Real talk for a second: for all the hiking I do, I’ve been slacking on getting myself a gym membership. I know, I know. Spending tons of time hunched over developing photos, writing, carrying massive packs and all that has not been good to my back and core.
A problem I ran into was that I didn’t feel like I was getting much out of just lifting weights, and it was really getting me down. My spark of hope was when a gym buddy brought me to go watch a Muay Thai tourney, and man was I hooked on the idea!
Turns out even if you’re not training to be a kru, a good muay thai gym here in Calgary can give you a heck of a full-body workout! With so many around, we managed to sort out our favorite places to train in this handy list. Ready to learn the Art of Eight Limbs?
How much does it cost to train at a muay thai gym in Calgary?
Getting lessons or a membership at a Muay Thai gym in Calgary can cost you anywhere from $100 to $215 a month, depending on the number of lessons and equipment available at the gym.
Table of Contents
1. Exceed Muay Thai
Address: 11 Royal Vista Dr NW 1210 2nd floor, Calgary, AB T3R 0N2
Contact Details: +1 403 813 3242, [email protected]
Operating Hours: Monday and Wednesday: 9:15 AM to 10:45 AM | 11:45 AM to 1:15 PM | 4:30 PM to 8:30 PM,Tuesday: 5:00 PM to 9:30 PM, Thursday: 5:00 PM to 8:45 PM, Friday: 9:15 AM to 10:45 AM | 11:45 AM to 1:15 PM | 5:45 PM to 7:30 PM, Saturday: 10:45 AM to 1:45 PM, Sunday: 10:45 AM to 1:30 PM
As with any martial arts school, a hurdle for most learners is the fear of getting hit. Being fairly new to it ourselves, we consulted with new practitioners on their favorite starter gym and all roads pointed to Exceed Muay Thai!
Right off the jump, we found ourselves blown away by the training space. We especially liked the equipment available, from the sandbags to the safety gear like gloves and mouth guards.
These helped their lessons take on a safer approach to Muay Thai without sacrificing some of the inherent risk and strain of the sport. A few practitioners we got to chat with mentioned the teachers always keeping an eye out on their form to prevent injury.
What also surprised us was the number of families on-site! As it turns out, Exceed had quite the robust training program for kids aged 6 and above as well. Definitely a plus in our book for those wanting to get an early start to their journey!
One thing we did hear from learners was to call the gym ahead if there are any lessons scheduled for the day. A few mentioned missing out on lessons due to having an unclear schedule.
Exceed has been a fantastic addition to our family
“Exceed has been a fantastic addition to our family! My son attends the children’s classes, and I do the women’s and mixed. Friendly, welcoming environment, with knowledgeable coaches. A great way to build up your confidence, and get fit.”
– Ms. Samantha Fornoville, Google Review
The coaches are extremely knowledgeable
“The coaches are extremely knowledgeable. They teach proper technique in a way thats safe for everyone to practice and learn. I’m really glad i found this place. Highly recommend whether you’re a complete beginner or competitor.”
– Mr. Eric Johnson, Google Review
2. WTM Muay Thai
Address: 67 Glenbrook Pl SW #30, Calgary, AB T3E 6W4
Contact Details: +1 403 685 3487, [email protected]
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, Saturday: 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, Closed on Sunday
Any martial arts practitioner would know the convenience of having a gym that can support the whole range of skill levels, from basics to competition level. And for plenty of locals in Calgary, that spot ended up being WTM Muay Thai.
It wasn’t hard to see why. The gym featured weekly classes supporting various levels and even age ranges along with a few mixed-level classes to allow learners to practice and teach against partners with different experience levels!
One particular highlight among learners we got to chat with was the sparring days as well. There’s no better way to test how well you know your technique than by practicing it live and on your feet, so this was a plus in our book!
For our part, we also appreciated the wide variety of trainers available at the gym, all specializing in different levels. Having a good teacher and partner can be key to having a good learning experience after all.
That being said, a few learners mentioned having trouble with the training space available. Some mentioned the space feeling overcrowded at times, making it hard to hear and apply instructions from the teachers managing their classes.
I’ve learned so much about myself through martial arts here
“I’ve learned so much about myself through martial arts here. Kru Albert and all the teachers / instructors are the greatest. With a variety of levels of fighters from amateur to pro, there is plenty to learn.”
– Mr. Daniel St. Michel, Google Review
Can vouch that he is the best trainer I’ve ever had
“Have been working out on and off with Albert for close to 12 years now and can vouch that he is the best trainer I’ve ever had! Big shoutout to Forbes and all the other trainers in the gym. Very welcoming and friendly atmosphere.”
– Mr. William Bureau, Google Review
3. Mike Miles Muay Thai & Kickboxing
Address: 6041 6 St SE, Calgary, AB T2H 1L8
Contact Details: +1 403 244 8424, [email protected]
Operating Hours: Monday to Wednesday: 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM | 4:30 PM to 9:00 PM, Thursday: 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM | 4:30 PM to 9:00 PM, Friday: 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM | 4:30 PM to 8:30 PM, Saturday: 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Closed on Sunday
Even if you’re not training to compete in tournaments, there’s still a lot of value in folding muay thai into your fitness routine. Keeping this in mind, we sought the go-to spot for practicing muay thai as a workout and were pleased to land on Mike Miles Muay Thai!
What immediately struck us was just the size of the gym. There was more than enough mat and training space for various learners to warm up, practice their techniques and even cool down afterwards. They even had their own boxing ring!
The same could be said for their gear and equipment as well. There was more than enough workout equipment, but our gaze definitely snagged on the whole range of safety gear like chest shields, belly pads and mitts to keep learners safe.
Their programs were pretty evenly spread as well, and we appreciated the focus on mixed-level lessons. Learners mentioned the team regularly mixing in dedicated slots for cardio and sparring into the schedule.
However, with the schedule usually so packed, many learners did recommend reserving or booking your spot ahead of time. Many mentioned having trouble getting time to train when just walking in.
Supported me in becoming better in the art of Muay Thai
“I joined with the intention to improve my cardio and learn a new skill. I’ve checked those boxes, plus I’ve made so many new friends who have supported me in becoming better in the art of Muay Thai.”
– Mr. Domenic Iandolo, Google Review
Great classes with insightful teachers
“Been training here for about a year & absolutely love it! Friendly environment, large gym, great classes with insightful teachers who are there to grow your Muay Thai style. I really appreciate the respect they integrate with the Muay Thai culture as well.”
– Ms. Meg C., Google Review
4. Victory Thai Boxing
Address: 2121 194 Ave SE #310, Calgary, AB T2X 5B1
Contact Details: +1 403 775 4588, [email protected]
Operating Hours: Monday and Wednesday: 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM | 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, Tuesday: 5:30 AM to 8:30 AM | 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM | 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, Thursday: 5:30 AM to 8:30 AM | 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, Friday: 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, Saturday: 8:00 AM to 2:30 PM, Sunday: 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM
Fun fact: Muay Thai is also called Thai boxing, and we only found this out after local practitioners pointed us to Victory Thai Boxing. This spot got popular for practitioners looking to learn at almost any age, so we just had to see why!
The first thing we clocked was their lessons, especially with the flexibility! The gym was able to conduct lessons either privately or in a group, letting learners pick up the martial art in a slot they felt comfortable in.
Of course, a hurdle for those taking group lessons can be the attention paid to their form. Fortunately, most learners we got to talk to at the gym mentioned the team still going out of their way to go over students individually.
On that note, a plus for various learnes was how flexible the schedule was. This definitely saves on the hassle of having to rearrange your schedule just to attend, especially for emergency situations.
One point of improvement a few learners mentioned was the cooldown exercises. While there was a dedicated yoga class to help with cooling down from the strain of Muay Thai, many mentioned these didn’t seem to be frequent enough for proper cooldown.
The coaches give him the attention he needs
“My kid struggles with most active classes, but takes private lessons here and really enjoys it. The coaches give him the attention he needs and deal with his occasional attitude. The flexibility in scheduling is great.”
– Mr. Adam Berkan, Google Review
They keep the kids engaged
“Good for kids discipline and confidence building. Instructors take time to give individual attention to kids. They keep the kids engaged and give them one solid workout while building self defense skills.”
– Mr. Saurabh Gupta, Google Review
5. Team Smandych Muay Thai
Address: 555 11 Ave SW #200, Calgary, AB T2R 1P6
Contact Details: +1 403 263 4357, [email protected]
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday: 10:00 AM to 1:30 PM | 4:30 PM to 8:00 PM, Saturday: 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM, Sunday: 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
Sometimes, you just need a gym that you can reliably drop in and out of to brush up on your training and spend some time with other practitioners. One particular favorite in this regard among locals was Team Smandych Muay Thai, so we just had to see why!
First off, we immediately appreciated how easy the location was. The gym was easy to find so we didn’t have to ask for directions, and there was plenty of parking space available there as well.
While there, we got to ask learners about what drew them to the gym. A particular highlight was the quick booking process: learners could simply choose which classes they wanted to attend at which time slot, sign up, and get going.
The pricing was also another highlight. We found their fees pretty reasonable for individual lessons, especially considering the length of the lessons, the training space and even the loaner gear for those without their own.
On the other hand, we did find their membership fees pretty high compared to other Muay Thai gyms, especially for children. We’d definitely advise trying out an individual class before committing if you’re interested in learning here.
Very qualified and welcoming
“I had no prior Muay Thai experience and was a bit intimidated to check out the gym. So glad I did! I’ve only been going for a few months now but all the instructors are very qualified and welcoming. The schedule is flexible with many classes to choose from.”
– Ms. Julie McWilliam, Google Review
Willing to spend time with individuals until you get your technique
“Absolutely a wonderful place, very welcoming! Easy to meet new people. The staff is amazing and willing to spend time with individuals until you get your technique dailed in. Great workout is way better than just going to the gym and lifting weights.”
– Mr. Zack M., Google Review
