#Gym

A fresh wave of fitness advice is sweeping across the world – and it could soon change the way Thais approach upper-body workouts. According to recent research led by a respected sports scientist and strength coach, endless push-ups may not be the secret to a strong upper body. Instead, simply performing chin-ups and dips could be all you ever need for well-rounded upper-body strength, offering a more focused and efficient path to fitness (Tom’s Guide).

A new 12-week study suggests a simple switch in workout order can dramatically boost fat loss. Researchers found that starting with strength training before cardio led to greater overall fat reduction and the biggest drop in visceral fat—the harmful fat around internal organs. This matters for Thai health as metabolic risks rise with urban lifestyles and changing diets.

In the study, 45 overweight men aged 18-30 were divided into three groups. One group did 30 minutes of strength work followed by 30 minutes of indoor cycling. A second group did the sessions in the opposite order. The third group kept their usual routines. All participants improved their fitness and gained muscle, with the weight-loss impact varying. Those who trained with weights first showed the most pronounced decrease in visceral fat, highlighting the importance of exercise sequencing for fat loss. The lead researcher emphasized that exercise order is a key driver of fat loss.

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).

For Thai fitness enthusiasts balancing work, family, and other commitments, time-efficient workouts that still deliver results are not just a wish—research shows they are very much a reality. Recently, exercise scientist Dr. Mike Israetel highlighted the top five most efficient strength-training exercises, aiming to help people get “ultra jacked” in the shortest possible time. His list, presented in a detailed YouTube analysis and summarized by Yahoo Lifestyle, focuses on maximizing both strength and muscle size (hypertrophy) through compound, full-range movements, marking a significant, evidence-based shift away from long, isolated workout sessions. This news has quickly become a topic of interest across fitness forums and gyms in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and beyond, resonating deeply with those seeking smarter—not just harder—ways to train (source: https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/5-most-efficient-exercises-adding-160000417.html).