blog #4

Physical Training in China and the USA

Ever since I was a child, I was weak and often sick. Even now I am still tall and thin. I tried hard to be strong by eating much meat, but it didn’t seem to work at all. What’s more, as I grew, my schoolbag became heavier reducing my time for physical activity. The infinite homework prevented me from physical training so I could only stand outside watching the other kid laughing and playing. However, as an old saying goes: ”If God closes one door, he will open a window for you.” By the end of my junior school I got to know a friend which knows a lot about Tai Chi. I met with him almost everyday in the morning even when sometimes still hadn’t finished my homework.  I really enjoyed my time with him because he was not only the expert of this method of physical training but also knew a lot about the cultural meaning of Tai Chi. I learned many basic movements; and, he patiently pointed out what was wrong with my motions. At the end of the summer, I had to say goodbye to him because my parents were going to work and live in another place. Even though I have only practiced Tai chi for a comparatively short time, it has really improved my health. I still feel much better than before. Further more, Tai chi and my friend opened a door for me to the traditional Chinese culture. I started to become interested in the old books, old places and everything that is historical.

Now I have been at OSU for a few weeks and have become more and more familiar with the school life. I remember when I walked around school and first visited RPAC. I was shocked by people’s enthusiasm for physical training. Students, teachers and people who work or live nearby regularly come to work out. I felt excited and wanted to have a try, but all kinds of the instruments seem hard to operate. Again I stood by, not knowing what to do. Nevertheless, God gave me a hand again, introducing me to  roommates which were both athletes and experts on physical training. They made a plan of physical training for me including both running and working out. They also suggested I eat more fish and chicken which contains much protein.

I have come to realize that there is quite a lot of difference in physical training between China and USA. In old China, many people would tend to simulate the figure of animals like tiger and crane as they would practice TaiChi. They also took advantage of the nature to build themselves up.  For example, They might climb a very high mountain to fetch water everyday. Furthermore, some of the traditional methods of training like Tai chi represent the ultimate desire of Chinese culture. It is like water which has no shape but is capable of containing everything. In a word, traditional method of training in China puts weight on both mental and physical training. On the other hand, American people prefer taking advantage of the equipment and tech to work out so that they can train any part of the body indoors, which is very convenient for life. In addition, they will focus on only one part of the body such as arm and the other part is following. They also care about daily diet to keep them fit.

I think no matter whether you are in China or in USA, people get physical training because of the desire of health. I feel grateful to my friend and my roommates. With their help, I can progress on my journey to becoming healthy and strong!