Radio calisthenics extravaganza gets the blood pumping ahead of this week's National Fitness Day celebrations

China's annual National Fitness Day returns on Thursday, with the nation getting into shape like never before.

As a warm-up for the celebration, a demonstration of radio calisthenics－synchronized group exercise performed to broadcast music or instruction－was staged in Xi'an, Shaanxi province, last Saturday, attracting 52 teams from across the country.

While not exactly a competition, prizes were handed out to the most impressive teams, while a 780-strong performance during the opening ceremony was a memorable highlight of the day.

Since April, the General Administration of Sport of China has been promoting radio calisthenics in schools and workplaces nationwide.

The aim is to make the group activity a daily choice for all walks of life and age groups, but especially for students and office workers whose shoulders and necks often require relief from long hours of desk work.

The project also fits into the National Fitness Program for 2016-20, aimed at encouraging 700 million Chinese to exercise at least once a week.

To build on the momentum, organizers will also be promoting other activities either side of National Fitness Day.

"The reason why we launched the radio calisthenics activity is to heat up the passion for the National Fitness Program," said Gou Zhongwen, director of the General Administration of Sport of China.

"We hope residents of both urban and rural areas get motivated to get involved in sports. Ideally, everyone will have one or two sports that they do on a regular basis and it becomes a habit."

Local office worker Ai Jing was one of the thousands of enthusiastic participants over the weekend.

"My office organizes radio calisthenics exercise twice a day at 10 in the morning and 4 in the afternoon," said Ai. "It's not compulsory, but most of my colleagues will participate as long as they have time ...even my boss.

"Because I do desk work, I feel such exercise is absolutely necessary. After sitting there for long hours, it's a great way to relax my back, neck and waist. Apart from the radio calisthenics, I also jog each night and go to the gym if I have time on weekends."

Two former Olympic champions also lent their support in Xi'an over the weekend－table tennis great Wang Liqin and shooting star Guo Wenjun.

"In the past for me, sport was all about winning honors for my country, but sport is not just about winning medals," said Wang, who is now vice-chairman of the Chinese Table Tennis Association.

"More importantly, it's about leveling up the overall health of people. We should actively promote the scientific idea of doing sports. We still have a lot to do in the future.

"The radio calisthenics performance at the opening ceremony was amazing and all the teams were so energetic.

"With the development of China's economy and the improvement in living standards, people are paying more attention to their health.

"I hope more pro athletes will use their influence. They should reach out to the community and schools to promote the idea of doing sports scientifically and share their knowledge and professional advice with people."

Xi'an native Guo, who won gold in the women's 10-meter air pistol at the 2008 and 2012 Olympics, said: "Apart from shooting, I like swimming and I also do some strength training in the gym when I have time.

"I did radio calisthenics when I was in school for many years. It can be seen everywhere in China and it suits everyone, even kids.

"This activity creates a great atmosphere. It's great exercise but it's also a wonderful performance for people to watch."

SHI FUTIAN in Xi'an