Lifting in China -- A Tale of Frustration
Many of you know that I have been an active powerlifter for the past few years. Although for many powerlifting appears to just be a lot of testosterone-rich men trying to pump up their frail egos with iron, it has become a life-changing activity for me -- a way for me not only to reduce my stomach but also to rejuvenate my body so that I feel much better physically than I did five years ago. So, when we arrived in China, one of my priorities was to find a gym at which I could continue my powerlifting. As it turned out, there was a new gym opening across from the university, a gym that had new equipment and much of what I needed. So, after receiving assurances they would get more plates (they had about 400lbs total for the gym) and some better bars, we signed up for a year, costing about $15 a month. Not bad. I also should note that lifting styles in the US and China vary drastically. While the weight room in China is still frequented mainly by young men intent on improving the