台灣健身運動的興起及健身風潮的解讀

陳韻如　吳欣儒

The economic recession is still raging on in Taiwan, but we are already noticing an interesting phenomenon: one of the only few industries that are still money-making is that of ‘sports-wear.’ Even an international fashion design company, such as Chanel, is starting to sell sporty clothes, which tells us that the main fad these days is ‘sports.” As for sports brands, Nike for instance is now putting its focus on clothes and equipments suitable for work-out at gyms. In fact, “gyms” and “fitness centers” are becoming favorites for a lot of people. 

With the increase of national income, the enhancement of the living standard, and the policy of five-day work week, gyms and fitness centers have become one of the most important locations for modern people; we could tell form the rapid increase of gyms in the recent years.

But, gyms have already existed in Taiwan for more than 20 years. Why would the market and the mental state of people suddenly change after world-known fitness centers, such as California Fitness Center, set up branches in Taiwan? The present research paper aims to examine the differences between old and newly-established gyms, the introduction of the concepts of fitness (in contrast to exercise and sports) to the Taiwanese population, and the explanation of the “newly-emerged fitness-class.”