A Fitness Lover's Guide To Bangkok

Staying in shape while traveling for long periods of time can be difficult. Some travelers are not willing to take months off their daily workout routines, however. These travelers find themselves scouring the city in search of gyms, workout classes and anything else available. Working out is hard enough, and finding somewhere to do it should not be an added struggle. That being said, Bangkok has plenty of options, from gyms to Muay Thai classes, for tourists to explore. Here, a fitness lover’s guide to Bangkok.

The GuavaPass

GuavaPass is a fairly new concept that has taken Asia by storm. With this pass, you no longer have to pay expensive fees to attend certain classes or scout out Bangkok for the best gyms to sweat in. GuavaPass has already done that for you, for only ฿3,699 per month. Yoga, kickboxing, spinning, dancing, CrossFit and even Pilates are just some of the available classes you will find around Bangkok made available to you with your GuavaPass. With this pass, you will never come up short finding new ways to sweat. This pass also has partners in cities including Hong Kong, Singapore, Dubai, Manila, Seoul, Jakarta, Taipei and Shanghai.

Bangkok’s Outdoor Gyms

‘Air-walker’ and ‘sit-up board’ are just two of the machines available at Santiphap Park, about a five-minute walk from the BTS Skytrain stop Victory Monument. You can also find an outdoor gym at Chatuchak Park, right off BTS Skytrain stop Mochit. If anything, watching people pendulum swing their legs from side to side as a means of working out is entertaining, to say the least.

Explore on Foot

Bangkok, for such an urban area, has its fair share of parks. If you feel silly using one of the outdoor gyms as a means to stay toned while traveling, simply grab a water bottle and a friend and go for a stroll around any of Bangkok’s best parks, including Lumpini and Chatuchak Park. There are plenty of parks just waiting to be explored in Bangkok, which are great for both jogging and cycling.

Cycle the City

Many of the parks in and around Bangkok have great cycling routes. Explore ‘Bangkok’s Green Lung’ on Bang Kachao, or take a more urban inspired route at Benjakiti Park, with trails made specifically for cyclists. Bicycles are usually fairly inexpensive to rent as well, costing about ฿20-30 for an hour or ฿100 for an entire day. There are also plenty of tour groups and guides that offer educational bicycle tours around the city, including Follow Me Bangkok Bicycle Tours, Grasshopper Adventures and SpiceRoads Cycle Tour.

Cycling is a great way to explore the city

Muay Thai

Why not stay in shape while learning about Thailand’s national and most popular sport, Muay Thai? There are an overabundance of gyms and classes around Bangkok that offer both private and group classes. Whether you have never stepped foot into the boxing ring before or plan on become a Muay Thai professional, Bangkok’s Muay Thai classes and gyms are a great place to for fitness lovers.

Recreational Classes

Bangkok is filled with both expats and fitness lovers. These two groups join forces in Bangkok’s many group sessions or classes offered around the city. Plan your time accordingly to find these classes, however. Show up at any given park at 1 p.m. in the afternoon and you will likely be one of only a few people there. Show up anytime after 5 p.m., and you will probably find yourself right in the middle of some cardio activity.

For example, on Tuesday and Thursday nights at 6:30 p.m., Lumpini Running Club meets for its evening jog, followed by drinks. Sunset yoga is offered at Benjakiti Park throughout the week. These are often sporadic and random, depending on when an instructor is available. Be on the lookout for these classes online before attending. Most of these classes are free or donation based.
By Kelly Iverson

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