Despite its reputation as party central, holidaying in Bali and staying fit go together like, well, bacon and cheese. From an upside-down kind of yoga, to a three-dimensional version of pilates, to gyms frequented by major Australian celebrities, we look at the seven novel ways to stay fit on the island of the Gods.
1) ANTI-GRAVITY YOGA
The latest in a series of yoga hybrids that see yogis bend and stretch on paddle boards or heated studios, anti-gravity yoga combines the ancient form of strength training with the motions of dance. Held in outdoor yoga pavilions or in air-conditioned studios at the Four Seasons Jimbaran Bay using heavy-duty hammocks, anti-gravity yoga encourages blood circulation, lengthens the spine and improves flexibility.
2) GYROTONIC
An ‘evolved’ exercise method that encompasses elements of yoga, dance, swimming, tai chi and gymnastics, Gyrotonic was developed by a Romanian ballet dancer to help deal with his personal struggle with chronic injury and is now practised in 52 countries, including Indonesia.
3) BODIKU RECHARGE RETREATS
Held in a luxury villa in Seminyak, Bodiku Recharge Retreat help guests improve their health, fitness, mood — and tan — at the same. Ranging in length from three to seven days, retreats feature individually tailored fitness programs, meditation classes, daily massages, organic health elixirs, two meals a day designed by in-house nutritionists, and one-on-one personal training sessions with six-times Indonesian bodybuilding champion Komang Arnawa.
4) WARRIOR ARTS
Set in the backstreets of hipster-central Canggu, Bali MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) and Muay Thai Training Camp is a one-stop-shop for martial training and fitness. It’s run by a team of 10 professional fighters from Australia, Asia and the U.S. with classes catering to just about anybody. Beginners can try basic boxing and Brazilian Ju-Jitsu fundamentals, while the more experienced can punch it out in advanced striking, advanced MMA or No-Gi grappling classes — a form of combat wrestling from Japan.
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