May city break or how to relax actively in Polish cities
Physically active people exercise primarily for pleasure and relaxation while inactive Poles are most often prevented from taking regular exercise by lack of time. This coming May long weekend, when there is more of this valuable resource to use than usual, it is worth opting for a sporting and recreational break. What do Warsaw, Kraków, Wrocław and Poznań, which according to the Travellers Choice ranking are among the most frequently visited cities in Poland, have to offer in this area?
The main reasons for being active (pleasure and relaxation – 44% of responses among physically active respondents) or, on the contrary, the lack of it (time – 28% of responses among physically inactive people) are not the only issues discussed in the latest edition of the MultiSport Index 2024: Sportcrastination report. It also shows an interesting relationship between the number of disciplines practised and the level of activity, as shown by the sports profile of Generation Z. It is its representatives who practise at least two disciplines on average and who stand out with the highest level of activity compared to other generations – Millennials, X and Baby Boomers. What if you were inspired by their approach and spent the May long weekend a little differently than usual – for example, by trying a new sports and recreational discipline in Warsaw, Kraków, Poznań or Wrocław? Physical activity, even in its simplest form, is a boost of energy and endorphins, and with it – a better mood. Tips on how to catch your breath from the daily pace during the May weekend are presented in the plan with inspirations available at the link.
The capital at your own pace
In spring, Warsaw is worth exploring on two wheels, because the Polish capital can boast the largest number of city bike stations in Poland: 337 points and 814 km of bicycle infrastructure. The longest bicycle route in Warsaw, called the Vistula Trail, is 37 km long and connects the city’s central tourist points such as the Old Town and the Multimedia Fountain Park, the National Stadium, which can be reached via the Vistula River footbridge, the Royal Łazienki Park and Powsin with its botanical garden, which is a little further away from the city. The city gains a new perspective when you travel through it by bike.
There are also places in Warsaw where you can break away not only from everyday life, but also – literally – from the earth. A change of perspective is possible on one of the climbing walls in the capital (in such districts as Bielany, Bemowo, Bródno, Wola, Praga-Południe, Ochota, Włochy, Wilanów and Ursynów) or in the trampoline park (Włochy, Ochota, Bemowo). One can take advantage of the air attractions both individually and in the company of the little ones.
Rest at the foot of Wawel Castle
Kraków in spring is perfect for outdoor recreation. The city is becoming greener, people are going out for some fresh air, and the atmosphere is becoming lighter. You can start your day with a visit to the blooming Jagiellonian University Botanical Garden and then grab a tennis racket at the nearby courts. Tennis will improve our concentration and provide general development training.
After the game, we head towards Nowa Huta, because near the Video Game Museum, places of a completely different nature await us. A roller rink and a bowling alley under one roof combine active recreation with lots of fun. This is a great idea for spending time with your loved ones, who will surely appreciate the combination of great fun and competition. For those who want to practice their aim, but on green grass and in a slightly calmer atmosphere, there is a golf course just outside Kraków.
Poznań for health and joy
Poznań with its attractions does not lag behind Warsaw and Kraków. Not far from Lake Malta, you can take your whole family on a rope park tour. This activity not only sharpens your senses but also gives you the opportunity to spend time at height, among the treetops. In such conditions, adults can break away from everyday life, and children will certainly appreciate spending time together as a family in an unusual way.
Competition enthusiasts can also go bowling. It is a form of recreation that does not require preparation and promotes a good atmosphere among loved ones. A game at the bowling alley can be the highlight of a day spent outdoors.
City of bridges by bike
Wrocław is a picturesque city that is also worth exploring by city bike – alone or with your family. We set off from Nowy Targ and through the Piaskowy Bridge we reach the Botanical Garden, where it already smells of spring and the birds are louder than cars. Then we cycle through the city along the Odra boulevard towards the Zwierzyniecki Bridge, passing the National Museum and the green banks of the river. We are already at the Centennial Hall. Right next to it, to the delight of the youngest, there is the ZOO. Such a trip is a combination of exercise, entertainment and cultural relaxation, suitable for both young and old.
As the sun climbs higher, it’s worth looking at the water. The “Glinianki” municipal swimming pool allows you to cool down and take a breath after a trip. If we avoid the sun and dream of swimming, remember that there are also many indoor swimming pools in Wrocław and that swimming is beneficial for our backs, especially in the era of a sedentary lifestyle.
Map of opportunities
Polish cities have a lot to offer during the upcoming May long weekend. By deciding to spend this time actively, we gain not only pleasure, but also health benefits – the perfect combination of relaxation and self-care. The MultiSport card comes in handy when actively planning your May break, as it allows you to take advantage of the above attractions. A full list of available activities and a map of facilities can be found at www.kartamultisport.pl.
Barbara Jastrzębska
MultiSport Index 2024: Sportcrastination cites the following research: 1)Minds&Roses commissioned by Benefit Systems, 07.2024 MultiSport Index 2024. Quantitative CATI survey conducted on a representative random nationwide sample of N=1,400 Poles aged 18+. 2) IRCenter commissioned by Benefit Systems, 07.2024, Reasons for Poles practising and not practising sports. Qualitative survey conducted in three locations, 15 (IDI) and 5 (FGI) with people with varying degrees of involvement in physical activity 3) IRCenter commissioned by Benefit Systems, 08.2024, Reasons for practising and not practising sports by Poles. Quantitative CAWI survey conducted on a representative nationwide sample of N=1006 Poles aged 18+.
Benefit Systems has been operating on the Polish market for over two decades and is one of the leaders in providing non-financial benefits that support employee wellbeing. The company is the creator of the MultiSport Programme, which enables physical activity in sports facilities throughout the country. Its portfolio also includes the MyBenefit cafeteria platform and the MultiLife wellbeing programme. For several years now, the company’s sports offer has been developed on foreign markets, including the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Bulgaria, and Croatia. The Benefit Systems Group also operates fitness clubs (in Poland it is responsible for Fabryka Formy, FitFabric, Fitness Academy, Good Luck, My Fitness Place, Saturn Fitness, StepONE, Total Fitness and Zdrofit networks). An important area of Benefit Systems activities is the promotion of an active lifestyle at every stage of life, which is why the company implements initiatives supporting physical activity of children, adults, and seniors, also as part of the MultiSport Foundation. Since 2018, Benefit Systems has been part of the global B Corp initiative, bringing together companies operating and engaging in solving the most important social problems. More information can be found at benefitsystems.pl/en.
