become specialists in adaptive physical education and physical therapy.

Sport is in progress. Some new sports have appeared recently: kick-boxing, taekwondo, shaping, aerobics, curling, sports orienteering, and diving are being practiced in the Academy. A Handicapped Training Department and the Department of Management and Economics have been founded.

The staff of the University is involved in a wide range of research. Post graduate courses are attended by 150 students. After defending their thesis they get the degree of a Candidate of Sciences.

More than 350 teachers and lecturers are on the staff, including Academicians, Honored