1. Introduction
A multitude of studies and researches conducted in recent years in different areas highlights, in addition to
many other issues, that a sedentary lifestyle causes obesity, poor body posture, a weak tone of the Core Muscles,
increased Body Mass Index and fat tissue, vertebral deformity, lack of mobility and flexibility, stiffness,
muscular atrophy, disorders of cardio-vascular function, anxiety, etc.
Physical inactivity, along with other factors (smoking, unbalanced diet), are constant elements of modern life,
inherently leading to a rapid increase in the number of people suffering from diabetes, cardiovascular disease
or obesity (Bocu & colab., 2001). However, these diseases can be largely prevented. The preventive
measures recommended by WHO are moderate physical activities for 30 minutes a day, quitting smocking
and healthy eating.
Confronting sedentary lifestyle has become a governmental problem in some countries. Thus, in some developed
countries a new lifestyle is promoted by providing the public facilities for encouraging the development of
populations fitness levels: creating safe routes for running, cycling, creating parks or green areas for leisure development, laws to punish smocking in public places, promoting outdoor movement in schools, communities,
etc..
On the other hand, besides the physiological benefits, physical activity and sports do have benefic effects on the
psychological and social areas, more precisely in terms of inter-personal communication and socializing.
Contemporary social psychology considers socialization achievement across the whole individual`s personality,
particularly at his interpersonal relationships and group behaviour, as a social development of human being. Sports
create the premises for developing an environment recognized as favourable to socialization and communication.
The socializing and communicational effect of physical activities and sports generates a multitude of positive
effects on several categories of beneficiaries. Socialization through sport signifies the extent to which attitudes,
values, skills and rules learned in sports is transferred and manifested in other social spheres.
Physical education and sports are considered as means of influencing the formation of human character and the
honesty, modesty, courage and teamwork (Brettschneider & Naul, 2004). Individuals acquire the ability to adjust the
attitudes, habits and rules achieved through sports in other activities in different fields, such as professional or social
environment.
Leisure sports are strongly connected to the Quality of Life, taking into consideration Hornquist (1989) definition
that includes in this Concept the satisfaction of human needs in the following areas: physic, psychic, social,
material, structural and professional . At least four of these areas (physic, psychic, social and professional) can
benefit from leisure sports activities, directly or indirectly.
In this context we enroll our approach, trying to contribute to a better understanding of issues related to the public
perception of Leisure Time Sports among Romanian adults.