This year, the Chinese mainland's Greater Bay Area (GBA) has taken public fitness to the next level with AI-powered outdoor gyms along Guangzhou's Pearl River. What started as a free, 24/7 workout space has evolved into a data-driven 'outdoor fitness lab' that attracts tech buffs and health enthusiasts alike.
Step onto the professional smart running track, and sensors will calculate your calorie burn in real time. Try the self-powering equipment, which converts your kinetic energy into electricity to light up the park's LED displays. Across multiple activity zones – from youth-friendly obstacle courses to senior-friendly balance stations – everyone finds a spot tailored to their needs.
By leveraging AI and smart design, these outdoor gyms lower barriers to exercise and foster an inclusive approach to urban health. Local fitness authorities report that weekly visits have risen by more than 20% since the facilities opened earlier this year, with thousands of workouts logged every week.
Beyond the fitness metrics, residents say the visible feedback sparks motivation and builds community spirit. As you jog past glowing lights powered by your own movements, the link between personal health and environmental sustainability becomes crystal clear.
City planners in Shenzhen and Zhuhai are already drawing up plans to replicate this model, aiming to scale smart fitness labs across the GBA. This blend of technology and wellbeing underscores the region's push for high-quality, inclusive public services.
From real-time data to green energy, the GBA's AI-enhanced gyms are charting a new course for urban fitness – and the rest of the world is watching.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
