siamamerican

Have you thought about asking if you can bring your own pedestal fan with extension? I used to do this at a gym in the Philippines. They let me store it there.

I would feel funny but not a bad idea. I basically bought a high power fan for our condo complex and makes workouts there enjoyable. Now if the huge Russians and Farangs would stop breaking the base board I could just run there. As for Tony's, the answer is money. Payoff the manager to move 1 fan so it covers a treadmill. Done it before and probably will do it at his new location. I live 20 minutes away so maybe I won't.

I do like this new gym and wish it was closer. The market across the street is a nice plus.

Tony's at Jomtien is kind of quaint. It's apartments converted into a 3 level gym. If their treadmills are up to speed it would an easy, low key place to bring a fan and I'm sure the manager would be happy to help you out.

This is my favorite and is managed well. Actually I think the manager does most the work because the staff just watches TV. Regardless, she keeps it clean and tries to resolve customer issues. They have 2 new Life Fitness TM's and AC (not enough) but no fans cover the TM's. I personally angled one but it slide back to center gradually. It gets busy in the morning and early evenings and hard to get a fluid workout.

They also have a relaxing sauna and cold water pool on the 4th floor. Not my thing but cool nonetheless.

Hi Soi Khao Talo its looks great, i thought it was the one on pattaya Tai Road, next to the sport world.

I'll check it out. Went to Tony's web page and the club isn't listed. Where is it located? I see a billboard where Pattaya Tai meets Sukumwit and possibly the location. Also does it have AC?

Have you thought about asking if you can bring your own pedestal fan with extension? I used to do this at a gym in the Philippines. They let me store it there.

I would feel funny but not a bad idea. I basically bought a high power fan for our condo complex and makes workouts there enjoyable. Now if the huge Russians and Farangs would stop breaking the base board I could just run there. As for Tony's, the answer is money. Payoff the manager to move 1 fan so it covers a treadmill. Done it before and probably will do it at his new location. I live 20 minutes away so maybe I won't.

I do like this new gym and wish it was closer. The market across the street is a nice plus.

Checked out the Buakow location after reading Cathy's post. Nice layout and clean with great cardio equipment. A no go for me, "Sweat King", because of the lack of airflow. Talked to the only employee that was working about the fan placement and he told me he also wondered what the engineer was thinking. Basically 4 top rate treadmills with practically zero airflow. The fans are setup so if you ran with your arms out like an airplane, your fingers might get a little air.

I may just go in and run an interval session just to make my point. The machines are going to drenched in sweat and look like crap in 2 years time. It must be the same engineer that is installing fans at all his clubs. With the exception of third rd (1 fan covers 10 treadmills), all his other clubs' fans don't blow on the treadmills. Someone finally took the initiative and broke the undulating mechanism at Jomtien so at least you get a slight breeze that blows against your back.

I've given up on AC and now would be happy with fans over the treadmills. Your body throws off heat that needs to be dispersed.

In the end, a nice facility and most won't have issues like I do. In 2 years the treadmills will look like crap (rusty) but probably function fine.

I think you're being a bit harsh on Tony here. Respect for you on taking your running seriously but I reckon you are right at the extreme upper-end of the cardio scale (12 mph equates to a 31 min 10K time !). I imagine its going to be hard to find facilities to suit you anywhere in Thailand. I once saw a guy run a 60 min 15K at a hotel I was staying at and it was quite a sight - can't imagine what 12 mph looks like.

I'm 45 and can't run a 31 10K - that would beat the Kenyans here which rarely go under 32 because of the heat. It was 4x5 min interval session that turned into a 2x5 because of my sweat glands.Been running on TM's for a long time and am comfortable. All the gyms around town with commercial treadmills purchased in the last 5-10 years can easily hold 12 mph and Cal WOW TM's went up to 22 kph. For me though it is a sweat thing. I can find TM's spread across town at Tony's gyms that can hold 12 mph but none with proper AC. I feel like a freak and probably just insecure but the sweat that comes out of me is indescribable with no fan or AC.

Back on topic. The post Rimmer just made is why I doubt Cal Wow will survive in any capacity. It still might reopen but its legal issues aren't going away.

I'm leaving for Chiang Mai soon. Is that branch still open?

Please for the love of God, Budha or whatever rocks your boat will someone talk to Tony about the lack of AC and the idiotic placement of fans over his cardio equipment. Somebody surely knows him that can direct him to this thread.

My condo treadmill needs to be repaired so tried to do my interval session on 3rd road (not the tent). The idiotic gyms AC units have slowly deteriorated the last 3 years. Now only one unit works in the large cardio room which cools it down to 85. Now add that we are in the tropics and the perspiring people exercising. It must be close to 100% humidity.

I had to stop my workout because I was throwing sweat on other members. There is only one treadmill that can hold 12 mph without shutting down or slipping. It is in the hottest corner of the gym with a fan that blow directly over your head and offers zero cooling.

The petite Thai girls do there thing and barely break a sweat but I'm not there to walk 2 mph like the girls or for that matter to run 8 mph. I joined Tony's and California Wow to use the treadmills for my 2 to 3 tough runs each week because they are gentler on my not so young legs.

I'm willing to buy my own fans and probably could find enough members that would gladly share the cost of AC units. This is ridiculous and getting worse. Three years ago his 3rd road gym was not cold but definitely comfortable.

Tony's is an awful gym because of the lack of adequate AC for cardio workouts. I can deal with the weights. Took me a week to recover from an interval session on the treadmills on 3rd road Tony's. Not in jest - I think I had a mild heat stroke and almost past out. Not bragging but I do my intervals at 5 min mile pace ( only 1 machine that has the power and the fan blows above it and offers no relieve) and my heart rate screams. Jomtien has 2 nice treadmills but the fans are positioned so they don't cool down these treadmills. This is really starting to piss me off and I need to just buy a treadmill before I lose it. People in the gym stair at me like I'm a freak and usually not insecure but it gets to me.

My injured foot is getting better so with luck I won't need to use the treadmills much longer. Funny how somewhat trivial things here can consume me here in Thailand. I would gladly pay 700 baht a month on top of my lifetime at CA Wow. I hope the Chiang Mai Wow stays open since I'll be there for a few months later this year. Done venting!

At the Buakow night market. New = good? It's also close to where I live...

"New = good". Not with Tony. He's opening new gyms all the time but they're all bad. The plastic tent gym (Sport World) was supposed to amaze us. No one is amazed.

I'm just asking about this new one he's setting up on Soi Buakhao because some people seem to be getting excited about it.

The Gym is in a new building that looks nice. I would guess the construction is 90% finished and definitely isn't a tent. I assume he will have AC and they will be new units. IMO this will be a nice gym but time will tell.

I just went to his Jomtien gym and was pleasantly surprised. I went there 14 months ago and it was awful. No AC and dirty. A member told me they got a new manager and he or she is doing a great job. It is clean and the times that the AC is turned on are posted. I think it was from 8 am to 9 pm. It isn't hard core but has an OK selection of free weights and cardio equipment on 2nd and 3rd floor. It is his busiest club because of the way it being managed.

If he would just fire the Thai lady managing 3rd road and have the person managing the Jomtien club take care of both, I would be extremely happy. Won't happen and 3rd road is going to keep on its downward trend. I could deal with the disgusting bathrooms if he would just replace the ancient AC units which would probably pay for itself in a years time. The units he has now can't be cheap to run.

Thailand is the land of fun and the smiles may or may not come. If you stay here long enough, unfavorable comparisons to other countries always surface. Quick cure, in most cases, is to go back home where inevitably the joy of Thailand is missed in no time. I catch myself making the comparisons but stopped taking them seriously. Enjoy what we have here and evolve with the changes which are altering Thailand for the better IMO. It won't be as fun for many x-pats but Thailand will be a developed nation soon with all the dullness (IMO).

We just aren't all that important in the grand scheme of things anymore in Thailand and the excitement has long disappeared. Sure, in many cases, it has been replaced with disgust but generally speaking many x-pats are socially challenged and get what they deserve.

If you need Thais to smile at your superior white arse, then it is time to seek professional help back home or meds.

I never make comparisons just look at the different ways of doing things.

As for losing the excitement that is a choice. If you choose to look no farther than your fence it is not going to be that exciting. For myself the excitement will never go away. There is always new places to go to new scenes to be enjoyed and the cost of travel in this part of the world is cheap.

Fact is the only thing that holds me back is finances to do all these things.Back in North America because of growing up there it was just own a home and sit there waiting to die with maybe a two week vacation every year. There is so much more to do and see here that I am unfamiliar with and is affordable.

Agree but as for losing excitement, I was refering to Thais losing interest in us and not my situation. Still having fun personally and expect to many more good than bad days here in the future.

This is great news. I have cobblers make my custom arch supports in towns throughout Thailand but don't have a go to place here. Where are they located on Soi B.

Tropo,

This thread is entertaining because of its lack of balance. I think you have perspective but many posters seem to think their means of staying fit is the end all. Also, don't we workout to look good and what looks good is not universal. I see some of the body builder types and think I would rather be frail and weak. The point I'm trying to make is that we all look at ourselves differently and have specific goals. Does squatting 500 lbs make you more fit than someone maxing out at 300 lbs. Not IMO, but I could give a rats arse. What ever rocks your boat - you only live once and have at it.

By the way, all of you would laugh at my obsessed workout routine. Far from healthy at this point but I'm a very fast runner. Well not now but once my feet recover from the abuse. Off to find a treadmill to drench at Tony's sauna.

I am adjusting to Tony's but still don't understand the AC. New AC units would not only save money in a years time compared to the 30 year old tanks he is using but also increase his membership. The one in the cardio room almost collapsed the wall. The staff finally got a crow bar and made it behave but I thought it was going to explode.

I would gladly pay an extra 500 baht a month for a VIP cardio room. I'm a cheap bassturd but not to the point where it might cause me to have heat stroke.

Universe has a aircon room at the back that is nice and cool. Take a look and report back, as I can't remember what machines they have in there.

Thanks for the info but too far out of the way. Not worth the time it would take in the car or the daily risk of a motorcycle ride. I try to keep my possessions to a minimum but looking at treadmills now. I have weights at the condo and with the treadmill I would be set.

I saw a nice gym at a hotel with about 5 lifefitness treadmills near the windows. I may check that out today. Odd, it is outside of Pattaya before you get to Jomtien on, I think, Pattaya Sai Song 16. Not a great part of town but the hotel looked nice.

I am adjusting to Tony's but still don't understand the AC. New AC units would not only save money in a years time compared to the 30 year old tanks he is using but also increase his membership. The one in the cardio room almost collapsed the wall. The staff finally got a crow bar and made it behave but I thought it was going to explode.

I would gladly pay an extra 500 baht a month for a VIP cardio room. I'm a cheap bassturd but not to the point where it might cause me to have heat stroke.

Why not pre-hydrate, and start running? Once a guy is acclimated, doing outdoor cardio is easy. The exception being guys with knee and/or back problems. I like to work heavy ay Tony's Naklua, then get out to the beach for a run or a long walk. If going heavy is not for you then superset everything with 30 second rests between sets. Good headphones with high energy tunes, M150, and lots of water, and a guy is good to go. IMHO

Outdoor running is a joy and great cardio but generally too hard on your feet, knees, and hips. Slanted beach isn't good, slanted road isn't good, and concrete isn't good. I wouldn't do it. (I was once a runner.) Walking is better. Super Sport at Central had a sale on treadmills recently, may still be going on.

I agree - the majority of foreigners here shouldn't run. Many of the Cal Wow members are in great shape but not for running which is a skinny mans sport. I'm a serious runner and my running friends are also putting in high miles. My running friends of all ages as a whole are in much better health than 99% of the general population. Shiit happens though and running like falling off a bar stool causes injury.

Keys are listening to your body, consistency, and weight management. Fluctuating weight and training is the reason many get hurt. Most foreigners here probably should not be running on the roads because of their builds. I'm 5'11" 165 lbs(73 kilo) and always outweigh every runner on the podium at races. I'm even too big and need to cut weight which would be muscle in my case.

The treadmills at gyms (cal wow) allowed me to train hard and give my feet the cushion they need. Now at Tony's I can't use the treads because of the heat and the embarrassment of my excessive sweat that splashes on adjoining treadmills. Sweating on petite Thai girls is frowned upon.

Seriously my friend, you are just coming over like a man obsessed..

I meant exactly what I said. That many want something for nothing and that if you cannot adapt then you are the problem.

I train best in the open air. Being inside at all impacts on my training, but you don't see me here banging on about gyms having walls and a ceiling, so I can't train properly.

Then you spout theories about people giving up because CA Wow no longer exists. If they give up it has everything to do with themselves and little to do with CA Wow closing.

Look within yourself and stop whinging. Adapt and grow stronger.

You're talking to a guy who has trained for 36 years, not a novice.

While you're spouting here I've been having good workouts elsewhere and will continue to do so. I'll train anywhere I have to.

This thread is reserved mainly for whinging about the demise of California Wow, not a thread to brag about what a man you are because you can train in open air. I would suspect though that you're all talk and don't have a clue what hard training is about.

In the meanwhile, I'm about to head down the road for a squat workout. You're welcome to join me and I'll show you what hard training is all about. Don't worry, the gym is warm so you won't be getting cold.

Agree, and why is he so worked up about us complaining about Cal Wow. If he was forbidden to exercise outside, I wonder if he have any issues. Cal Wow was a nice gym and met your needs as a weight lifter and my needs as a cardio junky. I feel your pain in regards to lifting in the heat but trying to run 3:15 kilometer pace in a non AC/humid gym is borderline dangerous and my sweat is disgusting for others running near me.

Been in N Thailand for a year and just got back in town a few weeks ago. Funny I just upped my Cal Wow to the VIP package but is what it is at the moment. Not big into the weights and mainly use the cardio equip. I'm rehabbing from a running injury and need a gym with top rate treadmills and AC because I sweat profusely. Yesterday I went to Tony's on 3rd road (lifetime member) and was reminded why I joined Cal Wow. The AC was cooling the room down to 30 C and the fan was positioned so it provided zero relief. Have no idea why he always places his fans where they don't cool down cardio equip users. Actually paid 300 baht to a staff member to have a fan permanently placed where it offers relief at his walking street gym but the treadmills are almost non functional, hence moving to 3rd road where the treadmills work sometimes.

So are there any simple gyms with good treadmills and AC for 1-1.5k a month? Not interested in anything outside of central Pattaya/Jomtien.

Thanks for any input!

No, unless you now live in Bangkok and have proof of that.

Since a couple of years the rules changed and Bangkok now only accepts 90 day reprots from people living in bangkok. You have to report at the area where you are living.

Some areas do seem to accept 90 day reports if you are in their area and visit their office. But that is not official policy and not something you can count on.

Thanks and I think I found a solution. My wife owns the house we stay at in Jomtien. I'll just include a copy of the house book and letter from her stating I live with her at this address.

Will this suffice?

I suspect that is old and not updated.

Send to Chonburi Immigraton office, by registered mail.

75/265 Moo 12

Amphoe Banglamung

Changwat Chonburi

20260

Thanks! Can I send it to the Bangkok address listed at the immigration bureau in stead of Chonburi. I'm travelling for the next couple months and don't have any access to cable bills or electric bills. ChonBuri wants proof of residence but Bangkok Immigration doesn't require this proof.

Odd, all the web sites I've come across ( Immigration Bureau, ChonBuri Immigration, Thai Embassy.com, etc ) list the Bangkok address.

Thaivisa even lists the Bangkok Address:

http://www.thaivisa....-reporting.html

Sorry for being a pain in the butt. Can I just send it to Bangkok?

Just went to http://www.immigration.go.th/nov2004/en/base.php?page=90days .

They list a different address than Chonburi Immigration's web site.

Send the mail before the renewal date 7 days to

90 DAYS REGISTRATION,

IMMIGRATION DIVISION 1

120 MOO 3, CHAENGWATTANA ROAD,SOI 7,

LAKSI, BANGKOK. 10210

Chonburi Immigrations web page lists a Bangkok address for mailing the 90 day notice. I was at the post office and had Chonburi Immigration's address on the envelope when I saw the below address on their web site. Anyhow, now back at home hoping someone can clear this up and I'll send tomorrow.

งาน 1 กก.4 บก.อก.สตม.(90 วัน)

507 ซ.สวนพล ถ.สาทรใต้

แขวงทุ่งมหาเมฆ เขตสาทร

กรุงเทพมหานคร 10120

or

90 DAYS REGISTRATION

507 IMMIGRATION BUREAU,

SOI SUANPLU,SOUTH SATHORN RD.,

THUNGMAHAMEK SATHORN

BANGKOK. 10120

Is this correct? I got this from the Thai version because the link to the English isn't working as well as it seems 1/3 the links. This web site is garbage and have little faith in the listed address.

Thanks!

Many thanks Mario. I'm going to post it tomorrow and if I don't have anything back by April 5, make a trip to border immigration office at Kap Choeng ( near Buriram).

Is is my understanding that I don't have to leave country and can just do my 90 day check-in at the border. Am I correct?

Thanks again!

I travel quite a bit and usually am not in the same city as my last check-in. Obtained my 12 month extension ( marriage based ) in Pattaya and my last check-in was in Chiang Mai. My next check-in is on April 11 and I'll be in Buriram where I've been for the last 3 weeks.

How do I report? An option I assume is to cross the nearby Cambodian border but I don't have a re-entry permit at the moment. Can I obtain a re-entry at the border?

Next year I need to stop being so cheap and get a multi-entry even if I don't intend on leaving the country. It seems I always end-up leaving for a few months regardless of my intentions.

Thanks!

Thanks guys. Went to Bang Sare last year and had difficulty finding a place stay. Ended up in a run down hotel but liked the town.

How about Rayong for a change of scenery. I've run a few 10K running races there and enjoyed the views on the run. I heard that KR Palace there was a good place to stay. For the life of me I can't find direction to the hotel and will need to have a Thai friend call.

Have had a bad year - LOL. 43 years and the shit always seemed to happen to the other guy but of late fate, without mercy, is having too much fun at my expense. Not a bad thing - I was too cocky and free-spirited and this has brought me back to reality.

Anyhow, I want to get away for a few days but don't want the hassles of a long road trip at this point. Does anyone know of a nice beach that is near (1 hour ish) Jomtien/Pattaya? Things are quiet here now in Jomtien but want to see something new. Also, a hotel recommendation would be appreciated.

Thanks