Health

gyms and fitness in Chiang Mai

Gyms and Fitness Centers in Chiang Mai

Gyms and Fitness Centers in Chiang Mai 538 218 cmbadmin

Gyms and Fitness Centers in Chiang Mai

There are a wide range of Gyms and Fitness Centers in Chiang Mai, and like in any city or country around the world, come in the basic grunt and sweat cheaper facilities to the more plush and stylish places that offer you a personal trainer while you work out. Thailand is of course famous for Muay Thai, and Chiang Mai has a few training camps, along with specialized weight loss boot camps, X-training facilities, gyms and parks with exercise circuits. Following are the major gyms in the Nimman area of Chiang Mai

Map of Gyms and Fitness in Nimmanhaemin area Chiang Mai

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Go Gym Fitness Center

Kuang Sing (Gad estate gold), Chiang Mai, Thailand 50000.
Mon-Sun: 8:00 am – 11:59 pm

Go Gym Chiang Mai

  • 60 Baht per Time
  • 900 Baht per Month
  • 2,000 Baht 3 Months
  • 3,500 Baht for 6 Months
  • 5,900 Baht per Year

Go Gym opened 2014 and has rapidly become the number one choice for many Thai and Farangs alike.  Located just off the Super Highway, Go Gym is a massive open shed that houses a huge variety of machine, free weights, a Kickboxing ring, kick bags and has regular seminars and training events.

Go Gym boosts many competitive bodybuilders who work out here, and have a good variety of protein based snacks (and traveling motorcycle food carts outside).  This is a Gym for the serious fitness buff, there is not much in the way of luxuries, just a good plain and simply work out.

Having a large shed structure Go Gym offers some interesting fitness options like hoops and silk facilities as well as the type of body pump and aerobic classes common in my fitness centers

Go Gym Chiang Mai

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Powerhouse Gym Fitness Center

Soi 6, Nimmanhemin Road in Punna Place

powerhouse Gym Chiang Mai

  • 13,500 Baht per year (exercise allowed anytime)
  • 9,500 Baht per year (exercise allowed from 9am to 3pm)
  • 400 Baht per day
  • 2,500 Baht for a 10-visit coupon
  • No Swimming Pool

Powerhouse Gym is the only fitness center in the country operating under this popular US brand. As such it has pricing structure similar to an overseas gym providing a ‘time of day’ you workout, tier cost of membership. The gym is nice! With English speaking personal trainers and a full range of equipment, including cardio machines and free weights as well as onsite sauna room, stretching area and lockers.

Powerhouse’s has exercises classes such as Power Kick, Power Weight, Cycling, Aerobic Dancing and Introductory Aerobics classes. The gym also provides transfer of membership, free WiFi, accident insurance, food and sells merchandise. has free WiFi, complementary accident insurance and a store selling smoothie drinks, protein powder and gym apparel. It is found on . Rates are a bit more expensive than other gyms but this is reflected in the better quality facilities:

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Strong Gym (formally Kawee Power Zone)

3th Floor Kad Suan Kaew Mall, Huay Kaew Road

Strong Gym Chiang Mai

  • Daily: 50 Baht
  • Coupon: 350 Baht (10 visits in 20 days)
  • 1 month: 800 Baht
  • 3 months: 1,699 Baht
  • 6 months: 2,999 Baht
  • 1 year: 4,999 Baht

Strong Gym is a recent makeover of Kawee Power Zone has been operating for over 6 years on the 3rd floor of Kad Suan Kaew Shopping Centre. Strong gym is a cheap and satisfactory place to work out. The machines are old and it is the sort of place you would expect to see the more hard core bodybuilder (and less ego centric fitness fanatic). The selection of exercise machines and free weights here is more than satisfactory, and includes treadmills, exercise bikes and elliptical trainers. There are also lockers and a changing room onsite. Members can can bring their own personal trainers for no extra cost, work with their own personal trainer if they wish. The Lotus Pang Suon Kaew Hotel’s swimming pool (part of Harris Gym below) is also available with an entrance fee of 100 Baht.

Strong Gym will be getting new equipment end of March early April 2015 and prices will change

  • Daily: 70 Baht
  • Coupon: 350 Baht (10 visits in 20 days)
  • 1 month: 990 Baht
  • 3 months: 1,990 Baht
  • 6 months: 3,599 Baht
  • 1 year: 5,500 Baht

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Harris Gym & Fitness Center

6th Floor Lotus Hotel, Huay Kaew

harris-fitness-center-chaing-mai

  • 200 Baht Daily
  • 600 Baht Weekly
  • 1,250 Baht Monthly
  • 3,600 Baht 3 Months
  • 7,000 Baht 6 Months
  • 13,000 Baht one Year (with Pool)
  • 11,000 Baht Year (without Pool)

Harris Gym Chiang Mai PoolHarris Fitness Center is located close to Power Gym in the Lotus Hotel on the 6th floor and is a small but modern gym with new machines and weights. Better yet you have access to the full sized swimming pool (which makes a huge difference after your workout). The Staff speak English, and are available for assistance if required. Like most gyms in Chiang Mai you pay your fees and work out, there is no high pressure to join and stay longer or sign up for special promotions.

Harris has the basics, plus some nice machines and provides group exercise including Ab workouts, Kick boxing, Aerobics, Jazz Dance, Yoga and Hip Hop classes.
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Fitness Thailand

7-8th floor 29 Icon square parking building)

Fitness Thailand Chiang Mai

  • 1,700 Baht 1 Month
  • 4,500 Baht 3 Months
  • 7,000 Baht 6 Months per day
  • 9,500 Baht 1 Year
  • No Swimming Pool

Fitness Thailand has recently opened and contains the latest modern exercise equipment with what they claim is a world class fitness area (and they are right). Four aerobic studios with panoramic views of the City including an indoor cycling studio that has 80 different aerobic classes per week. Fitness Thailand has the latest and a huge range of exercise machines and free weights and group exercise classes including Yoga, Power Yoga, Hip hop Dance, Step Class, Body Combat, Body Pump, and Step Aerobics.

Brand new changing rooms that include dry sauna and steam room. Free lockers, and a Health and juice bar for a snack and refreshment after your work out.

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Hillside Gym Fitness Center

Inside Hillside Condo, 24/50 Huay Kaew Road

Hillside Fitness Chiang Mai

  • 100 Baht Single Visit
  • 1,000 Baht 1 Month
  • 2,500 Baht 3 Months
  • 3,500 Baht 6 Months
  • 5,900 Baht One Year
  • Group Exercise 60 Baht or 500 Baht 10 Times
  • Swimming Pool

hillside fitness chiang mai poolHillside Fitness center is located on the lobby floor of Hillside 4 condo and is a semi large and old gym. It has a wide range of exercise machines, free weights including squat racks, table tennis and a fantastic pool. Hillside Fitness is cheap and basic, it takes time to repair broken equipment and many of the clients are expats who are living at the complex.

Hillside has a small private exercise class where they do Yoga, and the room can be used by members. Parking in the garage available for 20 baht per motorcycle but (as with so many parking attendants) if you take the time to talk to them a few times they sometimes forget to charge you.
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Touch Gym & Fitness Center

5th Floor Maya Shopping Mall

touch fitness chiang mai

  • 1,500 Baht Daily
  • 6,499 1 Month
  • 11,499 3 Months
  • 20,499 Baht 6 Months
  • 29,999 Baht 1 Year
  • No Swimming Pool

touch gym class chiang maiTouch Gym and Fitness in the Maya Mall Chiang Mai has recently opened and is based on western styled gyms (with western pricing). Touch gym has a time tier pricing system and charges 1,500 baht processing fee. and offers full membership and slightly less if you wish to go in the mornings or just 3 days a week.

Beautiful and modern equipment, with beautiful and modern people. Personal trainers are available for hire (5 times 6,750 baht). Locker rooms are like a spa with dry and wet sauna, free towels and Touch boast its suspended training system.

Touch Fitness is a modern and spa like gym fill of successful and pretty people. It has many aerobic and exercise classes and full assessments of fitness available.

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CrossFit Gym & Fitness Center

48/1 Chiang Mai-Lampang Road (Superhighway)

Crossfit Chiang Mai

  • 2,700 Baht Month
  • 7,500 Baht 3 Months

CrossFit is a strength and conditioning program that is rapidly gaining a huge world wide following for its intense workouts and fast results. Working with a personal trainer in a group setting allows you to progress quickly towards your goals — as an athlete or just in life.

CrossFit Chiang Mai is the first CrossFit affiliate in Thailand. They focus on nutrition, strength and conditioning as three important components of fitness. Workouts are scaled for each individual athlete’s level of strength and fitness, pre-existing injuries or other special concerns. Workouts include a mix of running, Olympic weightlifting, gymnastics, conditioning and other activities.

CrossFit Chiang Mai is partnered with the International Sustainable Development Studies Institute (ISDSI), an expedition based experiential learning program focused on culture and ecology (see www.isdsi.org for more). ISDSI students do CrossFit as a part of their semester in Thailand, and ISDSI instructors do CrossFit and help lead classes at CrossFit Chiang Mai.
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Thai Massage Chiang Mai (in your Home)

Thai Massage Chiang Mai (in your Home) cmbadmin

Thai Massage Chiang Mai: Get a Outcall Spa Quality Traditional Thai Massage in your Home

Chiang Mai Thai Massage Callout Service

Now you can get a Spa quality Thai Massage in your own home with the Spa Thai Massage Callout Service from Chiang Mai Buddy. Khun Orr, is a highly qualified and experienced masseuse in multiply Spa, Relaxation and Treatment Massage methods.  Get the convenience of a quality Thai massage in your own home in the central Chiang Mai area.

Get a Spa Quality Thai Massage in your own home!
Invigorating … Relaxing … Healing … Beautifying


What is a Thai Massage?

Traditional Thai massage does not use no oils or lotions. The person receiving the massage remains clothed during a treatment, which lasts between one and two hours. There is constant body contact between the giver and receiver, but rather than rubbing on muscles, the body is compressed, pulled, stretched and rocked.

The person getting the massage usually wears loose, comfortable clothing and lies on a mat or firm mattress on the floor. While it is common now in Tourist areas of Thailand to have shop fronts with many customers at a time, the true ancient style of the massage requires that the massage be performed solo with just the giver and receiver. The receiver will be positioned in a variety of yoga type positions during the massage, and deep static and rhythmic pressure is applied using many parts of the body.

The massage follows designated patterns of flow and movement, following lines (“sen”) in the body. The massage therapist will position the body of the person into beneficial poses and positions using their legs and feet.  In other positions, hands fix the body, while the feet do the massaging. A Thai massage session typically includes rhythmic pressing and stretching of the entire body. This may include pulling fingers, toes, ears, cracking knuckles, walking on the recipient’s back, and moving the recipient’s body into many different positions. There is a standard procedure and rhythm to the massage, which the giver will adjust to fit the receiver.

Thai massage focuses on 10 energy points in the body, known as sen, though there are over 70,000 recorded sen in all. It separates itself from other types of massage in that their is a spiritual aspect involved, and a properly trained masseuse will conduct a short prayer before commencing in order to focus their energy on the task. Aspects of yoga are incorporated in the massage, bending and twisting the torso to ‘reset’ the muscular-skeletal position. The procedure is a slow and patient one, with most attention given to areas that are most muscular, such as the thighs. There aren’t many brutal movements in this form.

The most active tool in a masseuse’s arsenal is the thumb, however; as with the fingers, there is indirect pressure applied and the ball of the digit is used rather than the tip. A correctly trained Thai massage practitioner will avoid sensitive areas such as the knees. If you have ailments or chronic problems sensitive to body pressure, you are advised to receive your massage from a professional spa, where the masseuse will usually quiz you beforehand so as to avoid anything painful and harmful. It’s also not advised to go for a massage directly after eating. (Acknowledgement: Some sentences taken from onestopchiangmai.com)

Meet the Therapist’s

Thai Massage Call Out

Khun Orr: Qualified and Experienced Massage Expert

Khun Orr, is a Spa Massage veteran, qualified and skilled in a wide range of relaxation, traditional Thai and therapeutic massage techniques. She provides years of expertise and a strong and powerful massage in the comfort of your own home.  No need to go to a spa and wait – you arrange the time and she will come to you.

This is a quality Thai Massage, not a 200 baht tourist experience from a pretty little thing you would find along a market street with no training, strength or skill.  A genuine Thai Massage from a gifted therapist available as a call out service in your own home of office.

Thai Massage Call Out NanaKhun Nana, is a Spa Massage specializing in Traditional Thai Massage.  Also well trained and qualified, Nana has been providing Thai Massage in it’s various forms for over 5 years.  In addition her comprehension of English enables you to communicate with her and get treatments especially designed for your immediate needs.

No need to go to a spa and wait – you arrange the time and she will come to you.

This is a quality Thai Massage, not a 200 baht tourist experience from a pretty little thing you would find along a market street with no training, strength or skill.  A genuine Thai Massage from a gifted therapist available as a call out service in your own home of office.

 

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Types of Thai Massage Available

Traditional Thai Massage Chiang MaiTraditional Thai Massage

Time: 1 hour
Cost: 350 Baht

The Traditional Thai Massage uses hands and the masseuses’ own body to apply force, stretches and pressure on more than 100 parts of the body.

While the stretching and pressure can cause a little discomfort at first when applied to tense muscles, afterwards you feel amazingly relaxed, with the body tissues increased flexibility your blood circulation and over all energy levels increase.

Traditional Thai Foot Massage Chiang MaiTraditional Thai Foot Massage

Time: 1 hour
Cost: 350 Baht

The Traditional Thai Foot Massage uses Reflexology and works the internal organs of the body through manipulation of pressure points on the soles of the feet.

A combination of a vigorous foot massage and the use of wooden pins to apply pressure into the acupressure points located in the feet. The Thai Foot Massage does remarkable things for tired and sore feet, increasing stimulation of the body (some say producing a detoxing effect) but leaves you feeling relaxed and feeling healthy.

Thai Head Back Sholders Massage Chiang MaiHead Back & Shoulders Thai Massage

Time: 1 hour
Cost: 400 Baht

The Thai Head Back and Shoulders is a vigorous massage around the back and Shoulders designed to loosen tense muscles and make them submit into relaxation.  Followed by a soothing face and head massage.

This massage requires much more physical energy and work from the therapist and is guaranteed to leave you feeling like a relaxed mellow blob of your former self.

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Contact Us about your Massage

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Are my Prescription Drugs Legal in Thailand?

Are my Prescription Drugs Legal in Thailand? cmbadmin

Can I buy my Prescription Medication in Thailand?

Have you ever stopped to consider whether the drugs prescribed by your doctor legally back home are legal in countries that you work remotely in?

For those who require medications prescribed by their doctor to function. People who decide to settle down for any period of time in Thailand are rarely aware that treating conditions such as extreme pain, extreme anxiety or panic attacks will require a little bit of advance planning and a basic understanding of Thai drug laws. The question is soon asked “Are my Prescription Drugs Legal in Thailand?”

Not every drug that is legal with a prescription in your home country is legal in Thailand, and you will need to carry a prescription with you at all times –especially on a visa/border run.

I provide this information as “hear-say” and editorial. This book does not contain legal advice, or health advice, and I am not responsible for any consequences that may occur as a result of reading this book.

Your certificate/medical prescription must indicate:

  • The name and address of the patient
  • The identified medical condition
  • The name of the medications and the reason that those medications were prescribed for the patient’s treatment
  • The posology and total amount of medications prescribed
  • The name, address, and license number of the prescribing physician

Background

Drug/narcotic classifications vary from one country to another which can get a little confusing. Let’s look at Thailand’s narcotic categories;

Narcotic Categories in Thailand

I. Heroin, amphetamines (ecstasy), methamphetamines (“yabba” and “Ice”)

II. Morphine, codeine, methadone, opium and medicinal opium, ketamine, cocaine

III. Medicinal drugs which legally contain Category II ingredients

IV. Chemicals used to make Category I and II narcotics, like anhydride and acetyl chloride

V. Marijuana, the Kratom plant, hallucinogenic mushroom

  • Drugs classified as narcotics that are available with a prescription in most Westernized countries are generally prohibited in Thailand; meaning that Thailand’s Category II drugs can only be legally carried by a foreigner with a prescription
  • The reason for this is because they have a high potential for abuse and are generally dispensed with a number of restrictions, even in countries where they are legal
  • These drugs may be considered highly addictive, highly sedative, have appeal for recreational use, fuel the black market, and can potentially be used to cause others harm
  • For example; benzodiazepines (ben-zo-dee-az-eh-peen) sold under brand names such as Xanax or Valium became illegal in Thailand back in 2013 due to their widespread use as a date rape drug

Current Situation

It is possible to acquire your prescribed medications in Thailand, however traditional legal methods may prove difficult.

  • Pharmacies are not legally allowed to sell any of these drugs to any person from any country, regardless of your prescription or doctor’s note (How do they know it’s legitimate? For your privacy your medical records are not shared with other countries)
  • Hospitals are the only place where you can acquire prescription drugs that are otherwise illegal in Thailand, however they are only permitted to sell you 10 pills at one time
  • If you are carrying any prohibited drug in Thailand without a prescription you could be taken to jail, bribed/extorted by police, or worse
  • Public online forums are monitored for discussions surrounding the illegal acquirement of these drugs in Thailand
  • Popular destinations for young tourists such as the Full Moon Party are heavily watched by uniformed and undercover Thai police looking for drug use and transactions
  • Travelers with a handful of medications which are prohibited in Thailand are required to carry a permit issued by Thailand’s own Food and Drug Administration and are legally permitted to carry a 30 day prescribed usage (I have never met anyone who has bothered with this permit as this permit is for the heavier prescription drugs)
  • Travelers carrying medications containing Thailand’s Category II narcotics are required to declare the medications they are carrying into/out of Thailand; again, these drugs include Morphine, codeine, methadone, opium and medicinal opium, ketamine, cocaine
  • The most common drug prosecutions in Thailand involve street methamphetamines (like “ice” or “yabba” and marijuana
  • Penalties generally range from 1 to 10 years for possession of illegal methamphetamines and drug traffickers of this sort may face the death penalty, however there is no death penalty involving marijuana

Solutions

Stock up on medications before you arrive, and after arrival only carry a short supply on your person at any given time.

I have been told by some older expats here in Thailand that they are able to receive their prescriptions shipped from their home countries as long as the medications are all in the pharmacy packaging, sealed, and are clearly labeled with the prescription information I listed earlier.

Some notes on acquiring medications in Thailand:

  • Do not buy drugs on the street, ever
  • Expect to pay at least 30 baht per pill for common prescribed medications
  • There is a Thai version of Xanax called “Interdrug”; yet shoddy drug manufacturing could translate into irregular doses and cause harm or be far too weak to help you
  • Stick with blister packs of generic or name brand drugs you are familiar with
  • You must carry a prescription for your medications and not carry more than a 30 day supply when you go on a visa/border run

I strongly suggest that you do not take recreational drugs in Thailand, however if you choose to take any drug whether it be manufactured or grown; do not do so unless you’ve settled in and you’re comfortable with your surroundings.

I say this because there are places that openly consume recreational drugs, but it does not mean you’re safe. All recreational drugs including magic mushrooms and marijuana are illegal in Thailand. The dirtier the drug, the harder the consequence.
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If you are at a full moon party, do not purchase methamphetamines or any other street drugs from locals. Recent events, attention, and scrutiny from the international community have forced Thailand to increase its undercover operations.

If you have any desire to come to Thailand to get messed up, I suggest that after watching The Beach for the 12th time, watch Broke Down Palace, too.

The information in this book is based on suggestions and experiences by a whole lot of people. Do not break the law, breaking the law is bad. Anything suggested in this book that seems like it’s breaking the law is intended to be understood as fiction.