Demand for home fitness equipment skyrockets

Le Son from Hanoi’s Thanh Xuan District says he often goes to a gym for physical exercise. However, after Prime Ministerial Instruction 16/CT-TTg was issued to contain the spread of community transmission, he opted for working out at home. Nguyen Ngoc Huyen from Hanoi’s Dong Da District had the same idea as she mainly works online and had more free time during the social distancing period.

For many people, exercising is a good way to not only improve their health and keep in shape, but also relax and spend free time. Inspired by relatives and friends on social media, many people have decided to buy treadmills, on-site exercise bikes, hand weights and skipping ropes.

Sales are increasing with the rising demand. According to an owner of a sports shop on Nguyen Dinh Hoan Street in Hanoi’s Cau Giay District, male customers tend to buy multi-function weightlifting chairs at an average price of VND2 million, while female customers buy yoga mats at an average price of VND1 million. In addition to simple fitness equipment, there is also demand for items in higher price segments, such as treadmills and exercise bikes. Instead of selling equipment wholesale to gym centers, shops now sell products to individual buyers.

To meet the strong demand, many shops have shifted to online selling. In addition, they have introduced promotions, such as product discounts, free shipping and gifts.

Online shopping platforms have become more vibrant with the interest of customers in a variety of fitness accessories. These tools are sold at prices ranging from several hundred thousand to million Vietnamese dongs. In addition, workout sessions and classes are also available online, making it easy for people to exercise at home. Many gym and fitness centers are offering online courses for their members on video clips or livestreams.