#Fitness

As fitness trends continue to sweep through gyms and online communities around the world, many Thai fitness enthusiasts are wondering: Does the way you breathe really affect your workout results? A new wave of research, highlighted in a recent feature by The New York Times, offers both scientific clarity and simple advice for those keen to optimize their exercise routines—without getting lost in breathing hype or misinformation (nytimes.com).

In Thailand, where more people are embracing jogging along the Chao Phraya, yoga in Lumpini Park, and HIIT classes in Bangkok’s fitness studios, understanding these breathing insights can help everyday athletes maximize performance and recovery while staying focused on the joys of movement.

Daily use of pre-workout supplements—commonplace among fitness-minded Thais and athletes—may not be as risk-free or effective as many believe, according to recent research and expert guidance. While these supplements are marketed for energy, strength, and performance, relying on them daily can cause diminishing returns, potential health risks, and a dependency that shifts the very nature of exercise motivation, new studies and international experts caution (Verywell Health).

Thailand’s booming fitness culture is mirrored in Bangkok’s bustling gyms and the popularity of national sporting events, making the latest international research highly relevant locally. Many Thais use pre-workouts as powder, drinks, or pills to enhance workouts—sometimes without fully considering the risks or regulations. As global sports nutrition finds its place in the Thai urban landscape, understanding the safety and effectiveness of supplement routines has never been more important.

A growing body of research now supports what fitness trainers and time-crunched urbanites alike have long hoped: committing just 10 minutes a day to exercise can significantly improve whole-body strength and fitness. Recent reports and expert opinions suggest that “exercise snacking”—brief, focused bursts of physical activity—may be as effective, or in some cases more efficient, than traditional hour-long gym sessions, with important implications for the health and lifestyles of Thai readers, especially in increasingly busy cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai.

A recent University of Oregon study has raised important questions about the widespread use of antihistamines among active individuals, revealing that common medications for allergies could significantly impair recovery and muscle growth following endurance exercise. Published in the Journal of Applied Physiology, the research highlights a potential trade-off for Thai readers balancing allergy management with fitness goals, as these medications may hinder the very process the body relies on to heal and adapt from exercise-induced stress (KLCC).

Should you hit the gym after work or save that late-night jog for another day? New research, along with expert insights, is bringing welcome clarity to the perennial question of whether exercising before bedtime is a boon or a bane for a good night’s sleep. As work and family obligations push many Thais to use evenings for fitness, understanding how timing and intensity of exercise impact sleep is increasingly relevant across the nation.

A simple walking technique developed in Japan nearly two decades ago is taking the global fitness scene by storm, touted as an accessible way to lower blood pressure, strengthen leg muscles, and improve heart health—no gym required. Known as “Japanese Walking” or Interval Walking Training (IWT), the method alternates three minutes of brisk walking with three minutes of slower recovery walking, repeated five times for a total of 30 minutes. Scientific studies now back its claims, showing marked benefits, especially among older adults, sparking a viral trend that is reaching Thailand and much of Southeast Asia.

For anyone who has struggled through an exhausting workout or high-stakes athletic event, the sensation that time stretches out—every minute crawling by—will be a familiar one. Now, new research published in the journal Brain and Behavior is shedding light on why our brains seem to play tricks on us during physically demanding activities. The study, led by a sports scientist from Canterbury Christ Church University in collaboration with researchers at the University of Groningen and Vrije University of Amsterdam, reveals that intense exercise distorts our sense of time, making external clocks run slow while our own bodies move at full speed (Earth.com).

As people in Thailand and around the world grow older, maintaining balance becomes a crucial aspect of long-term health and independence. Recent insights from a certified trainer, as highlighted in a new feature on Fit&Well, emphasize practical exercises that can dramatically improve stability and reduce the risk of falls for those in their 50s and beyond. Backed by authoritative research from the British Journal of Sports Medicine, these recommendations offer both scientific grounding and easy-to-follow routines that can support healthier aging for Thai families.

A new study published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology finds that aligning exercise routines with personality traits may hold the key to making workouts more enjoyable—and sticking with them. The research, led by a team from University College London, throws light on why some people dread their workouts while others find them invigorating, and suggests that recognizing one’s personality type can help overcome barriers to physical activity.

This research is significant for Thai readers as the country, like much of the world, faces growing concerns over sedentary lifestyles and related health risks. With nearly one third of the global adult population failing to achieve the World Health Organization’s recommended 150 minutes of exercise per week, understanding new motivational strategies is crucial for Thailand’s ongoing efforts to combat non-communicable diseases and promote holistic well-being (WHO physical activity statistics).

For many Thais struggling to stick with regular exercise, the solution may not be about finding more time or better equipment, but rather choosing physical activities that suit their personality. According to a new study published in Frontiers in Psychology and highlighted by CNN, matching workouts to personality traits can not only make exercise more enjoyable but may also lead to better long-term results.

Historically, the quest for sustaining an active lifestyle has often been met with frustration, as standard health advice tends to promote one-size-fits-all solutions like running, high-intensity workouts, or group fitness classes. But as recent research indicates, these approaches could be counterproductive—especially for people whose natural preferences make such routines actually demotivating. In a society like Thailand, where the fast-paced Bangkok work life and rural traditions collide, this insight sheds new light on the barriers keeping many from regular exercise.

Breathing may seem automatic during a workout, but new research is revealing just how much the way you breathe can impact your exercise performance, especially for those striving to make the most of time spent in the gym, on the track, or in an aerobics class. A recent article in The New York Times explores emerging evidence and expert tips on optimal breathing for fitness, dispelling common myths and offering practical techniques that can benefit everyone from casual gym-goers to serious athletes (nytimes.com).

As high-intensity interval training (HIIT) has become a staple for fitness enthusiasts seeking quick results, a new wave of awareness is questioning whether it’s truly the best route for everyone—especially those who simply don’t enjoy it. Recent experiences and scientific studies are converging to highlight the nuanced benefits of swapping sweat-drenched HIIT sessions for less intense, more enjoyable forms of cardio, calling into question whether maximal exertion is always necessary for optimal fitness gains. This shift in understanding is especially significant for Thai readers, as it reflects an ongoing dialogue about sustainable health, fitness, and the role of pleasure in an active lifestyle.

A team of elite international researchers has published the world’s first comprehensive, evidence-based recommendations for stretching, cutting through decades of conflicting advice and common misconceptions. The research, led by the Chair of Neuromotorics and Movement at the University of Bayreuth, was released this month in the Journal of Sport and Health Science, aiming to give practical, science-backed guidance to athletes, therapists, and everyday people alike (Medical Xpress).

For many Thai readers, stretching is a deeply ingrained daily practice, whether as part of traditional warm-ups in Muay Thai, pre-sunrise runs at Lumpini Park, or as a cherished ritual among the elderly at community exercise sessions. Yet few know that much of the stretching advice they follow—such as stretching to prevent injury or relieve soreness—may not hold up against modern scientific scrutiny. This new report is especially relevant at a time when health and fitness trends in Thailand, from yoga in Chiang Mai to football academies in Bangkok, are booming and often interwoven with stretching routines.

A recent analysis has given fitness enthusiasts and health-conscious individuals a clearer picture of the average male bicep size, sparking discussions about what these numbers mean for overall health and strength—and how anyone can go beyond them through effective training. The newly collated data, derived from the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), provides concrete benchmarks for men’s midarm circumference across age groups. For many Thais invested in personal fitness or those concerned about muscle health in the context of ageing, these findings hold practical significance and present actionable guidance.

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?

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 steady walk, not a marathon, may be all you need to unlock significant health and fitness benefits, according to new research and expert consensus. For years, 10,000 daily steps have been touted as the gold standard for walking, but recent studies and insights from health authorities are reframing the numbers—and the thinking—behind how much you really need to walk for measurable fitness gains.

Walking, the simplest form of exercise, is cherished across Thai society—from morning strolls in Lumpini Park to brisk ambles through bustling markets. For Thai readers keen to improve health, lose weight, and boost longevity, understanding the real science behind step counts is more relevant than ever. Fortune’s recent analysis pulls together the latest research and expert advice, establishing clear—and more achievable—targets for daily movement.

A recent story has captivated fitness enthusiasts and health professionals alike: a 51-year-old woman, after years of struggling with hormonal changes and chronic health issues, has reached her peak physical condition through a dramatic shift in her exercise routine. By replacing exhausting cardio with focused strength training, she not only managed her perimenopause symptoms but also achieved new levels of strength and wellness—challenging outdated ideas about aging and female fitness. Her journey, covered by Business Insider in June 2025, is now echoed by a surge of medical research supporting the benefits of weightlifting and muscle-building workouts for women in their 40s and 50s worldwide—including Thailand.

“Feel the burn” and “no pain, no gain” are common mantras in fitness circles, but new research is challenging the idea that muscle pain is a necessary marker of exercise progress. According to a recent feature published by The Guardian (theguardian.com), experts argue that while muscle discomfort—especially the delayed onset muscle soreness, or DOMS—often follows exercise, it is neither a prerequisite for gains nor always a sign of positive adaptation. This timely revelation aligns with growing global awareness around safe exercise practices and has direct implications for Thai fitness enthusiasts, athletes, and anyone embarking on a healthier lifestyle.

For many Thai runners and fitness enthusiasts, the thrill of crossing a finish line can be dampened by an awkward, often embarrassing problem: urine leakage during strenuous activity. Recent international research and expert commentary reveal that “peeing your pants” while running is not only common, it’s a growing topic of open discussion and scientific scrutiny—which matters deeply in Thailand’s increasingly active, health-conscious society.

Urinary leakage during running, officially termed stress urinary incontinence (SUI), occurs when physical activity or exertion—like running or even a forceful cough—puts extra pressure on the bladder, leading to involuntary urine loss. This condition affects runners of all ages and backgrounds, but is reported most frequently among women, particularly those participating in high-impact sports. As the Thai running scene continues to boom, from Bangkok’s major marathons to local park joggers, understanding this phenomenon has fresh and profound relevance (Deseret News, MSN Health, RUN | Powered by Outside).

A groundbreaking new study published in the Journal of Exercise Science and Fitness points to an unexpectedly simple but highly effective tweak for gym-goers: perform strength training before aerobic exercise to significantly boost body fat reduction. The finding, led by a Beijing-based team, challenges common routines and could reshape fitness strategies for millions striving to shed unhealthy fat – including Thais seeking both physical well-being and long-term health protection.

The order in which we exercise has long been a subject of debate and personal preference. Many in Thailand, from casual gym users in Bangkok’s mega-malls to members of small fitness clubs upcountry, alternate between treadmill sessions and equipment-based resistance training, often picking the sequence that feels best or fits their mood. However, research led by a Capital University of Physical Education and Sports team in China – now making international headlines – has provided compelling scientific support for putting resistance moves before cardio to maximize fat loss, especially targeting the harmful visceral type that collects around internal organs (Daily Mail, Economic Times, The Times).

A recent medical study has brought reassuring news for fitness enthusiasts and those aiming to improve their cardiovascular wellbeing: exercising for up to nine hours a week is safe for the human heart, challenging older notions that intensive activity might be harmful. The findings offer renewed clarity for people in Thailand and around the world as public health pushes for active lifestyles to combat the nation’s rising burden of heart disease.

A new clinical trial published in June 2025 has cast doubt on the widely held belief that caffeinated, protein-based pre-workout supplements offer significant advantages over simpler carbohydrate-based options for those seeking strength and performance gains. The findings, which have generated significant interest and debate among fitness enthusiasts in Thailand and globally, suggest that many popular pre-workout formulas may be no more effective than consuming carbohydrates alone before hitting the gym [MensHealth].

A new scientific study has found that individuals with higher levels of fitness tend to experience lower spikes in blood pressure during exercise, offering encouraging news for anyone looking to protect their cardiovascular health. The research, highlighted in recent global media reports, suggests that committing to regular fitness activities may offer an important shield against hypertension—not only at rest, but also during periods when the heart is working hardest.

Fitness and heart health have long been intertwined in public health messaging, but this latest research underlines how exercise-induced blood pressure (BP) responses reveal additional cardiovascular risks. As millions of Thai readers strive to counter the nation’s growing rates of hypertension and heart disease—a top cause of illness and premature death—these findings provide practical and timely guidance for daily life. Elevated blood pressure during physical activity is a well-established predictor of future cardiovascular events, even among people whose resting BP seems normal. The implication: someone’s blood pressure response while exercising may be as meaningful, if not more so, than clinic readings taken at rest.