When was the last time you actually played at a park? Not just sitting on the bench and watching your kids while you write emails on your BlackBerry but actually climbing up the tiny ladders and spinning on the merry-go-round.
…Chances are, it’s been awhile. Because playgrounds are for kids, right?
Maybe not. In China, the government initiated a Nationwide Physical Fitness Program that encourages both children and adults to participate in at least an hour of physical activity every day. Part of the program included building new public fitness areas and centers. Some of the areas include outdoor venues specifically designed with stationary exercise equipment.
Playgrounds for adults. So cool.
The cultural contrast between working out in China and working out in the United States is an interesting one. I’m no anthropologist, but I’ve spent some time living in both China and the U.S. and I’ve noticed a few things:
1.Some of us (maybe most of us?) Americans prefer to hide while we’re exercising. Unless we’re running down the road with our $100 Nikes and Ipod, we generally prefer a well air conditioned gym, fancy pool, or scheduled yoga class. God forbid we do Pilates on our front lawn in front of the neighbors, right?
2.In China, its likely (and culturally acceptable) to see dozens of people walking around early in the morning, stretching on the streets or shamelessly using special exercise equipment built specifically for outdoor venues. Tai Chi an ancient martial arts form that focuses on balance, relaxation, and coordination is commonly practiced in parks, on sidewalks, and on streets.
So maybe we’re not going to do any crunches in front of Ukrop’s but the idea of using what’s around us to contribute to a healthy lifestyle is a good one. So get on a swing and reset your record for “how high you can go”. You might be surprised.
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