Exercising outdoors in Yangon can get tricky. If it’s not raining too much, it’s too hot. And if it’s not too hot, there are too many stray dogs. And if the dogs are sleeping, there’s too much traffic. And if there’s too much traffic, okay, you get the point.
With all that in mind, we wanted to put together a short list of indoor options.
Here are 4 ways to exercise that don’t involve running in the open.
1) Myanmar Table Tennis Federation
Ping-pong anybody? The Myanmar Table Tennis Federation on Ahlone Road next to the swimming federation is a fun way to get a little exercise on a rainy afternoon. Ping-pong is actually kind of tiring, as we learned from a recent trip there. Booking a table costs a few thousand kyats, but you might have to bring your own paddle or try to borrow one there. They also sell them for about $30. The venue is sometimes used for competition and training but on two separate weekend visits we didn’t have trouble getting a table.
2) Pick a gym, any gym
No matter where you are in the city, there’s probably a gym near you. Gym options have grown in recent years, as this list in the Myanmar Times from 2015 shows. The list gives options for fitness centers in the downtown area, Landmadaw township, Sanchaung, Yankin and Bahan. Many of these gyms also have dance or exercise or yoga classes that come with membership deals. Insider tip: Junction Mawtin is one of the few that has a pool, but best to go during off-peak hours. The price for membership varies, but for the better facilities expect to pay at least $10 for for daily usage or $70 a month.
3) Squash!
You know, it’s like that sport where you run around and hit a ball against a wall and feel exhausted afterwards. There are options for tennis in Yangon (check out the Thein Phyu tennis club on Thein Phyu road, which has one indoor court), but squash? Not so much. Or so you would think. We understand that courts are available at the Yangon Squash Club on Moe Kaung Road in Bahan Township, and that is costs around $10 to rent one for an hour. Their Facebook page, which has more info, can be found here. Judging by the posts, the club overseers are really welcoming to beginners as well as more advanced players.
