Is winter bare-chested running suitable for others? Director Zhang Yajie of the Acupuncture Department at Changchun Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine said that this exercise method varies from person to person and is not suitable for everyone. She advised people not to blindly imitate it. Zhang Yajie mentioned that after years of exercise, Elder Dong Yaoge had accumulated more energy in his body with a vigorous yang energy that could resist the cold. However, those who haven't undergone long-term training would find their bodies unable to adapt if they blindly imitated him. Not only might they catch a cold, but they could also experience symptoms such as back and leg pain, joint swelling, and rheumatism. Moreover, exercising should follow a gradual progression, adapting step by step to the environment and increasing exercise intensity gradually.
Over a decade ago, he was found to have high blood sugar levels. The doctor didn’t originally recommend running, but he felt uneasy if he didn’t run every day. Running daily became an important part of his life, and he has persisted ever since. "I think running is also a way to fight against diseases," said Dong Yaoge. Over these years, apart from high blood sugar, he hasn’t contracted any other diseases, and under the combined effects of exercise and medication, his condition has been well controlled.
"One must not interrupt the routine even for a day. If you feel too cold at -17℃ and decide not to come out, then later at -18℃ or -20℃, it will be even harder to come out. Therefore, perseverance is very important," said Dong Yaoge.
Director Zhang Yajie suggested that people shouldn't blindly imitate Dong's method.
The elderly man named Dong Yaoge, 74 years old this year, has been persisting with bare-chested running for over 20 years. He lives in Jiemin Residential Area in Nanguan District of Changchun City. Even during the cold winter, he runs for 40 minutes every morning.
Who is this elderly man? How does he manage it, and what benefits does this form of exercise bring him? Our reporter interviewed this elder. In the freezing outdoor conditions, the reporter stood for 20 minutes, feeling unbearably cold, involuntarily moving his feet, with hands turning red due to the cold, and even wanting to hide his forehead. The elder’s exposed skin turned red, emitting heat in the cold wind. His face was rosy, frost formed on his eyelashes, yet he kept saying “not cold.”
"I don’t catch a cold even once a year," said Dong Yaoge. Through such exercise, his physical fitness improved, and his resistance strengthened.
"I think one must have some spirit while living," said Dong Yaoge. Not only did his body get exercised physically, but psychologically, it also strengthened his willpower, bringing a sense of challenge and fun. Every morning, upon waking up, he warms up by stretching his legs and arms at home for about ten minutes before heading out. After running, he feels both mentally and physically comfortable, with a good mood.
Persisting with Bare-chested Running
"Of course, there are people who don’t understand me and even think I am 'crazy,'" said Dong Yaoge. Not only were outsiders confused, but his family didn’t understand either. When his wife was alive, she often urged him to wear sportswear for running, but he felt accustomed to the winter temperatures. If he wore clothes while running, he would feel uncomfortable instead. He believed that one cannot expect everyone to think like him; as long as he can persevere, that’s enough.
After retiring from military service, he started bare-chested running.
Dong Yaoge said that throughout the four seasons, regardless of weather, he persists with running. In winter, he generally starts around 6:30 AM every morning. "No matter how cold it is, I keep running," said Dong Yaoge. After bare-chested running, he takes a cold shower at home, feeling refreshed all over. In summer, he not only extends his morning exercise time but also adds more exercises. Every morning, he walks on the gravel path in Xinghua Village using his hands and feet. "I think this serves as a massage," said Dong Yaoge. After exercising for over an hour, he runs again, making the entire workout last nearly three hours.
Establishing a Foundation in the Military
Reported by our newspaper (reporter Tian Lingling) Yesterday at 6:30 AM, the sky in Changchun had brightened, though a waning crescent moon still hung in the air. Streetlights were gradually turning off, and the temperature was -19℃. At this time, most people were still asleep. On Renmin Avenue, between Liberation Road and Renmin Square, an elderly man wearing only a pair of sports shorts was running, forming a stark contrast with the pedestrians who were bundled up tightly. When he reached the main entrance of Children's Park, several other elders exercising greeted him.
Summer Hand-and-Foot Walking on Stone Roads
Doesn't Catch a Cold All Year
■Reminder
Winter Running Followed by a Cold Shower