With kind eyes and a confident smile, Jack Thomas is on a mission to make your workout the favourite part of your day. He is the founder and CEO of BASE, one of Bangkok's leading fitness studios, which was voted "Gym of the Year 2018" at the recent Fitness Best, the biggest fitness industry awards in Asia. He has a long list of qualifications, including a diploma in personal training from the UK and has been exercising his expertise in Bangkok's fitness scene since 2009. In addition to the two BASE locations in Thong Lor and Sathon, Thomas has advocated a healthy lifestyle for all through his contributions to various local and international publications. We decided to ask him a few questions about his journey, the BASE experience and for a few fitness tips.
When did your interest in fitness begin?
As a kid, I was active and was always playing football or climbing trees. I started 'working out' in a gym when I was about 20 but I didn't consider fitness as a career until eight years ago. My clothing export business was not doing well and I needed a change in direction. A major life change. I decided to go back to the UK and get qualified as a fitness trainer as I thought there was an opportunity in Thailand for quality, professional training. It turned out to be one of the best decisions I've ever made... and 14 years later, I'm still here!
How did BASE start?
After five years in Thailand's industry, I decided to create my own thing -- something special that would shake up the fitness scene not just in Thailand but in Asia, too. We wanted something powerful and also a word that Thais could pronounce easily. After reflecting on what we stand for, we chose BASE as we believe that building a strong foundation of strength and fitness is the only way to see real, long-term results. This inspired our tagline, 'Build Your Base'.
Photos courtesy of BASE
Who is BASE for? Tell us about the two branches.
I don't want to say we cater to a certain demographic as we have helped different types of people build their bases. This includes 15-year-olds with learning difficulties to Thailand's leading MMA fighters and everyone in-between. However, I would say BASE is for anyone who wants to enjoy their training, take their results to the next level and be part of an inspiring community. BASE Thonglor proved a big hit, so at BASE Sathon we wanted to retain much of the same training methods that have worked so well for our clients. However, each branch has its own unique feel and so there are some different lighting and design elements at Sathon that give it a distinctive vibe. We've also partnered with Physique 57 with joint packages so clients can experience the best of our two different training methods.
BASE incorporates cool lighting and good music during workouts. Is this to optimise the experience?
Absolutely! We are big on the science of exercise but we believe that training should be fun and exciting -- the highlight of your day. We've carefully created the training experience to inspire people and make working out something to look forward to. This means getting the lighting and music right but also the sum of many finer details around the studio that contribute to this great experience.
What sets BASE apart from the other fitness centres in Bangkok?
The unique way that we combine HIIT [high-intensity interval training] and strength training to get the best results in burning fat and building muscle. We also regularly record all of our clients' results in a monthly session called Baseline, which shows exactly how much fitter they are getting and how their body fat percentage and muscle mass are changing. This recording and monitoring help us adjust and tweak their training and nutrition until they've hit their goals.
How would you describe the Bangkok fitness scene?
There are many great gyms and fitness concepts in Bangkok and we're proud to be a part of such an exciting time in Thailand's fitness industry. Bangkok is really leading the way in Asia and I think we're now one of the leading cities for fitness in the region. I would like to see more Thais embracing exercise as something exciting, so any business or concept that helps to do that is greatly welcomed!
How do you stay motivated and what do you eat on a cheat day?
Everyone has their off days, me included. I like to set goals such as running a Spartan Race, as visualising race day helps to get me moving even when I might not feel like it. A training partner also helps as you don't want to be the one letting the team down! I don't really believe in a whole day of cheating as things can get a little out of control. I like bacon, burgers and beer. Sometimes all at the same time.
What is your top tip for those who have been thinking about kick-starting a healthy lifestyle but haven't got around to actually doing it?
Two big tips to get you started -- pick a date not too far in the future and tell yourself you are going to get started like your life depends on it. Second, announce on Facebook and tell all of your friends that you're going to get started; the pressure and accountability usually help people stick with it. If you're still stuck, get a coach who cares about and inspires you.
