Bali’s fitness scene has certainly sky rocketed over the last few years making it an even more appealing holiday destination for some. I know it is not for everyone but I certainly love keeping fit on holiday as I think it is a great way to try new things and get out of my routine.
Outlined below are my top picks on where to keep fit in Bali, from yoga to crossfit to functional training & more.
Canggu Nest (Berawa)
Canggu Nest is an awesome space, it caters to everyone and has a lot on offer. From strength classes, to intervals, trx, yoga flows, cardio and conditioning – it has it all! The trainers are knowledgeable, friendly and make working out fun! Located in Berawa above Wanderlust swimwear the space is decked out with assault bikes, rowers, ski ergs, weights and more. If you are after a fun yet challenging workout in a welcoming environment then this is the place for you!
Visit: www.canggunest.com or @canggunest for furthr details.
Desa Seni Yoga (Berawa)
This eco-friendly, boutique resort has the most amazing vibe to it as soon as you walk through their doors. It truly is a slice of heaven and a nice, peaceful change to the hustle and bustle of the streets of Bali. At Desa Seni there is something for everyone and at all levels. They offer a wide range of classes including yin yoga, power yoga, kundalini, Hatha yoga, Vinyasa, meditation and more. The yoga classes are held in the most beautiful setting, an open air yoga studio over-looking their lush tropical gardens. The yoga teachers are welcoming and inspiring – all egos are left at the door!
Visit: www.desaseni.com @desaseni_avillageresort
Crossfit Wanderlust (Canggu)
Don’t be scared or intimidated by the word ‘crossfit’ as this place is easy going and welcoming. I’d go as far as saying that the best thing about this place is the community spirit. Wanderlust offers crossfit, metcon, olympic lifting and movement classes as well as an open gym – where you can use their amazing facilities and equipment without signing up to a class. Each workout can also be scaled up or down, meaning they are suitable for all ages and physical conditions.
The owner David along with the other coaches are super friendly, professional and motivating. From locals to expats and international travellers Wanderlust is the perfect place to go and meet other people from all over the world. One thing is for sure, you will be dripping in sweat in a matter of minutes – don’t expect air-con here!
Visit: http: www.crossfitwanderlust.com or @crossfitwanderlust_bali
Body Factory Bali (Canggu)
This place is the ultimate gym in Bali, it has it all! An outdoor functional training area with sleds, battle ropes, tires etc. An indoor fully equiped state of the art gym – with air-con! The main gym has everything you would need for a great workout – it has an extensive array of strength and cardio equipment. If you’re after a class – the Factory Fit (functional fitness) class is a great way to build up a sweat and work on technique. Body Factory also offers yoga, a cafe to nourish yourself post workout, changing rooms with aircon and lockers, accommodation and so much more!
Odyssey Mvmt (Canggu)
A small functional training space which allows for flexible training. You can jump into the class as and when you want. TV screens display the workout and a qualified trainer will keep you motivated as you move along the stations. The workouts go for 45 minutes and are all fairly high intensity. There is a beautiful yoga studio upstairs too!
Visit: www.odysseymvmt.com or @odysseymvmt
Daily Gym (Seminyak)
Dont expect any frills here, this open air gym is raw and basic yet right in the heart of Seminyak! There are 2 parts to the gym – strength gym on the top storey and then a Muay Thai/kickboxing gym on the other (pictured). I have been going here for years – purely for 1-1 sessions with Anthony. He is extremely knowledgable when it comes to Muay Thai and is incredibly patient – a kind soul yet he knows how to get you fired up in the ring! They also offer Muay Thai classes each day at 8am for those who prefer a class environment! A cheap and cheerful gym. If you’re looking for state of the art equipment in a air-con environment then this isn’t the place for you.
Visit: www.dailygymbali.com
Bali Training Centre (Bingin/Uluwatu)
If you love training barefoot then this is the place for you. I took part in a functional training/hiit class one day and had an awesome private session with Jake the next which included some Muay Thai – something I haven’t done much of but thoroughly enjoyed. Both sessions were amazing in their own right. A welcoming place and a great way meet new people if you are traveling solo. Dont forget to get a post workout feed at The Cashew Tree cafe next door too!
Visit: balitrainingcentre.com or @bali_training_centre
Motion fitness (Seminyak)
If you want an array of fitness classes, then Motion fitness is the place to go. They offer a full range of classes from high intensity interval training (fit flow & hyper shape classes) to dynamic Pilates, TRX and even yoga classes. From their expert teachers and well run classes they really know how to make working out fun! Don’t miss out on their Canggu café (Café Avocado) where they serve the most delicious, wholesome food so be sure to save some time to get that post workout meal in.
Visit: www.motionfitnessbali.com or @motionfitnessbali
Surfing, diving & getting outdoors
Surfing – Because you’re in Bali! Warm water, great weather and playful waves, it would be rude not to give surfing a go on your visit to Bali. You can’t go wrong either, there are an abundance of surfing spots scattered across the island along with countless surf schools. Surfing is so much fun and surprisingly, it is a really tough workout too! There is nothing quite like that feeling of standing up for the first time and riding the waves. You can’t go to Bali and not give it a go!
Diving – Pristine waters, tropical fish, fabulous coral reef, manta rays and the amazing Mola Molas (sunfish). It’s not for nothing that Indonesia was voted second year in a row the top diving spot in the world (Dive Magazine 2017 Travel Awards). Maybe diving doesn’t quite fall under the category of fitness but if you are a diver you couldn’t possibly come to Bali and not dive – and if you are not a diver, this is your perfect opportunity to give it a go!
Beach walks – Enjoy the sound of the ocean and the fresh air as you stroll one of Balis many beaches!
Gyms
If you are after a traditional gym and health club then be sure to check out the following places – Bali Body Factory. Finns Recreational Gym, Soham Wellness Centre, Daily Gym and Hammerhead Gym! If you go to Daily Gym in Seminyak – be sure to speak to Anthony for one of the best boxing sessions in Bali!
Staying fit on holiday certainly isn’t for everyone, but for some people keeping up the exercise regime is a nice balance between sampling the local cuisine, quaffing delicious cocktails and lying by the pool all day.
Other places worth checking out
- Nirvana Strength – Gymnastics, ice baths & saunas (Canggu)
- Radiantly Alive Yoga (Ubud)
- Yoga Barn (Ubud)
- F45 Seminyak
- Kommune Bali
