College students are reportedly earning 3,000 yuan ($490) a month as professional running partners who help white collar workers get in shape with a little old-fashioned encouragement, media reported Tuesday. 

Chen Li, 24, from Chongqing in Southwest China, claims he earns more than 1,000 yuan a month by accompanying office workers, students and others desperately in need of motivation.

According to his page on taobao.com, Chen is available "from 7 pm to 12 pm on workdays and all day on weekends. Ten yuan an hour for an escorted run and chat."

"Mr. Zhang was my first client and he hoped someone could push him to exercise because he is getting fat from long office hours," said Chen.

Chen said he was very confident about the future of his business. While the standard price is 15 yuan an hour, Chen offers cheaper rates to attract more clients.

"Many clients sign on for safety reasons while running at night," said Chen.

For safety, Chen suggests that running partners and clients should exchange ID information before hitting the pavement and exercise in public places.

Chongqing Evening News