A quiet revolution is taking place on gym floors around the world, and it is increasingly visible in Thailand’s major cities: women are flocking to squat racks and barbells, reshaping not only the demographics of strength training but the very layout of fitness centers. As reported in Bloomberg, traditional cardio-heavy gyms from New York to Bangkok are swapping out rows of treadmills for weightlifting platforms and strength machines, in response to a major cultural shift—women are now lifting heavier and training harder than ever before, prompting an industry-wide rethink of gym design and fitness programming (Bloomberg).
This evolution means more than a change in gym layouts. For Thai women—long subject to cultural norms discouraging muscle gain, and where the “เดินบนลู่วิ่ง” (treadmill walking) aesthetic once dominated—new research and global fitness culture are rewriting what a strong, healthy female body looks like. The trend is driven by a profound shift in fitness priorities: a desire for long-term health, mental well-being, and empowerment rather than just calorie burning.
Interest in female weightlifting is booming worldwide. An article from Forbes highlights how social media influencers, professional athletes, and grassroots fitness movements have all played a role in encouraging women to swap “toning” routines for serious resistance training (Forbes). In the UK, for example, the number of women engaged in regular strength training surged to 27% in 2024 (University of Leeds). The BBC has covered stories of women attributing improved confidence and mental health to their weightlifting practice (BBC).
Leading gyms are responding by redesigning their spaces. Bloomberg’s feature at Crunch Fitness in Manhattan illustrates a scene now common in urban Thailand: squat racks and hack squat machines crowding out previously dominant cardio zones, while high-tech treadmills gather dust. State-of-the-industry reports, including the Lincoln International’s 2025 fitness market review, confirm that women and younger demographics are driving global record participation rates in strength-based fitness classes (Lincoln International).
What do Thai experts make of this? Dr. Piyawan Sirichan, a Bangkok-based sports medicine physician, notes, “We now know—thanks to systematic reviews—that weight training can help prevent osteoporosis, boost metabolism, and dramatically reduce the risk of chronic diseases, especially in women past 40.” Growing evidence from PubMed indexed studies confirms that weightlifting preserves muscle and bone mass, supports mental well-being, and even reduces some risks associated with cardiovascular disease (NYT, via Wikipedia). As Dr. Piyawan adds, “The old myth that women will become bulky from lifting heavy weights just isn’t supported by science—testosterone levels are much lower in women, and resistance training mostly gives that toned and athletic look.”
Thai fitness influencers like Namwan “ฟิตเนสสาวหวาน” (Sweet Fitness Girl) have built large audiences on social media by documenting their own strength training journeys. Their impact is felt not only in the growing number of all-female lifting groups but in the business strategies of local gyms. “We’ve replaced half of our cardio machines with squat racks and deadlift platforms,” says Anan Jitpreecha, owner of a popular Bangkok gym, “and our women’s weightlifting classes fill up every morning.”
Yet, traditional attitudes remain a barrier in many communities. Physical strength in women was often historically associated with manual labor and, by extension, lower economic status—an association that lingers in some parts of rural Thailand. However, contemporary Thai women are rewriting these narratives. Observers point to the growing participation of female lifters at national events, and even at the Olympics, as a sign that strength is now a mark of pride and achievement.
From a health perspective, strength training’s benefits are clear. According to a comprehensive review published in the journal “Strength and Conditioning Research,” women who engage in regular resistance exercise see improved muscular strength, better balance, and a reduced risk of falls—crucial in a country where an aging population means increased concern about osteoporosis and bone fractures (ScienceDirect). Mental health also benefits: endorphin-releasing strength routines are cited as powerful tools to combat depression and anxiety, problems that have grown in prominence during and after the COVID-19 pandemic (BBC).
The fitness industry has not stood still. Major brands, from international chains like Planet Fitness to boutique startups, now target women with specialized strength training programs. Some, like the Bangkok-based O2 Fitness, offer women-only weight rooms and beginner-friendly group classes to nurture a welcoming environment. The American College of Sports Medicine, which tracks fitness trends globally, recently named strength training the number one fitness trend for 2024 (Gymdesk).
Nevertheless, some controversies persist. Critics worry about the rise of social media-fueled perfectionism, where unrealistic body standards can create new pressures. There’s also debate about whether the focus on gym-based strength training leaves out lower-income women who may lack access to modern facilities. “We should ensure our approach is inclusive, emphasizing at-home routines or community-based programs for those who can’t join a commercial gym,” argues Prof. Chonlada Bunnag, a physical education professor at Chulalongkorn University, who recently spearheaded a public health campaign to expand community exercise zones in Bangkok’s parks.
From a broader cultural standpoint, Thailand is uniquely positioned—combining a long-standing tradition of martial arts (like Muay Thai) with new global fitness influences. The ongoing shift toward female strength training thus connects modern sensibilities with ancient traditions valuing athletic prowess and self-improvement. “In Muay Thai camps, it’s now common to see women working out alongside men, proving that strength and discipline are virtues respected by all,” reflects trainer Somchai Ruangruang.
Looking ahead, the transformation set in motion by the “weightlifting wave” among women is likely to accelerate. Industry analysts forecast a continued decline in the amount of floor space allocated to cardio, with investment pouring into flexible free weight zones, group strength classes, and technology-powered personalized fitness programs (Origin Fitness). Furthermore, a growing integration between physical and mental wellness—think mindfulness classes alongside kettlebell workshops—shows that strength training is about the body and the mind.
For Thai readers keen to join the movement, experts advise starting with the basics: consult healthcare professionals before beginning a new exercise regimen, seek certified trainers (look for ใบรับรอง) to ensure safe technique, and remember that building strength is a gradual process—ไม่ต้องรีบ (no rush!). Local community centers and public gyms increasingly offer affordable intro classes, while online platforms can guide home-based routines equipped with just a pair of dumbbells.
Ultimately, the reshaping of gym culture is here to stay—and with it, opportunities for Thai women of all ages and backgrounds to discover the life-changing benefits of strength. The message is clear: strong is not just beautiful, but fundamentally healthy. As Thailand continues to blend tradition and modernity, the rise of female weightlifters marks a new chapter in the country’s ongoing health and fitness journey.