Workouts can feel punishing. Or demotivating. Especially when you’re all gross and sweaty as you try to run along Canggu beach while you watch bootcamp trainers effortlessly glide with their six-packs and toned tummies.
Hate it or love it, you have to admit that working out does have the tendency to make us feel awesome. It makes green smoothies and es kelapa muda taste just that little bit better.
Despite what all the fitness magazines (and sometimes personal trainers) tell us, exercise doesn’t have to always be a “no pain, no gain” affair. Especially here in Pulau Dewata, where you should feel like you’re on holiday all the time.
Here are some ideas of activities you can do in Bali for enjoyment that burn calories and double as “incidental” workouts.
1. KITESURFING
Think wakeboarding, windsurfing, surfing, paragliding and gymnastics all combined into one. Or if you’re not too familiar with watersports, surfing while holding a kite and soaring through the air.
Bali is known for some of its mean waves, which is sure to thrill experienced kitesurfers. But it also has flat waters, which provides the perfect playground for novice kitesurfers who are looking to have a bit of fun.
Many of the kitesurfing training centers are found in Sanur (Bali Kitesurfing) but there are also some in Legian (Rip Curl School of Surf) and Nusa Dua (Bali Kitesurf). Other kitesurfing spots include Kuta and Canggu.
2. POLE DANCING
Who says that toning your body can’t be fun and sexy?
Pole dancing is often associated with strip clubs and lap dances, and whilst this is an understandable association, we think that more credit should be given on how physically demanding it actually is. I mean, if you really think about what it involves, it’s a full-on all over body workout combining strength-training and isometric muscular contractions. Apparently you can burn as much as 250 calories in a single session. And pole dancing is way more fun than doing bicep curls and press-ups.
Various pole dancing fitness classes are available every day from Monday to Saturday at Pole Studio Bali.
3. BELLY DANCING
Working out to tone our stubborn bellies generally conjures images of painful crunches and leg-raises. But a more fun way to get bikini body ready is to dance it off (literally).
Bollywood actresses look so effortless when they shake their bellies, but you bet that every movement they make sculpts that tummy and almost every other muscle in their body.
Ika’s Belly Dance Studio runs belly dancing classes on Thursday and Tuesdays at 7pm in the trendy Jl. Petitenget, Seminyak.
What better way to enjoy Bali than to be in the waters? If you’re looking for the “I’m walking on water” feeling minus the risk of having your body slammed by waves that surfing sometimes poses, look no further than Stand Up Paddle Boarding. Better known as SUP, this sport has gained a lot of prominence in recent years.
Don’t be fooled by the effortless bikini-clad girls that you see paddling away at Sanur. They may not look like they’re sweating it out, but it’s still a pretty decent workout. You have to obviously balance on the board, developing core strength and stability, and you’re also working out your arms as you paddle away.
The abundance of waters in Bali means that you are spoilt for choice in terms of SUP locations. You can generally rent equipment (and sometimes book lessons) around tourist-frequented beaches. Examples include Bali Stand Up Paddle School and SUP Bali.
For an extra challenge try SUP Yoga, though this is probably best attempted if you already have some yoga and SUP experience.
5. DOWNHILL MOUNTAIN BIKING
Yes, downhill mountain biking STILL burns calories. It just feels less of an exercise than uphill mountain biking. And Bali has (almost) as many volcanoes as beaches, all of which present a pretty epic view at the top and an awesome starting point for your downhill bike ride.
There are a number of companies that organize downhill cycling trips in and around Bali. Infinity Mountain Biking provides many trip options for all levels, Bali Rides has downhill tracks for intermediate to advanced mountain bikers, and Bali Bike Baik Cycling Tours takes you on an off-the-beaten-path downhill bicycle ride around the countryside, if you are looking for a more leisurely ride.
6. TREETOP CLIMBING
This is especially awesome for those with little kiddies (but adults can have fun here too). If you’ve always wanted to try an obstacle course, or secretly fantasized about swinging from tree to tree like Tarzan, this is the perfect activity that is guaranteed to work up a sweat.
Bali Treetop Adventure Park lets you choose an adventure circuit, depending on the level of challenge that you desire. Each circuit contains challenges ranging from suspended bridges, spider net, tarzan jumps, flying-fox, flying swings and many others. For the competitive group, you can have a competition as to who completes the circuit in the fastest time. That’ll definitely be a workout and a half.
7. SURFING
Duh, you’re in Bali. Where the waters are warm and there are waves to suit all levels. If you’re a novice and you catch a wave for the first time, you’ll understand why people get addicted to it and make it their lifestyle. You’ll forget all about burning calories. We promise.
Uluwatu and some of the other Bukit beaches cater to experienced surfers, but if you’re a beginner, you’ll probably want to start at Kuta. Yes, we know, there is a lot of people around, but the soft swell will make it easier for you just to ride that very first wave, as well as practice your turns. If you’ve had some surfing experience but are still not comfortable catching Bali’s mean waves, we suggest you head to Canggu and move on to Uluwatu when you feel comfortable.
It won’t be difficult to find surfing schools if you walk down Kuta Beach. Prominent surfing schools include the Rip Curl School of Surf, Paradise Surf School Bali, Pro Surf School, and Odysseys Surf School.
Photo at the top: SUP Yoga Bali Facebook page
