Gyms In Asia Vs back home In the UK (USA will have similar gyms to the UK) they are so contrasting. Usually in my experience in Asia gyms are usually one or the other… really cheap with no air con and old school with a bunch of dumbbells on the floors and some barbells and a few machines. The other is high end very expensive (much more than back home) with towels provided, air conditioning, and usually a sauna and maybe a pool or steam room. Different types of workouts and interactive programs in these gyms motivate individuals to adopt regular exercise routines in both regions.
Whereas back home in the UK they are all really the same to an extent. It’s the finer details that people will choose a gym such as equipment quality and slight differences in cost. Nowadays most gyms in the UK are big with plenty of room, and equipment, and are cost-effective.
The first culture shock was in Vietnam, a little gym in the middle of nowhere.
This was the gym I went to in the province of Phu Yen.
It was like I stepped into a time warp machine. 1950s old fashioned in terms of the equipment and the way people dressed. Remember those rubber-vibrating waist machines? Yeah me neither. They had tons of them thinking it burns belly fat by jiggling and standing on a vibrating machine. The old-school gym music videos housewives would dance to with leotards and headbands, were completely different to back home. All the guys have their tops off, sweating buckets since there’s no air con, Flexing in the mirror admiring their physique. Be sure to bring a towel and plenty of water! You’ll lose electrolytes fast and possibly overheat. So I would buy some electrolyte drinks and salt pre and intra-workout. Some old-school machines are pretty cool you’ve seen from some footage from 1970s bodybuilding such as the pullover machine and the chest press and lat pulldown machines.
Now compare that to back home
The above picture is a typical gym in the UK I went to. JD sports gym. There’s typically a massive floor of weights and they’ll have a free weight section with around 3-4 power racks then a machine section. Other rooms such as the studio and bikes then a CrossFit area with kettlebells and assault bike and skiErg. Temperature isn’t really an issue with gyms back home, maybe a little on the cold side but most people come with jumpers, warm up then take them off. Another thing is that there is a lot more ‘bravado’ bullshit, which generally stems from insecurities and people thinking they’re protected if they do anything.
The growth of the physical activity economy in Asia-Pacific is notable, with exercising becoming a significant part of the region’s vibrant and diverse fitness market.
What I would also say is the average guy who hits the gym in Thailand, Vietnam, or the Philippines. What I’ve seen is they are more muscular than the average gym rat in the UK. Weird I know. Because back home there are more conveniences and more availability to everything in terms of nutrition and supplementation. However, there is more availability and access to make hormones such as testosterone, deca, anadrol things like this OTC (over the counter) in the local pharmacies. These are the raw materials for building muscle. It’s also the discipline these people have. It’s almost like a cultural thing. ‘okay I’m gonna start going to the gym so let me go to the pharmacy to get steroids’ Surprisingly a lot of countries outside the West are like this.
What I’ve also found is people are more disciplined over here in Asia. If they’ve decided to take steroids and or train hard in the gym they usually don’t go out partying and have a strict diet and lifestyle. Ideal for bodybuilding. They typically don’t have the best genetics for bodybuilding in terms of their frames, not typically wide clavicles and narrow wasted or long muscle bellies. The average height is around 5 foot six so this can be a positive in terms of filling out their frame quicker than a taller person would.
They are also a lot more cramped. Short on space or overcrowded. I guess that’s something in common with some of the UK gyms.
Don’t get me wrong, gyms in Asia can be great. Fitwhey is a well-known gym I’ve been to in Bangkok and Isaan. Good price and good equipment. Proper Thai gym that’s got a lot of equipment and a fair amount of free weights. The proliferation of fitness studios in Southeast Asia is a response to the growing aspiration for health and fitness among individuals.
This gym I went to in Show DC Bangkok, is an awesome gym.
I started a lot of my gym content here when arriving in Thailand. Spent around a month here before moving area.
Southeast Asia’s disposable income is significantly lower compared to other regions, which impacts gym membership penetration rates.
Fitness Industry Overview
The fitness industry is booming globally, with a projected value of over $1 trillion by 2025. This growth is driven by an increasing awareness of the importance of physical activity for overall health and well-being. Fitness clubs, studios, and gyms are popping up everywhere, catering to a diverse range of fitness enthusiasts. In Asia, the fitness scene is particularly vibrant. Countries like South Korea are leading the charge with innovative fitness solutions and state-of-the-art facilities. The demand for health and wellness is skyrocketing, and the fitness industry is evolving to meet these needs. Whether it’s through traditional gyms or modern online platforms and mobile apps, the focus on fitness and health is stronger than ever.
Gym Facilities and Equipment
Gym facilities and equipment across Asia reflect a fascinating blend of local preferences and cultural norms. In Southeast Asia, you’ll find a mix of smaller, more affordable gyms that still offer a comprehensive range of equipment. China presents a unique fusion, where gyms often provide traditional Chinese medicine services like acupuncture and massage alongside modern fitness equipment. In India, gyms frequently incorporate traditional exercises such as yoga and Pilates, offering a holistic approach to fitness. This diversity in gym facilities and equipment highlights the rich tapestry of fitness cultures across Asia.
Conclusion
Overall, it’s definitely a massive difference. Most gyms over here in SE Asia are humid, small, and old-fashioned equipment… WARNING not for the faint of heart! If you want a ‘normal’ gym like back home be prepared to pay more than you would in your home country.
