#Sports

A growing wave of research is giving a simple, familiar fruit a starring role in workout nutrition: eat a banana before you train, and you may feel steadier energy, improved endurance, and smoother muscle function. The idea is not new, but recent studies and reviews are polishing the understanding of how quick-digesting carbohydrates and electrolytes in bananas can support performance, especially for recreational athletes, gym goers, and athletes who train in hot climates like Thailand. In practical terms, a banana offers a fast fuel source—carbohydrates that are readily absorbed during the early phase of exercise—and a natural supply of potassium that helps muscle function. For many Thai readers who shop at local markets and rely on familiar foods, bananas present an accessible, affordable option that fits naturally into daily routines.

In a field that prizes youth and raw speed, a surprising group of elite competitors actually get better or stay remarkably sharp well into their late 30s and 40s, and neuroscience is beginning to explain why. The latest analysis shows that repeated exposure to high-pressure competition, combined with targeted physical training, deliberate recovery and mental skills practice, rewires brain circuits and raises protective molecules that support learning, decision-making and stress control. For Thai readers asking “How can I stay mentally and physically sharp as I age?” the short answer is: train body and mind together, manage stress deliberately, prioritize sleep and practice skills that build anticipation and decision-making as much as raw power.

Elite competitors often treated as symbols of youth can actually improve or maintain sharpness into their late 30s and 40s. Neuroscience now helps explain why. Repeated exposure to high-pressure contests, combined with targeted training, deliberate recovery, and mental skills practice, reshapes brain circuits and boosts protective molecules that support learning, decision-making, and stress control. For Thai readers wondering how to stay mentally and physically fit as they age, the answer is practical: train body and mind together, manage stress with intention, prioritize sleep, and practice skills that foster anticipation and prudent decision-making alongside strength.

Groundbreaking new data reveals a remarkable surge in American sports participation, with walking claiming the crown as the most popular physical activity nationwide—a trend that offers valuable lessons for Thailand’s public health strategy.

The latest comprehensive analysis from the Sports & Fitness Industry Association presents extraordinary evidence of a fitness renaissance across America. Their 2024 participation report documents that an unprecedented 80 percent of Americans—approximately 247.1 million people—engaged in at least one form of structured physical activity, marking a historic milestone in national wellness engagement.

A new wave of data shows more Americans now take part in sports and exercise. The trend highlights walking as the single most popular activity and shows rapid growth in several other sports. ((More Americans Are Playing Sports—Especially This One | TIME)) ((SFIA 2025 Topline Participation Report)).

The central finding matters to public health planners and families. Higher activity rates can reduce disease burden and health costs. ((CDC FastStats - Exercise or Physical Activity)).

Aging Thailand is embracing a new kind of vitality. Fresh research shows that organized sports after 60 deliver substantial health and longevity benefits for older adults. Across the country, seniors begin their days with purpose—from synchronized swimming at municipal pools to friendly badminton matches and coastal cycling groups. This is not just recreation; it is a smart public health strategy gaining momentum in Thai communities.

Lead researchers analyzed thousands of studies and found that seniors who participate in organized sports improve cardiorespiratory fitness, physical function, and mental well-being. They also tend to carry less body fat and maintain independence longer. In Thailand’s context, where the population is aging rapidly, these findings arrive at a pivotal moment.

A growing body of research and new surveys show that people are not only staying active into their 60s, 70s and beyond but are returning to organised sports — with measurable gains for fitness, mental health and longevity. Recent analysis of dozens of studies finds that sport participation in later life improves cardiorespiratory fitness, physical function and mood, while population surveys and national veteran competitions report rising numbers of older athletes. Experts say the risks of injury are real but manageable with screening, sensible progressions and a community support system — lessons Thai families, public health services and local governments can use as the country ages. (Many of these findings and expert comments were summarised in a guest column in The Washington Post.) (Washington Post guest column)

As Thailand rapidly ages, groundbreaking research reveals organized sports deliver unprecedented health and longevity benefits for older adults

In communities across Thailand, a quiet revolution unfolds each morning. At Lumpini Park, 70-year-old former teachers practice synchronized swimming strokes in the pool. In Chiang Mai’s municipal courts, silver-haired badminton players execute precise drop shots with decades of refined technique. Throughout southern provinces, masters cycling groups navigate scenic coastal routes, their laughter echoing across temple grounds.

A new roundup of expert guidance and recent studies challenges six common beliefs about running — from the idea that distance runners can skip the weights to the claim that lactic acid causes delayed soreness — and offers practical steps to run faster, recover better and stay injury-free. The myths were summarized in a New York Times feature that drew on interviews with physical therapists, coaches and exercise scientists; the piece aligns with a growing body of research showing that simple changes in strength, nutrition, recovery and training load management can make big differences for recreational and competitive runners alike (New York Times). For Thai runners, who are increasingly joining mass events and using running to meet health goals, the findings have immediate practical value for safer, more effective training.

At dawn in Bangkok’s Lumpini Park, thousands of dedicated Thai runners begin their daily training ritual, unknowingly following outdated practices that could sabotage their athletic dreams. Recent breakthrough research from leading exercise science institutions has demolished six deeply entrenched training myths that have misguided Thailand’s rapidly expanding running community for decades. These discoveries promise to revolutionize how Thai athletes approach endurance training, injury prevention, and competitive performance across all levels of participation.

In Bangkok’s Lumpini Park at dawn, thousands of Thai runners begin their daily regimen. New exercise science challenges six long-held training myths that have guided Thailand’s growing running scene for decades. The discoveries promise to reshape endurance training, injury prevention, and competitive performance for runners of all levels in Thailand.

Thailand has seen a running surge with major events like the Amazing Thailand Marathon and Bangkok Marathon drawing tens of thousands each year, while grassroots clubs flourish. Yet rapid growth has often outpaced expert guidance, exposing athletes to injuries and plateaus that science can help prevent. The timing is significant as Thailand aims to be Southeast Asia’s premier marathon destination while expanding health through increased physical activity.

Every January, fitness facilities across Thailand witness a familiar surge as thousands of Thais resolve to transform their health through regular exercise. Whether motivated by weight loss goals, disease prevention, or simply feeling more energetic during Bangkok’s demanding workdays, these new exercisers share a universal question that can determine their long-term success: How long before visible results emerge from consistent workout efforts? Recent scientific research provides concrete timelines and realistic expectations that can help Thai fitness enthusiasts maintain motivation through the crucial early stages of their transformation journey.

For many Thais embarking on a new fitness journey—whether driven by aspirations to lose weight, improve health, or simply feel more energetic—one pressing question stands out: “How long until I see results?” Despite the overwhelming optimism that comes with starting a new exercise routine, recent research published by Men’s Health and corroborated by other expert sources makes it clear that there is no instant formula; the timeline for tangible results varies based on one’s baseline fitness, genetics, training style, and lifestyle factors. However, the science offers realistic milestones that can inspire and inform those eager for evidence of progress.

Heat waves are reshaping school sports across Thailand. In response, educators are adjusting practice times, hydration protocols, and emergency readiness to protect young athletes. New insights from 2024–2025 highlight rising heat-related incidents among student athletes, underscoring the urgency of proactive measures in Thai schools.

Thailand’s hot season routinely pushes daytime temperatures beyond 35°C, challenging outdoor activities. Families and teachers are noticing the impact on training schedules and student well-being. Data from global health sources indicate thousands of young athletes require medical care for heat-related issues each year, a trend mirrored in Asia as temperatures climb. Thai authorities report more heat-related school sports incidents, prompting renewed safety standards in many districts.

Thailand is seeing a shift in senior fitness. Pickleball is increasingly outranking walking as the top activity for adults over 60. Health experts say the sport blends physical health, mental sharpness, and social connection, while remaining gentle on aging joints. Walking stays accessible, but many Thai seniors now seek a more engaging, low-impact workout.

As Thailand’s retiree population grows, staying active is essential for independence and quality of life. Doctors have long recommended walking for its simplicity, yet repetitive motion and modest cardiovascular demand can leave some older adults seeking more. Pickleball—an energetic mix of tennis, badminton, and table tennis—offers fast-paced action, muscle-building benefits, and heart health support without high impact. The game uses a perforated ball and a plastic paddle on a court about the size of a badminton court, drawing a diverse following across the country and beyond.

Breathing during exercise matters, and new findings can help Thai fitness enthusiasts train smarter. Experts agree that for most workouts, natural breathing works well as long as you avoid shallow, rapid breaths.

Thailand’s fitness boom has brought breathing technique into the spotlight. HIIT studios in Bangkok and community runs nationwide inspire beginners and pros alike to optimize performance. Yet online tips—nasal breathing, cadence patterns, or yoga-inspired postures—can complicate what should be a simple act: taking in air.

A new wave of fitness advice suggests that how you breathe could be key to unlocking better exercise performance, but experts say results are more nuanced than social media trends might have you believe. Recent research and commentary highlighted by the New York Times indicate that while deliberate breathing methods, like belly breathing, can provide marginal benefits for athletes and casual exercisers, most people’s natural breathing patterns suffice for the majority of workouts—so long as they avoid shallow breaths.

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 number of Thai gym-goers rely on pre-workout products to boost energy and performance. New research and expert guidance suggest daily use may not be as safe or effective as many think, and it can affect motivation and training quality over time.

Thailand’s vibrant fitness scene—from Bangkok studios to regional competitions—makes these findings highly relevant. Many Thais use powders, drinks, or pills before training, but awareness of risks and regulatory details remains uneven. As sports nutrition becomes more common in urban life, understanding how to use these products safely is increasingly important.

Time often seems to drag during intense workouts, a phenomenon researchers explain through brain and body signals. A recent study in Brain and Behavior shows that strenuous effort distorts how we perceive time, with external clocks appearing to run slower while the body pushes to the limit.

This finding matters for Thailand’s growing fitness culture and health initiatives. Athletes, coaches, and fitness enthusiasts can use these insights to train more intelligently and monitor effort with reliability. The study sheds light on why timing can drift during endurance efforts and how that might influence training plans and competition strategies, especially for Thai runners and cyclists.

As Thailand faces rising temperatures and energetic outdoor lifestyles, new research highlights the power of certain fruits to restore vital electrolytes, offering a refreshing and natural way to stay hydrated and healthy during the nation’s sweltering months. Recent analysis published by TODAY, featuring insights from leading dietitians, reveals a list of nine fruits particularly high in key electrolytes—minerals critical for nerve, muscle, heart, and brain function, and especially important for those vulnerable to dehydration.

In Thailand’s rising temperatures, affordable, natural hydration matters. New research shows common fruits can replenish key electrolytes—minerals vital for nerves, muscles, heart, and brain function—especially during hot days and workouts.

Electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium help maintain fluid balance, enable nerve signals, support muscle contraction, and stabilize blood pressure. When Thais sweat, these minerals are lost. Replenishing them promptly supports athletes, outdoor workers, and children alike.

A practical lineup of electrolyte-rich fruits is widely available in Thai markets: bananas, watermelon, prunes, cherries, oranges, strawberries, mangoes, avocados, and pineapples. Each fruit offers a unique mineral mix, making natural replenishment an accessible choice.

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).