BEST FITNESS OPTIONS FOR DIGITAL NOMADS IN THAILAND
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Exploring Fitness Options in Thailand: Pre-planning Your Workout Regime for Digital Nomads
A big part of the digital nomad lifestyle is movement. Whether you’re walking around a new city, learning to surf, or lifting weights at the gym, it’s important for your body and mind to have some consistency. For the sake of everyone’s mental and physical well-being, we’re going to look at options and ideas for digital nomads in Thailand. Luckily, the country is as beautiful as the climate, so outdoor activities like running, walking, and cycling are great ways to explore and stay active. If your routine is a little more involved than that, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
Before we dig in, here are some great resources for hotel room/no equipment workouts. This is like your zero-planning backup plan. All you need is Wi-Fi and a little motivation.
TRADITIONAL GYMS IN THAILAND
Pre-planning your workout at a traditional gym in Thailand is the best way to keep up consistency with your regular, at-home routine. Having access to top-notch facilities means you get to use the same, or at least a very similar, treadmill, spin bike, weight machines, etc. Larger gyms will also have showers, lockers, and everything else you’re already used to. Familiarity and convenience are huge factors in why people fail to keep up with their fitness while traveling, so these types of gyms can take a lot of that stress out of the equation. They are also great for networking and meeting new people. Prices for a membership range from 700 - 2,000 baht/month, which is about $40-60 USD. These are Thailand’s best gyms:
First Fitness
A top-notch gym with locations all over the country, First Fitness is an easy place to start. You’ll find a wide selection of classes and programs, from yoga & cardio to martial arts & strength training. They also have a full range of equipment and lots of personal trainers on hand.
Pure Fitness
Like the option before, Pure Fitness is a high-quality gym with all the equipment you’ll need; plus, many locations have saunas, steam rooms, and massage rooms. If you’re looking for a more affordable option, check out Aspire Gym or Nok Air Fitness Club.
Virgin Active
Focusing on creating a “premium fitness experience,” Virgin Active is a globally recognized chain with branches throughout Thailand. They offer state-of-the-art facilities, extensive group classes, swimming pools, and spa services.
Anytime Fitness
As the name suggests, Anytime Fitness is open 24/7 and has lots of locations throughout Thailand. Anytime is a great option for those who like to keep a flexible schedule. It’s also known for having a strong and supportive fitness community and great personal trainers.
The Lab
Fans of HIIT (high-intensity interval training) will love The Lab. Known for its motivating class leaders; The Lab emphasizes functional training in an encouraging environment suitable for all levels of fitness.
Jetts Fitness
Currently rising in popularity, Jetts Fitness is getting noticed for its modern facilities, spacious workout areas, and a wide variety of fitness classes. They have the newest strength training equipment and specialize in highly motivated cardio workouts.
THE BEST YOGA STUDIOS IN THAILAND
Consider a membership or class pack at these studios if yoga is more your style.
Absolute You: Offers a variety of styles, including hot yoga, vinyasa flow, hatha yoga, and more.
Wild Rose Yoga: Specialize in alignment-based practices with experienced instructors.
Yoga Republic: Diverse classes, like power, yin, and aerial yoga.
Yoga Fly: Specialists in aerial yoga. Suitable for all skill levels.
BEST MUAY THAI SPACES IN THAILAND
Muay Thai, a martial art form, is potentially Thailand’s most famous export and a massively important part of Thai culture. It’s also an incredible way to get a full body workout, release some tension, and have fun meeting new people. These gyms cater to all fitness and experience levels, so don’t be afraid to check them out, even if you’re a total beginner.
Tiger Muay Thai: One of the most renowned gyms in the country, Tiger specializes in all skill levels and focuses on strength and conditioning through specialized workshops.
Fairtex Training Center: Probably not the most beginner friendly, but it’s a legendary gym, so we’ve got to mention it. They have the best staff. They train amateurs and professionals. It’s a great gym if you have some experience or want to spar.
Boxing King Muay Thai: A great place to start, Top King focuses on the basics, like cardio, pad work, and strength training. It’s perfect for beginners, and they have lots of locations.
Sumalee Boxing Gym: If you’re really into Muay Thai, Sumaless Boxing actually has a digital nomad retreat program that is totally beginner friendly and comes with accommodations, meals, group classes, and lots of other great extras.
THE BEST WAY TO STAY FIT AS A DIGITAL NOMAD
The simple answer is to make sure you do whatever brings you the most joy. If you love your gym lifestyle, Thailand is an easy place to keep that going. The big gyms have top-of-the-line equipment and all the facilities you’re used to, and the cost is about the same as most gyms. If you’re not ready to commit, it’s easy to pay daily, usually between 100 - 400 Bhat, and most have a trial period if you’re considering a 5-month/yearly contract.
If you want to try new experiences while staying active, check out Ripple Surf, get up early to run along the beach or take a class at one of those Muay Thai gyms. And don’t forget about walking! Walking counts! Especially when you first arrive in a new city, taking a long walk through different neighborhoods is a great way to exercise, explore, and get a lay of the land.