The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the critical role of the sports and fitness industry and has led to its growth following periods of social distancing. With a significant increase in health consciousness among the Vietnamese community and a focus on improving health amidst the ongoing threat of the pandemic, the fitness and health industry is experiencing a transformative shift. Exercise has become an integral part of daily life for many individuals, and as the economy develops, it has become an expenditure and investment with numerous physical and mental benefits. The “Sports and Fitness in Vietnam” report from Statista provides valuable insights into recent changes in Vietnam’s sports and fitness landscape.
I.Exercise Behaviors
According to the General Statistics Office of Vietnam, the arts, entertainment, and recreation sector contributed 0.57% to the country’s GDP in 2020, amounting to 35.57 trillion VND. In December 2020, a survey was conducted among 600 Vietnamese individuals aged 18 and older to gain insights into their exercise behavior. The survey revealed that 44% of respondents exercise regularly, while 19% exercise very little or not at all.
II.Spending on Exercise
Another survey conducted by Q&Me in May 2021 aimed to understand spending patterns on exercise among Vietnamese individuals. The survey involved 1,406 respondents, and the results indicated that 72% of participants paid for their exercise activities, while 28% practiced for free. Among those who paid, 32% spent less than 300,000 VND per month, 26% spent between 300,000 and 500,000 VND per month, 7% spent between 500,000 and 700,000 VND per month, and 6% spent more than 700,000 VND per month.
III.Sport and Fitness Training
Fitness exercises emerged as the most popular form of exercise, accounting for 85% of respondents. Walking (66%), jogging (61%), cycling (38%), bodybuilding (33%), and other outdoor activities (28%) were the most favored fitness activities. In terms of sports, football (56%), badminton (53%), volleyball (37%), swimming (34%), and other sports (23%) were the top choices. Martial arts, including Taekwondo, Karate, Boxing, Vovina, and Muay Thai, accounted for 11% of respondents’ exercise preferences.
IV.Health and Fitness Clubs
When it comes to fitness locations, public areas such as parks were the most popular, selected by 46% of respondents. Local gyms accounted for 33% of choices, while sports centers/community rooms (7%), gym chains (6%), specialized classrooms/gymnasiums (3%), and guest places (4%) were also mentioned. The leading fitness gym brands in Vietnam in 2021, based on the number of studios, include California Fitness & Yoga (36%), Curves (27%), Olympia Vietnam (15%), Elite Fitness (14%), City Gym (7%), Fit24 – Fit for Life (5%), Body fit (3%), Gym Newlife (2%), MMA Gym (2%), and V-shape Gym (2%).
V.Online Sports and Fitness
The internet has provided Vietnamese individuals with easy access to sports and fitness content. The survey results revealed that 57% of respondents watch everyday workout lessons online, while coaching for specific body parts and healthy diet content were equally popular, with 44% of respondents expressing interest. YouTube was the most-watched platform, preferred by 78% of respondents, followed by Facebook (40%), health and fitness TV programs (29%), online news/magazines (23%), and specialized websites for courses and lessons (18%).
VI.Wearables
Wearable technology, modern equipment, and online instructions have contributed to the rise of home-based exercise, even during times when the epidemic is under control. Smartwatches have gained popularity among Vietnamese individuals for tracking sports activities and monitoring health. In a survey conducted in August 2019, 53% of respondents did not own a wearable device, 28% owned a smartwatch, 11% owned a fitness/activity tracker, and 8% owned both a smartwatch and a fitness/activity tracker.
VII.Food and Nutrition Trends
Apart from exercise, Vietnamese individuals focus on non-exercise actions to improve their physical well-being. Eating a healthy diet (60%), drinking more water and fewer sugary drinks (54%), sleeping early (51%), paying attention to food nutrition (48%), and maintaining a healthy weight (46%) were among the practices adopted. Soy-based drinks constituted the majority (83%) of plant-based nutrition drinks in Vietnam in the third quarter of 2020, followed by rice-based drinks (6%) and other nut-based drinks (11%).
In conclusion, sports hold a vital place in the daily lives of Vietnamese individuals. There is a growing interest among people in the physical and mental benefits that sports offer, leading to increased investments in health and sports-related activities.
Key Points Summary
- The sports and fitness industry in Vietnam is witnessing significant growth and transformation due to increased health consciousness and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Fitness exercises, sports, and martial arts are popular among Vietnamese individuals, with fitness being the most favored form of exercise.
- Public areas, local gyms, and sports centers are the preferred venues for exercise activities in Vietnam.
- Online platforms, especially YouTube, play a crucial role in providing sports and fitness content to Vietnamese individuals.
- Wearable technology, such as smartwatches, has gained popularity for monitoring fitness activities and overall health.
- Non-exercise actions, including maintaining a healthy diet and practicing good nutrition habits, are considered important for physical well-being.
For further inquiries and details, please feel free to contact our Vietnam team.
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