#Sportsscience

“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.

A quiet shift is reshaping gyms and clinics worldwide: eccentric exercise, which emphasizes the muscle-lengthening portion of a movement, such as slowly lowering a weight. New research summarized by a major national feature and recent studies underscore a growing consensus that slowing the descent can boost strength and reduce injury risk. In Thailand, where health and fitness are evolving with global trends, eccentric training offers a practical path to active aging and safer sport participation.

In major Thai cities, wellness trends are evolving rapidly as people seek relief from stiffness, chronic pain, and sedentary work. A growing curiosity about assisted stretching—popular in places like Los Angeles—poses questions for Thai readers: what exactly is a “flexologist,” and does this approach offer real benefits beyond DIY stretches and foam rollers common in home routines?

Assisted stretching has moved from elite therapy to mainstream studios. In the United States, brands like StretchLab have expanded to hundreds of locations, attracting office workers, seniors, and athletes alike. Sessions are typically one-on-one and led by trained practitioners who guide stretches targeting muscles and fascia to improve mobility and reduce discomfort. While this model is new to Thailand, it resonates with a long-standing local appreciation for bodywork and mobility.

The streets of Los Angeles are increasingly dotted with signs for dedicated stretching studios like StretchLab, Stretch Zone, and StretchMed, part of a nationwide wellness trend fueled by the promise of improved flexibility, pain relief, and athletic recovery. But the growth of so-called “flexology” and the rise of professional “flexologists” has left many wondering whether this new hands-on approach to stretching is worth the hype—and what it actually offers beyond the DIY foam rollers and home routines so familiar to fitness enthusiasts in Thailand and abroad (latimes.com).

A beloved physical activity endorsed by millions for its health benefits—long-distance running—may be unexpectedly associated with a higher risk of developing precancerous colon growths among young adults, according to a new study presented at the prestigious American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) 2025 conference in Chicago. The study, conducted by researchers based in Washington, DC, challenges the prevailing wisdom that vigorous aerobic exercise is universally protective against all forms of cancer, raising pressing questions for health-minded Thais—especially the country’s growing cohort of marathon and ultramarathon enthusiasts.

A widely celebrated form of exercise, long-distance running, may be linked to an unexpected risk among certain young adults. A study presented at ASCO 2025 in Chicago found a higher-than-expected rate of colon adenomas—precancerous growths—in adults aged 35 to 50 who regularly run ultramarathons or multiple marathons. The results prompt careful discussion for health-minded Thai runners, where endurance events have surged in popularity in recent years.

The investigation examined 100 runners who completed at least two ultramarathons (over 50 km) or five standard marathons (42 km) within a defined period. Among participants, 41% had at least one adenoma and 15% had advanced adenomas. These rates appeared higher than typical figures for the general population. About half of those with advanced lesions reported rectal bleeding, a symptom sometimes mistaken for benign exercise-related issues such as runner’s colitis.

A growing body of research shows that the ideal approach to meal timing may not be the same for everyone—especially when it comes to optimizing energy and performance. A recent article published by Outside Online and supported by leading sports nutrition experts suggests that whether it’s better to eat small, frequent meals or stick to three substantial ones largely depends on the individual’s activity level and goals (Outside Online).

For those striving to maximise athletic performance, eating habits can be just as important as the nutrients themselves. Nutrition experts reporting for Outside Online point out that food fuels athletic performance by supplying energy, aiding in recovery, and supporting the body’s critical functions during and after training. The three macronutrients—carbohydrates, fats, and proteins—all play essential roles, but timing and frequency of meals can affect how well the body absorbs and uses these nutrients.

A growing body of research shows there is no one-size-fits-all approach to meal timing. For Thai readers, the key takeaway is that how often you eat should align with your activity level and goals. A recent overview by Outside Online highlights that small, frequent meals versus three larger ones depend on the type, intensity, and duration of exercise.

Nutrition experts say food fuels performance by supplying energy, aiding recovery, and supporting essential body functions during and after training. The three macronutrients—carbohydrates, fats, and proteins—work together, but their timing and frequency influence how the body absorbs and uses them.

A new peer-reviewed study has found that a six-week regimen of Muay Thai, Thailand’s national martial art, delivers significant improvements in participants’ quality of life, love of life, and self-control—offering fresh scientific evidence for the physical and psychological benefits long celebrated in Thai culture. The research, published on May 23, 2025 in Frontiers in Psychology, is among the first to rigorously examine how structured Muay Thai training impacts these key markers of mental health and happiness among university students (frontiersin.org).

A new peer-reviewed study shows that a six-week Muay Thai program can significantly boost quality of life, love of life, and self-control among university students. Conducted in Thailand and published in Frontiers in Psychology on May 23, 2025, the research adds rigorous evidence to long-held Thai beliefs about Muay Thai as a path to physical and mental wellness. Data from a controlled trial indicate meaningful gains for participants who trained, compared with a non-training group.

Hyrox is reshaping fitness competition worldwide, combining running with functional workouts in a format accessible to beginners and elite athletes alike. In Thailand, where Muay Thai gyms, running clubs, and group fitness are already vibrant, Hyrox offers a new, scalable model for public health, wellness tourism, and tactical training communities.

A Hyrox race features eight one-kilometer runs interspersed with stations such as sled pushes, wall balls, and burpee broad jumps. The standardized format lets participants compare results globally, from casual gym-goers to seasoned athletes. Across events, completion times average about 90 minutes, while top competitors are approaching the 60-minute mark, setting aspirational benchmarks for enthusiasts worldwide. Data from research and practitioner reports highlight Hyrox’s blend of endurance and strength, with running accounting for the majority of the workload.

The world of fitness racing is rapidly evolving, with the Hyrox competition emerging as a new global phenomenon that challenges athletes of all backgrounds in a unique blend of endurance and strength. Recent research and first-hand reports from elite competitors reveal how Hyrox is not only shaking up traditional sporting events but is also transforming training modalities for both everyday gym-goers and military professionals. As Thais increasingly embrace varied fitness pursuits, the Hyrox model—already surging in popularity across Europe and the US—offers accessible inspiration and potential for the Kingdom’s burgeoning wellness and tactical training communities.

A growing wave of runners worldwide, now stronger in Thailand, is embracing Jeffing—the run-walk method that blends short running bursts with planned walking breaks. Named after US Olympian Jeff Galloway, this approach makes running more accessible, helps prevent injuries, and often boosts endurance. With new research and a rising pool of testimonials, Jeffing is becoming a staple in fitness routines, inviting Thais to explore tracks, parks, and city streets with renewed energy.

A growing wave of runners around the world—and increasingly in Thailand—are embracing “Jeffing”, a run-walk method that’s gaining traction for its accessibility, injury prevention benefits, and surprising effectiveness in boosting endurance. Named after US Olympian Jeff Galloway, the method alternates between short periods of running and walking, offering a refreshed approach to running that’s changing the way both beginners and seasoned athletes tackle the sport. With new research and growing testimonials, Jeffing is steadily becoming a staple in global fitness routines, inspiring more Thais to hit the tracks, parks, and city streets with renewed enthusiasm.

New research indicates athletes may face higher microplastic exposure than previously thought, with early findings suggesting broader public health implications. Scientists recently detected microplastics in human blood, and experts caution that the full scope of risk will take time to understand. Initial data point to possible links with chronic diseases, underscoring the need for more study and practical precautions.

For Thai audiences, this topic resonates amid Thailand’s warm climate, growing fitness culture, and widespread use of plastic-packaged beverages, supplements, and gear. Nutrition professionals warn that common habits—hydration with bottled drinks, training in synthetic fabrics, and outdoor workouts—could collectively raise microplastic intake. Sweating can widen skin pores, potentially increasing particle entry. As one sports dietitian noted, “we’re only just beginning to quantify exposure and health effects.”

Researchers are raising alarms after uncovering a disturbing trend: athletes may be at higher risk from microplastic exposure than previously thought, with early science suggesting profound implications for public health far beyond the sports world. As scientists only recently succeeded in detecting microplastics in human blood, the full scale of the threat is still unfolding—but early indications point to links between microplastic accumulation and a variety of chronic diseases, sparking urgent calls for action and further study.

In the world of fitness and musculoskeletal health, few muscles have received as much recent attention as the psoas—often described by therapists and researchers as the ‘most important muscle you don’t even know you have.’ Recent research and reporting reveal that this deep-seated muscle, threading its way from the lumbar spine through the pelvis to the femur, isn’t just central to movement and posture. The psoas may also hold the key to reducing back pain, preventing disability, and boosting elite athletic performance for people of all ages—including right here in Thailand.

A deep-seated muscle known as the psoas may hold the key to less back pain, better mobility, and higher athletic performance for people of all ages in Thailand. Often called the most important muscle you don’t know you have, the psoas runs from the lower spine through the pelvis to the thigh and sits at the heart of posture and movement.

The psoas is unique because it links the upper and lower body. Healthy, strong psoas function supports posture, walking, and daily activities—from stepping onto a tuk-tuk to kneeling in temple rituals. Its influence extends to core stability and even the nervous system, underscoring its foundational role in overall health.

A growing number of experts say workouts don’t have to exhaust you to be effective. A recent Business Insider report highlights that pushing too hard can backfire, leading to poorer results and higher risk of burnout and injury. A veteran personal trainer with experience in finance and fitness shares practical red flags and green flags to help Thai readers optimize routines for long-term health and consistency.

Health in daily life remains central for many Thais—from Bangkok gyms and city parks to Muay Thai training. Yet the urge to push to the limit can create unhealthy patterns. The interviewee’s journey—balancing a demanding finance career with fitness—reflects a broader shift in research: sustainable routines beat punishing bursts of effort for lasting gains.

The widespread belief that a workout must leave you exhausted to be effective is increasingly being challenged by experts. According to a recent report published by Business Insider, personal trainers now advise that pushing too hard in the gym can backfire, leading not only to poor results but also increased risk of burnout and injury (Business Insider). In the article, a seasoned personal trainer with experience in both the financial industry and fitness sector shares practical guidelines—red flags and green flags—for Thai readers to optimize their exercise routines without sacrificing long-term health or consistency.

A recent study, highlighted in a feature by Men’s Journal, has found that distance runners can substantially extend their time to exhaustion—by as much as 32 percent—by implementing a specific post-workout recovery technique. This discovery, though focused on runners, carries significant implications for athletes and fitness enthusiasts across Thailand, where running continues to gain popularity as both a competitive sport and a healthy lifestyle pursuit.

In Thailand, where urban marathons and charity runs have become a staple in cities such as Bangkok and Chiang Mai, optimizing performance and recovery is a common goal among athletes and recreational runners alike. The new study, referenced in Men’s Journal’s report, provides compelling evidence supporting a post-exercise recovery “hack” that may help runners outpace their previous limits and enhance overall stamina.

A recent study highlighted by Men’s Journal suggests distance runners can extend their time to exhaustion by up to 32 percent with a specific post-workout recovery technique. While the finding centers on runners, it carries meaningful implications for athletes and fitness enthusiasts across Thailand, where long-distance running is rising in popularity as both sport and lifestyle.

In Thailand, urban marathons and charity runs are popular in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and beyond. Optimizing performance and recovery is a common goal for both competitive runners and casual joggers. The Men’s Journal piece references research showing a scientifically backed recovery practice immediately after exercise that may help runners push past prior limits and improve stamina.

A growing trend among fitness enthusiasts and everyday readers in Thailand is using electrolyte powders to “boost” hydration. New analysis from a registered dietitian, reviewed by medical professionals at NBC’s TODAY, suggests that most people do not need these supplements and that excessive intake can pose health risks. The article emphasizes caution and context for Thai readers.

Electrolytes—sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium—are essential minerals that regulate hydration, muscle function, and nerve signals. Their importance is clear, especially for high-intensity activity or very hot weather. Yet for many people, especially in Thailand’s warm seasons, supplemental powders may be unnecessary or even risky. Nutrition experts stress that you can meet electrolyte needs through ordinary foods and beverages.

As electrolyte powders increasingly make their way into the daily routines of fitness enthusiasts and average Thais alike, the question arises: Can you consume too many electrolytes? A recent analysis published on May 1, 2025, by a registered dietitian and reviewed by medical professionals at NBC’s TODAY suggests that not only is excessive electrolyte intake unnecessary for most people — it can also be dangerous, carrying a risk of serious health complications (today.com).