So as soon as I mention Thailand, 90% of the people will immediately think of the sex tourism angle. Yes, there are go-go bars, ping pong shows, cabarets, and many other outlets for those who want to let off some built-up steam. But a majority of people who go to Thailand explore the place as tourists, and are not fixated on enjoying the gifts the sex industry can provide. I’m sure that everyone would agree that Thailand is a beautiful country to travel, explore, and relax, and the sex industry is but a minor part of the country’s charm.

Of course, Thai women are beautiful, just like women all over the world. And each part of the world can boast of its own sex industry, whether it operates openly or covertly. Does that mean that every country in the world should be termed as sex tourist spot? Just because it is more highlighted and open in Thailand doesn’t mean that the country is good only if you want to avail of those benefits.

Today, I am going to talk about Thailand not as a sex tourist, but as a fitness junkie, and hopefully, by seeing Thailand from my eyes, you might change your perception.

For years, Thailand’s main way of fitness has been Muay Thai. The sport originated from here, and now, is spread all around the world. Various people and brands are banking on it, such as Reebok for UFC clothing, muscle pharm for UFC supplements etc. Today, we have more viewers for UFC and MMA (mixed martial arts) than traditional boxing. And now, Thailand has started looking into bodybuilding and weight training as well. Though there are still more Muay Thai centres than the traditional weight-lifting gyms in Thailand, but since the last few years, there has been a little change in the trend. Now, CrossFit gyms, fitness camps, beach boot camps, and conventional gyms abound, and in my opinion, places like these will keep mushrooming as more and more foreigners come and settle there. Anyway, let’s face it, Muay Thai might not be not everyone’s cup of tea, not least because the training for Muay Thai is pretty intense. Some people just want to go to the gym, walk on a treadmill for a bit, lift some weights, check out the people in the gym, and go home. For such people, working out is as much a social experience as a physical one, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with it.

So why is Thailand a bodybuilders’ paradise? Gym facilities such as these are available all around the world…so what is so special about Thailand? Well, for a bodybuilder, it’s not just the gym that matters. One needs to relax, take care of one’s diet, and also go for regular saunas, massages etc.

This is where Thailand has the edge when it comes to being a bodybuilders’ paradise. Thai people love seafood and meat. The street food there is pretty amazing. One can eat street food all year long and survive on it. And when I say survive, I really mean thrive. The street food in Thailand is cheap, tasty, and healthy, since it has mostly meat, aka proteins, aka muscle-building food, and is made and sold hygienically. Most food there is boiled, steamed, or grilled, and hardly ever fried. A bodybuilder needs 6 meals a day, which comes out to be a lot of food, especially if you’re tight on the cash. However, in Thailand, the low costs can help you immensely.

Apart from that, it is a fact that all weight lifters, athletes, and bodybuilders have very stiff muscles because of the constant wear and tear and the continuous and rigorous stress that we put on our bodies with the heavy weight lifting etc. A good massage, once or twice a week, can deeply relax the body and prepare you for the next lifting session. Within my one-week trip, I went for a sports massage twice, and my body feels relaxed even now, when I’ve been back in India since a while. Here, my back would always be stiff, my legs would hurt, and basically, my whole body used to be besieged with constant pain and spasms.

And then there is the biggest reason of them all – the beach. Even studies have found that living near the water makes people happy and healthy! Win-win!

The lush greenery and the minimal pollution make Thailand a perfect place for outdoor runs, workouts, boot camps, cycling, trekking, and a lot of other outdoor activities.

So don’t look at Thailand just as a sex tourist spot or even just as a bodybuilders’ home. It’s a beautiful country; go enjoy the various customs, foods, activities, and all else that Thailand has to offer, without per-judged notions making home in your mind.

Sawasdee khap…see you in Thailand pretty soon!