Getting Fit: How in shape is China's fitness industry?

World
Europe

Traditional gyms in China are at a crossroads. The market for fitness is still there, but the whole industry seems to be transforming. We take a look at how many people are getting fit right in their very own homes.

The desire to look attractive is universal. And Chinese are now becoming more and more open to different fitness regimes believing that strong is the new sexy. And some are even bringing their gym home with them

LI FANGFEI FITNESS ENTHUSIAST "I was just hanging out before. Now, if I didn't work out today, I'd feel something was off."

Fangfei has a treadmill in her living-room. She says she loves the freedom of a private work out.

LI FANGFEI FITNESS ENTHUSIAST "If you go to a gym, you will feel pressure when others look at you. You can be yourself at home."

Spax, a service provider, is a one-stop shop for all things treadmill from equipment to live classes! It allows users to push themselves to the limit without having to leave their apartment. The company sees great potential in China's fitness industry, especially in home fitness.

MU YIKUN FOUNDER & CEO, SPAX "As for now, the sales volume of home fitness equipment, like treadmills and exercise bikes, is around five to six million units per year. We believe the number will double in the next two to three years."

And yet, these home-stayers still represent only a small portion of China's fitness population. Seeing the overall potential, there have been definite moves in the market of late like L Catterton, a private equity firm, which has invested in one of Chinese big fitness gym chains Will's.

FRANK ZHAO MANAGING DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS L CATTERTON ASIA "The overall industry is experiencing transformation. The customer side they become more savvy. They require more different kinds of varieties, solutions and products to meet their demand."

When many thought traditional fitness clubs were flagging, it's actually quite the opposite. Get this, the number of gyms across China rose to nearly 100-thousand last year, an increase of more than 30 percent in just 12 months.

FRANK ZHAO MANAGING DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS L CATTERTON ASIA "We see there is a big potential in term of market. We see there is a big gap in the capability and mindset. We think we can bring more value to this. That's why we came here."

So for these firms which are investing so heavily, where do they see the future?

MU YIKUN FOUNDER & CEO, SPAX "What we are doing is trying to inject new energy into the industry, no matter whether its the content or hardware. We want to let the users have fun."

Industry experts say China's fitness market is still quite immature compared to the West. They believe now is the time for detailed research and development to educate the country, and to refine specific tastes.