Despite the nationwide quarantine and closed sports and recreation facilities, Poles do not give up physical activity and exercise at home, therefore online training is gaining popularity. The MultiSport data shows that we currently most often use strengthening training and activities dedicated to entire families. Interestingly, the time of isolation is also conducive to building he althy habits and makes us more willing to care for a proper diet.
Due to the coronavirus epidemic, sports facilities in Poland have been closed until further notice under the ordinance of the Minister of He alth. Thus, physical activity from fitness clubs and gyms has moved straight home, thanks to the increasingly popular online training, which has been introduced by many sports facilities and fitness networks. What forms of movement are Poles most likely to use in the current situation? The MultiSport program decided to analyze the activity of its users at home.
- The collected data shows that nearly 37 percent of people choose online training to strengthen their muscles, 25 percent use training sessions dedicated to joint activities with children, and 22 percent exercise to improve the body's efficiency - says Dr. Adam Waszkowski, director of the department analyzes of Benefit Systems, the company that is the creator of the MultiSport program.
Movement for a better form of body and mind
As experts emphasize, physical activity during an 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 limited entertainment and pleasure puts the mind under a lot of pressure. It is worth defusing it constructively, e.g. by trying to keep a substitute for the current routine. It may be a good idea to make a daily schedule that will help you differentiate between work and relaxation. If exercise is a natural form of spending time for us, it is worth continuing it also during preventive isolation or quarantine, if our he alth allows us to do so. Searching for new opportunities and interests is also a good solution. If we did not feel comfortable trying new sports activities offline, today we can do it in the comfort of our ownflats. It is important for us to adapt to this new situation and to constructively take care of our body and mind during this time, and movement is a very good tool for this - says Mateusz Banaszkiewicz, he alth psychologist.
According to the MultiSport Index 2022 study, physical activity is part of the daily routine for 19 percent of Poles over 15 years of age who exercise at least 5 times a week. 64 percent of Polish residents use traffic at least once a month. The respondents' declarations show that for them physical activity is primarily a way to support he alth and improve well-being.
It comes as no surprise that currently online training, such as yoga or Pilates, supporting relaxation and correct posture, is particularly popular among 16 percent of Poles undertaking physical activity at home.
- Physical activity stimulates the body's production of dopamine and endorphins, the so-called "happiness" hormones. What's more, regular movement also has a positive effect on the work of the brain - it stimulates, among others, memory, concentration and creativity. Support for mental performance may be particularly important during the currently changing working conditions - i.e. during the so-called home office. Exercise can also help counter the effects of prolonged sitting. It is worth remembering because civilization diseases, including those resulting from lack of exercise, will not wait for the pandemic to end, adds the he alth psychologist.
During preventive isolation, the World He alth Organization recommends taking 150 minutes of moderate or 75 minutes of vigorous physical activity per week.
He althy habits and diet
An interesting observation resulting from the analysis of MultiSport data is the increased involvement of Poles in the area of building he althy habits and their care for their diet during an epidemic.
- In addition to online training, MultiSport users can take advantage of monthly challenges that support, for example, the reduction of harmful eating habits. In March 2022, these educational materials enjoyed twice as much interest as in February, emphasizes Adam Waszkowski. - On the other hand, in the last two weeks of March, i.e. the duration of the nationwide quarantine, users downloaded twice as many personalized diet plans as during the first two weeks of March. This means that when we spend more time at home, or when we prepare home-made meals more often, we are more likely to care about their quality and appropriate adaptation to the needs of our body.