Bangkok's lumphini park: aerobics craze sweeps gen z
Evening rush hour in Bangkok typically means gridlock and sweltering heat. But in a surprising twist, a corner of Lumphini Park has become a pulsating hub of activity, drawing hundreds of young people to high-energy aerobics classes that are rapidly going viral.
A generational shift in fitness trends
What began as a modest gathering of mostly older participants has transformed into a Gen Z phenomenon. TikTok and Instagram are awash with videos showcasing the vibrant routines, drawing even more students and young adults to join the fun. Organizers report attendance numbers soaring, necessitating the addition of projector screens and extra speakers to accommodate the growing crowds.
“Seeing it on TikTok, it’s really fun – there’s just this energy that makes you want to join in,” explains Aether Li, a 22-year-old paralegal working nearby. For many, like Li, the classes represent more than just exercise; they offer a much-needed connection. “I graduated high school during Covid. I just crave human connection, I guess.” The desire to escape the isolating pressures of work and forge new friendships is a palpable force driving this unexpected trend.
From tai chi to k-pop: a soundtrack of change
The shift isn't just about who’s participating, but also the atmosphere. Traditional outdoor group exercise, once associated with older generations and activities like tai chi, has been revitalized with a distinctly modern soundtrack. Playlists now pulse with remixes of luk thung (Thai country music), alongside US hip-hop and, crucially, Korean pop. Participants enthusiastically link arms and spin to tracks from Squid Game and K-Pop sensation Demon Hunters.
Rattana Songpanich, 57, a long-time attendee, observes the evolution. “Back then, there were fewer people, less than 100,” she recalls. “Now, with the music, the vibe, the atmosphere, it has changed a lot. I like it more—anyhow, it’s just different.” The scene is a fascinating juxtaposition: students in baggy trousers mimicking K-pop stars alongside older participants flexing in sportswear, all united by the shared rhythm.
The appeal extends beyond dedicated fitness enthusiasts. Khemika Chaisanit, 20, a film student, admits, “For me, I study a lot, I read a lot. I think doing some kind of exercise is good for me.” Others, like engineer Nawatakorn Suwanprapa, 24, stumble upon the classes unexpectedly, only to find themselves swept up in the contagious energy. “We ended up here,” he laughs, mid-routine, dismissing any concerns about keeping pace. “It’s not competitive.”
Volunteer Anong Benjakhunprasit, who leads the second half of the sessions, hasn't altered the routines to cater to the influx of new participants. “I’ve been told people are coming more and more, and in a large group, because they want to challenge themselves,” she notes, revealing a keen understanding of the underlying motivation—a desire for self-improvement and community engagement.
The viral attention, sparked further by a recent video featuring South Korean rapper Taeyong attempting the workout, has undoubtedly amplified the trend. While the initial frenzy might eventually subside, Anong’s hope—and perhaps the most significant outcome—is that this online spark will ignite a lasting passion for fitness among a generation seeking connection and a respite from the demands of modern life. The park, once a haven for quiet contemplation, now echoes with the beat of a new generation’s pursuit of health and belonging.