Curt Hamilton, a sports performance coach, shares his experiences living and working in China, including adapting to local water supplies, living as an expat, inflation and rising prices, the impact of COVID-19 on sports performance, drinking culture in China, and the debate on steroid use in Chinese sports. They also discuss the healthiness of Chinese food, tracking macros, the lifespan of gyms in Schwongjing, and insights into Chinese restaurant business.
Traditional Chinese medicine Sanbienjo is made with a combination of herbs, baijou, and three animal parts.
Learning the Chinese language poses challenges in mastering tones, characters, and adapting to cultural differences.
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted travel, work, and businesses in China, requiring adaptation to new regulations and guidelines.
In Chinese culture, heavy drinking is common for social gatherings and team dinners to show respect and camaraderie.
Chinese athletes have varying attitudes towards drinking, with some teams allowing it for relaxation while others prioritize strict training regimens and nutrition.
Chinese cuisine focuses on incorporating vegetables, but achieving fitness and nutrition goals can be challenging with traditional dishes.
Deep dives
Guest interview with Kurt Hamilton
In this episode, Stephen Sursky interviews Kurt Hamilton, a sports performance coach who shares his experiences of living in China and working with athletes. Kurt discusses his travels around the country, his work with Chinese Olympic teams, and his upcoming move to a new adventure with his wife. The conversation also delves into topics of nutrition, staying in shape as an expat, and insights into living in China.
Traditional Chinese medicine and the story of Sanbienjo
Kurt shares a fascinating story about his experience with a traditional Chinese medicine called Sanbienjo. He explains that it is made with a combination of herbs, baijou, and three animal parts. Kurt recounts how he discovered Sanbienjo while living in a rural town in China and the amusing incident of realizing its unusual ingredients. He also discusses the popularity of traditional medicine in China and its various uses and beliefs.
Challenges of language and cultural differences
The conversation touches on Kurt's journey of learning the Chinese language and the challenges he faced in communicating with locals. He mentions the difficulties of mastering the tones and characters, as well as the cultural differences he encountered while living in rural areas. Kurt shares anecdotes of miscommunications and the struggle to be understood, highlighting the importance of language and adaptation when navigating a new culture.
Impacts of COVID-19 on travel and work
As the episode nears its end, Kurt discusses the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on travel and work in China. He shares his experiences of navigating restrictions, shipping logistics, and changing policies. Kurt also mentions the impact on businesses and how some industries were hit harder than others. He expresses his thoughts on the evolving situation and the need to adapt to new regulations and guidelines.
Chinese Culture and Drinking Habits
In Chinese culture, heavy drinking is common for social gatherings and team dinners. Drinking is seen as part of the culture and it is expected to participate in drinking rituals. There is an emphasis on not leaving sober and getting drunk to show respect and camaraderie.
Fitness and Training in China
Fitness and training in China varies across different sports teams. Some teams are more open to athletes drinking after competitions as a way to relax and celebrate. However, some coaches and teams are opposed to drinking and prioritize strict training regimens and nutritional plans. Chinese athletes are often highly dedicated to their sport and are willing to follow rigorous training schedules.
Chinese Food and Health
Chinese cuisine tends to include a variety of vegetables and fruits. While there may be higher levels of oil used in cooking, there is also a focus on incorporating vegetables in meals. However, achieving an extra level of healthiness can be challenging in China, as healthier ingredients can be expensive and traditional Chinese dishes may not always meet the fitness and nutrition goals of athletes.
Steroid Use in China's Fitness Culture
While there are strict regulations and testing for steroid use at the highest levels of sports in China, there is a prevalence of steroid use in casual gym settings. Many individuals at local gyms in China, particularly bodybuilders, may use steroids to enhance their performance and physical appearance. The availability of these substances, often purchased through online platforms, contributes to their usage.
Eating Healthy and Fitness Habits
The podcast episode discusses various topics related to eating healthy, fitness habits, and supplements. The speaker talks about the importance of eating clean, whole foods as much as possible and emphasizes the role of proper nutrition in achieving fitness goals. They mention the benefits and drawbacks of different supplements such as creatine and BCAAs, highlighting the importance of finding what works best for each individual. The speaker also shares personal insights into their own pre-workout routine and the role of motivation in maintaining a fitness regimen.
The Impact of Alcohol on Health and Performance
Another topic discussed in the podcast episode is the impact of alcohol on health and performance. The speaker acknowledges that alcohol is not considered a healthy substance, but also mentions studies that show moderate alcohol consumption can be relatively safe and even have some health benefits. They discuss the importance of staying hydrated and proper timing when it comes to consuming alcohol, particularly after workouts. The speaker also touches on the cultural and social aspects of drinking, and how it can vary among individuals.
Diverse Cultural Experiences and Food Preferences
The podcast episode delves into the speaker's experiences in China and their upcoming move to Ethiopia. They mention their love for the diverse food options available in China, such as hot pot, pig brain, donkey sandwiches, and local specialties. They express excitement about exploring the Ethiopian food scene, particularly the coffee culture and strong coffee. The speaker looks forward to the lifestyle change in Ethiopia, including living in a house, having access to outdoor activities, and experiencing a different cultural environment.
A soon-to-be-Beijing ex-expat joins me today to talk about his time in China and what the country has been like both to work in and live over the last few years. Curt Hamilton is a sports performance coach who works with athletes and teams around the world and has been based in Beijing, China for the last two years or so. Curt has worked with Olympians and sports professionals in developing their abilities to hit peak performance.
Hailing from Salt Lake City, Utah in the USA, Curt has been able to travel not just around the US for his work but around the world and, over the last few years, China.
But life is taking Curt away from China. Just married a year ago, he is following his wife to Ethiopia to start a new expat adventure. Listen in to hear what Curt has to say about his time in China and what he looks forward to in his new home.
For better or worse, Curt doesn't do social media!
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