6 new feel-good things to do in Bangkok
These health-kicks are sure to get your endorphins flowing.
01 Get a jog on at one of Thailand's big upcoming races
The links between the "happy hormone" serotonin and running are well documented, so what better way to achieve that feel good vibe than joining one of Bangkok's upcoming races? The Bangkok Marathon will hit the streets on Nov 18—just enough time to squeeze in some training. If you're not quite ready for that, then by the time May comes around you can get involved in the breezy Suanpruek 10-Hour Ultra Marathon next year—just focus on those endorphins.
02 Eat, sleep and breathe sports at this huge new fitness mega-complex
If you're sold on training for the marathon, then head on over to Bangkok's sparkling new mega sports complex, Stadium One, where you'll find a whopping 129 sports retail stores and a five-story “Active Box” zone, which is packed with fitness centers offering everything from weight rooms, yoga and Zumba to spin classes and boxing lessons. Highlights include CrossOver, a gym that specializes in High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT); RSM Academy Muay Thai arena; and the 2000-sq-meter One Arena, which is set to host tournaments, equipment sales and flea markets. On top of all that, there are countless restaurants, cafes, spas and even hotels, so if you want to eat, sleep and breathe sports, now's your chance.
03 Beat office syndrome with this new fitness class
If sitting at a desk all day has got you all bent out of shape, then you're in luck. Jetts Fitness has recently launched its new "FX Training" workout, where you can let loose in a "grown-ups' playground", all while working on your stamina, endurance, balance and flexibility through squatting, pulling and pushing techniques designed to mimic your everyday movements. The 45-minute class focuses on whole muscle units in a bid to help you improve your daily movements and body posture, as well as strengthening your heart and muscles and relieving aches and pains.
04 Uplift your day with this superfood-packed new menu
After all that activity, you're sure to need something uplifting and healthy, so head on over to sample The Coffee Club's new superfood-packed menu. From a quinoa and beetroot vegan salad to the lean protein filled tuna steak, it's so tasty you'll forget you're eating healthy. Get your daily intake of good fats from dishes such as the avocado smashed on sourdough bread with poached eggs (from B260)—one of many items featuring delicious, creamy and flavorsome avocados imported from Australia. There's even a little something for cheat day, too (chocolate-Nutella frappe, anyone?).
05 Soak up the benefits of an onsen spa in Bangkok
The uber-hip Panpuri Wellness in the heart of Rajprasong has just become Bangkok’s largest onsen (a Japanese-style springwater bath house). Five male/female onsen pools feature mineral-rich water taken from hydrothermal springs, including Japan's Kusatsu onsen, one of the nation's mist widely visited hot springs. There's also a seasonal onsen, soda bath, cold plunge pool and vitality pool. Relax here all day for B750 (adults, B450 kids from 6-16). While men are expected to go naked, they provide underwear and tank tops for women. Just in front of the spa lies Panpuri’s Wellness Bar serving food and drinks all under 600 calories.
12/F, Gaysorn Urban Retreat, Gaysorn Village, Phloen Chit Rd., 02-253-8899
06 Feel the rhythm with a new way to workout to music
Music and exercise? Now, that's got to equal a double hit of endorphins. So if you're in need of a real boost, check out Virgin Active's recently launched "Pound" classes—a cardio workout that turns into an intense, sweat-dripping drumming session. To rock out to the beat, you'll be provided with Ripstix—lightly weighted drumsticks designed specifically for exercising. Instead of listening to music, you'll exercise to the beat of your own drum in this full-body workout that combines cardio, conditioning and strength training with yoga and pilates-inspired movements.
"Our food very much mirrors some of the great cafes you see in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane. We take dishes from that great cafe scene, bring them back to Bangkok and adapt them to the great ingredients that are found locally here."
Check out these two feel-good highlights from The Coffee Club's new menu:
The dish: Poached Eggs, Wok Fried Greens, Red Quinoa and Sesame dressing
Ingredients: Wok fried seasonal greens with red quinoa, poached eggs, and whipped sesame citrus sour cream.
The dish: Power Bowl
Ingredients: Imported avocado, baby spinach, red quinoa, radish, edamame, roasted pumpkin, cauliflower, and tomatoes topped with balsamic glaze and olive oil.
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