We head to North Point to check out Hong Kong’s newest gyms, offering Thai boxing and circuit training

Recently, I had found myself at a bit of a fitness plateau. Doing the same classes week in and week out at Pure, I was aware of the fact that my muscles were very rarely sore nowadays, probably not a good sign. So when I heard about Warrior Muay Thai, a gym that offers martial arts training from Thai trainers in a modern, 13,000sqft venue, I was more than happy to give it a try.

Located in North Point (although the Fortress Hill MTR station is the recommended stop) the first thing you’d notice about Warrior Muay Thai is that it is huge. It is split into two sections: the Warrior Muay Thai area with a full harbour view, a competition ring as well as a training area for group classes; while the other half of the gym is still under renovation, as it will be taken over by Coastal Fitness, who will offer cross fit training.

I had opted to try the Muay Thai circuit training class, which is currently only available on weekends. The class begins with about ten minutes of warm-up, and then quickly moves into three rounds of circuits with nine stations. The exercises, which last about 40 seconds with 20 seconds of rest, are varied. Some utilise equipment such as TRX, an aero bike or medicine balls, while others are more basic cardio such as shuttle runs. Our favourite part of the workout were the exercises that incorporated actual boxing, such as the station where you get into a ring with a Thai trainer and he quickly goes through a variety of punches with you.

On a scale of one to 10, the Muay Thai circuit training class was probably about a 6 or 7, but it is hard to gauge from just one class as the instructors work hard to change it up every week, so that you could go every week and not get bored.

On weekdays, there are about eight Muay Thai classes available, of varying levels. We like that the classes vary in length, so that you can decide which best fit into your schedule. Level 1-2 classes are an hour and fifteen minutes long; Level 2-3 are an hour and a half; while express classes are a quick 40 minutes. Also for those who worry that Muay Thai may be too macho a workout, there is a specially tailored ladies’ class on Sundays only. All the Thai instructors have over 10 years of teaching experience while two out of the three have been champions in their weight classes.

While the gym is still in its soft opening stage, the airy, clean and modern Warrior Muay Thai is impressive and we already look forward to returning for some serious boxing training.

3/F Block 3, Sea View Estate, 8 Watson Road, North Point. Tel: +852 2512-2262.