Fitness industry adapting to challenges

Chen Xue, 36, a relatively recent convert to a healthier lifestyle, had begun to work out four times a week at a gym and a yoga club this year. She has been dedicated to both aerobic and strength training.

But in early May, as Beijing strengthened several COVID-19 control and prevention measures, her favorite places to exercise closed temporarily. Determined not to let that slow her down, Chen decided to exercise at home with the help of online programs.

"Immediately, I transformed my study into a tiny gym," said Chen, a former marketing executive and mother of a 5-year-old daughter. She followed the advice of her online trainer and bought a yoga ball, resistance bands and dumbbells. "I hope to keep up my workouts until the gym reopens," she said.

Chen's trainer, Lily Shao, has been working with Chen in a one-on-one class for an hour each day since early May via WeChat video conferencing.

Also working from home, Shao said such online fitness programs were never stressed since the emphasis was on training at the gym. But they have been shown to be important when gyms are closed.

"Our gym hopes to develop alternative measures such as online fitness to help members retain their workout routines," she said. Most of the members who have been willing to sign up for online courses are those who have worked out regularly with their trainers. That enables them to better follow instructions remotely, and their movements are more likely to be effective, said Shao.

Still, online training methods are at an early stage of development. Shao said that in early June, when some measures in Beijing were lifted, members quickly returned to in-person classes because it is considered a more complete workout.

"The trend of becoming healthier through exercise has been even more popular since the pandemic," said Shao, 30, a veteran trainer in Beijing. She said she has about 80 one-on-one training sessions each month. "Many people are encouraged by their workplace to join fitness programs, and looking healthy is considered the new beauty."

Adam Zhang, founder of Key-Solution Sports Consulting, a sports marketing and consulting company based in Beijing, said the increase in people turning to sports and fitness as a lifestyle has been key for urban residents who have been spending more time at home.

"Keeping fit and healthy is a natural choice for those dealing with a lot of pressure in their work and personal life. It has increased the popularity of light sports and trendy sports such as Frisbee, camping and cycling, as well as workout using online fitness programs that are available on social short-video platforms such as Douyin.

"Exercise that stimulates social activities and conversations with friends is becoming more attractive to urban dwellers, as are those that satisfy a need to get closer to nature and to gain a better quality of life and value through sports," Zhang said.

Ren Jing, 34, an online fitness influencer and a part-time trainer, has played Frisbee with her friends three or four times a week on soccer fields or nearby parks since August.

"Frisbee is affordable and offers flexibility as to when and where to play," said Ren, "That explains why it has become a hit as a fitness activity nationwide so quickly." Ren added that playing Frisbee has helped boost her competitiveness and team spirit, encouraging her to engage with people with the same interests and passions.

Zhang, with Key-Solution, said gym and fitness enterprises also should embrace digital tools wholeheartedly.

"Thanks to 5G technology and digital social platforms, acquiring customers and keeping them has never been easier," said Zhang.

"Integrating the online and offline services of gym and fitness programs is an opportunity to transform the traditional point-to-point operating model into a continuous model to create more value and build deeper connections with their members."

Zhang also said makers of smart wearable devices should work with more gym operators to become part of online or outside-the-gym scenarios to make fitness more sustainable.