Fitness trends in Vietnam: From trail running to holistic longevity

Individual approaches to physical fitness and longevity are gaining attention in Vietnam, ranging from the rising popularity of trail running to specialized holistic lifestyles.

Trail running has transitioned from a niche, high-barrier extreme sport to a mainstream lifestyle activity. Participants often invest significantly in specialized equipment, nutrition, and race fees to manage the physical demands of mountain running. For some, such as marketing professional Binh Nguyen, the sport serves as a way to improve cardiovascular health despite underlying medical conditions.

In Hai Phong, Bach Ngoc Hung practices a distinct lifestyle centered on barefoot running, sunbathing, and breathing exercises. Aiming for a lifespan of 150 years, Hung integrates physical training with mental and spiritual discipline, viewing daily movement as a form of ‘moving meditation’ to master physical, mental, and karmic health.