Online platforms offer enthusiasts more choices for sports events
Fitness enthusiasts in China are experiencing a change in sports habits thanks to the fast development of online platforms and the use of smart technologies.
These enthusiasts now wear smart gadgets to track body reaction during workouts, they make personalized fitness plans on smart apps, and familiarize themselves with smart fitness equipment.
What is more impressive for me is that I can acquire a range of data about my body after I finish the training, which is very useful for adjusting my training plans to a more scientific approach.
Liu Yuhua, 76-year-old resident of Wudi county, Shandong province
A newly opened smart running track at Beijing's Olympic Forest Park, a favorite destination for local running enthusiasts, is a good example how smart technologies are upgrading the public's sports experience.
Runners on the track acquire a range of data, including information about those currently using the track, real-time temperature and weather reports, and instructions about running. The data is presented on smart interactive screens alongside the track, which opened to the public early last month.
The track is also linked to an app that can be installed on smartphones and other portable devices. Runners using the app receive instructions, such as suggested running speeds and the right time to rest or drink water.
Runners on the track also take part in online challenges relating to different distances and particular difficulties.
After signing up for the challenges on the app, they choose the time they want to start. The athletes' results are uploaded online for comparison with others, and participants receive medals for outstanding results.
Zhao Xi, a senior vice-president at mobile fitness app Keep, a co-developer of the smart track, said, "From the very start of design work for the track, to the day it opened, our principle has been to prioritize runners' needs.
"By using innovative technologies and refining hardware and software services, we have given the track a comprehensive upgrade to make it smarter. Runners now enjoy online guidance, real-time tracking for training, and interact with smart screens alongside the track."
Along with residents of the nations' major metropolises, those in smaller cities and rural areas are enjoying quality fitness equipment thanks to smart technologies.
For example, new sets of smart equipment were recently installed at a mass fitness and sports center in Wudi county, Shandong province. Before exercising, users watch video instructions on the equipment, which also tracks their physical data and provides scientific suggestions. Much of this new equipment is recharged through solar power.
Liu Yuhua, a 76-year-old local resident who regularly visits the center, told China Sports Daily: "It's really convenient to use this equipment. We watch the fitness instruction video first and then follow it to complete our exercises.
"What is more impressive for me is that I can acquire a range of data about my body after I finish the training, which is very useful for adjusting my training plans to a more scientific approach."
According to the local sports bureau, the authorities in Wudi spent 1 million yuan ($144,000) last year on 700 sets of smart equipment to upgrade fitness venues in 138 villages. This upgrading will continue, as the local government aims for residents to have a location for quality fitness workouts within 10 minutes of their homes.
A woman follows online training of a fitness influencer at home in Beijing in April. (PHOTO PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)
According to the 2022 National Fitness Trend Report published by the General Administration of Sport of China, or GASC, taking physical exercise with the assistance of smart equipment and portable physical data trackers has become a new fitness trend in China.
Some 35 percent of interviewees for the report believe that digital rewards such as online rankings or medals provided by smart equipment are more encouraging than constant reminders from sports clubs about the need to continue exercising. Many of these respondents want to share the digital rewards they earn with others to encourage them to embrace sports and fitness.
Wang Xueli, director of Tsinghua University's Center for Development of Sports Industry, said: "Smart and interactive fitness equipment is increasingly entering our lives. For example, much of this equipment provides instruction videos. There are also sensors to track body movements and physical reaction, which monitor our speed, strength and agility.
"This equipment allows people to learn more about their weak spots during physical exercise, and they can receive professional suggestions. Most important, it guarantees sports safety and helps avoid injuries.
"A lot of this smart technology is being used in professional sports, and now it is increasingly entering the public domain."
Going online
Thanks to the fast development of online platforms, fitness enthusiasts in China now have more choices for sports events through joining online competitions, which have become a new trend since the COVID-19 pandemic emerged in early 2020.
To celebrate the 14th National Fitness Day on Aug 8, online challenges organized by the GASC were held nationwide from late April.
More than 100 online sports events were organized during this time, with support from over 50 platforms. By last month, some 12 million people had taken part in these events, with 2.7 million participants awarded certificates in recognition of their achievements.
In addition to everyday fitness enthusiasts, online challenges have attracted Chinese Olympic and world champions, including short-track speed skating Olympic champion Wu Dajing, Olympic weightlifting champion Lyu Xiaojun and women's shot put star Gong Lijiao.
China’s first National Ultimate Frisbee League kicked off in Xi’an, Shaanxi province, on Aug 6, attracting some 400 players. (PHOTO / XINHUA)
Along with traditional online challenges such as running, cycling and rope skipping, other sports, including Frisbee, ice and snow events, have been added to the online challenges.
The 2022 National Triathlon Online Challenges, held from Aug 8 to 21, are one example of these challenges. Participants, who signed up on smart apps, chose to complete the 51.5km or 25.75km challenges by running, swimming and cycling. The results were uploaded online for comparison with other participants, and those who completed the challenges were awarded digital medals and given the chance to win national team sportswear.
The GASC also organized an online fitness carnival from Aug 8 to 31, which included challenges such as skateboarding, rope skipping and soccer juggling. Participants simply needed to film their actions and upload them online to complete the challenge.
Ding Dong, an official at the GASC, said: "Despite the pandemic, the national online fitness challenges can attract and motivate more people to take part in sports and embrace fitness. There are no time or location limits, so participants can join these challenges anywhere and at anytime they want."
Exercising at home by following online workout videos or live broadcasts is also becoming popular in China. Compared with going to crowded gyms, many people are following online trainers at home, especially during the pandemic.
According to a report from the short-video platform Douyin in March, the number of fitness videos on the platform last year rose by 134 percent year-on-year, while the number of content creators for these videos rose by 39 percent. Compared with the previous year, there was a 208 percent rise in the number of followers of these online fitness trainers.
Revenue from live fitness broadcasts on Douyin rose by 141 percent year-on-year, and the growing passion for exercising at home resulted in fast sales growth for some equipment.
According to the 2022 Spring-Summer Sports and Fitness Consumption Trend Report published by the Jingdong Institute of Consumer and Industrial Development, sales of yoga and dance products have risen rapidly since March.
Sales of yoga stretchers grew by 868 percent, yoga shoes by 816 percent, and yoga bags by 104 percent.
The 2022 China Online Fitness Industry Development Report released by the Intelligence Research Group shows that the market scale of the nation's online fitness sector saw 36.2 percent growth in 2020, and its market value reached 369.7 billion yuan.
Ding said: "With more people attracted to fitness and sports, habits are changing. Many people are getting used to finishing their training through online platforms, and are relying more on them.
"The platforms also function as traditional clubs and sports organizations. People use them to organize events, share information, and to communicate. We hope these online events and platforms can help more people get into the habit of doing sports and exercising."
The fast growth of the smart and online fitness sectors in China is the result of efforts made by the nation over the years.
Such commitment was underlined when the revised Law on Physical Culture and Sports, based on the original version enacted in 1995, was passed at a June session of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, China's top legislature. The revised legislation will take effect from Jan 1.
National fitness is a key focus of the revised law, which stipulates that local governments are responsible for providing sports facilities and activities, and that a sports adviser system be promoted nationwide.
The law also states that the nation should guarantee fair participation in sports for all people, especially juveniles, women, the elderly and those with disabilities.
