The Market Workout

Early mornings and evenings in Hanoi are when the exercise enthusiasts come out in force. However, it’s not just your average jogger or cyclist. Aerobic classes, tai chi, walking backwards (still don’t really understand this one!) and hula hooping are some of the most common forms of exercise here and there is no limit to where and when these exercises take place. As I was mid-interview in the market last week, the speakers suddenly started blasting Vina House music from behind me. This high energy music is a theme tune that is often blaring from many of the mobile phone shops scattered around the city, as well as being the popular choice for the outdoor aerobic dance classes. I turned around to witness the meat market vendors after breaking out into their own little aerobic class. Simultaneously a microphone appeared and a karaoke session started between the traders selling seafood. It all made for a challenging interview, but highly entertaining none the less. See the video below for an example of this market workout and unique Vietnamese exercise regimes.