Nowadays, in South Korea, every age group is focusing on exercise. Recently, there have been newly-coined phrases related to working out like ‘Helchang’, one who was poisoned in the fitness center and ‘Sanlini’, a hiking beginner. Now that a large portion of the population is hitting the gym regularly we can distinguish between various workout cultures. CBT reporter will focus on the workout trend of those in their 20s and 30s.
  In South Korea, the workout boom became noticeable because of the broadcast media and product sales of sports brands. Most people have heard about the exercise broadcast media, ‘Hip-Eutteum’, ‘Physical Gallery’ and ‘Un-Dong-Tung’.  In Un-Dong-Tung, there was a spike in awareness when a comedian named Kim Min-kyung indulged in lots of exercise. The main idea is that the public has become enthusiastic about the comedian’s values, working out first for the luxury of eating a delicious meal later all while maintaining healthy strength. She exercises for her personal benefit, not for losing weight. This is the case for the majority of 20- and 30-somethings.
  Also, people could confirm the rise in workout culture by product sales of sports brands, ‘Xexymix’ and ‘Lululemon’. Recently, these brands have increased their profits because people wear leggings regardless of their kind of exercise. The ‘Brandxg’, company of Xexymix recorded a turnover of 40.139 billion won in the third quarter of this year. Its sales rose 93% compared to last year. Also, business profits increased by 15.8%, to 3.49 billion won.
  The workout trend of those in their 20s and 30s show a self-expansion from record, relationship and experience. First, they leave workout records via photos or applications. A representative application is ‘Nike Run Club’. According to this app, people can get an exercise coach and keep track of their actual walking locations. In fact, this April the users of this app increased by 150% compared to last year.
  Second, they hope to work out together with other people, building up relationships. Therefore, people form a ‘crew’ and exercise together while forming friendships. If they have a get-together, the drinks are free.
  Park So Eun (a student of Dongguk University), who enjoys exercise said “Nike Run Club is an excellent way of sharing. This app could share how long I run and the scenery of the actual places. Also, it gives the running level by speed and distance. Therefore, I could get a sense of accomplishment and build more interest. Also, it’s different running alone and running with crew members. I think this is because if I run with others, I couldn’t stop running despite the backbreaking workout. Especially so, in the case where my crew members cry out our crew chant to encourage me.  At that moment, I recharge my energy. I prefer running with crew members because of the synergy effect. I am one of those people who think working out is necessary for humans. Having a workout is the same as breathing.  I have engraved this slogan in my heart: ’Healthy body, healthy mind.’ Whenever I behave indolent or feel depressed I immediately try to get out and get moving. If I run until I am out of breath, all of my distress is gone. That’s why I am doomed to exercise.” This student is making the best use of the 20- and 30-something workout trend.
  Finally, they want to have various experiences through workout. Thus, they prefer Flying Yoga or Pilates, using apparatus rather than normal Yoga. No Kyung-mi director of New York Pilates in Changwon said “The reason why lots of people in their 20s and 30s participate in Pilates is SNS. They hope that ‘I want to experience being a Celebrity.’ Compared to before COVID-19, the price of Pilates decreases, and this workout has become more popular. Also, Yoga is usually offered for groups of 20 to 30, but people prefer a smaller scale of Pilates. While Yoga focuses on the mind Pilates focuses on the body. Thus, it’s easy to keep a balance. Also, using apparatus is a merit for those in their 20s and 30s. I applaud those in their 20s and 30s who start working out early in their lives. Modern civilization has had a largely negative effect on our bodies, but working out may remedy many of the issues very quickly, so it was a very good phenomenon. People get great satisfaction and feel alive because they are doing exercise.”
  This workout trend, of people in their 20’s and 30’s, is one of the few positive aspects of SNS, where people learn about workout and sharing it via SNS leading to a feeling self-achievement and satisfaction. It has the effect that quality of life is improved. This is why people in their 20s and 30s steadily exercise even though they lead a busy life.  CBT sincerely hopes that people will try working out after reading this article.

By Hong Soo-min
sm41@cbnu.ac.kr