Job Discussion Forums

jezebel · Joined: 18 May 2005 Posts: 53

I've recently gotten back into some serious gym exercising, and I hesitate to abandon my hard-earned routine of endorphin generating. On the other hand, I know that fitness clubs, weight machines and even joggers are pretty rare sights in Asia or even Europe (compared to North America, at least).

Do you have opportunities to exercise while teaching ESL? Do you mostly just run outdoors? Are there any gyms around (and are they affordable on your salary)? If you don't exercise, but used to back home, do you miss it?

denise · Joined: 23 Apr 2003 Posts: 3419 Location: finally home-ish

I go to a gym here nearly every day, but for me gyms are always second-best. I go because I can't do my hobbies here (snowboarding, ice skating, rollerblading) and the gym is thus the only way to stay in shape. I would go crazy without it!

I can't wait to get back to the US and buy a new pair of rollerblades!!!

d

lady z · Joined: 28 Sep 2005 Posts: 39 Location: India

Strange as it may seem, this is one of my biggest concerns about moving abroad. If I'm in a big city then maybe I'll join a gym, otherwise I plan on doing more walking, bicycling and free weights at home.

kparsons · Joined: 30 Jun 2005 Posts: 63 Location: Hanoi, Vietnam

You're all right -- this is a huge problem. I struggled w/it as well when contemplating leaving, but was sure there would be gyms everywhere. In reality, it depends on where you end up. In Bangkok, there were loads of gyms, and everyone there is interested in fitness, so the parks are filled w/aerobics classes, etc., which made it easy to stay in shape. However, here in Hanoi, there aren't many options b/c the Vietnamese don't care about fitness (or should I say they don't have to? Lucky genetically skinny people!). There are some gyms, but they are, for the most part, EXPENSIVE -- far more so than in the States. Running here is a bit of a chore b/c of the uneven terrain, dense population, and insane traffic. Whenever I run, people point, stare, laugh, and yell at me. It's entertaining. And the best pool they have isn't even rectangular, so forget about lap lanes.... That said, I have been able to buy yoga dvds (not that I've been able to find a mat...) and free weights (for a very reasonable price), so there are still things available here. Good luck!!!

jezebel · Joined: 18 May 2005 Posts: 53

Ahh yes.. video tapes are an option, and I have some to do at home, but for me there's nothing like having access to cardio machines or group classes at specific timeslots to ensure I actually get out there and do my exercise for the day.

So far it sounds like Thailand is a good place for gymophiles; Vietnam not so much. Denise, I'm not sure where you're currently posted. What about Japan, Korea, Cambodia?

I've heard that swimming is (naturally) pretty big in Japan, but not sure how amenable the pools are to doing laps. Are there other national sports that are popular? Aside from, say, doing a couple rounds of Dance Dance Revolution. Perhaps a virtual gym somewhere?

How do you do weights at home? Are there stores that actually sell free weights in a non-bodybuilding sort of cultural environment? Or did you waste valuable luggage-weight carrying them abroad with you?

anospi · Posted: Mon Aug 07, 2006 4:19 am Post subject:

Cambodia certainly isn't ideal for Gym junkies. As far as I know there are two decent gyms in Phnom Penh, and a monthly pass was beyond my meagre salary (approx $70US/month).

On the other hand, Phnom Penh is very flat, so I cycled everywhere. This was my main form of exercise, along with yoga, which was also expensive but something I didn't want to go without.

tedkarma · Posted: Mon Aug 07, 2006 6:10 am Post subject:

You'll easily find gyms in most countries - but the conditions might be great - or lousy. Depending on where I am - I use gyms or, alternatively, I have some hard core "yoga strength" videos and CDs which are much more difficult than you might imagine!

lady z · Joined: 28 Sep 2005 Posts: 39 Location: India

Apparently there are these new fangled free weights that fill up with water--up to 16 lbs, and then compress down to 2 lbs for traveling with.
Has anyone tried those? Otherwise, there are good 'ol push ups, crunches, lunges etc. Much easier to get the motivation from a class or video, I agree!

Another health-related concern challenge about moving will be the food. In India (where I am going first) and Vietnam (where I may end up after) the food is quite greasy in restaurants--similar to home, but unlike home I may be more restaurant dependent...at least initially. The alternative is cooking at home, but that is probably completely unrealistic depending upon work schedule and location.

denise · Joined: 23 Apr 2003 Posts: 3419 Location: finally home-ish

Jezebel--

I'm in Peru. No snow (except waaaaaaaay up high, but it's more for backpackers/trekkers than snowboarders), and the streets are too uneven, cracked, and unpaved for rollerblading. There are a few gyms, though. There's even a yoga studio, but so far I haven't been able to fit it into my schedule.

I saved money for six months to pay for a much-needed winter holiday in Argentina, with both snow and an ice rink. It was heaven!

I lived in small-town Japan for two years. I imagine the nearest city had a few gyms. Staying fit there wasn't a problem because the neares ski resort was 20 minutes from my house.

d