Have you ever wondered if the exercises you do to burn calories and shed unwanted kilos are actually good for your health? Do you ever feel, as you head for a massage to ease the pain and strain, that you might in fact be doing yourself harm?

"One only benefits from exercise if he or she is doing it correctly," warns Dr Ruj Rojjanasrirat, the managing director of Bangkok's Chirofit Medical Fitness Centre.

He explains that most practitioners don't know the type of exercises best suited to them or the extent to which their bodies can endure the work out.

By opening Chirofit, he hopes to bring people closer to exercising the right way and help them avoid injuries.

Based on the philosophy that "good health begins with the right and safe workout", the holistic centre combines exercise, sports medicine, physiotherapy and nutrition consultations tailored to the needs of each client.

Ruj, who started Chiroma Clinic in Bangkok a few years ago, recommends would-be exercisers to consult their doctors or physiotherapists to benefit the most from their workouts.

Fitness clubs and franchised gyms only arrived in Thailand about 10 years ago and have since mushroomed, especially in Bangkok. Most offer the services of a personal trainer.

Before the birth of the fitness fad, Thais went jogging, took part in aerobic dancing or walked in the park.

Gyms were generally reserved for professional wrestlers or body builders. Members would get on the equipment and work out by themselves.

It wasn't until a few years ago that health-conscious Thais learned about personal trainers, most of whom are physical education graduates but not necessarily physiotherapists.

Unlike at a franchise gym, members of Chirofit don't head for the treadmill or stationary bike but first consult with a chiropractor and a physiotherapist.

The former can tell if there's something wrong with your structure while the latter finds out which parts of your body need to be built up and which require trimming.

The process is very important, says the chiropractor. If practised incorrectly, the exercise will not only give no benefit but also deteriorate joints and muscles before their time.

"Those who workout a lot don't seem to know their physical weaknesses or how much hard work their body can take."

It's essential to consult a specialist to find out the body's strengths and weaknesses.

"Otherwise, it can result in damage, which may not been seen in the short term."

Ruj also has doubts about rushing off for a massage to ease muscle strain.

"It's a short-term remedy," he points out. "To build up a healthy body, you really to fix the core of the problem."

For example, Ruj says, people with back or neck pain will often go for a traditional massage. He suggests working on the abdominal muscles instead, as they will help support the body.

Ruj says about 80 per cent of adults suffer from physical problems, either from birth or from daily misuse of the body.

"But not many realise it until their lives become affected.

"In the worst cases, repeated misuse can result in arthritis."

The centre also offers advice on nutrition. A balanced diet is essential for anyone working out, as food nourishes the muscles and provides energy.

Chirofit Medical Fitness Centre is on the eighth floor of Home Place on Thong Lor,

Soi 13. The holistic club is limited to

5,000 members each year and membership cost Bt72,000.

Call (02) 712 7383-6.

Sirinya Wattanasukchai

The Nation