Idols exercise their influence to fashion a fitter future

Why sports and fitness are a must for China's career-focused stars

It's time to drop that smartphone, haul yourself off the sofa and get active! That's the message from some of China's prominent sports and entertainment stars as they do their bit to boost the nation's fitness.

Retired Team China rhythmic gymnast Zhang Doudou believes sports are especially important for career-focused urbanites, and says, beyond the obvious physical benefits, exercise makes her mentally stronger and more elegant.

"I started to practice rhythmic gymnastics when I was 8 years old. I was not a confident girl when I was little. I felt like a nobody, and even invisible to the other kids," Zhang told China Daily during a recent 'Fila Women' promotional activity to celebrate sportswear brand Fila's 110th anniversary.