Exercise

A new line of research suggests a gene-targeting approach could mimic the brain-protective effects of exercise, offering potential dementia prevention for Thailand’s aging population. The therapy targets pathways activated by physical activity, potentially helping elderly individuals who cannot engage in regular exercise due to mobility issues or advanced symptoms.

Thailand is undergoing a rapid demographic shift, with millions entering older age in the coming decade. Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive decline strain families, healthcare systems, and the broader economy. While exercise remains a cornerstone of brain health, many Thai seniors face barriers such as arthritis, chronic conditions, or limited access to fitness facilities.

A groundbreaking study from Harvard researchers has highlighted a novel approach to fighting cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer’s disease—one that does not require physical exertion but instead targets specific genes in the brain to replicate the beneficial effects of exercise. This research opens new avenues for treatments, particularly for those unable to engage in regular physical activity due to frailty or advanced symptoms.

Cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease remain pressing public health challenges globally, including in Thailand where a rapidly aging society faces rising rates of dementia. Traditionally, regular physical activity such as aerobic exercise has been strongly linked to slower cognitive deterioration and improved brain health. However, as experts note, many elderly patients—especially in the later stages of cognitive disorders—find it increasingly difficult to maintain an active lifestyle. This reality has driven scientists to explore the genetic and molecular pathways triggered by exercise, aiming to offer the same neuroprotective benefits via medical interventions.

In a promising turn for Alzheimer’s disease research, scientists at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital have identified a gene activated during physical exercise that could be targeted to slow cognitive decline in patients unable to exercise. This discovery, detailed in a recent study published in Nature Neuroscience, could pave the way for drug therapies that replicate the brain-boosting effects of exercise—offering renewed hope for millions, including Thailand’s rapidly aging population, at risk of dementia and related conditions.

Tech neck is rising among Thai students and office workers. Long hours on smartphones and laptops push the head forward, placing stress on the neck and upper back. A simple, evidence-based approach—combining mindful device use with targeted exercises—offers meaningful relief for busy lives.

Local observers note a growing trend. A recent survey found that about 46% of frequent device users reported neck discomfort in the past year. An upcoming 2025 review indicates that 69% of children and teens experience related symptoms from schoolwork and gaming on digital devices. Health professionals explain that sustained forward head posture strains spinal tissues and can trigger tension headaches and longer-term changes if left unaddressed.

A new study from Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital highlights ATPPIF1, a brain gene activated by exercise that may slow cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s patients who cannot exercise. Published in Nature Neuroscience, the findings suggest potential drugs or gene therapies that mimic exercise’s brain benefits. The discovery is particularly relevant for Thailand’s aging population.

For years, researchers have shown that physical activity can slow cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s and related dementias. But many patients, especially those with frailty or advanced disease, cannot exercise. The study addresses this gap by uncovering molecular pathways that exercise influences, pointing to interventions that stimulate these pathways directly in the brain.

As mobile device usage soars across Thailand, millions are experiencing the stiff, aching discomfort known as “tech neck”: pain and tightness in the neck and upper back caused by prolonged hunching over screens. Recent research and expert insights highlight that the cause is not the posture itself, but the number of hours spent in that position—and new evidence-based exercise routines offer hope for relief to digital natives and office workers alike (NYTimes, 2025).

A new wave of Hollywood stars is redefining what it means to age gracefully, with familiar faces like Harrison Ford and Jane Fonda displaying remarkable vitality and physical agility well into their seventies and beyond. Recent interviews and expert insights, highlighted in a feature by Hello! Magazine, uncover how a combination of consistent exercise, proper nutrition, and social engagement keep these luminaries fitter than ever, challenging old stereotypes about aging and physical decline (Hello Magazine).

A growing wave of Hollywood stars is reshaping how we view aging. Icons like Harrison Ford and Jane Fonda remain remarkably fit and mobile into their seventies and beyond. A recent feature highlights their routines—consistent exercise, smart nutrition, and social engagement—demonstrating that age is not a barrier to vitality. The story also resonates with Thai readers as Thailand faces a rapidly aging population and shifts toward “active aging” as a health priority.

Aged 80, Rod Stewart remains a force on stage and a model for active ageing. His demanding training program, crafted with his long-time personal trainer, blends strength, mobility, and aquatic work to stay “Glasto-fit.” A recent feature from a major UK publication highlights how this multifaceted routine keeps the star performing at a high level while balancing health and travel demands.

For Thai readers facing an ageing society, Stewart’s discipline offers both a real-world example and practical takeaways. Thailand’s population is ageing rapidly, with projections showing more than 20% aged 60 and above by 2027. This context makes Stewart’s emphasis on varied exercise and regular medical monitoring especially relevant for families navigating elder care and long-term wellness.

At age 80, legendary singer Rod Stewart is not only performing at iconic events like Glastonbury but setting an inspiring standard for fitness in older adults, thanks to a demanding training regimen developed with his longtime personal trainer. The latest feature in The Times details Stewart’s multi-faceted approach to staying “Glasto-fit”, which blends elements of strength, mobility, and aquatic training—an approach capturing attention among health experts and senior wellness advocates worldwide (thetimes.com).

A growing body of research and a wave of expert advice are challenging the idea that faster is always better when it comes to running and improving cardiovascular fitness. Instead, running at an easier, slower pace—known as zone 2 training—may provide greater benefits for both the heart and overall endurance. The experience of a recent experimenter, as detailed in a Fit&Well article, shows that slowing down could be the key to safer, more lasting improvements in fitness, offering fresh insights for Thai runners at every level (Fit&Well).

A new wave of research suggests slower, steady running—known as zone 2 training—may be more beneficial for heart health and endurance than relentless speed work. A recent personal experiment highlighted in a Fit&Well piece shows that easing off the pace can lead to safer, lasting fitness gains. For Thai runners, from park circuits to city marathons, this approach offers a practical path to healthier hearts.

The public conversation around running is shifting. Instead of equating faster with better, experts now emphasize easy runs at a comfortable pace as the foundation for cardiovascular improvements. In Thailand, where many people lace up for health and community—often with limited coaching—zone 2 training could provide a straightforward framework to build fitness safely and sustainably.

In a wave of new research and expert consensus, VO2 max has taken center stage as arguably the most crucial health and fitness metric for people of all ages, overtaking traditional indicators such as BMI or body weight. This push to recognize VO2 max’s importance underscores its powerful ability to predict cardiovascular health, longevity, and even cognitive function, prompting a growing number of doctors and fitness professionals to urge everyone—from elite athletes to ordinary individuals in Thailand—to pay attention to and improve their VO2 max. But with so much attention now on this number, what exactly is VO2 max, why does it matter, and how can Thais take actionable steps to improve it?

VO2 max has emerged as a leading health metric, surpassing traditional measures like BMI in predicting cardiovascular health, longevity, and even cognitive function. Health experts in Thailand are increasingly urging people of all ages—from everyday adults to athletes—to focus on improving VO2 max. But what exactly is VO2 max, why does it matter, and how can Thais take practical steps to raise it?

VO2 max, or maximal oxygen consumption, is the highest rate at which the body can take in, transport, and use oxygen during exercise. It is widely regarded as the best quantitative gauge of cardiorespiratory fitness and overall endurance. In practice, it reflects how well the heart, lungs, blood vessels, and muscles collaborate to fuel activity. While lab testing measures VO2 max during exhaustive workouts, average values can be improved at any age.

As Thailand grapples with one of its hottest years on record, new research and expert guidance underscore the life-threatening dangers of exercising or playing sports in extreme heat—a warning that comes as the country continues to experience lingering heatwaves and high humidity. Health professionals are urging community members, particularly athletes, students, and outdoor workers, to take heightened precautions after scientists warn that the body’s ability to safely cool itself becomes severely compromised in such conditions (ABC News).

New research and recent analyses highlight a simple, powerful strategy for strengthening parent-teen relationships: exercising together. For Thai families juggling digital distractions, busy schedules, and shifting roles, a family jog, bike ride, or gym session may be as important for emotional closeness as for physical health.

A 2025 analysis in the Journal of Human Biology spans decades of data and shows that physically active teens also report stronger emotional connections with their families. The study frames exercise as social glue, not just a health habit. In Thailand, where family cohesion is highly valued, shared activity offers a practical, non-confrontational way to foster communication. A walk in a city park or a rural bike ride can become meaningful moments for dialogue and trust.

Recent research and a new analysis highlighted by The Wall Street Journal have brought fresh attention to a simple yet powerful method for deepening parent-teen relationships: exercising together. With Thai families navigating modern challenges—including digital distractions, increasingly busy schedules, and generational divides—this growing body of evidence signals that a family jog, bike ride, or trip to the gym may be as essential for emotional closeness as for physical health (WSJ, MSN).

When a young Toronto photographer committed to daily yoga at the start of the pandemic, it was the first step in a profound personal transformation — not only of her body, but her attitude toward health, fitness, and food. Her five-year journey, recently profiled in Business Insider, reflects experiences increasingly echoed by research and expert opinion: embracing a movement routine that sparks joy can fundamentally reshape mind and body, leading to sustainable, holistic well-being. The story holds timely lessons for readers in Thailand, a country where yoga’s popularity continues to rise and where many seek balance between modern health ideals and traditional values.

A Toronto photographer’s five-year daily yoga commitment during the pandemic illustrates a broader truth: a movement routine built on joy can reshape body, mind, and everyday habits. This story, reflected in recent health journalism, resonates with Thai readers as yoga grows popular from Bangkok gyms to community parks and online platforms. It suggests lasting well-being comes from consistent, enjoyable movement rather than intense bursts of effort.

What started as a 20-minute online session during lockdown blossomed into a daily practice. Over five years, the photographer gained strength, learned to perform feats like her first pull-up, and developed a healthier relationship with food and body image. The key takeaway is not appearance but mastery of poses, ease, and body awareness. For Thai audiences, this aligns with a growing interest in mindful fitness that fits busy urban lifestyles and traditional values.

A new wave of scientific research suggests that short bursts of resistance exercise—dubbed “hypertrophy snacks”—can effectively increase muscle strength and size, offering a time-efficient solution for Thais facing busy lifestyles and long hours of sitting. Published recently in Sports Medicine and Health Research, the latest review finds that these conveniently short sessions could help counteract the health risks associated with sedentary behaviour, a growing concern in both Thailand and worldwide (Men’s Health UK).

A recent study finds that young men who struggle to adapt thoughts and behaviors around body image and exercise are much more likely to develop unhealthy exercise habits, especially when chasing muscle. The findings, published in Eating Behaviors and summarized by researchers at a leading university, highlight a psychological factor that may help explain why some men in Thailand and around the world develop dangerous exercise routines.

The research is particularly relevant in Thailand, where global ideals of muscularity and fitness have gained traction through social media, fitness influencers, and the booming supplement industry. Local gyms in Bangkok and other cities report a surge in men pursuing intense routines, often inspired by images of ideal physiques seen in popular culture. This trend raises important questions about mental health and wellbeing for Thailand’s youth, and the study offers timely insight.

New research suggests that tiny, near-immediate bursts of resistance exercise—so-called hypertrophy snacks—can boost muscle strength and size. For busy Thai adults who spend long hours seated, these brief sessions offer a feasible path to counteract sedentary risks. The findings, highlighted in recent reviews of sports medicine and health science, indicate that regular, short workouts can improve muscle mass, metabolic health, and cardiovascular fitness without requiring long gym sessions. Data from Health authorities in Thailand underscore the urgency of addressing rising rates of diabetes, heart disease, and sarcopenia in the region.

Thailand is experiencing record heat and high humidity, raising the risk of dangerous heat illness for anyone outdoors. Health professionals warn that exercising, sports, and outdoor work during extreme heat can overwhelm the body’s cooling system, especially in sticky humidity. Local officials stress heightened precautions as heatwaves persist across many regions.

The issue hits Thai communities hard. In April, temperatures in parts of the country climbed into the mid-40s Celsius, one of the region’s hottest episodes in years. Public health advisories from the Thai Meteorological Department urge residents to limit strenuous outdoor activity during peak heat and to seek shade and hydration. These warnings align with broader patterns of rising heat in Southeast Asia, shaping everyday life in Bangkok, the North, and the Northeast.

A global analysis suggests that 30–40 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous exercise each day can offset much of the health risk from sitting for hours. The finding comes from large-scale studies using fitness trackers and aligns with recent WHO guidelines. For workers, students, and families across Thailand, this provides a practical target to curb the health impact of desk-bound routines.

In Thailand, rising urban living and office work have driven sedentary behavior higher. A national pattern shows many adults spend seven or more hours seated daily, and by 2023 Thais averaged over 14 hours of sitting per day. The COVID-19 era, with remote work and lockdowns, further reduced daily movement. These trends elevate risks for non-communicable diseases, diabetes, and early mortality.