#SportsScience

As more Thais commit to regular physical activity amid rising health awareness, the perennial debate—“Is running or swimming a better workout?”—has gained fresh attention both in gyms and on social media. Recent fitness research and expert insights, as summarized in a new feature by Women’s Health Magazine, are shedding new light on which of these two popular activities is more effective for building muscle, losing weight, and supporting cardiovascular health.

In a groundbreaking new study unveiled at the 2025 American Physiology Summit, researchers revealed that simply viewing a hot virtual environment via VR can help the body cool off more efficiently during exercise. This innovative approach holds promise for athletes, military personnel, and outdoor workers in Thailand and around the world, suggesting a new direction for safe and effective heat acclimation training without ever leaving the room (Newswise).

Against the backdrop of rising temperatures and increased heat-related illnesses in Thailand, the findings offer timely insights. Bangkok, notorious for its sweltering climate, regularly sees heat advisories, with 2023 setting a new national record for highest temperature at 45.4°C in Tak province (Bangkok Post). Outdoor laborers, soldiers, and endurance athletes face mounting risks as global temperatures climb. The prospect of adapting to heat safely, efficiently, and cost-effectively is increasingly vital for the country’s public health and occupational safety.

Beetroot powder is fast becoming the darling of health supplement aisles in Thailand and around the world, with promises of enhanced energy, better athletic performance, and even improvements in heart health. But as the market fills with brightly packaged tubs and social media buzzes with endorsements, many Thais are asking: do the scientific facts really support these bold health claims?

The spotlight on beetroot powder is well earned. Beets are naturally rich in dietary nitrates, compounds known to convert into nitric oxide in the body—a molecule pivotal for expanding blood vessels, thus improving blood flow and potentially lowering blood pressure. These effects have attracted attention not just from supplement marketers but from scientists, athletes, and health-conscious individuals seeking a natural performance edge and cardiovascular boost (Men’s Health; Cleveland Clinic). For Thai consumers, where non-communicable diseases like hypertension and cardiovascular illness are a rising health concern, the potential of a plant-based, accessible solution resonates deeply.

As NFL fans cheer on Jalen Hurts for his explosive runs and unyielding durability, a recent revelation by his trainer is turning conventional wisdom on athletic training upside down. According to an exclusive feature in Men’s Health, Hurts, renowned for a jaw-dropping 600-pound squat during his college days, now rarely includes squats in his workout regimen. Instead, the Philadelphia Eagles quarterback and his longtime trainer, Taylor Kelly, are focusing on exercises designed to prolong his career by prioritizing joint health, shoulder stability, and real-world mobility—an approach that emphasizes quality over traditional muscle-building routines (Men’s Health).

Romanian deadlifts (RDLs) are gaining recognition as a “magic exercise” for golfers seeking to boost their performance, balance strength, and reduce injury risk, according to a recent Golf Digest article featuring expert guidance from certified fitness trainer Jonathan Avalos. As golf continues to surge in popularity throughout Thailand—especially among younger generations and retirees—exercises that combine efficiency, versatility, and injury prevention are becoming ever more relevant. For Thai golf enthusiasts and coaches looking to sharpen their physical game, RDLs offer benefits that extend beyond the fairways and into everyday life.

A new wave of fitness enthusiasts is challenging the long-standing stereotype of the “lazy stoner,” as growing evidence—and candid testimony—suggests that cannabis is helping people exercise, find joy in workouts, and perhaps even unlock their own version of a “runner’s high.” As recently reported by Yahoo! News, and supported by emerging research, people like Mark, a father in his 40s, are using cannabis products such as vape pens or edibles to make their training more enjoyable and less monotonous. Mark credits cannabis with helping him complete the demanding months of training for his first marathon, saying, “I definitely could have run the marathon without the marijuana, but I don’t know how easily I could have completed the training without it” (Yahoo! News).

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.

If you often feel like your intense workouts at the gym seem to last forever, you are not alone—and science may finally have an explanation. According to a new study published in the journal Brain and Behaviour and reported by The Guardian, pushing yourself hard during exercise can cause a “time warp” effect that makes your workout feel subjectively longer than it actually is. This finding could have important implications for anyone hoping to improve their fitness—or simply survive a particularly sweaty spin class—with researchers suggesting that our perception of time may be heavily influenced by the discomfort and effort of the activity itself (The Guardian).