G/F, Liberty Square Bldg.,/ Tel 02 6311122
www.californiawowx.com Wanna work out ? Wanna work out ? Credited with bringing fitness
to the masses. Cal Wow also get a lot of crap for their sales
tactics-and deservedly so. Looks and sounds like and old
discotheque-it's "extertainment" after all - and, just like your
favorite nightclub, it's a notorious "meet" market. Tons of machines here, tons of classes, tons of people. A fair
amount of free weights, but nearly impossible to find a bench during
peak hours. The machines are too close, the ceiling too low, the music
to loud, but thousands of people have good workouts here Plenty of eye
candy; ideal for people who need peer pressure for motivation. Not much
in the way of assistance, so you're obliged to hire a PT (personal
trainer)
Capital Club
99/397 Sukhumvit 24 / Tel 02 6611210/-26 www.capitolclub.com Once one of Bangkok's most modern sport clubs the Capitol Club
is showing its age a bit but is still a solid choice The gym itself is
housed beneath a huge dome, which is impressive but can be too bright
and too hot in the middle of the day. Very popular among expatriates,
who make up 70% of the membership. Lots of families on weekends.Close to 30 cardio machines on the upper level. Modest but
adequate selection of free weights and Cyber circuit training machines.
You can book a PT (including the manager), but there are always a couple
of friendly staff on hand to help out (for free). Six to 9 classes per
day-aerobic, yoga, abs, tai chi, etc-in open multipurpose area. Music
can be annoying techno but fortunately not too loud.
Cascade Club
6-7/F, The Ascott Sathorn, Bangkok 187
South Sathorn Rd. / Tel 02 6766969
www.cascadeclubandspa.com Flash, international-standard facility covering 3,500 square
meters, worthy of the modern and stylish Ascott serviced apartment
building in which it is housed. The gym itself is cavernous, with a
2-story-high ceiling and natural light coming through walls of glass on
3 sides. By far the best-equipped gym in Thailand. everything is new,
the most advanced machines, which are well-maintained and not too close
together. The floor is divide into zones-among them the Functional Zone,
featuring cable machines that work multiple body parts. Cardio machines,
equipped with flat-screen TVs, overlook the training area. In two
multi-purpose rooms. 10 or so classes per day, including aerobics,
pilates, yoga and spinning.
Clark Hatch
9/F, Thaniya Plaza, Thaniya Rd., Silom
Tel 02 2312250/-1 /
www.clarkhatch.com Not the most modern or fashionable, but good for self-motivated
people who are serious about fitness. This branch of the international
chain is 14 years old, not purpose-built, but they make good use of
space on the top floor of Thaniya Plaza. The atmosphere is friendly,
with a clientele made up largely of professionals age 30+ , 75% Thai.
Ceilings are high and a fair amount of natural light on a couple of
sides. The setup is modest, with 20 or so cardio machines, Cybex circuit
training machines, a small aerobics room and a respectable free weight
area. There are 25-30 classes a week, including fitball, boxercise,
yoga, step and pilates. Friendly and helpful trainers. No TVs; music is
at a low lever, so bring your iPod.
Olympic Club
Pathumwan Princess Hotel, 444 MBK Center,
Phayathai Rd., / Tel 02 2163700 ext. 20805 www.pprincess.com This huge (9,000 square meters) facility spans the
entire rooftop of MBK and is ideal for people who want to do more
than just weights and aerobics. It's been around for a few years but is
well-maintained and still new-looking. There are 1,800 members, but it's
not nearly as crowded as it was during its peak (before a lot of members
switched to California); 90% Thai, 50-50 male-female split (though it
doesn't seem like it most days). The gym itself has plenty of natural
light and high ceilings. Over 40 cardio machines in good condition (but
old TVs). Mostly Cybex circuit training machines spread far apart so the
room feels open. Good free weight section with plenty of benches. Two
multipurpose rooms and a spinning rooms (with over a dozen bikes). PTs
are available, but the enthusiastic staff will offer to help you before
you request it.
Soi Klang Racquet
8 Amara 3, Sukhumvit 49 / Tel 02 7128010 www.rqclub.com This family-run club is one of the best deals in town for
all-around sports, which is why so many families have memberships. ( So
it's not the kind of place for people who don't like kids.) In addition
to swimming, badminton and tennis are the main activities here, but
there is also a decent-sized weight room. The fitness room is modest but
has just about everything: cardio machines, weight machines, freeweights,
and UBC. Badminton on two levels, 4 tennis courts (which are nearly
impossible to book in the morning and late afternoon on), squash,
racquetball. Two outdoor swimming pools can accommodate lap-swimmers
when there aren't too many kids around.
