Being stronger and fitter was one of my priorities during my mini retirement. And there are a plethora of opportunities to do so in Chiang Mai. So how did I choose which activities and routines to adopt?
This post discusses what works/worked for my fitness. I break up my fitness priorities into three categories: 1) strength, 2) cardio, and 3) mobility. For each category, I’ll outline what I currently do to stay fit as well as other options I tried out.
Strength
For most of my life, I have been a skinny, lanky guy. While growing up, my parents would say I didn’t eat enough. During grade school, I adopted a nickname “stickboy” (for better or worse – I embraced it, using the nickname for my screen name on AOL, eBay, and other platforms). The mini-retirement afforded me plenty of time to explore whether I can put on more muscle. While having a healthy, high-caloric diet was critical in muscle gain, I won’t be discussing my diet on this post – but instead where I went for my strength training.
Gym Recommendation: Playground Fitness (Nimman)
Cost: 140 THB per visit (with 10-day coupon); One-on-one training separate
A neighborhood gym in the South part of Nimman and close to Chiang Mai University. Clean environment with filtered A/C, friendly staff, and equipment in great condition. Has all the equipment and machines I need: bench press, lat pull down, leg press, squat rack, etc. Playground is really built for one-on-one training, which I signed up for 10 sessions at an affordable price with a knowledgeable trainer who speaks good English. Whether you’re visiting (day pass only 180 THB) or staying in Chiang Mai longer, especially in the Nimman area, check out Playground.
Disclaimer: I’m currently taking a break from hitting the gym to save on time commuting; instead I’m working out from home with these adjustable dumbbells and workout bench I purchased online. I continued workout routines that I practiced with my Playground trainer. If/when I return to the gym for additional training, I would definitely return to Playground.
Other options: I have personally tried out Jetts (One Nimman) which I found to be bigger than I needed, definitely more expensive, and requiring a subscription I wasn’t ready to commit to. I have also tried Like Fitness (Hang Dong) which was affordable, had all the equipment I needed, but had outdated equipment and not as clean/bright environment. I have friends who swear by CrossFit Chiang Mai but I have not, despite my friends’ pleas, attended a session so cannot personally attest to the CrossFit scene. I also have friends who hit the gym at Pump Fitness, which looks as clean and has just as updated equipment as Playground; and weekly rate of 400 THB sure is affordable!
Cardio
I have a history of heart disease – several paternal uncles who have had either heart attacks or strokes. So I’m extra vigilant about heart health, including ensuring I have strong cardiovascular health and circulation. This means finding ways daily to keep my heart rate up. Luckily, Chiang Mai offers a variety of ways to keep my heart pumping and blood flowing.
Hiking Recommendation: Monk’s Trail (Wat Pha Lat)
Cost: Free
My favorite trail in Chiang Mai. Trailhead is close to the city with plenty of parking space. Trail takes about 20-30 minutes up to Wat Pha Lat, which gives you a nice break in a peaceful, scenic setting before hiking back down. The trail is very clear (unlike many trails in Thailand with overgrown plants/weeds and no markers) and safe. Of course, practice caution during rainy conditions because of slippery rocks. And while many walk up/down this trail with flip flops, I make sure I wear hiking boots to prevent slipping and potential injuries.
Disclaimer: I am not currently hiking the Monk’s Trail due to the smoky season. Instead, I do some short walks around my neighborhood as well as some high-intensity exercises at home such as burpees, jumping lunges, and mountain climbers. This keeps my heart rate up while I wait for the smoky season to pass.
Other hiking options: I have hiked several trails solo and with friends, including the gorgeous Kew Mae Pan (Doi Inthanon), the famous sticky waterfall, Doi Pui, Huai Tueng Thao waterfall, and Doi Nangmo. In general, I would recommend going with friends for safety reasons (in case one of you gets an injury). A great option to find hiking friends is to join the Facebook group Chiang Mai “Walk and Talk” hiking; the group does a great job of organizing weekly meetups at various hiking trails across the city. I got really good cardio workouts and made some great friends at these events.
Other cardio options: I enjoy swimming but have not found a closeby pool to swim regularly, outside of the small pool that my neighborhood has. I have friends who recommend Looper, which is large, clean and affordable; I just have not checked it out to personally recommend the pool. While I enjoy spin class, I have not committed to a pricy monthly gym membership. I find running on a treadmill not engaging enough. And I definitely would not be able to bear Chiang Mai’s heat trying to jog or cycle outside.
Mobility
Yeah, here’s a term I did not find very important until I hit the age of 40: mobility. Who knew how important it is to practice the full range of joints. I have practiced strength training for the better part of my 30s – unfortunately, without pre-workout stretches – and it has left me with limited range of motion, especially with my shoulders. Fortunately, Chiang Mai has a solution for me to work on and gradually improve my mobility.
Yoga Recommendation: Yoga Ananda (Nimman)
Cost: 180 THB per class (with 10 classes across 60 days); cost ranges from 350 THB to 140 THB depending on how many classes you pre-purchase
Yoga Ananda is conveniently located in Nimman, definitely walkable if you are staying in the area. Their yoga classes are well instructed and English is spoken. Mats, blocks, etc. are provided. Schedules are posted timely on Facebook. Scheduling is easily done via LINE, the messenger app. There are two drawbacks: the facilities are dated (given classes being held at an old condo building) and would benefit with remodeling and the space is fairly small, making for some very crowded classes, especially in the evening. But I have been loyal to Yoga Ananda – and absolutely believe that the Vinyasa Flow classes have helped improve my mobility, especially with the painful shoulder- and ankle-activating poses.
Other mobility options: I have attended yoga classes at Chiang Mai Holistic; while the price is affordable, the instructor knowledgeable and patient, and classes are not crowded, I found the schedule changing every month so it was difficult to maintain my weekly routines. I have friends who swear by the free yoga classes at the park (Nong Buak Haad) but I have yet to attend for fear of the Thai heat.
Other Ways I Stay Fit
My fitness routines would not be complete without mentioning a few other activities I like to do every now and then – to break a little sweat and have fun.
Bouldering: Alpine Outpost. Pretty small bouldering facility offering only a handful of routes at my level of difficulty. But given the proximity to Nimman, the shaded areas with operable fans, and how it’s never crowded when I visit, this is my climbing facility of choice in town. Tip: bring your own climbing shoes (I brought mine from the U.S.) and chalk (Lazada) to save on rental costs.
Golf Course: Lanna Golf Club. Just a short drive north of the city, this is a decent golf course with a very affordable price. About 1,500 THB ($40) for 18 holes, a golf cart and a caddy. This is not the nicest golf course; I have been to a lot better in Chiang Mai such as Summit Green Valley and North Hill, but given the proximity to the city and the affordable price, Lanna Golf Club is at the top of my list of where I want to play a round of golf.
Golf Practice Range: Chiang Mai Gymkhana Club. This range is closer to the city and to my house. The club offers only a very narrow 9-hole course (which I don’t like because I tend to embarrassingly fade with my drives), but the practice range is perfect for my needs. And it’s super cheap to purchase a tray of practice balls.
Summary
Chiang Mai is a fantastic background with a very supportive community for your fitness needs. I have found several options that work for me – and is very light on my wallet. And I have been able to make some great friends by participating in the many groups and classes available. I would encourage you to explore the variety of fitness options here and find what’s right for you.
~Lester T