The China Dilemma

I just found out that I’m going to China for a month over Winter Break. These is really exciting news because I get to see my grandparents and my family. I do have many concerns though.

1. Where would I be able to lift? I’m not afraid of losing muscle mass or getting fat but I am afraid of getting weaker. I have worked out consistently and put my soul into my workouts for the better part of this year now. I would HATE to lose the raw strength I have developed. One main reason is that I joined the power lifting team at school and I want to make them proud during our meet in April. I’ve only worked out with them twice but I want to show them what I am made of. If I’m not able to lift for a month, it will be hard for me to regain my current progress since I just recently beat some huge plateaus.
2. How would I eat? I personally will eat my heart out with all the authentic Chinese food offered, but I do want to still eat some oatmeal, chicken breast, and protein powder throughout the day. Since I eat more than 3 times a day I want something easy I can just make and grab on the go. I’m concerned where I will get some protein powder… Does China even have this?
3. If I had a gym… how would I communicate? I can speak Chinese… But I have no idea how to ask someone to spot or whatever… Would I be able to go heavy?
4. Would the gym be able to accommodate what I want to do? I need to be able to do a variety of exercises. I can’t lift in some crappy hotel like gym where all they have are ellipticals.

These are a few concerns I have about going to China. I will be in Shanghai. If anyone knows anything about gyms or protein powder let me know!