A number of shared mini gyms have come into use in some residential communities in Beijing recently. Each of the mini gyms, which cover an area of about 5 square meters, is equipped with a treadmill, WiFi, a television and air conditioning, so users can listen to music, watch a film or access the internet while running.

Like the short-time bike hire services, users can access the mini gyms through a mobile app. After paying a deposit, the users can use the mini gym and pay as they go for the time they spend in the gym. The cost is 0.2 yuan (3 cents) per minute, which means a 40-minute run will cost 6 yuan ($0.9).

Some people have welcomed the mini gyms saying they are convenient and low cost and make it easier for people to exercise in their spare time. Some have also suggested the new mini gyms may attract more youngsters to exercise.

But other people argue the mini gyms are single-function as the only fitness equipment they provide is a treadmill. In addition, the mini gyms can only be used by one person at a time, which means they don't fulfill the role of traditional gyms as places to socialize. Also, concerns have been raised about what will happen if there is an accident.