The constant up-sale phone calls once you’ve joined, the thumping cheesy music, the long lines waiting for machines while some guy sits five minutes between reps, guys fighting to be able to lift in front of the mirror… and we PAY for this?
Unfortunately these days gyms are a necessary evil. Our amazingly adaptable and capable bodies languish behind computer desks. We don’t naturally work and challenge our bodies to their full potential. Add to this the increasing food portions offered up to us at any restaurant – and we get fat.
Sure we could push ourselves to go for hikes, pick up hobbies that would naturally work our bodies… I don’t know Lumberjacking? But instead we fork over cash so we can go into a dank, smelly box with air-conditioning, TV’s, and Stairmasters that hook up to our iPods 
Thankfully in Asia they’re a bit nicer than back in West Texas (but still annoying with the up-sales). In most of Southeast Asia the same franchises offer basically the same gyms.
True Fitness (Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, India, and Taiwan)
I was an inaugural member of True Fitness Bangkok. Signed up before the gym was even fully built, even. Good prices, shiny new equipment, but slowly more and more people began filling in. Eventually it was too crowded and my phone kept running out of batteries from all of their phone calls and text messages offering new services – everything from lockers to yoga.
I’ve just as of yesterday re-joined the gym here in Singapore (call me a glutton for pain) due to a great offer – 95 SGD for one month with 4 personal training sessions, access to all their locations, and much more. Plus it’s only 80 something dollars to renew month to month. There are adequate facilities at the one here in Chinatown and during the day it’s pretty empty so it’s great for me… just too bad it’s in a basement so you feel kind of confined and sad while working out.
True Fitness Regional Locations
Fitness First (Originally from the UK, over 140 clubs in Asia-Pacific alone!)
Neither Joanna nor I have first-hand knowledge of the place. It seems slightly more upscale than True Fitness based on promotional material, locations, pricing, etc. I’ve been to a few of the gyms just to look around and they seem nicer….some even have pools. Our friend Caroline is a member at Fitness First because they have more spinning/cycling options and even offer a 2-hour spin class. Joanna has been to Fitness First with Caroline. She describes it as a typical nice, corporate gym with lots of machines. She went at rush hour (after work) and did not have to wait. The location in Paragon was on a high floor with a nice view of the city
Alas, they are about 2 blocks further away than True Fitness so I opted to give them a pass for now. I might be tempted to try their free week promotion once my month promotion is over to see if it’s worth the walk.
If gyms aren’t your thing you might look into alternative ways of working out.
Fitness First Singapore
Pure Yoga (New York, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taipei)
Full on Yoga studio…and that’s it. Here in Singapore they only offer different types of Yoga, Hot Yoga, a basic floor based Pilates (no reformer), and Bollywood dance classes???? A bit expensive and they don’t bargain at all (I’ve never heard of a gym that won’t bargain), but despite their granola façade they’re still a money making gym and try to work the hard sales, so careful if you go in for a free week trial. Nothing extra offered here, no trainers, no personal assessments…it’s only, though in all the slick presentation a bit of the “pure yoga” spirit seems lost to me.
Pure Yoga
Sivananda Yoga
A center for the hippies more natural yoga folks. There are 80+ Sivananda centers around the world offering cheaper Yoga options but with an emphasis on the spirituality of a particularly guru. They can say it better than me, “Founded by Swami Vishnu – Devananda, is a non-profit organization, whose purpose is to propagate the teaching of Yoga and Vedanta as a means of achieving physical, mental and spiritual well being.”
Sivananda.org
Sivananda Singapore
Boot Camps
There are many boot camps throughout Singapore, Thailand, and Hong Kong. Joanna used Fitcorp Asia and really enjoyed her times with them. That group is even taking things up a notch and offering full boot camp weekends in random locations throughout Thailand. Their first one will be located in Hua Hin at the Anantara and will feature a full two days of healthy eating, workouts, and reflective time on the beach.
I like the boot camp ideals and format as you’re using your body more in real ways and you have other people around to help push you past what you would be capable of on your own. Boot Camps tend to be a bit higher priced however, but price really depends on how you look at it ….it is more expensive than a gym, but less than a personal trainer so in that respect it is really good value, like having a trainer for a fraction of the cost. Also check with the various trainers, many are available for private hire and will come to you for a one-on-one session.
Fitcorp Asia
Hash Groups
Another more natural form of exercise. In these groups you either run or cycle in groups. They often venture outside the city. The Bangkok group regularly travels out to the Thai countryside for rides with a view. Some hash meet ups can be oriented more for fun and enjoyment, with others an enduring challenge for even seasoned cyclists… so check out the group and location before booking your ticket. Just be sure not to drink too much beer in celebration at the end and cancel out all the hard work you put in
(Go any night to Cheap Charlies in Bangkok and you’re guaranteed to find a member or Bangkok Bike Hash)
I left off California Wow. More power to you if you want to venture in. I’ve heard good things about the one specifically for women – quieter, more relaxed approach, not as crowded. Also haven’t linked to any services we haven’t personally tried or our friends haven’t. If you have a service or would like to get listed hit me up in the comments or our contact form…. I’m needed the workout. If I try you out and like you, you’ll go up here or on a future post 
Paul
