A 24-hour container gym pictured in Hohhot, North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region on May 15. [Photo/saibeinews]

Shaped like shipping containers, 24-hour mini gyms have been sprouting up in Hohhot, North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region over the past several months.

The gyms measure 36 square meters and are equipped with multifunctional equipment, such as dumbbells, treadmills and weight machines.

Users can work out in the gym any time of day simply by scanning a QR code using the WeChat app.

“The gyms are mainly situated in residential communities, offering round-the-clock access to users of all ages,” said Zhang Yu, head of Inner Mongolia Datong Intelligent Technology Ltd.

According to Zhang, using the gym costs just 9.9 yuan per hour and it is able to accommodate six people at a time.

Wang Jie, a local fitness enthusiast, said that he finds it very convenient to exercise after work because the gyms are located in convenient places.  

He added that the mini-gyms are significantly cheaper than conventional fitness centers.   

Besides their low cost and 24-hour access, the gyms also offer professional instructions for beginners.

Zhang said that the company plans to open 300 such units in the future. 

He noted that the introduction of the mini gyms could create a fitness fad among urban residents. 

With the rising national interest in keeping fit, these gyms have a huge market potential, he added.

The mini gyms are kitted out with multifunctional equipment, such as dumbbells, treadmills and weight machines. [Photo/saibeinews]