From balance beam to screen

Science-based fitness

As a project developed under the guidance of the General Administration of Sport of China, the drama places scientific accuracy at its core. All exercise routines and dietary concepts were reviewed by experts, while actors received instruction from professional trainers. The production team also released a handbook on scientific weight management, designed as a viewing guide with plot-linked Q&A sections to help audiences better understand key principles of exercise and nutrition.

Guan said this "micro-drama plus guide" model reflects a deliberate effort to connect entertainment with public education.

"Traditional fitness content often struggles to keep audiences engaged, while story-driven formats can deliver knowledge in a more accessible and effective way," she said.

According to DataEye, a company specializing in global digital content marketing, the total output value of China's micro-drama industry reached 100 billion yuan ($14.35 billion) in 2025 — about twice the country's annual box office revenue.

With their fast-paced storytelling and strong emotional appeal, micro-dramas are seen as a natural fit for sports content, Guan added, as sports narratives often come with clear goals, intense competition, and inspirational turning points.

Policy support has further accelerated this trend. In September 2025, the General Office of the State Council issued guidelines on unlocking the potential of sports consumption and promoting the high-quality development of the sports industry.

For the first time, the document proposed a creative initiative encouraging people to exercise with micro-dramas and train with top athletes to promote scientific fitness and wider public participation in sports.

Guided by national policies and growing market demand, Guan believes sports-themed micro-dramas could become a new bridge between professional athletics and the public.

"If successfully developed, this integration could deliver benefits across multiple sectors — boosting the sports industry, expanding the digital content market, and promoting public fitness at the same time," she said.

Appearing in a micro-drama has also reshaped Guan's understanding of the social role of athletes. "I now view sports professionals not only as competitors, but also as advocates for scientific fitness," she said.

Looking ahead, Guan plans to continue promoting healthy exercise through short-form video content and school outreach programs, aiming to make practical, accessible fitness knowledge available to more young people.