Moscow railway officials have unveiled a ticket machine that gives a free ride when passengers do an exercise routine.

The ticket machine – part of a promotion for the 2014 Winter Olympics being held in Russia – issues a free ticket when a commuter does 30 squats in two minutes.

A young woman squats in front of a vending machine that sells the subway tickets for squats instead of money during the machine's presentation at the Vystavochaya metro station in western Moscow. Credit:AFP

The machine, unveiled on Friday, is designed to encourage people to incorporate "Olympic values" into their commute, say officials.

It is getting plenty of support from Russian sports stars and Olympic athletes as the country welcomes all the expected international visitors.