Weightlifting in Bangkok

So as I approach 40 with haste next year, I thought it was about time to get back on the treadmill and convert some long-term storage reserves into some muscle. A few months back I started chatting with a guy called Allen at my local gym, and he’s now got me hooked onto lifting weights. My first efforts were somewhat disastrous (in fact laughable), due to my negative power-to-weight ratio. I’m now dead-lifting my own body-weight, and leg-pressing double my own weight. Seeing tangible results is far more satisfying than treadmill or bike work!

Earlier this year my buddy Lucas and I spent a day with Gavin Gough in Bangkok. I’ve shared these pics earlier via facebook, however thought I’d post them on the blog, particularly in light of my new-found interest in lifting inanimate heavy metal.

This was a TOUGH and intimidating project. Gavin suggested we just walk on over to the outdoor gym in Lumpini Park, and see what happened. In my head I’m thinking “Yep, this bloke really is a crazy Englishman!”, however he was deadly serious. So I hid behind, watched and learned. Before too long, we were almost feeling like part of the furniture. So much so, I nearly over-stayed my welcome with the big tough guy in the first 4 photos (below). In my effort to get just the right framing, I gently caressed a spare weights bar leaning up against the tree with my lens hood, and hit my gracious new friend right on the leg – just as he is finished up his set on the bench-press. All ended OK after much bowing and apologetic gestures. I think the terror in my eyes signaled there was no need for chastising. I’ll remove the camera from my face when moving around next time.
So many wonderful lessons learned that day. Now back to the gym…