Training in Bangkok: Fitness First ICON

By Cat Trentham

During our time in Bangkok, we’ve been training at Fitness First ICON, located in the IconSiam mall. This gym combines high-quality equipment with thoughtful touches of luxury, making it a great place to train. There are stunning views of Bangkok and the Chao Phraya river from the gym and swimming pool.

A Well-Equipped Gym for Any Workout

The gym features seven squat racks, a comprehensive selection of free weights and a variety of machines to suit every kind of training. For me, the four Concept2 SkiErgs were a highlight - I regularly incorporate the SkiErg into my workouts and am a big fan of Concept2 equipment.

Other notable features included Technogym treadmills (some of which can double as weighted sleds), curved treadmills, static bikes, stairmasters, Technogym rowing machines, and a functional training rig. There’s also a boxing ring, Boditrax scales, a dedicated Pilates room fully equipped with reformer machines, spin studios, and various other fitness studios for group classes.

Amenities That Go the Extra Mile

What stood out most during our visit was the gym’s exceptional attention to detail. It’s clear this space was designed with user experience in mind.

• Towels and gym kit provided: Fitness First ICON provides freshly laundered t-shirts and shorts in any size, free of charge. Paul took full advantage of this feature to help cut down on laundry! They also provide face towels, bath towels and robes if you’re using the pool!

• Heated pool overlooking the river: Swimming in the pool quickly became my favourite way to end my workout. I enjoyed swimming laps while Paul relaxed on the loungers, soaking in the stunning views of the Chao Phraya River and sipping complimentary fruit-infused water. It was so nice to not feel chilly getting in or out of the pool - it was the perfect temperature!

• Hydrotherapy massage chairs: These were an unexpected gem—a luxurious way to recover after a tough session!

• A space to recharge: After your workout, you can enjoy complimentary coffees and fruit-infused waters in their quiet lounge and workspace area. There are charging points for your phone at every seat, too.

• Spacious, well-equipped changing rooms: The changing rooms were large and clean with several vanity stations. They were impressively well-equipped, featuring Dyson hairdryers, hair straighteners, and complimentary toiletries, including shower gel, shampoo, body lotion, cotton pads, and cotton buds. Paul said all of these things were available in the male changing room too.

Post-Workout Refuel

Just outside the IconSiam mall, we discovered a food court that quickly became our post-gym favourite. It’s packed with affordable and delicious options. My favourite was roasted duck with green noodles and vegetables—a delicious and satisfying meal, and under £1.50! If you’re searching for great food on a budget, this is the place to be!

What We Loved Most:

• The variety of equipment, especially the squat racks and Concept2 SkiErgs.

• The heated pool with breathtaking river views.

• Thoughtful extras, like hydrotherapy massage chairs and well-equipped changing rooms.

• The nearby food court with its incredible value and tasty options. Good post-workout food is important!

What Could Be Improved

Although Fitness First ICON is already fantastic, I’d love to see them replace their Technogym rowing machines with Concept2 models to elevate the experience for rowing enthusiasts like me! Fractional weight plates in the free weights area would also be a great addition. Another nice touch would be increasing the selection of teas in the coffee bar to include peppermint. Peppermint tea helps me to control my endometriosis symptoms, but is a rare find in Thailand - it’s definitely not popular here and I’ve missed it a bit!

Final Thoughts:

Fitness First ICON is an excellent choice for anyone staying in Bangkok or even just passing through. We signed up for a two-month membership, but they also offer day passes. The combination of high-quality equipment and thoughtful amenities makes it the perfect place to train, recover, and unwind. The heated pool is truly the best I’ve ever experienced, and I know I’ll miss it dearly when we head home.