Practicing traditional Chinese aerobics together not only has improved senior enthusiasts' physical condition significantly, but also enables them to make friends with people who have the same hobbies.
BEIJING, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) -- For 68-year-old Zhang Liangui, the Temple of Heaven means more than a UNESCO World Heritage Site, since he often does morning exercises in the park around the historic site.
Zhang Liangui practices Taiji sword at the Temple of Heaven park in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 19, 2020. (Xinhua/Meng Tao)
On Aug.17, Zhang came early to warm up in a clearing surrounded by red walls and green trees amid echoes of birds and insects. Kicking, squatting, playing Taiji sword, a set of warm-up movements showed his flexible and sturdy physique. While warming up, he was waiting for master Yang Shuqin and other elderly friends.
Zhang Liangui practices Taiji sword at the Temple of Heaven park in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 17, 2020.(Xinhua/Meng Tao)
Zhang Liangui warms up at the Temple of Heaven park in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 17, 2020.(Xinhua/Meng Tao)
For more than six consecutive years, Zhang has followed master Yang Shuqin to work out on traditional Chinese aerobics like Taijiquan, Taiji fan and Baduanjin. Benefiting from constant practice of the sports, Zhang's hypertension and hyperlipidaemia have been cured, and even his bad temper has changed.
Yang Shuqin (3rd L) corrects Zhang Liangui's movement at the Temple of Heaven park in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 17, 2020. (Xinhua/Meng Tao)
Yang Shuqin (1st R) teaches senior people traditional Chinese aerobic Baduanjin at the Temple of Heaven park in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 17, 2020. (Xinhua/Meng Tao)
Like Zhang, among the exercise group led by coach Yang Shuqin, most of the senior members have the similar experiences. Practicing traditional aerobics together not only has improved their physical condition significantly, but also enables them to make friends with others who have the same hobbies.
Senior people practice Taiji fan at the Temple of Heaven park in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 19, 2020.(Xinhua/Meng Tao)
Senior people practice Taiji sword at the Temple of Heaven park in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 19, 2020.(Xinhua/Meng Tao)
Yang Shuqin (front) teaches senior people traditional Chinese aerobic Baduanjin at the Temple of Heaven park in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 19, 2020. (Xinhua/Meng Tao)
Senior people practice Taiji fan at the Temple of Heaven park in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 19, 2020. (Xinhua/Meng Tao)
Senior people practice Taiji sword at the Temple of Heaven park in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 19, 2020.(Xinhua/Meng Tao)
According to coach Yang, under the support of local authorities, she began to teach traditional aerobics in the Temple of Heaven park in 2000. As a mass sport instructor, Yang Shuqin hopes to introduce them to more people, and "bring a happy and healthy later life to the elderly people, so that we won't be a burden to our young."
Yang Shuqin (front) teaches senior people Taiji fan at the Temple of Heaven park in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 19, 2020.(Xinhua/Meng Tao)
Yang Shuqin (4th L) teaches senior people traditional Chinese aerobic movements at the Temple of Heaven park in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 19, 2020.(Xinhua/Meng Tao)
Yang Shuqin (2nd L) teaches senior people traditional Chinese aerobic movements at the Temple of Heaven park in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 19, 2020. (Xinhua/Meng Tao)
Yang Shuqin (front) teaches senior people traditional Chinese aerobic movements at the Temple of Heaven park in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 17, 2020.(Xinhua/Meng Tao)
Yang Shuqin (front) teaches senior people traditional Chinese aerobic Baduanjin at the Temple of Heaven park in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 19, 2020.(Xinhua/Meng Tao)
