Firm presence

Women are now willing to pay more for fitness programs to keep in shape.

The 2022 China Fitness Industry Data Report compiled by Shanghai University of Sport's economics and management school said women accounted for 62 percent of those buying fitness programs.

Liu Xu, who is in charge of user management at Hilefit, said women clients surpassed their male counterparts by accounting for 57 percent of paid tuition during Spring Festival.

In general, female fitness enthusiasts are more proactive than males in seeking private coaching, especially for weight loss and body shaping, Liu said.

"Investing in themselves, diverse needs, and pursuing strength have become new trends in female fitness," he added.

Liu said that on average, female fitness fans exercise 25 percent more than their male counterparts.

Demand for muscle building, mixed martial arts, and postpartum recovery has grown noticeably at Hilefit.

Younger female fitness enthusiasts are more conscientious about exercising than those who are older.

Liu said women born after 1995 account for nearly 50 percent of the paid courses offered by Hilefit.

"Our female clients aged 16 to 20 use a body analyzer every five days on average to comprehensively assess various indicators of their bodies. Parameters such as body fat percentage, body water content, basal metabolic rate, and waist-to-hip ratio are their major focus," Liu added.