Muay Thai Personal Training-AO8 Academy (Selangor)

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Returning to Fitness Through Muay Thai

Returning to fitness after a break can be daunting. This was certainly my experience – a year of inactivity left me feeling out of shape and needing a major health change. That’s when I discovered Muay Thai personal training at AO8 Academy, located in Jaya One, Petaling Jaya (It's in a mall, so many cafes to drop by after training!). What followed was a transformative experience that not only rekindled my passion for fitness but also deepened my appreciation for the art of Muay Thai.

What I enjoyed

✅Motivating partner training

✅Adaptable and skilled trainers

✅Decently spacious training area

✅Clean facilities & water dispenser

✅Many food outlets outside the gym after training

Considerations

⚠ Can get warm when crowded

⚠ More female members in group classes 

⚠ Slightly close spacing between heavy bags

Experienced Coaching

AO8 Academy boasts Kru Tam and Kru Toey as head coaches, with impressive fight records showcasing their expertise. Kru Tam's experience includes 140 wins, 12 draws, and 48 losses, while Kru Toey has a commendable 80% win rate on the international stage. 

Check out their website profiles : AO8 Academy

Structured Personal Training

Each personal training session at AO8 Academy is tailored to fitness goals and skill levels. The training typically includes:

• Warm-up drills to prepare the body

• Three sets of padwork for striking precision

• Strength and conditioning workouts

• Cool-down stretches for recovery

The Muay Thai padwork sessions are intense but incredibly effective, helping to build endurance, power, and technique. 

Outside view - AO8 Academy (at Jaya One, Petaling Jaya)

Why PT at AO8?

One of the biggest advantages of Muay Thai personal training with AO8 Academy is the flexibility to train at your own pace. AO8 Academy offers a 10-session personal training (PT) package for two people, adding a layer of motivation to my training. Training with a partner allowed for recovery breaks between rounds while maintaining intensity. During the initial sessions, when my stamina was low, alternating rounds with my partner ensured a sustainable pace without feeling overwhelmed. This setup is ideal for those new to fitness or looking for a supportive training environment. 

• What did I enjoy the most?

Training with a buddy offered an extra layer of motivation. We pushed each other and celebrated each other's progress, creating a fun and supportive atmosphere. The coaches were skilled at adapting to our individual needs and pace, ensuring that every session is challenging yet manageable, ensuring a productive yet enjoyable training experience.

Gas out already! Where's my training partner to take over?

Facilities at AO8 Academy:

• Cleanliness

The gym maintains its cleanliness. While this review was initially written last year, I recently noticed through their Instagram reels (early 2025) that they may have replaced their mats. The equipment is properly maintained. The toilets are clean and odorless.

• Ventilation

The gym is equipped with air conditioning and fans, the gym can get warm when packed, especially during group training sessions.  Additional fans help, but they may not fully counteract the heat when the gym is crowded. However, large windows on both ends of the building provide good airflow, making training in less crowded sessions more comfortable. One thing is for sure—Be prepared to sweat a lot!

• Space & Equipment

To put it in perspective, the gym is spacious enough to fit approximately 4-5 boxing rings. There’s ample room to throw strikes without feeling restricted. However, the spacing between heavy bags may feel a bit narrow for executing kicks comfortably.

✔ 5-6 heavy bags for power training

✔ Various mitts and pads for striking drills

✔ Dumbbells and barbells for strength conditioning

Group training - Inside view AO8 Academy

• Amenities

AO8 Academy has:-

✔ 2 toilets & a large basin & mirror for freshening up & pre-training grooming

✔ Water dispenser (a recent upgrade from previous bottled water sales, making hydration more

    accessible) a thoughtful improvement!

Atmosphere and Culture

The gym’s environment is welcoming yet intense. Friendly & encouraging.

Personal training vibe: Personal training can be challenging, especially if the head coach recognizes your potential and pushes you to maximize your performance. This was beneficial for me, as it kept me motivated to train harder.

Group training vibe: One interesting observation is that AO8 Academy attracts a higher number of female members compared to other Muay Thai gyms. The members are dedicated, fit, and focused, creating an inspiring training atmosphere. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced, the gym fosters a supportive and goal-driven culture.

Communication:

Despite being Thai, the head coach speaks English and a little bit of Chinese, making it easy for non-Thai speakers to train effectively. The assistant instructors also conduct group classes in English.

(Bonus: If you want to practice your Thai, the trainers are happy to chat with you!)

Considering Muay Thai?

If you're looking for a martial art that combines physical fitness and self-defense, Muay Thai, a striking-based discipline using fists, elbows, knees, and shins, might be the perfect fit for you. If Muay Thai piques your interest, consider exploring any muay thai classes near you or visiting AO8 Academy for a personal training session.

Disclaimer: The author is a martial arts enthusiast and enjoys learning from others. This review reflects my personal observations and experience at AO8 Academy and do not necessarily represent the views of others. Your personal experience may vary and I highly recommend visiting the gym to experience it firsthand as it is the best way to determine if it meets your needs.