China’s CrossFit explosion down to Xi Jinping and the ‘lucky’ alignment with fighting chronic disease

There are countless horror stories of people trying to open CrossFit gyms across North America and failing miserably.

Those looking to realise dreams of promoting health and fitness are met by scepticism and dismissiveness from local banks, hesitant to lend money to unproven membership-based business models, and bureaucratic governments.

Perilous journeys where life savings are sunk and red tape has crushed entrepreneurs looking to open a “box”, as the gyms are referred to. A recent International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association found there was an 80 per cent fail rate in the first year for boutique gyms or studios.

While CrossFit has gained attention and traction through the CrossFit Games, it remains on the fringes of mainstream culture, and acceptance is still miles off in most Western nations where the fitness industry is still largely controlled by a variety of major players including 24 Hour Fitness, Anytime Fitness, Equinox and Gold’s Gym.

CrossFit enthusiasts in China do not seem to have any of these problems when it comes to opening local boxes.