Yoga Over Gyms: Our Kind of Movement in Bali

July 15, 2025

I’ve never been a gym person. Like, ever. And neither has Chad. 🙈 Have I taught yoga in gyms before? Yep. Did I love it? Not really. I’ve just never connected with the gym vibe—something about the mirrors, the machines, the grunting (you know what I mean). I think you’re either a gym person or a non-gym person, and we’ve always firmly sat in the latter camp. For us, movement looks like yoga. It’s stretching (because, let’s be honest… our bodies aren’t exactly 21 anymore). It’s connecting to our breath—because we all need more of that. It’s moving with intention. Gently. Mindfully. It’s not about chasing gains, but about staying grounded, supple, and sane—especially in a busy, noisy world. BUT… We know there are gym lovers out there. And if you're staying or living in Sanur, there’s a brand new gym that’s just opened upstairs at Arta Sedana (yep, the local supermarket). 🏋️‍♀️💪 No, I didn’t sneak a photo (because I’m not a total creep while people are mid-burpee). But for all our gym friends—yes, even if you’re just visiting and want to keep up your fitness—this could be the spot for you. Will we be joining? Probably not. Will we keep unrolling our yoga mats and creaking through our sun salutations while laughing at who can’t touch their toes? 100%. #BaliMovement #YogaNotGyms #SanurTips #NewInSanur #RealLifeBali #ChadAndMiaOfficial #GymPeopleYoureWelcome #StretchAndBreathe #ExpatsInBali #BaliLife

Some people live for the gym—the clang of weights, the buzz of energy, the push for personal bests. Us? Not so much. We’ve never really vibed with that scene (despite a few teaching stints on yoga mats wedged between treadmills and dumbbells). For us, mindful movement looks a little different, especially here in Bali. In the heart of Sanur, where life moves just a bit slower, our kind of fitness involves yoga stretches under swaying palms, deep breaths with salty air, and playful attempts at toes we used to reach without effort. It’s less about reps and more about presence. Less "how much did you lift?" and more "how do you feel?" Yoga keeps us grounded—it’s our anchor in a fast-paced world. And let’s be real: we’re not in our twenties anymore, so stretching just feels… necessary. It's daily movement, minus the pressure. That said, we know gym lovers are out there (hello, fitness fam!). And for those passing through or settling in Sanur who _do_ crave that iron-pumping energy, there’s a brand-new gym above the Arta Sedana supermarket. Convenient, modern, and walkable from just about anywhere in town. No, we didn’t get snaps from inside (no covert gym photography happening here), but it’s clean, shiny, and has what you need if you’re on a routine. For us, though? We’ll be unrolling our mats beachside and laughing our way through tight hamstrings and wobbly warrior poses. Because movement looks different for everyone. And in Bali? It’s all about finding what feels good—for your body, your soul, and your time here on this beautiful island. #YogaNotGyms #SanurTips #SlowTravelBali #FamilyFriendlyBali #MindfulMovement