Program launched

In 2017, Hilefit launched a program aimed at those wanting to take exercise a step further. The program covers sports theories and practical skills, and participants can lead a class if they meet certain standards.

For example, Wang Zixiang, 30, from Shenzhen, Guangdong province, passed the Fat Burner class test in May to become a Hilefit class trainer.

He was attracted to a group training class in 2021 after discovering that a friend with a weight problem had got back in shape.

"I hadn't seen him for a while, and was surprised to learn he had been taking a group training class at Hilefit," Wang said.

Wasting no time, Wang signed up for a session, and was immediately impressed by the trainer's energy on stage.

Wang even quit his job at a private equity company to find less stressful work at a coffee shop so he could better concentrate on losing weight and improving his health.

"My work at the equity company involved a lot of socializing, and I put on a lot of weight, but this served to rekindle my passion for a healthy lifestyle," he added.

At school, Wang loved playing soccer, and he has also tried his hand at diving and boxing. However, he felt hampered by his sedentary lifestyle.

"I had difficulty keeping up with the training class at first, even when lifting the lightest barbell, and my body ached afterward," he said, adding that this encouraged him to keep going.

After a month, he no longer ached, and Wang said his trainer's words of encouragement motivated him.

"It was clear that my stamina and cardiopulmonary strength had improved," he said.

After 18 months of exercise, Wang decided to become a trainer. "I consider myself a person who likes to commit fully to whatever I get involved in," he said.

Wang took 10 private classes, during which he realized that a trainer needs to control the pace and atmosphere of a session.

"You have to ensure that everyone is up to speed and avoids injury. You also need to be positive, no matter whether your stocks have just plummeted, or you have gone through a tough romantic breakup," he said.

Now taking two group classes a day at Hilefit stores about 50 kilometers from each other, Wang said he greatly enjoys his new routine.

"I need to set an example for my students, so I have to be self-disciplined in terms of diet and exercise," he said.

He arrives an hour before his class to exercise on his own, and to date, Wang has lost more than 20 kilograms. His students, who have given him positive feedback, follow his instructions carefully.

Wang's experience as a trainer has also inspired him to keep challenging himself. "I'll try to enter more competitions to hone my skills and work my way up to take bigger classes," he said.

Wang is one of many who have joined professional training sessions offered by tech-powered gyms.

Xia, the Hilefit cofounder, said the company conducted more than 2,000 training sessions in 2021, which attracted 30,000 participants.

Since being founded in 2015, Hilefit has produced more than 300 trainers. These trainers have helped coach prospective part-time fitness instructors who have gone on to open their own gyms, Xia added.

Supermonkey and Keep have also introduced career development options for their part-time trainers.

Last year, Chen Danqin, who comes from Hangzhou, capital of Zhejiang province, attracted online attention when she won the Body Combat category in The One competition. Chen, who trained at Hilefit, said, "Being a trainer has enabled me to continue my self-development, tap my potential, and try something I never dreamed of."

She attributes her progress to the encouragement received from her fellow trainers and followers.

Xia, who believes the rise of part-time trainers is good news for the fitness industry, said, "It means more professionals are joining this field."

As many part-time trainers have advanced educational backgrounds, they have brought more possibilities to the sector.