Keep Fit Fever

Nowadays in Chinese first-tier cities, bodybuilding, body shaping and weight management classes are popular, especially among the middle class. Gymnasiums large and small occupy prime locations in city centers. Young people in good shape are regarded as having self-control and health awareness, and are more likely to land a decent job, get promoted and have good luck on the dating market. According to a report titled Trends in Health & Wellness – China 2017 released by Mintel, a British market research firm, emotional well-being is the key reason why Chinese do sports, with vanity and fun not cited as major motivations. Specifically, 64 percent of Chinese exercise for health, 44 percent to get fit and 39 percent to help with mental well-being. Sociologists argue that a healthy body and slender figure deserve appreciation, but the standards of beauty driven by advertising and practical considerations run counter to the original intentions of keeping fit.