CHINA
Country Overview:
"A land of contrasts, where ancient traditions meet rapid modernization, and delectable cuisine coexists with complex political realities."
My seven-year journey in China, from May 2013 to August 2020, was a whirlwind of experiences. I taught English, pursued my Master's in Politics & Foreign Policy at the prestigious Tsinghua University, and immersed myself in the media landscape at China Today and Xinhua News Agency. Beijing was my home base, but my travels painted a vibrant tapestry of China's diverse landscapes and cultures: the bustling metropolis of Shanghai, the historic city of Xi'an, the tropical paradise of Sanya, the unique blend of East and West in Macau and Hong Kong, and countless other destinations in between. From savoring the exquisite flavors of regional cuisines to navigating the intricacies of daily life under a distinct political system, China left an indelible mark on me.
Where There’s a Will, There’s a Way
(有志者事竟成)
Having just finished three weeks of traveling in Southeast Asia due to the extended Spring Festival holiday, I was eager to return to Beijing to get back into my routine, despite the ongoing fight against COVID-19. My first priority was getting back to the gym.
After unpacking, a quick lunch and a shower, I put on my gym clothes, strapped on my Nikes, and scootered through the quiet streets of Beijing. Upon arriving at my gym, I noticed that the lights were off, and a lock was placed over the double doors. With a heavy heart, I approached and saw a sign that read: “According to the regulations of the relevant departments of Beijing Municipality, to prevent and control the epidemic, all sports business units and public fitness venues are closed.”
Frustrated but eager to find a way to workout, I went home and called multiple gyms around the city. “Sorry, we’re waiting for the notice to re-open” was the common response. So, like many people around China dealing with the epidemic, I did some workouts at home. Pushups, situps, jumping jacks (which I’m sure my downstairs neighbor didn’t appreciate) and stretches. But I knew this wouldn’t suffice over an extended period of time. I needed a better solution.
Living in the hutongs, my mind immediately thought about the brightly colored (usually blue and yellow) public workout equipment strewn across the city. I visited two before I finally found the holy grail of public workout equipment at Qingnianhu Park, just above the second-ring road.
Greeting the baoan at the gate with a smile under my N95 mask, I asked if there was a fitness area here. He said yes, and I asked if it was sufficient. He shrugged and said, “well, it’s not small.” I had to see for myself. He took my temperature, gave me a thumbs up for wearing shorts, and I made my way into the park. After crossing a bridge and nodding at a number of masked Chinese running past me, I finally saw the brightly colored equipment. Parallel bars, ab machines, pullup bars, monkey bars, a tricep dip machine, I couldn’t believe my eyes. This was the greatest outdoor fitness area I had ever seen.
For the past few days, each morning, I’ve gone to the park to workout and what early morning workout isn’t complete without elderly ladies stretching and gossiping with each other. Although we haven’t made it to a first-name basis, they’ve been kind enough to keep an eye on my jacket while I run around the lake and compliment me on my ability to brave the weather in shorts. I spoke with one of the ladies at the park, and she said: “Even though I’m 55, I’m not nervous about the virus. I come here every day to stretch, walk, and talk with my friends.” When asked what she is doing to keep busy, she said: “I cook at home every day! I like to make new dishes.”
I’ve always admired the tenacity and dedication Chinese people have to staying fit. Whether it’s the old ladies dancing together in public squares, or young Chinese going for a run on the streets, people in China are finding positive ways to deal with the current situation. Even despite the ongoing COVID-19 epidemic, the park I went to had numerous people running, stretching, working out, or simply taking a walk to enjoy the cold, but beautiful morning.
The ongoing epidemic might have impacted restaurants, local businesses, and offices. However, Chinese people’s optimism still remains, both in the hope of winning the fight against the coronavirus and in continuing to live normal lives despite the changes in the capital. I also spoke with a mother who was exercising with her son, and she said: “It’s safer to stay at home, but it’s important to get out of the house and have some fun.” The boy, who told me his English name was Kevin, said: “I like parks. But now we just need to wear masks to come here.”
Despite the virus, the cold, or the recent snow in the capital, Chinese are still determined to stay fit and stay positive, and its thanks not only to the baoan for doing temperature & mask checks at the gate, but also the government for keeping the parks open. They offer respite from the many hours spent at home and a way for people to stay healthy, even if you have to share a machine with an elderly lady in a puffy down jacket.
Fitness
Let’s talk about fitness. Specifically, fitness in China compared to the United States. Obviously, this will be a big generalization and solely based on my experience and knowledge. As someone who has traveled throughout the US and China and been involved in numerous ‘fitness’ activities, I’ve noticed a significant difference in the two countries approach to fitness.
First, when I use the word fitness, i’m referring to the dictionary definition of “the condition of being physically fit and healthy.” One of the biggest differences I’ve seen between the US and China is that the US seems to go all in, but it seems more segregated, while China is more lackluster, but seems more widespread. I’ll elaborate. In the US, there are things like Zumba, Crossfit, powerlifting, bodybuilding, jazzercise, P90X - which are all niche sort of workouts. Beyond that, there are countless different diets or ‘lifestyles’ associated with food. Vegetarian, vegan, the paleo diet, juicing, etc. When Americans get into these sorts of things, they really get into it. Have you ever met someone who was a vegan and not been told about it within 10 minutes of meeting them? These sorts of lifestyles aren’t extremely popular or widespread, but are prevalent in certain areas of the US.
Fitness in China, on the other hand, I think as a nation is more widespread than it is in the US. Sometimes, it’s not intentional. For example, many people commute to work, riding a ‘shared’ bike for a few kilometers, walking endlessly for a subway transfer, and finally, just walking as their sole means of transportation. Everyone walks in China. Beyond that, there are tons of mini-workout machines built into the sidewalk. Old people love to use these things early in the morning and right at sunset. Along with that, many open spaces such as plazas or courtyards will host, again, tons of old people who will practice dancing in a group. As many as 50 people will rhythmically move together, practicing their choreographed routine on warm summer nights. There are gyms in China, and people definitely workout. However, from talking with Chinese people, I think many of them like to engage in fitness through sports and not so much directly working out or running. Badminton, basketball, ping pong, and football are all big sports in China, and many people play them recreationally, either for the love of the game or to elevate their heart rate. In the US, however, I think many people, especially over the age of 30, engage in a more ‘direct’ fitness activity, such as running, swimming, or weightlifting.
Basically, when the US does fitness, they really do it. They go all out and dive right in, making it a lifestyle. China treats fitness as one aspect of their life, figuring out little ways to adhere to a healthier lifestyle without making it their main focus. In the US, there are extreme examples of super fat, but also super strong, like “Why are you this big?” type of strong. In China, however, there are some people like that, but in general, most people are just skinny or rocking the ‘dad bod’. Rarely do I see someone who is very muscular or very obese. Diet definitely plays a big part in this, but so does our cultural approach towards fitness. Sure, there are people in both countries who do and don’t adhere to the stereotypes I’ve listed. There is Crossfit in China just as there are moms in America who go on brisk walks four times a week without making ‘brisk walking’ the core focus of their life. Let me know what you think about the fitness differences between these two great nations!
