Tried and tested, 7 different gym classes around Thonglor

As we all know, getting tasty food in Bangkok is always at your fingertips. Staying in shape on the other hand, requires a little more effort.

As a runner, I felt like Bangkok just wasn’t the city to exercise in. Taking the BTS back and forth to a park to run is not ideal as it can get, well a little hot, after a 10K run in 30 degrees. So after a few attempts and a lot of astonished faces on my way back home in the BTS, I decided to stop trying to pretend Thailand was the Netherlands where air is fresh and you can start running as soon as you leave your house.

Exercising outdoors, is something I’ll leave to my friends back home. Does this mean I will just settle with getting fat from noodle soup which contains up to 5 spoonsfull of sugar? No I still want to be active and fit (who does not?) so I tried out 7 different sports classes in different gyms around Thonglor. Here is my experience.

  • Absolute You – The Commons Thonglor soi 17 – rhythm cyclingrythym cycling

Drop in class: 1050B

Let’s not talk about the price. The 45 – minute cycling class is actually a dance class, according to the teacher. So .. let’s dance!

The lights go off, disco lights go on and the volume pops out of the speakers. Most of the time, you’re not allowed to sit down on the saddle. While standing up, you need to move your upper body as well and more than occasionally tap your bottom back. There is a weightlifting break in the middle of the class, which off course is done on the bike as well. You will definitely feel this workout the day after, especially in your legs.

And it could be a healthy replacement for a night out.

  • Divine Yoga – Thonglor – gentle yoga

Trial class: 400B

This is a yoga beginner class, which is my level in yoga. The start is by chanting the magic ‘O’ mantra 3 times. After this, you will feel relaxed already. This class is mostly about breathing but you will do some downward dog and stretching poses as well. I definitely felt more relaxed after the class. However it did not feel like a workout to me. So I go here when I want to have peace of mind.

  • Holistic Yoga – Thonglor in Ei8ht building – Zumba Class:

If you want to laugh for an hour – try Zumba at Holistic Yoga! After a short warm up, the southern American songs are put on loud and you will want to move your booty. You will learn moves on about 4 different songs and at all songs you will need to ‘shake what yo mama gave ya’. Even if you’re not the best dancer, you will for sure have a cheerful time. Next time I will go out, I will for sure practice Zumba steps in Insanity Nightclub.

  • Base – Thonglor Noble Remix – Base Build (core/weight training)

One time class: 750B

This is more like it if you want to get fit! If you take a look around at Base, you will see fit trainers, a fit crowd and enough equipment to get you … fit! Classes are 45 minutes, divided in different blocks. They will make sure you won’t skip a muscle group. It’s intensive but still fun because you can alternate between different exercises. After doing a class, I am more than happy to sit behind my laptop all day.

  • Ener8ie – Thonglor in Ei8ht building- Pilates Reformer

One time class:

The Reformer machine will make sure you will be able to stretch your inner muscles far enough. The exercises are designed to make you lean. And more lean I felt after a few classes. I am far from a morning person but did a reformer circuit class before work and did not regret it for a second. It prevents me from sitting in a saggy position behind my desk. Besides, it is not a really hard cardio workout so it’s easily done before breakfast.  A good idea to start the day lean.

  • Pilates Plus – Thonglor 55 building – hot Pilates

This is the place you go to if you want to sweat! As if it is not hot enough outside, Pilates Plus puts on the heat inside up to 40 degrees. Pilates is about stretching and strength and your muscles will get more flexible in 40 degrees. I got a little bit of a headache the first time because I did not drink enough water before and after. The other times, I felt great after; glowing skin, and feels like I got rid of alcohol from the night before. The teachers are really helpful with pushing you into the right positions and it is rarely to crowded.

  • RSM – Thonglor Seenspace – Muay Thai (beginner)

Drop in class: 500B

This 90 minute workout is about getting the basics of Thailand’s most well known fighting sports. The workout is also about getting fit, I needed to do sit ups, push ups and rope skipping before I got to learn the Muay Thai essentials. What I did not expect, is that Muay Thai requires a lot of techniques. Techniques, I did not quit mastered since my legs were pretty bruised after. It is fun to punch your frustrations off and at the end of the class you kind of feel like you’re in a martial arts movie (minus the bruises). However, it was too busy when I was there so too little personal attention from the teachers.

 

Conclusion: enough options to stay and get fit, toned, lean and strong around Thonglor.

There is something at Thonglor area for everyone. And we’re not just talking about tasty food. 😉

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