Finding the Best Gym in Chiang Mai

I've been shopping around for the best gym in Chiang Mai and finally signed up for my new go to. Thailand is a funny place when it comes to gyms, but luckily we have options.  The toughest workout in Chiang Mai is either Muay Thai or CrossFit, but now a days, neither is my priority, I just want a gym gym.

What the heck is a gym gym?

Just somewhere that's clean, has good equipment and allows me to escape for an hour a day.  I'm still on my quest for a six pack, and even though I know I can get it faster doing CrossFit, my priorities now are more about feeling good, not being injured or overtraining and being able to walk to the gym from my apartment and office (PunSpace) which are both in the Nimmanhemin area of Chiang Mai.

I've signed up for a 10 class pass for CrossFit and still go to Team Quest for Muay Thai and MMA once in a blue moon, but here is my quest for a daily gym just to go clear my head.

"With the exception of one or two days a year, I work out every single day. Fitting a workout into the work day reduces stress, keeps you healthy, and is great for getting alone time to work out business and personal problems." Mike Cassidy, CEO of Ruba

Here are the gyms I checked out:

Power House Gym: Near Nimmanhemin.

• 400 baht for a single day workout. ($13US)
• 2,500 baht for a month's membership. ($84US)
• Walking distance from PunSpace/Apartment.
• No pool
• A bit too "look at me" 

Kantary Hills Hotel Gym:  On Nimmanhaemin.

• 5,000 baht for a 3 month contract. (1,667 baht/$55US per month)
• Great pool 
• Sauna/Steamroom
• Tiny Gym
• Not good for actually working out.

Go Gym Chiang Mai: Near Chang Puak/ CrossFit

• Cheap!  60 baht per day
• Brand new facility
• Kettlebells
• Crowded and Tiny
• Just expanded and doubled their size
• On the super highway

Kawee Powerzone Fitness: Inside the Kad Suan Kaew Mall

• Super Cheap 50 baht per day/800 baht per month
• Good location
• Old and Dirty
• Lots of broken equipment
• No selfies taken

Lotus Hotel : next to Kad Suan Kaew Mall

• 1,250 baht a month
• Good equipment, free weights
• Yoga room for stretching and other workouts
• A bit too cold with the A/C

Free weight section at Harris

Cost:

At 1,250 baht a month ($41US) it's a mid priced gym.  It's not cheap but it's affordable, and unlike gyms in the U.S. you don't have to sign a contract or get hassled by the sales reps.  I'd much rather pay $41 a month with no hassles than $29.99 at LA Fitness or 24 Hour Fitness and have to do a gym tour.

Hill Side 4: 

A lot of my friends who live near Nimmanheim go to the Hillside 4 condo gym and love it there.  But when it comes down to it, go to the closest gym to your apt.

Yoga/Group Classes Room at Lotus

Classes:

I might check out Yoga once in a while, but other than that I don't believe in group classes and slow cardio.  But it's great to have the room there to use for other things, it's always empty and quiet.

Boxing Bag:

I love having a heavy bag at the gym especially because they provide mitts, gloves and a nice space for it.  I had a fun time training Larissa on how to hit the bag and pads.

Pool upstairs of Lotus Hotel

Swimming Pool:

It's a decently nice pool on top of the hotel, and it's awesome that we can walk there.  The day pass is only 100 baht which includes a towel, but for members of the gym it's half price.  50 baht ($1.66) is basically the towel rental and is easier than having to launder our own.  

Best Gym in Chiang Mai?

It turns out there are a TON of gyms in Chiang Mai.    The best gym is always the one you actually go to.  So check out a few and pick the one closest to you.

Don't be that guy or gal.

Keep up the lifestyle!

Warm Regards,

Johnny

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