Thailand - Combining 2 of my 3 favourite F words
Thailand - Fitness and Food
Combining 2 of my 3 favourite F words. Fitness and Food (the third being Fashion)
My sister and I wanted to plan a trip together, but we wanted to do something a little different. We wanted to travel somewhere we had never been, explore and step out our comfort zone. After doing a bit of research, we settled on Muay Thai camp in Phuket. We booked a hotel for £16 a night and we were ready for 2 weeks of exploring Phuket, sampling all the local cuisine and of course – lots of fitness. We stayed in Chalong, an epicentre of fitness. With around 7 gyms on our road alone - from general fitness, CrossFit and Muay Thai. Everywhere you turned there was a shop selling things all things health and fitness related - supplements, protein shakes, gym gear etc. Practically every restaurant had the macros on the menu for every meal. The food alone was amazing, ranging from traditional Thai food, to açai bowls, to the classic gym lovers - chicken, broccoli and sweet potato. I have never read so many different types of protein shakes or protein pancakes - but we managed to sample a lot of them over the course of the trip.
I was more interested in general fitness and circuit classes, whereas my sister, Megan, wanted more Muay Thai - so we decided to split our time equally between both. These classes are not for the faint-hearted though - one in particular coming to mind called 'The Executioner.' I have never quite experienced sweat like it, and for the majority of the class I thought I was going to throw up a lung. BUT if shredding kcals and improving fitness was what you were after, then this class was definitely the answer. You have to remember though, you are training in 30 degrees plus, so you do really need to make sure you are eating correctly and replenishing your salts and electrolytes.
We mostly trained at UNIT27 and Tiger Tiger - we found they were the nicest and cleanest gyms (essential), with the best trainers and also pushed you the hardest. The trainers were a mix between locals, and also trainers from around the world - English, Aussie and South African.
The Muay Thai classes could be taken as a group, but we decided to book some private sessions to get the most out of it and learn as much as possible. All the trainers are super friendly and incredibly skilled. I had only ever done Muay Thai once before In London, so I was very much a beginner. I mean, I wasn't quite ready to step into the ring at the end of the two weeks, but I could definitely throw a decent punch and kick.
Something I particularly miss having every day - is a full body massage. Every other building is a massage parlour, and not only were they some of the best massages I had ever received - but they were also about £7 for an hour. The perfect post training treat!
There's also some incredibly beautiful beaches just a short drive away which are a great way to recover while sipping on fresh coconuts - a perfect natural source of electrolytes. I would highly recommend renting a scooter while you are there, as it's just the easiest and cheapest way to get about.
While we were there, I wanted to get a taste of cooking the local cuisine, so I booked us into a few cooking classes. We were met by a local Thai woman who took us around a few markets where we sourced the fresh ingredients that we would be cooking with. This was an experience in itself. All the amazing spices, fresh fish and also 'interesting,' and definitely suspect, cuts of meat. We were then taken up in the hills to the cooking school which overlooked the rainforest, it was just so incredibly beautiful. We were taught how to make 5 authentic dishes - Green curry, Red curry, Massaman curry, a dessert - mango and sticky rice, and my personal favourite - how to make the perfect Pad Thai. I have got to say it was the best Pad Thai I've ever eaten, even if I did make it myself haha.
Aside from flights - It was one of the cheapest holidays I've had, but one of my absolute favourites and we are planning our return this year! trying something new, learning new skills, exploring new countries and cultures - these are all things I have promised myself I need to do more of! A trip I certainly won't forget.
