You say you crush Cross Fit? Or, that you dominate Boot Camp? Perhaps Bikram is your warm up practice. Well, all of these physical exercises are a brisk walk carrying 3-pound hand weights by comparison to what wants to be the newest fitness craze: Muay Thai. 

Muay Thai or Thai Boxing is the national sport and cultural martial art of Thailand. It was developed several hundreds of years ago as a form of close combat that utilizes the entire body as a weapon. Thai Boxing is also referred to as “the art of the eight limbs” because fighters use fists, elbows, knees and shins. And, as with all martial arts, Muay Thai is as much about physical strength as it is mental focus. 

There are Thai Boxing schools in most major cities and, of course, all over YouTube. So whether you’re wanting to practice a new sport, get ready (more like totally shredded) for your big day or find a unique way to experience Thailand while visiting, we say get in early on Muay Thai. 

When in Thailand, we recommend the following boxing schools: 

Santai Gym– Chiang Mai

Superpro Samui– Koh Samui

Tiger Muay Thai Camp - Phuket

Jitti Gym- Bangkok