Third National Physical Fitness Monitoring Summary and Recognition Conference Held in Chongqing
On November 4th, the third National Physical Fitness Monitoring Summary and Recognition Conference took place in Chongqing. On the same day, reports on local physical fitness monitoring were released in regions such as Shanghai and Chongqing.
Overview of National Physical Fitness Monitoring
The National Physical Fitness Monitoring is conducted every five years, targeting individuals aged 3 to 69 in China. This latest monitoring involved data from 459,184 participants across 31 provinces, including various indicators related to physical form, function, and fitness. The results reveal a mix of good news and concerns regarding the overall physical condition of the population.
Positive Trends in National Physical Fitness
Improvement Across All Demographics
One of the notable positives is that, compared to 2005, the qualification rate for physical fitness has improved across the board—regardless of age, gender, or urban-rural divides. Notably, there have been enhancements in strength and endurance among adults, as well as improved reaction times in the elderly. For instance, the physical fitness compliance rate for elderly individuals aged 60 to 69 in Shanghai reached an impressive 96.1%, the highest among all age groups.
Improvement in Youth Physical Fitness
Another positive note is the improvement in physical fitness among elementary and middle school students. Indicators such as morphologic development, nutritional status, and lung capacity have seen a positive turning point. However, in stark contrast, the physical condition of college students has significantly declined. Compared to 2005, male college students have shown a decline in key fitness indicators such as standing long jump, pull-ups, and 1,000-meter runs, while female college students’ results for standing long jump, sit-ups, and 800-meter runs are also notably lower than in 2005.
Concerns About Rising Obesity Rates
One of the most worrisome trends is the continuous increase in obesity and overweight rates across all age groups. Among middle-aged men aged 40 to 44, the average weight is around 70 kilograms, while men aged 45 to 49 have an average waist circumference of 86.5 centimeters. According to Wang Mei, a researcher at the National Sports Administration, the weight gain among the Chinese population in the past decade is comparable to the weight increase seen in the Western populace over the past 30 years.
Early Onset of Obesity and Associated Risks
Health education expert Yang Binghui from Fudan University indicates that modern individuals are experiencing obesity at younger ages, which can lead to serious health issues such as hypertension, arteriosclerosis, and coronary heart disease. For instance, the obesity rate among preschool children in Jiangsu has nearly doubled in the past decade. In Shanghai, young men aged 20 to 29 have averaged a weight increase of 2.8 kilograms over the last 11 years, highlighting a concerning trend in weight gain. Furthermore, the accumulation of fat around the waist poses a serious risk for developing diabetes.
Recommendations for Combating Obesity
Liu Xin, Director of the Physical Fitness Research and Health Guidance Center at the Shanghai Sports Science Research Institute, points out that many adults do not engage in regular exercise, and when they do, the intensity and duration are often insufficient. Liu suggests that middle-aged and young adults should learn from older generations and cultivate the habit of regular exercise. Ideally, individuals should aim for exercise three times a week. If that is not feasible, incorporating physical activity into daily routines, such as walking or cycling to work and avoiding elevators, is encouraged.
Yang Binghui recommends a routine for individuals in their twenties and thirties that includes aerobic exercises and moderate physical activities lasting about 30 minutes each session.
Focus on Strength and Flexibility Training
Despite the improvements noted in younger populations, flexibility and strength among middle-aged and older adults continue to decline. Wang Mei emphasizes the need for balanced fitness regimens that include not just aerobic exercises but also strength and flexibility training. To enhance strength, individuals can utilize dumbbells and resistance training equipment, while activities like tai chi and stretching exercises can boost flexibility.
Conclusion
The findings from the recent national physical fitness monitoring indicate a mix of progress and challenges facing the health of the Chinese population. By prioritizing balanced exercise routines and addressing growing obesity rates, there is a significant opportunity to improve public health outcomes for future generations.