[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Seon-ae] As the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic continues to restrict activities, the ‘hondongjok’?people who exercise alone to maintain their health?are rapidly emerging. This trend is interpreted as reflecting the psychology of those who have gained weight compared to before COVID-19 due to reduced activity and are trying to relieve stress caused by the infectious disease through exercise.
According to Gmarket on the 27th, sales of single-person sports equipment increased by up to 152% compared to the same period last year over the past month. In particular, demand for various home training (home-tr) equipment that can be tried at home whenever there is free time has greatly increased, with steppers up 95%, health cycles up 33%, and treadmills up 7%. Weight training equipment such as dumbbells (41%), abdominal exercise devices (87%), and grip strengtheners (51%) also showed a strong upward trend. Hula hoops (74%), jump ropes (193%), and yoga and Pilates equipment (9%) followed the same pattern.
Additionally, marathon shoes (152%) and marathon wear (110%) both more than doubled in sales, and running shoes increased by 16%, confirming that more consumers have taken up running. Ski and snowboard equipment sales also grew by 37%, while bicycles and bicycle accessories increased by 3% and 22%, respectively. Skateboard sales more than doubled (144%) as well.
Wearable and smart devices that allow for smart solo workouts, such as smartwatches (54%), smart bands (66%), and VR devices (37%), also recorded significant growth.
The situation is similar on Auction. During the same period, sales of steppers increased by 45%, inversion tables by 17%, vibration exercise machines by 63%, and twist exercise machines by 49%. Jump ropes and hula hoops also sold 27% and 72% more, respectively. Kettlebells rose by 58%, abdominal exercise devices by 88%, and yoga mats by 16%.
Smart devices such as smartwatches (42%), wearable products (43%), and smart bands (56%) were also popular.
Representative popular products on Gmarket include the ‘To Be With Premium Smart Double Pull-up Bar (15,900 KRW).’ This product allows for pull-up exercises at home, with a double safety device that firmly secures the bar. It features NBR handles with excellent cushioning and shock absorption for long-term use. The ‘Atomic ETL 125 Short Ski (306,400 KRW)’ is literally a short ski with a plate length shorter than regular skis. It does not require poles, which act as walking sticks, making storage and transport convenient while still allowing users to fully enjoy the speed experienced in skiing. The ‘One One One Beginner Skateboard (32,500 KRW)’ is also receiving positive feedback. The board is made of lightweight 7-layer maple wood compressed for durability. It has anti-slip sandpaper treatment, making it easier for beginners to maintain balance. Among smart devices, the cost-effective ‘Xiaomi Hello Solar LS05 (42,500 KRW)’ is available. It supports 12 exercise modes such as outdoor running, walking, and riding to help users exercise effectively.
A Gmarket official explained, “As COVID-19 is expected to continue until next year, the number of consumers trying to exercise alone has increased significantly,” adding, “Demand for various hobbies that can be attempted alone is also expected to rise.”
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