Boulder, Colo. (September 7, 2017)—Active Interest Media (AIM, aimmedia.com) announced today that it has signed a Joint Venture agreement with China-based Summit Sports to launch IDEA Health & Fitness China. IDEA Health & Fitness China will hold its first major health and fitness convention in 2018.
China is currently experiencing a sharp uptick in obesity rates among, especially in children. In the last thirty years, childhood obesity rates have skyrocketed from approximately 1 per cent to 17 percent*. The health risks associated with obesity are well known, including hypertension, cardio vascular disease, and diabetes. Obesity not only severely diminishing ones’ quality of life, but places an increasing burden on the country’s health care system.
“There is a critical need for better information on health, nutrition, and fitness in China,” said Kim Paulsen, General Manager of AIM’s Healthy Living Group. “AIM/IDEA is recognized internationally as a world-leader in health and fitness content, training, certification, education, and events. We are thrilled to partner with Summit Sports to bring our experience in these areas to the Chinese market.”
“The fitness and health market is growing rapidly in China and is in urgent need of international resources and experience,” said Lionel Lu, Executive Director of Summit Sports. “Our cooperation with IDEA will deliver more global information into the Chinese market and will help people lead a healthier lifestyle. We look forward to working together to build the leading platform for the Chinese fitness and health industry”
China is one of the fastest growing health and fitness markets in the world. According to a 2016 report from IBIS World, the gym and fitness industry in China has grown at an annualized rate of 11.8% since 2011, and is set to generate close to $6 billion in revenue this year. China’s health and wellness market is projected to reach nearly $70 billion by 2020, according to a report from the Boston Consulting Group.
IDEA Health & Fitness China marks the first major expansion of AIM’s recently acquired IDEA Health & Fitness Association internationally. IDEA is the world’s leading organization of fitness and wellness professionals, and its annual IDEA World Convention is currently the largest fitness conference in the world.
The partnersip was introduced by Peter Twist, founder of TWIST Performance and Wellness based in Vancouver, BC. Twist is the head of performance coaching and rehabilitation for the Chinese Olympic Committee.
About Active Interest Media, Inc.
One of the world’s largest enthusiast media companies, Active Interest Media (aimmedia.com) produces leading consumer and trade events, websites, magazines, and films and TV shows that reach 40 million readers, fans, and attendees in 85 countries. AIM produces the World Series of Team Roping, the second-richest equestrian competition in the world. Our brands include Yoga Journal, Backpacker, SKI, Skiing, Vegetarian Times, Anglers Journal, Yachts International, Sail, Power & Motoryacht, Spin to Win Rodeo, Practical Horseman, Dressage Today, Equus, Horse & Rider, Oxygen, Clean Eating, Log Home Living, Old House Journal, Cabin Living, Woodsmith, Garden Gate, and more. The company’s six divisions—the Equine Network, Home Group, Healthy Living Group, Marine Group, Outdoor Group, and Creative Home Group—also operate thriving B2B platforms, online universities, and retail events. Core competencies include lead generation (through our Qualified Buyer Program), marketing services (through our in-house agency, Catapult Creative Labs), and video production; Warren Miller Entertainment is the most successful adventure-film company in history, and AIM Studios is a seven-person unit dedicated to digital video. Active Interest Media’s customers are smart, engaged, and loyal, and they look to our brands for trustworthy information and services that will inspire and enable them to enjoy their passions.
*European Journal of Preventive Cardiology