34% of Poles do not undertake any physical activity during the month, one in five of them exercise only in selected periods, and one out of three do it irregularly, having so-called “spurs”.[1] Putting off exercise until tomorrow, which never comes, while being aware of the resulting consequences – Benefit Systems diagnoses this approach as sportcrastination. The long-term campaign of the same name initiated by the company aims to familiarise people with physical activity using small steps and presenting practical tips on how to move more often.
Procrastination is a common phenomenon involving voluntary delay in carrying out intended activities despite being aware of the negative consequences. People procrastinate in many areas of life, including physical activity. So, what should we call the phenomenon of postponing sport until tomorrow, which never comes, even though there is a high awareness of the benefits of regular physical activity? Sportcrastination is a new word, but with a meaning we know perfectly well.
– The term “sportcrastination” refers to the level of physical activity of some Poles. Research results clearly show that still one in three of us do not undertake any form of exercise. We avoid it or postpone it until tomorrow, next week, next year. Our excuses include tiredness, numerous responsibilities, and constant lack of time. On the other hand, we observe growing involvement and willingness to exercise among people who lead active lives. Listening to the voices of both groups and following the opinions of experts and the experience gathered during the development of the MultiSport Programme, we have created an initiative whose aim is to break the vicious circle of sportscrastination – says Dorota Szostek, Marketing Director at Benefit Systems.
Small steps towards a big change
As part of the new MultiSport educational campaign, Benefit Systems challenges sportcrastination, with its main goals being to familiarise people with physical activity and showing that it is not something to be afraid of but can be easily incorporated into everyday duties. All activities are united by the idea of small steps. To facilitate taking them, the substantive knowledge of experts in the areas of medicine, psychology, healthy lifestyle and sport is provided in the form of practical advice that answers every possible excuse. Due to the fundamental importance of the power of motivation when implementing intended activities, the campaign includes an 8-episode video guide in which Dr. Ewa Hartman responds to specific concerns of Poles resulting from research. Materials prepared with the expert who has been fascinated by the work of the human brain for years, an MBA lecturer and trainer, show:
- how thinking itself can change the approach to activity
- how to learn to manage time and incorporate activity into everyday life
- how important micro-habits that lead to big changes are.
After overcoming the inhibitions in our head, it’s time for the second step – getting used to the space of the fitness club. This will be achieved in another multi-part video guide, this time with the participation of a trainer who will remove any barriers to visiting this type of facilities. It will show us how to prepare for training, use machines, warm up and train. It will also help us effectively overcome our fear of going to the gym.
Materials created as part of the campaign are available to everyone at www.sportkrastynacja.pl. Information about subsequent elements of the campaign will appear gradually on the project website, as well as on the MultiSport social media.
Allies in the righteous fight
Overcoming barriers to physical activity is easier in the company of allies, so experts involved in the campaign will share their stories and inspire people to stop sportcrastination. On their social media, the following people talk about the fact that it does not spare anyone, but that it can be effectively combated: Dr. Ewa Hartman, Dr. Joanna Wojsiat, Dr. Joanna Gutral, Dr. Damian Parol, Marta Niedźwiecka, Mateusz Majchrzak, Łukasz Orbitowski and Joanna Flis.
In-depth analysis
To win the fight, one must first get to know one’s opponent, which is why quantitative and qualitative research was carried out as part of the cooperation between Benefit Systems and the Minds&Roses and IRCenter research companies. Their results, including the stories of the surveyed people, are presented in the latest edition of the MultiSport Index 2024: Sportcrastination report. The publication also includes substantive comments from such experts as Dr. Joanna Wojsiat, Prof. Ernest Kuchar, Dr. Joanna Gutral, Dr. Ewa Hartman, Dr. Damian Parol and Mateusz Kusznierewicz. They also share their personal reflections on sportcrastination and practical tips on how to counteract it. The report is available here.
Sharing knowledge about the level of physical activity and encouraging regular activity, thus achieving a sense of satisfaction and high quality of life, is the foundation of the MultiSport Programme. Benefit Systems, which has been developing it for over 20 years, facilitates access to various forms of physical activity and positively influences the lifestyle of over 2 million users in Poland and abroad.
[1] The MultiSport Index 2024: Sportcrastination report,