Silver lining for China's fitness industry amid COVID-19 outbreak

A SILVER LINING IN THE CLOUD

The pandemic has been of particular concern for graduate students eager to make their first steps in the sports and fitness industry this year. But many analysts point out that there is a silver lining in the cloud, as China focuses on transforming itself into a leading sporting power.

An outline issued by the General Office of the State Council in 2019 revealed that China is highlighting the development of its sports industry, with the aim of it becoming one of the pillars that support the country's economic progress.

Wang Zhenyu, from Shanghai's Jiaotong University, expressed his confidence in the prospects of the industry, noting that sports tourism and fitness services would continue to expand.

As people embrace a higher quality of life, their personal fitness would come into greater focus, which could create a marketplace and new job opportunities for the industry, explained Zhang Fuli, principal of the Dalian University of Science and Technology.

"While industries like health and nutrition counseling emerge with rising health awareness, new careers like sports psychology will also come into our sight," Zhang said.

The industry is also looking for alternative talents to keep up with the trend. According to a fitness industry job-seeking website, gyms and fitness studios across China are looking for video directors and editors as they offer online sessions.

BRACE FOR THE NEW NORMAL

The COVID-19 pandemic has overturned normal commerce, and businesses are working to quickly find ways to offer services in order to brace for the post-lockdown period.

For Chai, as his fitness trainers take their sessions to the internet, they are facing more challenges adapting to the industry's new normal. "You need to be the real deal for the job."

"The pandemic has impacted many jobs and challenged humanity. But as long as people can quickly adjust from traditional ways with new technology, new jobs will be created," said Qu Wenyong from Heilongjiang University.

"As fitness becomes a rigid demand, new jobs should meet clients' needs and create value. If we can do it together, we can make a better industry," said Zhang Fuli.