Home Sport

Despite the nationwide quarantine and closed sports and recreation facilities, Poles do not give up physical activity and exercise at home. Therefore, online workouts are gaining popularity. MultiSport data shows that we most often use strengthening exercises and classes dedicated to entire families now. Interestingly, the time of isolation is also conducive to building healthy habits and makes us more eager to care for a proper diet.

01/04/2020

In connection with the outbreak of the coronavirus, pursuant to the ordinance of the Minister of Health, sports facilities in Poland have been closed until further notice. Thus, physical activity moved from fitness clubs and gyms directly to our homes, thanks to the increasingly popular online training sessions that have been introduced by many sports facilities and fitness chains. What forms of movement are Poles most likely to use in the current situation? The MultiSport Programme decided to analyse the activity of its users at home.

– The collected data shows that nearly 37% of people choose muscle strengthening workouts, 25% opt for trainings dedicated to joint activity with children, and 22% exercise to improve their body's performance – says Dr. Adam Waszkowski, Analysis Department Director at Benefit Systems, the company that created the MultiSport Programme.

Movement for a better body and mind condition

As experts emphasise, physical activity during the epidemic not only supports the body but can also positively affect the mind overwhelmed by a sudden change in lifestyle.

– The disturbed balance between personal and professional life, physical and social isolation, a sense of lack of influence, as well as limiting entertainment or pleasure, puts the mind under a lot of pressure. It is worth to ease it constructively, e.g. by trying to keep a substitute for the former routine. It may be a good idea to make a day plan that will help separate work and relaxation. If exercises are a natural way of spending time for us, it is worth continuing them also during preventive isolation or quarantine, if our health allows it. Looking for new opportunities and interests is also a good idea. If we did not feel comfortable trying new sports activities in offline conditions, today we can do it in the comfort of our apartment. It is important that we adapt to this new situation and constructively take care of our body and mind at this time. Activity is a very good tool to do so – says Mateusz Banaszkiewicz.

According to the MultiSport Index 2019 survey, physical activity is part of the daily routine for 19% of Poles over 15 years of age who exercise at least 5 times a week. As many as 64% of Polish residents engage in physical activity at least once a month. The respondents' declarations show that for them physical activity is primarily a way to support health and improve wellbeing. It is not surprising, therefore, that online workouts such as yoga or Pilates, which support relaxation and correct posture, are of particular interest among 16% of Poles undertaking physical activity at home now.

– Physical activity stimulates the body to produce dopamine and endorphins, the so-called “happiness hormones.” What is more, regular exercise also has a positive effect on the brain. It stimulates, among others memory, concentration, and creativity. Support for mental performance may be particularly important during the currently changed working conditions – i.e. during the so-called home office. Physical activity also helps counteract the effects of prolonged sitting. It is worth remembering because diseases of affluence, including those resulting from lack of activity, will not wait for the pandemic to cease– adds health psychologist.

During preventive isolation, the World Health Organisation recommends engaging in 150 minutes of moderate or 75 minutes of intense physical activity per week.

Healthy habits and diet

An interesting observation resulting from the analysis of MultiSport data is the increased involvement of Poles in building healthy habits and their care for diet during the epidemic.

–In addition to online workouts, the MultiSport Programme users can benefit from monthly challenges that support, e.g. reduction of harmful eating habits. In March 2020, these educational materials were twice as popular as in February – emphasises Adam Waszkowski. – In turn, in the last two weeks of March, i.e. during the nationwide quarantine, users downloaded twice as many personalised diet plans than during the first two weeks of March. This means that when we spend more time at home, or when we prepare home-cooked meals more often, we are more eager to care for their quality and appropriate adjustment to the needs of our body.

In April, the creator of popular sports cards plans to offer more additions in the form of individual coaching and dietetic consultations online, online culinary workshops or English language courses. More information can be found at www.kartamultisport.pl