Beach party or training? The decision can feel overwhelming, but the good news is – you don’t have to choose. Think of your time in Phuket like university: make time management your best friend. Training in the tropics is challenging. It takes time and effort to acclimatize, especially when you’re in a foreign country, adjusting to a new culture and diet. Phuket’s natural beauty, electrifying nightlife, and tempting local delicacies can all distract you from training – but only if you let them. Here are five tips to stay motivated and consistent with your training while living in paradise.
- Set Goals
You’ve invested a lot to get here. You probably set financial goals and savings milestones and maybe even picked up an extra job or two. These goals are what got you here, and they are also what are going to keep you here. Having discipline is key in all aspects of life, but on the beautiful island of Phuket, you’ll likely need to up that discipline and make your goals crystal clear. Start small, like training five days a week. From there, you can increase the intensity and frequency of your training. And remember, it’s okay to get sidetracked from time to time as long as you find your way back.
- It’s a Marathon Not a Sprint
With so much going on in Phuket, it’s easy to get swept away in all the excitement. But don’t forget: it’s a marathon, not a sprint. You can’t pack everything into a single day or even just a couple of weeks. Even though you’re living your dream, it’s important to remember you’re still just living. You’ve still got to go grocery shopping, do your laundry, and keep your place tidy. Try to treat each day similar to how you would back home. Overdoing it, especially in a tropical climate, can make you sick or, worse, lead to an injury during training.
- Schedule Fun
Make time to explore the island – after all, people don’t travel from all over the world just for the training. Visiting Phuket is an experience in itself. While it may seem that dedicating all your time to training will benefit you the most, it’s more likely to backfire. Getting outside, having some fun, learning something new – all these things can be considered active recovery. It’s also good for your mental health to get out of the gym and forget about training from time to time. There is so much to see and do in Phuket, so make sure you give yourself time to do it.
- Take Time off Just to Rest
Between training, handling daily chores, and all the fun you’re having, it’s important to take time just to rest. Rest doesn’t mean going for a hike, cleaning the bathroom, or even meeting with friends. Rest is watching a movie in bed or getting a massage on the beach. Training in the tropics is both physically and mentally exhausting, especially at a gym like Bangtao, where you are constantly challenged to give your best every day. Be kind to yourself and understand that what you’re doing can be hard. A rest day differs from active recovery, but it is just as important. It can be tempting to fill your schedule and do all the things you came here to do, but without a proper rest day, you’re just going to burn out.
- Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help or Advice
Trying to figure things out on your own can be hard. From training to finding the best beaches and coffee shops, there’s a lot to learn – and Phuket has a lot to offer too; it’s Thailand’s biggest island after all. Exploring is fun, especially when you venture out without a plan, but it becomes much more challenging when you’re on a schedule or have limited time. Asking your training partners where they like to go and what they like to eat after training is a good start to getting to know Phuket. As for training, the dedicated staff at Bangtao is always here to help. Whether it’s curating a tailor-made training routine, giving nutrition advice, or just a friendly chat, we’ve got you covered.
No matter your training goals, you’ve made it to paradise! So enjoy it. Part of living in Phuket is embracing the experience and everything it has to offer. With some discipline, newfound knowledge, and effective time management skills, you’re sure to make the most of your time here while staying motivated and consistent with your training at Bangtao.’
For more tips on training in tropical climates, take a look at our article on hydration and nutrition essentials. Build mental and physical resilience with insights on how tropical training can toughen you up, and discover the top recovery techniques. Planning some downtime? Our guide to things to do around Phuket has you covered. Make the most of your trip with our packing essentials and the digital nomad’s guide to training in Phuket.