In this undated file photo, retired Team China rhythmic gymnast Zhang Doudou poses for a photo. (PHOTO PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)

It's time to drop that smartphone, haul yourself off the sofa and get active! That's the message from some of China's prominent sports and entertainment stars as they do their bit to boost the nation's fitness.

Retired Team China rhythmic gymnast Zhang Doudou believes sports are especially important for career-focused urbanites, and says, beyond the obvious physical benefits, exercise makes her mentally stronger and more elegant.

"I started to practice rhythmic gymnastics when I was 8 years old. I was not a confident girl when I was little. I felt like a nobody, and even invisible to the other kids," Zhang told China Daily during a recent 'Fila Women' promotional activity to celebrate sportswear brand Fila's 110th anniversary.

Retired Team China rhythmic gymnast Zhang Doudou believed sports are especially important for career-focused urbanites, and said, beyond the obvious physical benefits, exercise makes her mentally stronger and more elegant

"But after I started to practice rhythmic gymnastics, I received lots of positive feedback and encouragement. That's when I felt I could also become the leading actor in the show of my life. I changed my mindset and developed a passion for sports that made me a different person."

The 24-year-old embarked on a new career as the coach of Shanxi provincial rhythmic gymnastics team, following her retirement from Team China in August, 2017.

Zhang said she's glad to see how sports influence and change the lives of the next generation of athletes in her squad.

"Now I have become a coach, and I have to think what is the best for each of my players. I need to listen to their goals and dreams, and help them to achieve what they want,"Zhang added.

"I really hope to encourage more people to have a healthier lifestyle through sports. Exercise can energize your body and burn fat, and sports are a great way to relax after working."

In this undated file photo, actress Jiang Shuying poses for a photo with a racket. (PHOTO PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)

Another idol espousing the virtues of healthy living is Jiang Shuying. Instantly recognizable as the sophisticated star of Shanghai-based TV show Nothing But 30, not so many fans are aware of the secrets behind Jiang's elegant appearance－a strict sports training schedule and her childhood love of rhythmic gymnastics.

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"Participating in sports has helped me to develop a more positive personality. I practiced rhythmic gymnastics for years, so I know what it takes to become an athlete and how the experience has changed me. The most important thing is perseverance," Jiang, Fila's new female brand ambassador, told China Daily in an exclusive interview.

"It was really tough for us at the municipal rhythmic gymnastics team. I remember I was the youngest one on the team. I also learned how to take care of myself and be independent. Each day I had to take classes and spend hours and hours training.

Participating in sports has helped me to develop a more positive personality. I practiced rhythmic gymnastics for years, so I know what it takes to become an athlete and how the experience has changed me. The most important thing is perseverance.

Jiang Shuying, actress and Fila's female brand ambassador

"The experience taught me a lot about perseverance. So now when I encounter difficulties, giving up is never an option for me. Sports improve me and allow me to enjoy a better lifestyle."

Jiang's acting career has proved to be no easier than those tough days with the gymnastics team, so keeping herself in perfect condition through her weekly exercise routine is paramount.

"I make sure to exercise at least three days a week, no matter how busy I am. I maintain the habit of doing aerobic exercise and now I have started to do more anaerobic workouts. Because of my acting career, I need to maintain a good physical and mental condition through doing sports," she said.

"Nowadays we need sports, especially for people who are facing pressure from work and their daily lives. Maybe after a day of working, people just want to sit down and play with their phones, but exercising or playing sports are more effective ways to relax.

"We need the passion for sports to deal with life's pressures. I want to be an example to encourage more people, especially the next generation, to embrace sports. By maintaining my fitness regime, others can then see how I have benefited from it.

Jiang added that the reason why she linked up with Fila was because of the beneficial effects sports have on people's lives. Founded in Italy in 1911, Fila was acquired by Chinese sportswear brand Anta in 2009.

After years of development, Fila reported an impressive 6.5 billion yuan (US$1 billion) revenue in the Chinese market for the first half of 2019. Fueled by Fila's success, Anta's annual revenue reached 35.5 billion yuan in 2020.

In this undated file photo, professional dancer Wang Yabin performed on stage. (PHOTO PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)

Professional dancer Wang Yabin is another eminent woman who recognizes the holistic value of sports and exercise.

"As a professional dancer, I am very busy with my career. But as long as I have time, I go swimming or do yoga, although nowadays I tend to give contact sports a miss because as a pro dancer I want to avoid injuries," Wang told China Daily.

Dancing and sports can help improve one's physical and mental health. They can boost people's confidence and are ways to express oneself to the world. One also learns how to cooperate with others in a team.

Wang Yabin, professional dancer

"But I really want to try a lot of different sports, such as snowboarding and equestrian. I also watch many sports matches when I have time, including basketball, golf and rhythmic gymnastics.

"Dancing and sports can help improve one's physical and mental health. They can boost people's confidence and are ways to express oneself to the world. One also learns how to cooperate with others in a team."

Wang also believes there's a lot more to exercise than just shedding weight and keeping fit. "Dancing is the highest form of art and it has a lot of similarities with sports," she said. "Through dancing, people can improve their physical fitness, their temperament and their appreciation of beauty and elegance."

Coach Zhang concurs.

"Sports have allowed me to learn the meaning of true beauty. A concept of rhythmic gymnastics is how to present your most beautiful and elegant side on stage. Why do so many girls want to participate in rhythmic gymnastics? It's because the sport offers them exactly what they want," said Zhang.

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"But don't get me wrong, being beautiful and elegant on stage still means you have to train very hard and make sacrifices. As an athlete you need to repeat the same move over and over again, and continue even after you fail. And you need to keep pushing yourself and tell yourself not to stop on the way to achieving your dream."