#FitnessThailand

In today’s fast-paced world, selecting the most effective strength training method can be perplexing for many. A recent discussion among internationally recognized experts sheds new light on which strategies work best, and why. Their guidance, supported by recent scientific studies, highlights a practical and inclusive approach for people of all ages — including Thais seeking healthier, longer, and more active lives (AP News).

Understanding the best way to build muscle and maintain health is now more critical than ever for Thai readers, as rates of non-communicable diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and heart conditions continue to rise in Thailand (WHO Thailand). Strength or resistance training — sometimes called weight training — is increasingly recognized as a key tool for disease prevention, functional independence, and overall wellbeing. Yet, with multiple options available, from free weights to bodyweight routines, many Thais are unsure where to begin, or which path is most effective.

A newly published study has cast fresh doubts over one of fitness culture’s most buzzed-about trends, revealing that repeated cold plunges may significantly stunt gains in muscle growth—by as much as 20%, according to research highlighted by Boing Boing. The findings arrive as ice baths and cold immersion routines surge in popularity among athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and even wellness influencers in Thailand and worldwide.

In recent years, plunging into icy water has been widely marketed for benefits ranging from boosting recovery to enhancing overall well-being. Many fitness centres in Bangkok now offer cold plunge stations, and social media is crowded with testimonials from amateur and professional trainers alike. Yet despite these claims, new research cautions that cold water therapy—particularly when used post-workout—could be counterproductive for those seeking maximum muscle gains.

A new review published in the journal Gastroenterology highlights a rapidly-growing field of research: the crucial connection between physical exercise and the health of the gut microbiome, the vast ecosystem of trillions of microorganisms living in the human digestive tract. For Thai readers passionate about fitness, wellbeing, and science-based health guidance, this emerging evidence suggests that taking care of more than just your muscles could be the key to maximising your training results and long-term health (smh.com.au).

The age-old question “How long does it take to build muscle?” sparks endless debate in gyms, fitness chats online, and among health experts. Contrary to the promises of quick-fix routines and miracle supplements scattered across social media, leading research and fitness experts agree: building real muscle is a slow but attainable journey that rewards consistency, smart planning, and healthy habits. For health-conscious Thais — from fitness beginners at ฟิตเนส near home to seasoned bodybuilders in Bangkok’s bustling gyms — understanding the science behind muscle growth can mean the difference between fleeting fads and lasting results.

In a provocative new analysis that’s sparking heated discussions among gymgoers worldwide, internationally renowned exercise scientist Dr. Mike Israetel has named five commonly performed exercises that he considers largely ineffective—labeling them “a waste of time”—and offers evidence-based alternatives expected to yield better muscle gains, joint protection, and gym satisfaction. The advice, originally published by Men’s Health UK, arrives as Thai fitness culture booms, with more people than ever seeking smart, science-backed approaches to strength and health. Understanding which exercises truly deliver is crucial for busy Thais, from seasoned fitness buffs in Sathon to working parents trying to squeeze in a morning workout before facing Bangkok traffic (Men’s Health UK, 2025).

Bangkok, April 2025 — Amid a flood of advice on social media, many Thais and fitness enthusiasts worldwide are left scratching their heads about one simple but crucial question: Should you eat before, after, or even during exercise? A wave of new research and expert analysis, as reported in leading outlets including the Associated Press and MedicalXpress, brings fresh clarity to the debate—dispelling persistent myths and offering practical recommendations for everyone from weekend warriors to Thailand’s growing population of health-minded citizens.

Deciding whether to prioritize strength training or cardio is a question that plagues gym-goers and health-seekers worldwide, and Thai fitness enthusiasts are no exception. A recent article in GQ (GQ, 2025), along with a slew of emerging research, sheds new light on the debate, suggesting that a smart balance—not picking sides—is the true key to lifelong health, effective weight loss, and even brain wellness as we age. As Thailand faces its own health challenges, understanding how to tailor our routines to these findings is both timely and relevant.