• By GROVE
  • | Aug 26, 2016

SAILING IN NONGBON PARK 

Near King Rama 9 Royal Park, Chalermprakiat Soi 43, 02-328-0236. Open daily 8am-6:30pm. www.fb.com/nongbonwatersports
Craving a dose of water sports but don’t have time to leave Bangkok? Head over to this lake which is something of a hidden gem in the city, thanks to its sweeping views and constant breeze. Here, members can try windsurfing, sailing, kayaking and rowing—all for only B40 a year.  
 
Health tip: Sailing is a great sport for increasing your endurance and gaining some muscle strength due to all the pulling and lifting that’s involved. Other watersports such as kayaking and rowing are also great for gaining health benefits, as well as providing plenty of cardio workouts for heart health. 
 

WAKEBOARDING AT TAKO LAKE

175/1 Km.13, Bangna Trad Rd., 02-316-7809. www.tacolake.com
Thailand’s first cable park offers the best place in the city for watersports like wakeboarding, wake skating, kneeboarding and water skiing. A day pass will cost you B400 while memberships are B7,500/year for 50 visits. Beyond the sports, this is a great place to relax away from the city center that also has an on-site restaurant and cafe serving classic Thai dishes, plus rooms to rent out for those who want to make an overnight trip of it. 
 
Health tip: Wakeboarding is a great resistance workout, as it requires a lot of muscle focus to flex, resist, and hold positions to stay upright in the water. Wakeboarding and other watersports also require a high level of concentration, which offers great benefits to the mind as well. Get out there on the water and feel the benefits of this great full-body exercise as you strengthen your arms, legs, and core muscles. 
 

GOLF AT THANA CITY GOLF

100/2 Moo 4, 14 Bangna–Trad Highway, Bangchalong. www.thanacitygolf.com
This 18-hole semi-private golf course offers manicured greens, strategically placed bunkers and natural lakes making it one of the best destinations for the sport in Bangkok. Designed by legendary Australian golfer Greg Norman, the course has played host to tournaments including the Thailand Open and Kosaido Ladies Open. 
 
Health tip: Golf is a low-risk sport proven to be easier on the muscles and joints compared to contact sports. While the game requires a lot of strategy and coordination, it can still provide a great workout thanks to the amount of walking and swinging required. 
 

CYCLING AT  SUVARNABHUMI AIRPORT

Skylane, Suvarnabhumi International Airport, 999 Moo 1, Nong Prue, Samut Prakarn. Open daily 6am-6pm. skylanethailand.com
After its refurbishment at the start of the year, the cycling track at Suvarnabhumi International Airport is now better than ever. The 23.5km-long track promises a world-class ride for serious bikers, while the 1.6km inner track is ideal for beginners. There’s also a running track available for those who want to hit the ground on foot instead. Facilities also include rest areas, rest rooms, food stalls and on-site medical care. Simply turn up at the tracks with your bike and register at the gate with your national ID or passport to receive your free “Snap” device which grants access to the grounds. 
 
Health tip: Cycling is an environmentally-friendly, low-impact sport perfect for those still recovering from injuries or looking for exercise that will provide little strain on the muscles. Performed intensively, it is a great test of strength and stamina that will push your aerobic fitness while you enjoy the outdoors.
 

BOBBLE FOOTBALL AT POLO FOOTBALL PARK

Soi Polo, Wireless Rd. Open Mon-Fri 12pm-11:30pm. www.bangkokbobblefootball.com
Take football up a notch with this new spin on the sport. Originally from Norway, bobble football sees players take to an outdoor Astroturf pitch while encased in an inflated bubble around their head and upper body. The result is a fun spin on the beautiful game that offers a good workout as well as massive laughs. Book out 10 bobbles for an hour for B8,000, including the price of the venue and all equipment. 
 
Health tip: Research shows that performing sports in groups rather than alone can boost not only performance levels thanks to the extra support, but also motivation and enjoyment that comes out of it. Plus, a little friendly competition is always great for providing that extra push to achieve better results. 

Bumrungrad Hospital is one of the largest private medical facilities in Southeast Asia, with over 55 specialty centers, an internationally-certified lab and pharmacy, clinical research centers, advanced imaging facilities, and a 24-hour emergency care unit. Certified by the Joint Commission International since 2002, Bumrungrad cares for more than 1.1 million patients a year at its state-of-the-art facilities right in the heart of Bangkok. Learn more at www.bumrungrad.com