The Bangkok Sports A to Z

Aerobics: Free aerobics lessons are available in most public parks. . The most notable is at Lumpini Park where yoga, aerobics and tai chi lessons can be had. Classes are available early in the morning and around 18:00 onwards. No registration nor membership is required, just a lot of energy to join in the fun!

Badminton: If you feel intimidated by a fast-travelling tennis ball, why not opt for the softer version badminton? There are countless badminton courts in Bangkok. Most of which usually have racquets available for rent. It's also advisable to check with a court before you go since some places are reserved exclusively for their members.

Biking: A great way to see Bangkok - and you won't be stuck in traffic. Cycle the back roads at the right time of day and you'll see another facet of this great city.

Bowling: Throw a strike or two at Bangkok's modern bowling alleys. Usually located on the top floor of shopping malls.

Cycling: A great and unique way to see Bangkok and beyond without getting stuck in traffic. Bangkok has a second-level bicycle track. However, you will not be able to avoid the less enjoyable, larger ground-level roads, where you fight heavy traffic. Luckily, you don't spend much time on these: With the right route, you reach your destination faster than other vehicles.

Fitness centres: Shed some sweat and those excessive pounds at the city's swanky fitness clubs.

Horse-racing: Horse-racing takes place every Sunday in the sweltering heat at the Royal Bangkok Sports Club. There's no betting, but it's great fun!

Ice Skating: Glide and twirl on the city's Olympic-size rink - a fun way to cool off from the city's harsh heat. Located on the top floor of Imperial World Samrong, just 20 minutes outside Bangkok, Imperial World Ice Skating is an Olympic-size rink complete with skating facilities like training room and Pro Shop. Lessons (about 30 minutes) are available at reasonable cost

Jogging: Ready, set, go! Jogging is a perfect way to get your heart pumping. And Bangkok has plentiful parks to do that at. There are quite a few parks scattered around the city, providing Bangkok residents with uncontaminated air and lots of healthy outdoor activities in lush, landscaped areas.

Martial Arts: Be it for keeping fit and healthy, self-defense, concentration or other reasons, martial arts have several beneficial aspects. Muay Thai is by no means the only martial art practised in Thailand. Tae Kwan Do is popular, especially among children, and Chinese martial arts such as Kung Fu and Tai Chi Chuan are just as common.

Muay Thai: Bangkok is not just a big city full of fumes, skyscrapers, malls, traffic and pollution. There are quite a few parks scattered around the city, providing Bangkok residents with uncontaminated air and lots of healthy outdoor activities in lush, landscaped areas. Most parks come with sport facilities such as a tennis court, swimming pool, football pitch and other amenities you can take advantage of for a very small fee.

Parks: Fresh air and healthy activities are yours for the taking at Bangkok's lush public parks. Bangkok is not just a big city full of fumes, skyscrapers, malls, traffic and pollution. There are quite a few parks scattered around the city, providing Bangkok residents with uncontaminated air and lots of healthy outdoor activities in lush, landscaped areas. Most parks come with sport facilities such as a tennis court, swimming pool, football pitch and other amenities you can take advantage of for a very small fee.

Pilates: Named after its inventor, Pilates helps build your body's core strength and posture through a series of stretching and conditioning exercises. Plenty of fitness centres in Bangkok offer yoga and Pilates classes, including the hot yoga.

Sepak Takraw: Essentially a net game played with feet, 'sepak takraw' is a hybrid of football (soccer) and volleyball with a bit of gymnastics and kung fu thrown in for kicks. Recreational sepak takraw can be seen played in the city's public parks , fairgrounds, city streets, courtyards of 'wats' (temples).

Squash: They say you can burn up to 1,000 calories per hour with a game of squash. All the major hotels usually have their own tennis court available for guests. However, if there isn't one where you're staying, there are plenty of public tennis and squash courts throughout the city.

Swimming: Whether you want to relax at a pool or aim for a serious calorie-burning session, swimming provides enjoyment and a total body work-out. Most mid-range and top-end hotels have swimming pools, as do many serviced apartments and fitness centres. If you can't find one where you're staying, quite a few public pools can be found around Bangkok

Tai Chi: Join city dwellers at Tai Chi sessions available at most public parks in the mornings.

Tennis: Hone your backhand and forehand skills at Bangkok's many tennis courts. All the major hotels usually have their own tennis court available for guests. However, if there isn't one where you're staying, there are plenty of public tennis and squash courts throughout the city.

Thai Boxing: Almost as ancient as the country itself, the art of Thai boxing is deeply ingrained in the history of Thailand. There are quite a few boxing stadiums in Bangkok. The biggest and most popular ones are Lumpini Boxing Stadium and Ratchadamnoen Boxing Stadium.

Yoga: Through breathing techniques and specific positions, yoga practitioners can enhance and induce meditative states. Many of the five-star hotels offer drop-in yoga classes, but plenty of yoga studios seem to be popping up around town, most of which offer attractive promotions to long- and short-term yoga enthusiasts all year round.