Sweaty Workout Selfies Are A Now A Thing In China
If you go to the gym, but don't take a selfie, did you really even really work out?
Social media can be a breeding ground for body shaming and hurtful, unsolicited comments. When you're trying to get fit, trends like the 'A4' Waist Challenge are some of the most damaging things to come across your feed. Whether you prefer a quick and intense workout or a longer form of exercise, you've probably snapped a sweat-soaked photo after a heart-pounding training session. Post-workout selfies seem like the ultimate humblebrag, but in China, they're helping to build a community that has honest and inspiring conversation about health and fitness.
Obesity and diabetes are affecting people in China at an alarming rate, but post-workout selfies are helping to raise awareness about health and fitness.
A Chinese fitness app called Keep is encouraging people to get their sweat on. The app, which features a informational posts, workout routines and a photo sharing component, attracted 30 million engaged users within 15 months after its launch.
Joining the #FitFam is becoming more popular than buying luxury products.
One of the apps more popular users, Susan Du, has found that fitness has become a trend in China.
"This is a new trend, a fashion in China. Before no one paid any attention. Now, almost everyone whether fat or skinny is thinking of exercise," said the 30-year-old teacher whose Keep app photos have been viewed by 27,000 followers.
A study from the city of Tianjin found that 70 percent of the 7,603 participants were overweight or obese.
As a result, China's sports industry is booming. Zurich-based financial services group Credit Suisse Group AG estimates that it will expand to 3 trillion yuan by 2025.
More importantly, this community-based approach to fitness is changing the perception of beauty and health in China.
"This has changed a lot of girls opinions," said Du. "They are strong and sexy, according to the Western style."
Share your sweaty selfies with pride. You never know who you might be inspiring.