Originally published July 31 2005
SARS inspires growing number of Chinese to concentrate on physical health
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
After the scare of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), and with the increase in life expectancy and wages, China Daily reports more and more Chinese professionals are shelling out for gym memberships and concentrating on physical health as a way to battle illness.
An annual membership card, priced at 5,500 yuan (US$663), is definitely not small change for the 26-year-old who earns 2,500 yuan (US$300) a month.
But Wang says it is worth it.
"I cannot save much money as the salary is so low.
If I didn't spend the money here, I would probably spend it all on shopping," says Wang, wiping sweat on her forehead.
"I come here to be healthy," says Wang, proudly showing off her svelte body.
"You only have one life, one body."
With the increase in life expectancy and growing affluence, a rising number of Chinese people are paying special attention to health.
The SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) outbreak in 2003 was a loud wake-up call, making people suddenly realize the importance of prevention of illness through regular physical exercise.
That change in lifestyle is luring investors from home and abroad to cash in on the fitness fad.
Chain fitness centres and independent health clubs are mushrooming in large Chinese cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Dalian.
"As China continues to develop, there will be greater demand for fitness because as people enjoy more the success of what the economy brings, one of the things that comes along with that is a less physically-active lifestyle," says Ben Amante, vice-president of US-based Bally Total Fitness Corp.
"When I was here 10 years ago, there were not many cars, but there were a lot of traffic jams involving bicycles," Amante recalls in an interview with China Business Weekly.
People are in cars more, in offices more, basically sitting down more.
They'll need somewhere to go for physical exertion."
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