The Best Gyms and Fitness Centres in Bangkok

The Best Gyms and Fitness Centres in Bangkok

A lot of visitors to the Thai capital find that staying fit in Bangkok isn’t all that easy.

This is not so much due to the lack of facilities or venues on offer though. For many people there are simply too many distractions by way of food and drink, aided and abetted by all the other different factors that might make staying in shape while on holiday challenging for some — namely climate, lifestyle, food (did we say food already?) and the fact that – well,  this is a holiday.

So yes, for many a visitor to the capital of Thailand setting out with all good intent to maintain, or even improve current fitness regimes and levels, it is true that in a city like Bangkok there can sometimes be a plethora of distracting factors that might put paid to said good intention (of staying in shape), not least of all the baking humidity prevalent for the majority of the daylight hours.

For the more hardcore lifestyle fitness enthusiasts though – those types who simply won’t be put off their workout by minor details – there is a huge choice of gyms and fitness facilities of varying types and levels across the expanse of the city of Bangkok.

In fact, even the majority of hotels and condominiums in Thailand have some kind of gym or fitness centre available, but in commercial terms there are always new, ultra-hip, modern, highly-innovative establishments popping up with regularity.

In the chaotic and highly-populated central city areas, including all of the major shopping malls and areas within close proximity of many newly-built, high-end condos, it is not too difficult to find a modern-looking gym, many of which are ow twenty-four hour.

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Most of these modern establishments are flexible and adaptable in their approach – and many of them are now operating on increasingly scientific principles in response to growing competition and other infringements on the market.

Hence day passes, monthly memberships, annual memberships, trials, pay-as-you-go etc., etc., are all now accepted ways of doing business in the world of commercial gyms.

The privately-owned ‘backstreet’ gyms, usually more basic but affordable, are the smaller establishments that have operated for decades or more.

However, these days there are increasingly fewer backstreet-type gyms, as they have been out-priced, outdone and outclassed by many of the newer ventures -– which means they have simply been unable to survive (even after decades of operation).

Along with a much wider and modern range of classes, increasing numbers of more specialist or high-end fitness clubs have appeared, all helping to form the growing and trendy Bangkok fitness scene.

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The only drawback with many (if not all) of these city-centre type venues, particularly in terms of monthly memberships, is that prices usually surpass what would be paid back home by most people, including those from Western countries.

Yes it’s true. Designer gym concepts (of which there are many) require designer gym membership fees, which of course is not exactly the path to a lifetime of fitness for everyone.

But whether you want to exercise during a short stay in Bangkok, or you are thinking more long-term and want to start to transform your lifestyle while in Thailand, this guide intends to show what kind of choices are available.

And while it is hardly possible to cover all gyms and related activities in a city like Bangkok, here you will find a few different variations in terms of budget, level of interest and experience, and location. These Bangkok gyms should ideally give you a few good reference points towards experiencing some of the best gyms and fitness centres in Bangkok.

The majority of fitness centres in Bangkok offer day passes, and this may prove to be the best option for checking out different places, or at least feeling things out a bit first before diving straight into a paid monthly gym membership.Top of Form

Whatever your current level or expectation, the bottom line is that there is no shortage of good gyms in Bangkok – but knowing where to look is a definite bonus, as there is still a chance that not all gyms that you walk into are anywhere close to the standards you may require or expect in terms of trainers and equipment.

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If you’re going to spend your money working out, then it is best to make sure that it is worth what you pay for it. So for anyone looking for great places to work out during their stay in Bangkok, here is a selection of some of the best gyms and fitness centres in Bangkok.

Fitness center – Humphrey Muleba – https://unsplash.com/photos/LOA2mTj1vhc

And if none of these options seem up your particular fitness street, then there are also many PARKS in Bangkok to check out too!

1. The Muscle Factory

The Muscle Factory has got to be the most impressive gym when it comes to what might be considered traditional fitness training.

In short, the place is massive, with a huge range of weights and various machines that make it the perfect place for fitness and gym-lovers, and this place even attracts its share of bodybuilders who are impressed by the weight on offer.

The MF opened in 2015 by Bart and his partner, both of whom have a wealth of experience.

When the place first opened it was unique in many ways, not least of all because of its sheer size and range of equipment, but also it was considered as more of a ‘real’ gym than the other ‘high-street’ gyms on offer previously such as California Wow (which has disappeared altogether now from Thailand).

After the success of Bangkok’s first internationally-owned ‘hardcore’ gym, another has since been opened in Pattaya.

These places have all the old-school equipment and advice for anyone interested in fitness, bodybuilding, powerlifting, strongman and even crossfit. They also offer advice on food prep and competition, and casual, drop-in day passes are ok.

ADDRESS: 144 Sukhumvit 56, Yaek 3-1 Bangchak, Phrakanong, Bangkok 10260

HOURS: early til 11pm

TEL: 02 331 5277

WEBSITE: https://mfbkk.com/

BTS Prakanong

2. Jetts

Yet another international fitness chain name, Jetts now has multiple locations across Bangkok, with one of its main selling points being 24/7 opening hours.

Image by Mark Philip

Jetts gyms are modern, equipment-oriented facilities aimed at young, working professionals who are likely to relish the freedom of working out on their own terms.

In a typical Jetts’ setup you will find everything from a good selection of free weights, training equipment and machines, functional training, and a ‘Cardio Zone’.

Quite trendy at the moment with both locals and sprinklings of expats and vistors to the city, Jetts offer a free trial so you can experience the gym before buying even a day pass, let alone a membership!

Try the Jetts experience for yourself at various venues across Bangkok, with one of the more established ones being at Asok, right next to the BTS stop for Sukhumvit, opposite Terminal 21 shopping centre.

WEBSITE: http://www.jetts.co.th/en/

BTS Sukhumvit, Asok Station (you can see the gym from inside the station and on the top level of the skywalk) and MRT Asok

3. Aspire

Aspire is one of the new breed of Boutique Bangkok Gyms that focus on personal-trainer sessions, and incorporate a strong focus on nutrition.

This type of place is typically much smaller, and quite a bit more pricy, than the ‘mall gym’ counterpart popular with mainstream gym goers, and it advertises itself as providing a way more individualized approach towards physical training.

With international backing coming from over 20 years in the fitness industry, courtesy of Dan Remon, who says he has ‘spent his entire 20 year career in the health industry learning what the difference is that makes the difference to clients’ lives’.

The cutting-edge Aspire fitness model presents a confident approach, with proven key foundations for adherents to the brand seeking to achieve specific goals and actually see the results they want.

The approach is modern and scientific, and is based on fundamental pillars which aim to optimise fat burning hormones and increase metabolism, while reducing the effects of other hormones that facilitate fat storage and slow down metabolic rates, especially with aging.

Aspire programs are designed with the education of the participant on these principles in mind, to aid in forming strategies and habits for training and nutrition that will continue to evolve and serve he need of the client.

Scientific stuff! And again quite a bit removed from your average, high-street gym (or Mall gym, in the case of Bangkok), but Aspire could be an interesting option for hardcore fitness and lifestyle enthusiasts.

ADDRESS: 2^nd Floor, Jasmine Building, Sukhumvit 23, Bangkok 10110

HOURS: 9 am-9 pm

WEBSITE: www.theaspireclub.com

MRT Asok/ BTS Sukhumvit (Asok station)

4. The Lab

Just along from Aspire (on the same road, in the next mall) is The Lab — one of Bangkok’s original and top boutique gyms.

The Lab opened a way back offering functional movement and strength and conditioning training, amidst what seemed like a bizarre mass of high-tec, new-fangled, yet minimal training equipment.

With a team of coaches who have extensive experience in areas of fitness, weight-loss, strength training programs, nutrition, and rehabilitation, an initial consultation at The Lab will then see clients matched with a specialist coach suited to their requirements and goals – whether they be focused on personal training, group fitness classes or programs with a specific target in mind.

ADDRESS: RSU Tower (2^nd floor), Sukhumvit 31, Bangkok 10110

TEL: 02-662-1618

HOURS — check schedules here: http://www.thelabbangkok.com/schedule/sukhumvit/

BTS Sukhumvit (Asok) station/ MRT Asok

5. The Movement Playground

The Movement Playground is another one of the more innovative and modern takes on gym life, in that the activities are based on the premise ‘Movement is Medicine for a Healthy Life’.  

The movement playground also centres its activities around obstacles that are set up to be both fun and challenging. The Movement Playground is also the first and only parkour and Obstacle Course Training Centre in Bangkok, and all trainers here are certified.

Along with Parkour, one of the current sports growing in popularity in Bangkok, other obstacle courses are available, and classes in Calisthenics, Yoga and Functional Training also feature on the schedule. 

Daily passes are available for any one class (see class schedules for details). All other passes are unlimited access during their time of validity.

Address: 36/4 Soi Sukhumvit 69, Phrakanong, Bangkok

Hours: Mon-Fri 09:00 am-9:00 pm; Sat-Sun 08:00 am-6:00 pm

BTS Prakonong Station on the Sukhumvit Line

CONTACT: 02 012 1557

6. Virgin Active

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So now it’s onto the more ‘tried-and-tested’ mall gyms. Virgin Active is a fairly recent addition to the high-street, mainstream fitness club roster in Bangkok, and is part of Virgin group.

There are currently Virgin Active gyms in 8 different locations across Bangkok, and the chain is slowly gaining more and more members who are interested in the ‘enrich your life through activeness’ theme.

Although more generic than some of the centres featured in this report, Virgin Active clubs still have an impressively modern and high-end feel to them, and offer spas, steam rooms, group activities and classes, hot and cold sensation showers, a detoxing salt room, and an indoor climbing wall.

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On the whole a fairly complete experience as far as fitness clubs with state-of-the-art facilities go. Don’t expect this one to come too cheaply either, and day passes are around 28 Dollars

Various locations in Bangkok
WEBSITE: https://www.virginactive.co.th/home/our_clubs.aspx

7. Fitness First

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Fitness first came to Bangkok before Virgin Active, and now has more than 30 fitness centres all around Bangkok.

Again the majority of these gyms are in or close to shopping malls, with Fitness First Siam Paragon being probably the prime example of a city-centre Bangkok gym.

Image by sry85 sourced from wikimedia commons

Fitness First gyms and fitness centres have the whole range of standard fitness equipment and facilities on offer, along with a host of different classes and group activities. These may include boxing fit, cardio fit, yoga, and weight training classes, to name but a few.

Check out the website for schedules and more info on day passes.
https://www.fitnessfirst.co.th/