China goes fitness crazy

Elderly Beijing residents do their morning exercises at a park

BEIJING, China (CNN) -- A fitness revolution is sweeping the Chinese capital Beijing, as more and more urbanites discover the need to ward off the flab, relieve stress and build self-esteem.

Among the most popular ways to work out is "jianzi" -- a traditional sport with similarities to the American 'Hacky Sac' that is putting balance in the lives of many Chinese.

"Now our lives are getting better, we're eating better, but we're also getting more chronic illnesses," says retired worker Teng Jiaying. "Playing the 'jianzi" is good for your eyes, neck, legs and waist."

"People feel more pressure at work because of fierce competition. So the old and the young have started working out."

That's a revolution of sorts in a nation where working out used to simply mean laboring in the fields, factories and offices.

CNN NewsPass VIDEO Droves of Chinese urbanites are hitting the gym as the fitness craze overtakes China. CNN's Jaime FlorCruz reports. Play video

"I think that any society as it moves towards a more sedentary lifestyle and less bikes and more subways and more buses and more cars and taxis, people are exercising less on a more frequent basis," says Tomer Rothschild, chief representative at Bally's Total Fitness.

Those who can afford the average $50 monthly membership fee at a Beijing fitness center pump their bodies in group aerobics and one-on-one sessions with personal trainers.

"I joined this gym because they advocate scientific workout guided by personal trainers. Working out with others also creates a good atmosphere," a middle-aged gym-goer told CNN.

Olympic boost

In China, 60 percent of fitness fanatics are women.

"Women are here because I think women in China these days are really focused on keeping their bodies, you know, nice and fit," says Rothschild.

"Chinese women have become not very big but they become energetic, look stronger. That's I think the modern ladies trend," says a female trainer at Bally's.

Fitness fans who don't want to spend money go to public parks where a workout is free and more leisurely -- part of Beijing's campaign to popularize fitness as it prepares to host the 2008 Olympics.

Even senior citizens are stepping up, choosing traditional forms, like the "yangge" group dancing -- China's answer to the Macarena.

In the neighborhood gathering, they meet friends and have fun while keeping in shape.

But the growing Chinese interest in working out goes deeper than just following a Western fad.

With China's headlong rush to development Beijingers are facing new challenges and as part of their new lifestyle for many health and fitness concerns are becoming increasingly important.