Additional skills

Yao Ning, co-founder of 3HFIT, an education, certification and career planning agency for trainers, said its new training intake includes a livestreaming host, a nutritionist, social group operator and a sales representative.

When a trainer has additional skills to offer, the number of his or her followers rises and stronger bonds are formed, Yao added.

Han, from Jinan, recently took a trip to New Zealand, where she was inspired by the enthusiasm for exercise, which convinced her to continue as a part-time trainer. During her visit, she saw trainers in their 50s exercising vigorously.

"I think training is an inclusive and diverse field, and everyone involved in it should identify themselves as One plus X," Han said.

"One represents your real job, or who you really are, while X refers to factors such as personality, sideline occupations, or roles."

Han, who considers her roles as a professor and trainer to be a perfect combination, said she sometimes confuses the two jobs "because they are not that much different".

"One of these occupations helps people tone their bodies, while the other forms character and cultivates a life trajectory," she said.

Han believes a good trainer can also serve as a role model — not just during classes, but in daily life.