Chongqing - People's Daily released the "2022 National Fitness Trends Report," listing Chongqing as one of the "top 10 cities with the most sports vitality in China." 

The ten cities were outstanding for their fitness participation, workout schedules, and environment. Making a list indicates Chongqing's fitness industry has grown significantly. Over the last few years, Chongqing's sports consumption has expanded and diversified owing to the growing popularity of fitness among the public. 

The growing trend of public fitness

August 8 was China's 14th "National Fitness Day," and many parents brought their children to buy sporting equipment in Chongqing. Liu Dayu, a sports fan who spent more than 10,000 yuan (about 1,500 dollars) on sports equipment in 2021, bought bicycles, helmets, and other sporting goods for her children and a badminton racket for herself.

Of the 50 residents interviewed, more than 90% reported an increase in sports expenditures. According to the public fitness and consumption report released last year, the annual consumption of fitness per person in China has increased by 35% compared to 2020.

Niche sports go viral

The development of public fitness and social media has led to the popularity of niche sports in Chongqing, such as flag football, frisbee, figure skating, street dancing, and rock climbing. 

A strong social component of ultimate frisbee propelled it to viral status in March this year. From hundreds of enthusiasts to tens of thousands, frisbee has grown tremendously.

"We have 10 to 12 sports events weekly, with venues all over the central districts. Even so, the spots are in short supply," said Xianwen, founder of the Fog City Frisbee Club.

"Besides being easy and safe for beginners, emerging sports such as frisbee and rock climbing can also be fun and social," fitness expert Guo Chun said. Guo also believes that the development of emerging sports could motivate more people to participate in physical activities, expanding the connotation and broadening the breadth of the public fitness movement.

Sports venues increased

On August 3, Bai Yu, a 60-year-old resident, was doing parallel bars one-arm support in Gailanxi Sports Park. His perfect form and incredible physique made him appear decades younger. "After the construction of this sports park, it only takes a 5-minute walk to do exercise. It is so convenient!" Bai Yu said.

"It is necessary to solve the issue of 'where to exercise' to improve public fitness," said Du Xueyong, the deputy director of Chongqing Sports Bureau. After years of effort, the problem has been solved. In the past few years, Chongqing made full use of the corners of the city to build more than a hundred community sports and cultural parks. Sixty-nine large sports venues, including the Chongqing Olympic Sports Center, are free or low-cost to the public.

According to statistics, there are currently 136,600 sports venues in Chongqing, covering an area of 66.75 million square meters. During the "13th Five-Year Plan" period, the number of participants in physical exercise in the city increased from 43.28% to 47.6 %. Moreover, 92.7% of Chongqing residents have passed the national physical fitness test, which is significantly higher than the national average.