I was never really an active child. I was abysmal at most physical activities, and lacked the confidence to truly commit myself to any contact team sports. That all changed in 2020, when my friend Aadi introduced me to Muay Thai. The grit and determination it took to go from being a couch potato, to arguably the most demanding sport of all time, was a life changing experience. Looking back I would have done so many things differently, but Muay Thai got me up and at it.

Afterwards, my partner Alisa and I joined Jetts gym, and later Gym Monkey. Both had its pros and cons for sure. Jetts was never free enough for you to ever get a workout in, it felt almost permanently busy. On the other hand, Gym Monkey was nearly always empty, with excellent equipment - Hammer Strength at their Circle Ratchaphruek branch. The downside with Monkey is that they only have two locations, while Jetts has one in almost every major neighborhood - and in other cities.

Moreover, my one visit to Virgin Active this year was quite nice, and I enjoy the Standard Gym from time to time, but my heart belongs at Stonegoat Parq - with honorable mentions to Stonegoat 69 and Urban Playground. Climbing gyms are the best gyms to visit. Climbing is an activity I enjoy because it feels like a puzzle you have to solve with your body. It requires both your mind and form to be functioning at 100% capacity. Whether it is a precocious slab or a steep dyno into a jug, for a few intense seconds you are completely present and in the moment. Imagine solving a problem on your 15th attempt. It is a demanding, challenging, and rewarding sport. I have done it for 3 years and it never gets easier.

On my rest days from the climbing gym, I have been on a mission to increase my flexibility. For most of my life I haven’t been able to touch my toes. And that’s something I’m quite embarrassed about. This has changed over the last few years thanks to yoga.

My fitness goals for 2025:

Back to 10 pull-ups

Wall assisted headstand

Crow pose