Boosting Good Health at Chula

CU Sports Center offers great variety of exercise activities to students, faculty, staff and the public

As the sun sets around the Siam Square area, you will see people jogging, working out on sit-up benches, or just chatting animatedly under the trees at Park@Siam next to the Chulalongkorn University Book Center.

If you pass by the front of the CU Sports Complex, you might be tempted to join the crowd shuffling their feet and swinging their hips to the rhythm of the Zumba music blaring from the loudspeakers.

“I’m a regular member of Chula’s outdoor fitness activities,” says a smiling Thongchai Kajneeyangkura, part of a group exercising in the Park@Siam courtyard. “I like the fitness equipment they provide here. The area is shady, there is fresh air, and the people are very nice.

“Exercising is refreshing and keeps you strong and healthy. It helps improve the recovery process when you’re ill. I’ve never had to go to the hospital at all since I began exercising.”

Chulalongkorn University is not only a seat of learning, but also a great fitness resource for the general public. The land surrounding the campus is like a green belt that offers space for exercise, as well as various sports stadiums that are open to the public and local communities to come and make use of the equipment and facilities. It’s all part of the university’s policy to support and promote public health.

“The sports facilities at the CU Sports Center meet international standards and are available not only for students, faculty members and staff, but also for the general public. Chula is concerned with hygiene and equality of service, not only for CU people but also the public,” says Assoc Prof Dr Suchart Taweepornpathomkul, Director of the CU Sports Center.

If you’re looking for somewhere to go and exercise in the city center, with easy access and a variety of activities that are fun and safe, then Chula is the answer.

“I’m so pleased that Chula has allowed the public to come and join our activities,” says Zumba instructor Akaraphol Saiwan. “All of those who take the class enjoy it very much, and have invited their friends to join.

“Now our Zumba class has so many more members than before. Some were just walking by, but when they heard the music, they just decided to try it, and have now become regulars. I’d like to invite everyone to exercise to reduce stress and improve health.”

FIT, FIRM AND FREE: EXERCISE SPACES FOR ALL

Chulalongkorn Stadium has 8 running tracks with a synthetic rubber surface certified by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF). It is open for jogging or race training from Monday through Friday from 7am to 7pm. Closed on public holidays and festivals.

CU Sports Complex The yoga program offers classes in the aerobics studio on the 2nd floor, every Tuesday and Friday from 5:15 to 6:15pm. The public is welcome.

“Zumba Fitness Dance on the Floor” takes place in the courtyard in front of the CU Sports Stadium, and is easily the most popular exercise activity on campus with its lively rhythm and variety of dance moves that make working out more fun. Zumba classes are held daily from Monday to Friday from 5:10 to 6:10pm.

Outdoor fitness areas offer exercise equipment and weights for building almost every muscle in the body. There are dumbbells, barbells, utility stations, sit-up benches, stationary bicycles and more. There are four outdoor fitness areas around the campus: next to Chulalongkorn Stadium, Park@Siam, the Faculty of Sports Science and the Mahittalathibet Building.

Chulalongkorn Centenary Park is a public park in the city center for everyone in the family, especially senior citizens. The beautifully landscaped area is green and shady, with designated facilities for jogging and exercise. Open daily from 5am to 10pm.

Park@Siam, a green area next to the Chulalongkorn Book Center in Siam Square, is open to the public to enjoy walking or jogging. Visitors can also use fitness equipment, or just relax. Open daily from 8am to 10pm.

MEMBERSHIP PROGRAMS

In addition to the exercise spaces and activities that are free to the public, Chulalongkorn University provides facilities and programs for members on a monthly or annual subscription basis.

These include a football pitch, a golf driving range, a swimming pool and a rock-climbing wall, sports and fitness equipment for individual and group activities, and related services such as event organizers, referees, fitness assessment tests and skill training programs.

For further information, please contact the CU Sports Center, tel 02-218-2874–7, or check the website: www.cusc.chula.ac.th