Discover how I kept fit in Bali to inspire you and your next healthier holiday. I was on a fitness-based education trip to finish my practical exams as part of additional certification with the National Women's Fitness academy Master Female Trainer Qualification.

My ideas for your next get away are covered in the below sections  

• Weights and general gyms 
• CrossFit 
• Boxing 
• Run clubs 
• Tips for eating and drinking 
• Getting around Bali

Gyms

I spent a lot of time at the Body Factory as they had a fully equipped gym and a dedicated legs area with high quality equipment. I will summarise the legs equipment as most gyms in these types of gyms are lacking in decent legs equipment. Just picture the typical hotel gym, but not this one!

Legs equipment included;

• Leg press 
• Angled hack squat 
• V squat 
• Squat racks x 2
• Deadlift platform/glute station 
• Booty builder 
• Seated leg extension/curl
• Laying hamstring curl

So, there is no excuse to come home with chicken legs. 

Picture: Inside the Body Factory

Run Clubs 

Most gyms in Bali have social run clubs that you can join. It's best to hit your sessions super early, around 5 AM, to avoid bikes and traffic, as the streets become hectic later in the day. If you WhatsApp or email the gym you are staying near they will be able to help you with ideas or their own club. 

CrossFit 

I did a session at S2S CrossFit and the hosts were high energy and very welcoming. I smashed the Alien Supplements BCAAs and saw a huge improvement in performance.  Other CrossFit gyms include Wanderlust.  

Photo: CrossFit session at S2S

Bali Food and Drinks 

The key to coming back fitter and leaner on your trip is keeping to your total macros in a deficit. Working with an experience coach will help ensure you plan your trip to a tee if you have decided on your own adventure. 

Food 

I was in prep for a body building show and I definitely feel like I missed out on some good food but ultimately untracked food and drinks can be a recipe for holiday weight gain. 

Photo: $6 breakfast and 400 calories this eggs on toast from Body Factory 

Meal Plans & Macro-Tracking 

I signed up for a meal plan at body factory which was very convenient as grocery shopping is awful and it’s actually cheaper to have it made for you. 

Here are what some of the meals looked like. 

Tips

1. Make sure you order in advance of your trip. 3 days notice. You can select your calories only (not macro breakdown) but it’s high protein.
2. Recycle the jars and bags so make sure you bring them back each day.
3. The staff are responsive on whatts app. So don't be afraid to message them in advance of your trip.  

I did find that I missed being able to heat up the food as my hotel didn’t have cooking facilities. 

Restaurants and cafes with macros on their menu are listed below 

• Body factory
• Dispensary (next door to Body Factory)
• Pump Kitchen
• Motion Fitness

You can order food off the bike booking app as the Bali version of Uber eats. 

Photo: Meal plan example

Drinks 

Here's my hot tip for keeping drinks low-calorie while on holiday: opt for vodka soda, sparkling wine or champagne, and mojitos without sugar syrup or alcohol—you'll look the part while staying hydrated. Additionally, soda water with lime is a refreshing, calorie-free option.Here’s my hot tip for drinks while on holidays to keep the calories to a minimum.

No one will notice and if you are peer pressured you should probably look at hanging elsewhere.

Supplements 

I packed a fresh tub of protein powder to avoid any issues with customs. Most of the gyms and restaurants I mentioned offer protein drinks, but I highly recommend bringing BCAAs to boost your training performance. They help replenish lost sweat and electrolytes, keeping you on top of your game. Alien Supplements offers convenient mini sachets of BCAA/EAAs, perfect for travel—make sure to stock up before you go. With protein and supplements costing around $2.50 per scoop in Bali, you won’t break the bank by buying them locally. 

Getting around 

Grab and Gojek are the most popular ride-hailing apps in Bali. Download both apps and link your credit card for easy payments. You can also pay with cash, but drivers often don't carry change, so having exact money is recommended. The drivers wear green tops with logos and make sure to check their regos. You will be annoyed walking around in the busier times and evenings with "bike bike bike" from everyone. 

Some visitors opt to rent their own scooter for more flexibility. However, be aware that navigating Bali’s traffic can be stressful, especially during peak hours 8-9 AM and 4-5 PM. Plan extra travel time if you need to move around during these times.

The app overestimates travel time for this reason so half whatever time they have on the app when you book. 

Hot tip:

1. Link the app to your card as your bank may want you to verify with a text code and you have an e-sim.
2. Prebook your airport hotel transfer if you’re on your first visit. It’s hectic on arrival. 

Solo and want to make friends?

Joining a fitness retreat or boxing class is a fantastic way to network, but if a fixed agenda or yoga isn't your style, consider working or studying at the gym's cafe. I met two lovely ladies simply by saying hello there. Bali's environment is perfect for making friends, relaxing, and getting fit—ideal for moving past heartbreak and working on your revenge body.

Activities 

Day trips are a fantastic way to complement your fitness getaway with some classic tourist sightseeing and activities. Ubud is a popular destination—renting a dress for photos at the swings, waterfalls, and terraced rice paddy fields is highly recommended. Additionally, consider exploring Bali's natural beauty through snorkeling, horse riding, diving, and taking island trips for a well-rounded adventure. 

Beach clubs

• Finns Beach Club | Canggu |
• Sundays Beach Club | Uluwatu |
• Cafe Del Mar | Canggu
• Palmilla | Badung
• Alila | Seminyak | Good for sunsets
• Mari Beach Club | Canggu 
• TT Beach Club | Canggu 
• La Brisa | Canggu
• El Kabron | Uluwatu | Good for sunsets
• The Lawn Canggu | Canggu | Good for sunsets 

Picture: the Lawn 

Dining out 

These were recommended by the local Aussies as places to dine out.  

• Bali Maja Cafe | Strawberry matcha 
• Bottega Italian | Seminyak 
• Bukit Cafe
• Chowchow | Canggu 
• Coffee Cartel | Seminyak 
• Crate Cafe | Canggu |
• Crumb & Coaster 
• Duatiga | Canggu 
• Fat Mermaid | Canggu 
• Gourmet Cafe Petitenget | Seminyak 
• Luber 
• Ling Lings | Badung 
• Lola’s Cantina Mexicana | Canggu 
• Lusa by/Suka | Badung 
• Milk and Madu | Berawa 
• Motion Fitness Foods | Canggu 
• Nourish | Canggu 
• Nude | Canggu 
• Shelter | Canggu 
• Skool Kitchen | Canggu 
• Slippery Stone Greek 
• Sushimi Bali | Canggu | $2 Sushi Sunday 
• Sunset Rooftop Bar | Seminyak 
• Ultimo Italian | Seminyak
• Yuki

I hope you found my blog helpful. Staple Active we are passionate about all things fitness so i hope this helps you plan your next adventure. 

For more fitness inspiration and tips follow @stapleactive