the door the two women are walking through in the gym entrance; the gym is the building with the red posters in the window
The gym, you say? How boring, especially for the first meme post.
Ah, but this isn’t any old gym, this is a gym in provincial China. Things are different here:
To get to the gym you have to walk through a shop selling cigarettes and alcohol.
Smoking in the gym is normal, even when you are using the equipment.
People will stand right in front of me whilst I’m working out and just stare, until I glare back ferociously enough that they back off.
The weight machines also doubles as an area to sit and play with your mobile, chat or just stare vacantly; out of, say, 8 occupied machines it is not uncommon to have 6 not actually being used.
People will out wearing jeans and a sweater, a work suit and loafers or a skirt and tights. I have yet to see someone using the treadmill wearing heels, but figure it’s probably a matter of time.
The showers are communal and people will walk about and chat in the changing rooms totally naked. I don’t get naked. If I can cause people to fall off their bikes just by walking down the street fully clad, I think I might cause a riot if I got naked in a semi public area.
Ah, but this isn’t any old gym, this is a gym in provincial China. Things are different here:
To get to the gym you have to walk through a shop selling cigarettes and alcohol.
Smoking in the gym is normal, even when you are using the equipment.
People will stand right in front of me whilst I’m working out and just stare, until I glare back ferociously enough that they back off.
The weight machines also doubles as an area to sit and play with your mobile, chat or just stare vacantly; out of, say, 8 occupied machines it is not uncommon to have 6 not actually being used.
People will out wearing jeans and a sweater, a work suit and loafers or a skirt and tights. I have yet to see someone using the treadmill wearing heels, but figure it’s probably a matter of time.
The showers are communal and people will walk about and chat in the changing rooms totally naked. I don’t get naked. If I can cause people to fall off their bikes just by walking down the street fully clad, I think I might cause a riot if I got naked in a semi public area.
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What a great post, thanks for sharing. I'm with you, no naked in the changing rooms!
ReplyDeleteKate
cholulared.blogspot.com
Its interesting to learn the cultural differences of other countries. this is a fascinating post and I'm with you, no sans clothing for me either.
ReplyDeleteGreat opportunity to learn about different cultures and perhaps learn mandarin Chinese.
ReplyDeleteI need a gym close to my place. For the moment the bad weather prevents me from exercising outside.
ReplyDeleteGreat post, and I like your humour.
It's good that my local gym is not like that, I would never get a work-out!
ReplyDeleteOne of my least favourite G as I am a dedicated sloth. Still: good choice.
ReplyDeleteThis is so crazy! The smoking thing is really bizarre~ that would drive me bananas. I think it's definitely wise that you don't get naked in the locker rooms. :) -e
ReplyDeleteVery interesting information about the differences between Chinese and western culture. Nice choice for "G."
ReplyDeleteWow! Remind me not to go there! Fascinating - love your choice and post!
ReplyDeleteI'm now even more glad that we have a treadmill at home in our spare room! Communal naked changing rooms? Yikes!
ReplyDeleteSmoking in the gym? Double yikes! I would not be able to work out in there!
Wow, I'm glad my gym is alot different...very interesting post...I'm glad you shared it ...
ReplyDeleteFun post. Passing by smokes and liquor? Hysterical!!!
ReplyDeleteDoubt I'd make it past the beer to actually work out! lol :) Interesting G to learn about.
ReplyDeleteHa! Good idea to keep your close on so no one gets injured!
ReplyDeleteHad no idea there was so much smoking in China. It's very interesting to find out more about everyday life there and how people interact and behave.
What a great post. Smoking in the gym. How absurd! I am a retired teacher and I admire you young people who spend time teaching English in foreign countries. what a wonderful cultural experience. Thanks for visitng my site.
ReplyDelete