When thinking of visiting Thailand, the images that begin roaming through one's imagination are that of exploring remote empty coastlines and beaches, a visit to the various hill tribes in the far north, or just relaxing pool side with coconut in hand. But there is another reason for visiting the land once known as Siam and that reason is getting fit with MuayThai Boxing. Whether you prefer the northern mountainous area of Chiangmai or the seaside destinations of the Andaman coast, there will surely be a MuayThai gym close at hand nearby.
Deciding to structure your holidays around getting fit with MuayThai has its obvious benefits. Who doesn’t want to get into shape right? Well not only will you be able to give a higher reason to your travel itinerary but by going the fitness route, you will also be introduced into an aspect of Thai culture that dates back to 1100 AD. The pride is real and lends credence as to why this form of fitness and martial arts can be found practiced the world over. But why not travel to the place of its origin and train under the professionals?
WHAT TO EXPECT
When arriving at your gym of choice, you might feel certain hesitancy about not knowing what you are doing. Leave your worries behind—while some gyms are geared towards mostly fighters, beginners are always welcome. You can take lessons that will instruct the basic moves. This will usually take up to three days in two hour and a half sessions per day. Once your trainer feels confident that you are ready to go one-on-one in the ring, you’re ready for the fun fitness and cardio workout called MuayThai.
While workout routines in your classic MuayThai gym will have some slight variances, the typical session will involve five three-minute rounds on the heavy bag, and five three-minute rounds in the ring with the trainer. Following the trainer’s lead, you will be asked to execute a revolving number of strikes from punching, to using the elbows, knees, and kicks. When done right--and when one finds his or her flow—this cardio workout is one that is sure to get your heart rate up and the body weight down. The class will then be led through detailed practices breaking down the specifics in detail. One portion of the practice will also illustrate the “Wai Kru”, or the pre-fight ceremonial dance. This graceful display is said to be performed in honor of the gym and head trainers.
If you are like me and wish to be close to the ocean, like to have modern convenience nearby, and be as close to the gym facility as possible, then Rawai Muay Thai Khao Lak just might be to your liking. Located an hour and half north of Phuket airport in the province of Phang Nga, Rawai Muay Thai gym is snuggled right among a quiet Thai community of Khuk Kak. Furnished with thirty bungalows, a restaurant, pool, massage area, and of course a top-of-the-line training facility, this gym and its friendly staff are ready for you.
I met another visitor, Kyle, from Scotland and I asked how his overall experience of the place was going. “I initially booked in for a week but ended up staying for three. “He said” While my reason for extending my stay had to do with the overall experience, much of it had to do with the visiting clientele that is here. The classes were filled with about 30 people training and these visitors were from all walks of life. I met a couple from Belgium backpacking through Asia, a lawyer from the USA, and a neurosurgeon from Germany, just to name a few. The fact that there were so many females training also has added to the ease of the atmosphere here as well”.
While sitting poolside, a few visitors went on to compare in laughter the discolored skin around the legs. One of the trainers walked by and casually blurted, “No pain no MuayThai”. While these words came forth with a bit of fun and laughter, most gathered insisted that while people of all types of conditioning train daily, the practice and activity of MuayThai has a powerful impact. For the average vacationer, hundreds of hard-hitting executions will have a definite deep effect on body as a whole. John from Sweden chimes in saying “It’s difficult to have restraint and not want to go as hard and fast as the rest, as everyone is caught up in the workout. The release is amazing, but yes, it’s also wise to take it at your own pace”.
