No one would fault you for indulging over the holidays, especially after the trying times of 2020. But a new year has begun and we are sure that you are now ready to sweat off those extra pounds. However, the same old fitness classes, gym routine, jogging route and YouTube HIIT workouts can sometimes not be enough to motivate one to get started, especially now that gyms are temporarily closed. Guru has a few novel and exciting ways to begin this year's fitness journey, a few online and a few to look forward to, as soon as the restrictions are lifted.
Fresh classes to try out from the comfort of your home
Thai Fit Studio
For the first time in the Thai fitness scene, a fitness studio is combining Thai classical dance movements with cardio and aerobics exercises. The people who put together this unlikely combination are Khajittam Phattayakul (granddaughter of the founder of Phattayakul Thai Music and Drama School) and Madaporn Noinith. They choreographed the movements in consultation with physicians and sports scientists. Each class is 45-60 minutes and will incorporate Thai martial arts movements and traditional Thai music that has been remixed to have an upbeat, electronic style. Customers can pick between three classes that are on offer: Thai Myth, Thai Folk and Thai Martial Arts (each with different movements and vibes).
For now, only online classes are available at B1,000 for four sessions. Customers can schedule them as per their convenience. Booking is available via FB messenger or phone.
Call 085-142-7682, visit fb.com/thaifitstudio.
Barre Workout
If your ultimate fitness goal is to get a toned physique without losing weight, sign up for barre. Not only will it help firm your legs, glutes and stomach, it will also improve posture.
Barre is a form of exercise that combines ballet movements, Pilates, strength training and stretching postures derived from yoga. The exercise is low-impact, with slow and steady movements. But don't let that fool you into thinking you will not be burning any calories. The high reps of some of the movements can be quite intense. By the end of it, not only will your hamstrings and abs be on fire, you might find your legs trembling, too, thanks to seemingly endless repetitions of squat pulses, deep lunges and glute presses.
Get your Barre workout from Physique 57 Bangkok. They are offering online workout packages of two-week membership and monthly membership, with rates being B1,450 and B2,450 respectively. During classes, participants will get a chance to talk and ask questions to the trainers.
Call 02-652-1703, visit fb.com/Physique57Bkk.
Pop Pilates
A rough description of Pop Pilates is dancing on a yoga mat. Thought it may sound simple, it's a full-body cardio and strength workout using only body weight.
Pop Pilates has elements of Pilates (an exercise method that emphasises postural alignment, flexibility, core strength and balance). The "Pop" refers to the faster pace and the accompaniment of upbeat pop music.
Curious? Get your dose of Pop Pilates at Virgin Active Thailand. They are offering daily live exercise classes through MyLocker and Facebook, from 7am-7.30pm. To join the class, you have to be a member of the fitness chain. The class is suitable for all ages and fitness levels. No Pilates background is required. Only drawback is that the pop Pilates online classes are not daily.
Visit www.VirginActive.co.th, fb.com/VirginActiveThailand.
Heart pumping activities to look out for when the gyms reopen
Bungee Workout
Olympic gymnasts enthral millions with their graceful, gravity-defying movements. Most of us will not get to do that but this bungee workout may well be the next best thing. It will give you a taste of what it's like to move through the air and the opportunity to imagine that you are capable of spectacular gymnastic feats.
The Bungee workout is a low impact, high-intensity, resistance cardio workout. Its defining feature is that participants are connected to the ceiling of their exercise studio using a stretchy cord. The cord provides resistance while participants move and jump in ways that sometimes make them seem like they are capable of flight, especially when they spread their arms and legs like flying squirrels.
A blend of acrobatic and dance movements with high-tempo music to help participants smash their fitness goals. The workout is, undoubtedly, incredibly fun and in 60 minutes, everyone gets a full-body workout that helps to tone all the muscle groups.
Itching to find out for yourself what this workout feels like? Head to Bungee Workout Head Quarter. One session is 60 minutes long and priced at B1,500 per person. Until Jan 31, the fitness studio is offering a "Buy 1 Get 1 Class Free" promotion. Additionally, there are also bungee classes available for children, separated by age groups of five and six years and seven and 12 years (same price and promotion apply).
Note: For safety, customers are advised to refrain from having a heavy meal, for at least two hours before the class starts.
Bungee Workout Head Quarter, 2 Floor, EmQuartier, Sukhumvit Road / Call 062-459-1982, visit fb.com/bungeeWORKOUTHQ.
Aqua Board Workout
On the lookout for an extremely challenging workout that doesn't damage your joints? This high-intensity training on an aqua board is the answer. Think of it as high-intensity interval training on a floating exercise mat. The constant struggle to balance yourself on water leads to all your muscle being put to use. Participants will be able to tone their bodies while trying to sharpen their coordination and mobility on an ever-moving platform. Needless to say, some wrong moves could lead to a refreshing splash into the pool.
Classes of this nature have been introduced at Fitness First Club Icon's Outdoor Zone, which overlooks the Chao Phraya River. The 1.2m deep, 25mx12.5m saltwater pool is kept at a constant 35 Celsius. It is used to hold H2 Series classes, which are made up of H2 Core for core strengthening, H2 Flow for practising yoga and H2 Move for a full-body workout. These classes, which use aqua boards, are a signature series for the club. Each class is 45 minutes long and great for beginners and people of all ages.
To join a class, membership is required. However, if you want to try one out, sign up at www.fitnessfirst.co.th/free-trial.
Fitness First Club Icon, 7 Floor, Iconsiam, Charoen Nakhon Road / Call 02-118-6665, visit www.fitnessfirst.co.th/blog/h2series.
Virtual Cycling
Peddling a bike indoors while having the ability to experience a wide variety of digital environments -- what's not to like? Embark on a sweat-drenched journey through dramatic landscapes in the virtual spin class at Sindhorn Wellness by Resense.
The fully immersive workout experience comes with a strong cinema vibe and a great sound system. The 45-minute class will push you to your physical limits, with help from a virtual instructor. He will lead you up steep "hills" for a maximum calorie-torching. Guests have many scenery choices, such as Greek and Egypt. Those with limited time to workout can join the HIIT Cycle class that burns up to 500 calories within 30 minutes.
If you're not a member of Sindhorn Wellness by Resense, you can buy a Day-Pass for B1,200 net. The pass allows you to attend one class and also gives you access to the gym. Check the wellness studio's website for promotional offers on the day-pass.
Membership is B12,000 (for one month), B21,000 (for three months), B38,000 (for six months) and B62,000 (for annual membership).
Sindhorn Wellness by Resense, Sindhorn Kempinski Hotel Bangkok, Soi Ton Son / Call 02-095-9999, visit sindhornwellness.com, fb.com/sindhornwellness.
Aquatic Treadmill
Aqua-exercise is often praised as being a very beneficial exercise that has low injury risk. However, many people still prefer to go for a run, to improve their cardiovascular fitness. A programme by Bangkok Hospital combines the benefits of both aqua-exercise and running, using its aquatic underwater treadmills. After consulting with a rehabilitation physician, participants will be submerged up to their waist and exercise on an underwater treadmill, much like the way they would on a treadmill in their gym. The purported benefits include better blood circulation, muscle and joint strengthening without the risk of conventional resistance training and decrease swelling.
Want to experience it? Call Bangkok Hospital's Rehabilitation centre at 1724 to schedule an appointment.
The price of each 45-minute session starts at B2,200 (excluding service charges and consultation fees). This package is valid until June 30.
Bangkok Hospital, Phetchaburi 47 / Visit www.bangkokhospital.com.
