A coach (second from right) guides his student through warm-up exercises during a training session at a residential complex in Taiyuan, Shanxi province, on July 27. GUO KAIXIN/FOR CHINA DAILY

In the bustling city of Taiyuan, capital of Shanxi province,13-year-old Guo Chengyu embarked on his regular weekend routine at a residential complex. Unlike the typical scenes of crowded gyms and bustling sports centers, Chengyu's training ground was a quiet patch of open space surrounded by lush greenery.

His coach, Liang Jinlei, stood nearby, guiding him through a series of warm-up exercises.

This was no ordinary training session. It formed part of a booming service known as "sports delivery", where personalized sports training sessions are brought directly to an individual's doorstep. For Chengyu, this meant no more long commutes to distant sports facilities or the hassle of large group classes where individual attention was scarce.

"Now, the coach comes directly to our community," said Chengyu, a smile lighting up his face. "I just come downstairs for my training and head back up to do my homework afterward. It makes balancing schoolwork and exercise so much easier."

Over time, these doorstep training sessions transformed Chengyu's physical abilities. Where he once struggled with shortness of breath after minimal exertion, he now excelled in his running tests, and his stamina greatly improved.

"I can climb stairs without getting winded, and my focus in class has improved too," he said, crediting his personalized training plan for the dual enhancement of his physical and mental well-being.

His coach Liang, a seasoned professional in the "sports delivery" industry, has dedicated five years to this innovative service. His diverse clientele comprises adults seeking weight loss and fitness, teenagers preparing for physical exams, and children aiming to enhance their basic physical fitness. For Liang, the greatest advantage of home-based sports coaching is the ability to tailor programs to an individual client's needs, moving away from the rigid templates of traditional training.

He highlighted a success story that involved a middle school student who had poor fitness and running form, and as a result consistently failed the 800-meter test in school. By developing a specialized training regimen focused on correcting posture and building core strength and endurance, Liang helped the student achieve a perfect score after just a couple of months.

"Seeing my students make visible progress is what drives my passion for this work," Liang said.

Chen Yanfei, a veteran in the field of home-based sports training, is another strong advocate for the service. He emphasized the necessity of customizing each training plan to fit the diverse conditions and goals of his students, as well as the varying environments in which they train.

"Some kids learn jump rope for fun, others to lose weight, and some to tackle specific challenges in their sports exams. It's crucial to understand their starting point before tailoring the training," Chen said.

Safety is a top priority for Chen. Unlike professional sports venues with cushioned floors, the diverse surfaces of residential areas, such as concrete or grass, require extra precautions to protect students' knees and ankles.

"Every session begins with a thorough warm-up, and we ensure that movements are performed correctly throughout. We never skip the post-training stretch and relaxation phase. Safety always comes before performance," Chen said.

The rise of "sports delivery" services not only provides convenience for fitness enthusiasts but also revitalizes the sports industry by creating flexible job opportunities for sports graduates, retired athletes, and other professionals in the sector. Their skills are applied effectively and meet the growing demand for personalized fitness solutions.

In a bid to mitigate risks associated with the service, many practitioners have actively sought solutions to strengthen the service and safety framework.

Liang said he purchased professional liability insurance and short-term accident insurance for his sessions, alongside enforcing a comprehensive routine of warm-ups, regulated exercises, and post-session stretching to minimize injury risks.

Experts in the field note that home-based sports training has broken free from the constraints of traditional sports venues. Its flexible, efficient, and customized nature aligns perfectly with modern fitness needs. As the industry continues to refine its standards and safety protocols, "sports delivery" is poised to become a significant pillar in promoting public fitness and youth sports training.