A delegate at the 12th National People's Congress (NPC) and head coach of China's men's weightlifting team has made a proposal at this year's NPC session, in Beijing on March 6 that China put more emphasis on national fitness as a national strategy.

In explaining his approach this, Chen Wenbin commented, “Since the first National Youth Games are being held in the capital of Fujian province, Fuzhou, this year, the stadiums and facilities for the games could be put to fuller use after the games, by encouraging people to get more involved in various activities.

Chen continued, “Teenagers are our future, but their physical condition, in China is seriously worrying,” then added that there need to be rules to ensure that pupils have sufficient space and time for exercise. He also called for a comprehensive training plan to for sports instructors, as well as PE teachers in schools and universities.

As one example, he said, “Weightlifting, for instance, exercises around 95 percent of muscle groups in our body. In a sense, it's a comprehensive approach and typical of athletics. PE teachers, with some systematic training, could get a certificate to show that they're qualified as instructors.”

He concluded by saying that a fitness campaign would benefit teenagers and the elderly as well, with the proper planning and “be good for those troubled by disease such as osteoporosis”.

By China Daily Fujian Bureau