I woke up very early during my travels around China. I laced up my running shoes and explored early morning exercise rituals. Everywhere from Beijing to Lhasa, I found groups of elderly Chinese people
performing morning exercises.
Many were practicing Tai Chi; however, I quickly fell in love with the small
public exercise parks.
These parks contain various exercise machines. These machines range from the common monkey bars to more intricate machines to
help stretch the lower back.
Every person knew the limits of his or her own body and laughed and enjoyed the
cool morning temperature.
They exercised early before the pollution made outdoor exercise impossible. I introduced them to my simple exercise resistance band. Everyone enjoyed the band and wanted to try out the new piece of equipment. Exercise does not require expensive machinery. A simple rubber band can work the muscles just as well as an expensive gym in
New York City.
I realized that exercise can be performed at any age. The early morning exercise groups welcomed me and invited me back again on
future trips to China.
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The students in this Tibetan Village had the afternoon free from school. They started by following us through the village and eventually guiding us up
the hill that towered above the village.
We kept pointing the way with our walking sticks. The students had never been so high above the village before. We were all so excited to explore and experience the ancient ruins above the
village.
The high elevation made breathing difficult and the hot sun burned our skin.
-Professional and Personal Growth-
Learned traditional exercise practices
Studied traditional medicine and its benefit to the community
Learned traditional Chinese cooking techniques and the importance of balancing
hot and cold foods
Examined the increasing effect of the Western world on China and Tibet
Examined the effect of a large population on the fragile environment
Climbed several sacred Buddhist Mountains and witnessed the importance of
meditation in a healthy and balanced lifestyle
