Working Out in China

There are advantages and disadvantages to working out in China. Let's start with the problems.

1: It's hard to find a gym with dumbbells over 50 pounds in weight. I only found one and they went up to 100 pounds so I joined up immediately. It was also the cheapest one I found in three cities, so I'm assuming rich Chinese guys are wimps.

2: Personal trainers can be a pest because they are working on commission. Seeing the chubby American, they instantly see cash, and don't leave me alone until I dead lift two or three times their body weight. Nine years in China and I only met one trainer stronger than me.

3: A gym in China can cost from 800 RMB ($130ish) a year to one I found that was 30,000 RMB, or $5000. The expensive one had a spa, a swimming pool, and light weights.

4: The air pollution is so bad in some cities I can't imagine how people don't fall over and die walking up stairs, never mind jog.  In Chongqing I had to add an extra minute to my rests between lifting sets to compensate.

5: The cute girls behind the counter don't speak English. If they did, they'd be college students instead of working a counter.

Advantages of working out in China.

1: The food has a lot less sugar and grease. My first month in China I ate as much Chinese food as possible and my only exercise was walking: lost 10 pounds.

2: So few people know how to use the squat rack that it's always open for my use.

3: I get a little ego boost because I'm always one of the big guys.

4: There's always a Tai Chi club in any city park or college campus, and Tae Kwon Do is freaking everywhere now.