The Rise of At-Home Fitness and the Need for Quality Control

In Beijing, on July 22, 2025, children are shown playing badminton in a gymnasium. A new trend in China, known as "sports delivery," is gaining popularity among families. This service brings professional coaches directly to homes, offering customized workouts tailored to children's needs, whether for fitness, exam preparation, or simply for fun.

Mumu, a coach from a Beijing-based youth sports training center, noted a significant increase in bookings during the summer holidays, particularly from students preparing for physical education tests. These classes, costing 350 yuan ($49) per session, take place in open spaces near the students' homes. The physical test for secondary school entrance exams includes a mandatory 800-meter run and optional events like sit-ups, long jump, basketball, or badminton.

Wang Peng, an associate research fellow, highlights that "sports delivery" caters to personalized needs while offering convenience. It allows for customized training, such as focusing on a child's basketball skills while considering their overall fitness, avoiding the limitations of traditional, one-size-fits-all training.

Li Wangqiang, a fitness coach from Fujian Province, observed that many gym memberships were underutilized. Recognizing the time constraints faced by parents, he realized the potential of delivering fitness services directly to homes. In 2022, he began offering team-building workouts, which led to increased demand and his transition into a "sports delivery" provider. Demand peaks during summer holidays, with children and teens often training multiple times a week for physical exams.

Coaches offer flexible scheduling, saving time and energy for both parents and children, especially those with busy schedules. The success of "sports delivery" reflects the growth of the door-to-door service sector, which includes services like pet care, private cooking, and elderly assistance. Analysts predict the market size for at-home services to exceed 5 trillion yuan by 2027.

However, the rapid growth of "sports delivery" raises concerns about industry standards. Service quality varies, and consumer protection mechanisms are still developing. A resident in Hangzhou reported a knee injury to their child due to a coach's failure to correct posture.

To ensure sustainable growth, innovation must be balanced with oversight. Some coaches lack professional qualifications, and poorly designed courses may increase injury risks. The cost of door-to-door services can also be relatively high. Regulating the market by requiring professional certifications for coaches, establishing guidelines for course content, duration, and equipment safety, and implementing regular inspections and penalties for rule violations are essential.