Low physical activity (PA) is an established risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and other non-communicable diseases. The Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) as a tool to measure PA was developed in the early 2000s. Objective — to comparatively assess the prevalence of different PA levels in the representative samples of residents from several Russia’s large industrial centers (Yekaterinburg, Krasnoyarsk, and Vladivostok), by using the GPAQ questionnaire. Material and methods. To assess PA levels, the investigators interviewed 1,600 people (727 men and 873 women) in Yekaterinburg, 1,266 (492 men and 744 women) in Krasnoyarsk, 1,966 (817 men and 1,149 women) in Vladivostok; the interviewees’ age was 25 to 65 years. In general, low PA accounted for 24.1% in the three cities; 44.3% of the dwellers had a high activity. The men in all the cities were somewhat more active. PA decreased with age slightly in the men and remained virtually unchanged in the women. The population of the three cities reached the recommended level of PA in different ways: the higher levels of PA were achieved by the inhabitants of Yekaterinburg due to its moderate intensity and walking and by those of Krasnoyarsk and Vladivostok through walking. The results of this investigation can be used to plan preventive measures to optimize PA levels among the population. Repeating the similar surveys using the GPAQ questionnaire will be able to determine trends in PA among the population.