[New Slang Dictionary] Sansujang - Hiking Instead of Going to the Gym

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heeyoon] As gyms have been forced to close due to the resurgence of COVID-19, fitness enthusiasts are flocking to exercise facilities located on mountainsides or nearby parks. The term “Sansujang,” a blend of “san” (mountain) and “health club,” has emerged as a new alternative space, especially among young people who find it difficult to use indoor sports facilities due to the implementation of social distancing level 2.5. Online communities are actively sharing posts recommending “Sansujang” locations equipped with outdoor exercise equipment, and more workout certification photos taken at Sansujang are being posted on social media. A man in his 30s who visited a Sansujang said, “I feel uneasy if I don’t lift weights even for a day,” adding, “I’m willing to drive to a remote Sansujang to prevent muscle loss.” A woman in her 20s said, “The air is fresh, the elevation helps with lower body workouts, and it’s nice not to have to worry much about workout attire.”

Especially, Sansujang facilities comparable to gyms, equipped with barbells and dumbbells, as well as “high pull and low pull machines” for back exercises, “leg extension machines” for lower body workouts, “chest press machines” for chest exercises, and “cable machines” that stimulate the back and arms, have been reported to attract 20 to 30 young fitness enthusiasts from early evening. However, experts warn that being outdoors makes it vulnerable to poor maintenance and disinfection, raising concerns that the COVID-19 virus may remain on equipment or railings, posing a risk of infection. A Ministry of Health and Welfare official emphasized, “In these difficult times, gathering in groups of two or more increases the risk of COVID-19 infection, so please stay home as much as possible.”

Example

A: With remote work dragging on, I haven’t been able to go to the gym lately, and I think I’ve gained a lot of weight.
B: Yeah. That’s why I ordered dumbbells and a mat. Planning to do home training.
A: Home training is good, but exercising with others is more fun and competitive. I heard Sansujang is really popular these days. It’s outdoors, so it doesn’t feel stuffy. Want to go together?
B: Hey! The COVID-19 virus can survive up to 9 days on metal railings and such. What makes you trust exercising on outdoor equipment that hasn’t been disinfected? Everyone is sharing the pain, but that’s too risky.
A: I wasn’t thinking clearly. Where did you order your equipment? Let me know too. I’ll try to hold out with home training.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.