SW
Shaokun Wu
The Curious Rules of the Super Deer Gymnasium
Ah, yes. Here we witness a curious artifact of the human animal's relentless pursuit of self-improvement, even in the bustling, indifferent anthill that is Guangzhou. A banner, vibrant yellow, a stark declaration against the chaos of existence. It speaks of a place, "SUPER DEER," a gymnasium, or as they call it, a "可按次付费的健身馆" – a pay-per-use gym. A fascinating concept, implying a fleeting commitment, a tango with physical exertion without the chains of long-term obligation.
But it is the central decree that truly captures the gaze, a stark, unapologetic "禁止 穿拖鞋进场馆训练" – "No slippers allowed for training in the venue." The slipper, that most casual, most vulnerable of footwear, banished from the temple of sculpted flesh. One despairs to ponder the origins of such a rule. Were there incidents? The tragic demise of an ankle, perhaps, or merely the general disdain for the relaxed stride in a domain demanding rigor? It speaks to the human need for order, even within the chaotic pursuit of physical perfection.
Below this stern edict, a small bell icon, and the words, "为了您的安全考虑, 有任何问题请按门铃呼叫教练" – "For your safety, if you have any questions, please press the doorbell and call the coach." Safety. Always safety. A fragile shield against the multitude of ways the human body can fail when subjected to the iron wills of the modern gym. And then, the mascot. A cartoon deer, in boxing gloves, a bizarre amalgam of innocence and aggression. "SUPER DEER," it proclaims, a curious brand of strength, perhaps derived from the wild grace of the untamed forest, now caged within the fluorescent glow of a gym.
And to the left, a faded white banner, a whispered litany of other rules. Age restrictions, for the young and the very old, their bodies perhaps too fragile for the relentless demands. A warning for those with cardiovascular conditions, a polite suggestion to consult a doctor, as if the human heart, that most vital and vulnerable organ, could be reasoned with. And the final, poignant decree: "请勿携带宠物进馆," "Please do not bring pets into the venue." The animal kingdom, exiled from this human arena of sweat and struggle. And, "请勿赤裸上身,或穿拖鞋"— a reiteration, perhaps a desperate plea, to maintain a modicum of decency, a veneer of human civilization in the face of raw exertion. These are the small, yet profound, insights into the peculiar dance between human ambition and the constraints of the constructed world.
Super Deer Gym Rules in Guangzhou
The curious eye, like an owl in its flight,
Has spied a banner, a yellow delight!
In Guangzhou's hum, where progress abounds,
A gymnasium's message, with wisdom, resounds.
For here, my dear friend, where the Chinese characters bloom,
We find a gym's rules, dispelling all gloom!
Atop this bright banner, a creature you see,
A deer with great antlers, for all eyes to be free.
Its name, proudly boasting, in characters bold,
Is "Chāo Lù" (超鹿), which means "Super Deer," I'm told!
Below it, in smaller, but purposeful prose,
"Kě àn cì fù fèi de jiàn shēn guǎn" (可按次付费的健身馆) bestows
The notion that here, by the visit you pay,
No long-term commitments, just joy of the day!
A pay-per-use fitness, like wisdom's sweet fruit,
For those fleeting moments, 'tis truly a hoot!
Now pause for a moment, and let your gaze fall,
On that strong, stern pronouncement, addressing one and all:
"Jìn Zhǐ" (禁止), it shrieks, like a hawk in the sky,
Meaning "Forbidden!" or "Prohibited!" — hear my reply!
And what is forbidden, you eagerly ask?
"Chuān Tuō Xié Jìn Chǎng Guǎn Xùn Liàn" (穿拖鞋进场馆训练), a task!
This translates, quite simply, with nary a fuss,
"No Slippers Allowed in the Training Venue for us!"
Imagine the chaos, the slip and the slide,
If folks in their flip-flops should wander inside!
Like a cat on hot bricks, or a snail in the sand,
Their footing would falter throughout the whole land!
Beneath this strict mandate, a bell icon gleams,
A little gold nugget, like something from dreams.
And words softly whisper, ensuring your ease,
"Wèi le nín de ān quán kǎo lǜ" (为了您的安全考虑), if you please,
Meaning, "For your safety and comfort, we care,"
A considerate touch, beyond all compare.
Then, "Yǒu rèn hé wèn tíng qǐng àn mén líng hū jiào jiào liàn" (有任何问题请按门铃呼叫教练) does say,
"If any questions arise, please ring the doorbell for the coach, hip-hip-hooray!"
So, should you get tangled in weights or in doubt,
A swift ring of a bell will bring succor about!
And mark you that mascot, so charming and new,
A boxing deer, ready, with lessons for you!
With oversized mitts and a mischievous grin,
It welcomes the strong and invites them within.
"SUPER DEER," proclaims it, this energetic sprite,
A beacon of fitness, a glorious sight!
It's quite often said in Guangzhou's fair town,
That this very deer, when the moon casts its crown,
Will slip from the banner, with muscles so grand,
And challenge the local, most muscular man,
To a spirited arm-wrestle, just for good fun,
Before fading to pixels, when morning has spun!
This friendly reminder, on Dongtai Road's path,
Bids you be prepared, lest you suffer the wrath
Of a misplaced slipper, or question untold,
A whimsical warning, more precious than gold!
Super Deer Pay-Per-Use Gym
You've spotted a sign for "Super Deer" (超鹿), which is a chain of no-frills, pay-per-use gyms common in China. Unlike traditional gyms with monthly or annual memberships, places like this offer flexible hourly or per-visit rates, catering to urban dwellers who prefer not to commit to long-term contracts. The larger characters on the sign, "禁止 穿拖鞋进场馆训练", translate to "No slippers allowed for gym training," emphasizing safety and proper attire. The smaller text below the large bell icon states, "For your safety, please ring the bell to call a coach if you have any questions," highlighting customer service and supervision within this accessible gym model.