SWEAT IN THE CITY — I had a stinking attitude and felt broken. Some weeks in Bangkok can be a nonstop party and between Halloween, a friend’s birthday and other must-attend events, nobody was more in need of a class billed as a mix of Pilates and yoga with a little cardio thrown in. Thus it was I slunk into Energy Fitness Studio hoping for a chance to lie on a mat for an hour and listen to tinkle-y music. It didn’t disappoint.
The studio is small and intimate; I felt as though I was working out in a swanky, boutique New York studio. The lights were low, the music was cool, and our Energy Fusion instructor Nat was friendly, funny and welcoming. The kind of trainer who instantly puts everyone at ease. If the thought of glaring strip lights, blaring dance music and clanking weights is a turn-off, this makes an unintimidating alternative. It’s unlike any studio I’ve seen in Bangkok.
A group of five took their places on the arranged mats and lay down on our backs for a few exercises to warm up the core. The moves were hard enough that I could feel my abs working, but not so tricky that I wanted to curl up in a ball and give up; think supine leg raises and bicycle twists.
These Pilates-style moves were followed by some gentle yoga stretches, including a short couple of sets of sun salutations. Rather than just cycling through the usual sequence of upward- and downward-dogs with a few warrior-ones and -twos stirred into the mix, Nat’s class was a little more innovative, using a resistance band, a couple of superlight three-pound weights and a medicine ball to add a little strength training. This was also more fun. There were also changes to play, with an arm-balance crow pose thrown in along with one-leg balancing acts.
Although I preach the benefits of yoga, admittedly the classes can be rather dull. However this hybrid class addressed my need to stretch out and to stay engaged better than any before.
Nat was, as every good instructor should be, great at giving advice on how to progress and regress stretches and exercises, so that even those who couldn’t touch their toes or struggled to get into crow pose could adjust the workout to their abilities. The emphasis was on not pushing too hard or watching others, but instead tuning into one’s own body, free of ego, to achieve the possible. What could be more relaxing than that?
This combination of stretches, light strength work, relaxation and play was the perfect antidote to a week of overdoing it, and after a brief savasana (essentially, lying down on your back), I felt as refreshed as if I’d had a good massage or a midday nap.
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Energy Fitness Studio
Nuam Complex
8/1 Sukhumvit Rd, Soi 33, 4th floor
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