Gyms where I trained in all these years.
The gyms where I have trained where I have sweated a lot in all the years I have been coming to Pattaya.
Welcome to the amazing world of Pattaya, where I have had the pleasure of training at several fantastic gyms. Throughout the years, I have poured my heart and soul into each session, leaving nothing behind as pushed my limits and honed my skills.
With every workout, I have felt my body grow stronger and my mind become clearer, leaving me with a sense of accomplishment that only comes from pushing myself to my limits.
I have sweated and trained alongside some of the best fighters in the world, learning from their wisdom and experience as I perfected my techniques. The camps have been a second home for me, providing an environment of support and camaraderie that has helped me excel in my training and my life.
Looking back on my time in Pattaya, I can't help but feel grateful for the experiences I have had and the incredible people I have met along the way. I have poured my heart and soul into my training, and it has paid off in countless ways, both in and out of the gym. Here's to many more years of sweat, determination, and incredible growth in this amazing city.
Sityodthong.
I go back to the beginning, a while ago, in the late 1980s. We went to Pattaya to train Muay Thai, my very first gym was the famous and well-known camp; Sityodthong Boxing Camp, founded by Kru Yodtong Senanan. Many world top athletes from around the world trained there and also Thai world top athletes Samart Payakaroon and his brother Kongtoranee Payakaroon nicknamed Chart.
Sport Garden.
I trained there for a while in conjunction with the gym at Thai Garden resort, or Sport Garden. The gym had fitness equipment, hanging bags and there was a ring. Again, it was a popular place for acquaintances fighters to train and then take a dip in the pool afterwards. Sport Garden was a fine place in North Pattaya to have a nice workout. Over the years, and I'm actually talking about the 1990s and early part of this century, I often went back and forth to Thailand and tried to stay somewhat fit during the time when the nights were very long in Pattaya.
Gold's gym.
I remember Gold's gym, this gym was located about 100 meters past the marin bar on Walking Street on the right. It was a real gym in the early 1990s with only dumbbells and weights. Later the gym moved to Soi Lucky Star, the small side street to Marin Plaza. Next to the restaurant, a small entrance and up the stairs to the second floor where the gym was located.
Universe gym.
Later I also trained at Dennis James' well-known gym on the beach next to the police station, Soi 9. Dennis Tyron James was a well-known bodybuilder who had his own gym in Pattaya. Here I feasted my eyes on how big some people can get, with or without the use of anabolics. Later the gym moved to Sukhumvit road and Dennis James was arrested in February 2004 for possession of anabolics and 19 ecstasy tablets. He was later released on bail and soon after left Thailand. All in all, this was a great personality with a nice gym on the beach at the time.
About the former owner and professional body builder Dennis James.
Dennis James is a former professional bodybuilder who was born on May 31, 1966, in Heidelberg, Germany. He began competing in bodybuilding in the 1990s and quickly rose to prominence in the sport. Throughout his career, James won numerous titles and accolades, including the IFBB Night of Champions, the Arnold Classic, and the Mr. Olympia.
In 2004, James made headlines when he was arrested in Pattaya. James had been living in Pattaya for several years and had opened a gym there called Universe Gym. However, the gym was raided by Thai police, who found illegal steroids and other performance-enhancing drugs on the premises. James was arrested and charged with possession and distribution of illegal drugs.
Following his arrest, James spent several months in jail in Thailand before being released on bail. He was eventually tried and convicted, and he spent two years in a Thai prison before being released and deported back to Germany.
Despite the controversy surrounding his arrest, James has continued to be involved in the bodybuilding world. He has worked as a trainer and coach, helping other athletes to reach their fitness goals. He has also appeared in numerous bodybuilding and fitness magazines, and he has a large following on social media.
In addition to his career in bodybuilding, James has also been involved in other ventures. He has worked as an actor and stuntman in several movies and television shows, and he has been a commentator for various bodybuilding competitions.
Overall, while James' arrest in 2004 was a significant event in his life and career, he has continued to be an important figure in the bodybuilding world. His success as an athlete and his dedication to the sport have made him a role model for many aspiring bodybuilders, and his expertise and knowledge have helped countless individuals to achieve their fitness goals.
Sitpholek Gym.
I don't remember exactly what time that was but also trained here for a while. Think it must have been around 2000 or maybe a little earlier. The gym then was still located on Pattaya second road and above the weekender hotel. Here you had good coaches, famous fighters came and it was just a good place to train hard. Later moved to the Sukhumvit road.
Jomtien gym.
There was a small gym next to the bookstore by Dongtarn beach with a lot of old iron. But iron is iron and it remains weight. I trained there for a while with my best friend in the late nineties and early this century. Was kind of easy, first to the beach, right under the police station and then in this old gym without air conditioning nice sweat, a nice gym and we had a good time there.
Gym LK Metro.
The whole Soi LK Metro was finished and everything was for rent, really everything. It was around 2001/2002, I don't remember exactly. There was one place that was open and that was a gym, this actually existed for a short time, when I went to train there it was actually for sale again. And at this place later came the now famous and fun Champagne a go go dance club. The street has gone from zero to hero over the years with many fun and well-known places where you can sleep, eat and go out.
International Fitness Gym.
About 2005/2006, I came to this gym. The international fitness was located on Pattaya Third road, about two hundred meters before the traffic lights where Tony's gym was. Again, this was a fairly old gym with an Iranian running it. It was an open building, you could look in and out like that and without air conditioning. It had two floors and what stayed with me the most was the second floor where you could work out your legs and then after a good session go down the stairs, it did take me the occasional effort.
Buddha Hill outdoor gym.
What also sticks with me is the open old workout equipment on Buddha Hill, the Pratumnak Park outdoor gym. There is a nice course for the runners and joggers among us but you also had some old equipment on a small fenced off area. And as I always say; iron is iron, so why not hang out at the weights after you've done some hard running.
Scorpion Gym & Golden Glory Gym.
In 2004/2005 I frequented Rosalie Berghuis' gym, also nice and easy, on my way to or back from Jomtien beach. This camp was located on Thappraya road in Soi 15. The gym was completely finished in 2007 and it had become a nice camp. Also here many famous fighters that time and later it was sold and taken over by a few Dutchmen including Bas boon and Cor Hemmers, it became the Golden Glory Gym in 2010.
A list of gyms of the present time.
Fairtex, Sityodtong, Yokkao, Petchrungruang, Kombat Group, Kaewsamrit Gym, Kru Muay Thai Academy, Diamond Muay Thai, Top Prayut, Sitsongpeenong, Tony's, Fitness 7, Muscle Factory, California Wow Xperience, XFit, Planet Fitness,Thep Thip Mansion, Central Fitness Center, Titan.
Some of these gyms may have closed or changed their operations since my knowledge cutoff date, so I recommend verifying their current status before planning a visit.