FROM INSPIRATION TO ACTION: ACTIVE PEOPLE MOTIVATE OTHERS TO BE PHYSICALLY ACTIVE

Background The aim of the study was to find out what inspires people who practice Nordic walking and running to be physically active. It was decided to examine who mainly motivated the respondents to take up physical activity. Another important issue was to investigate how physically active people who participate in sports events influence the interest in physical activity of other family members, friends, acquaintances and colleagues. Material and methods The study involved 209 people, including 108 men and 101 women. The study was conducted using an online questionnaire. The purposeful sampling method was used. The questionnaire consisted of closed and open questions, covering, among others, inspirations, behaviors, motivations regarding physical activity of the surveyed people. Results Most respondents claim that they need one source of inspiration to undertake physical activity, colleagues and acquaintances, and to a lesser extent support from family members. The analysis of the relationship between the sources of inspiration for physical activity among respondents showed a dependence on education and age. People participating in running and Nordic walking events inspire others to physical activity. Most often, it is family, colleagues and acquaintances. Conclusions The results of the presented study indicate a positive influence of inspirators on increasing the physical activity of people of different ages. This fact should be taken into account when creating a strategy for the development of physical activity.