The Gyms That’ll Make You Want to Stay
Where to Train Part 2 of 4
QUICK SUMMARY
S2S CrossFit: Original Canggu gym, best for beginners (£12-15/class)
Fortitude Bali: Rooftop gym with sunset views, expert coaching (£15-18/class)
Wanderlust: Massive facility with pool, saunas, ice baths (£12-16/class)
All offer drop-ins, week passes, and beginner courses
Right, let’s talk about the actual gyms.
Because as lovely as the beach sunsets and smoothie bowls are (and trust me, they’re very lovely), you’re here for the training. And Canggu delivers in spades.
I’ve visited all the major CrossFit gyms in the area, and each one has its own personality, its own vibe, its own loyal following. Some are perfect for beginners, others cater to competitive athletes, and a few are just brilliant all-rounders.
The trick is finding which one feels right for you.
S2S CrossFit Bali: Where It All Began
If Canggu’s CrossFit scene has a godfather, it’s S2S (Surf to Summit) CrossFit.
Opened back in 2013, this was the first proper CrossFit gym on the island. In many ways, it set the template for everything that followed.
What Makes It Special
Picture this: you walk through the entrance, and it feels a bit like arriving at a mate’s really well-equipped garage gym. There’s nothing particularly fancy or flashy about S2S, and that’s exactly the point. It’s got that authentic, no-nonsense CrossFit vibe that the sport was built on.
The location is brilliant. Just a stone’s throw from Finn’s Beach Club, which means post-workout beach sessions are not just possible but practically mandatory. The space itself is open-air (naturally), with all the equipment you’d expect: rigs, rowers, bikes, loads of barbells, and enough weights to keep even the keenest lifter happy.
The Community
Here’s what everyone mentions about S2S: the people.
This gym has that rare quality where regulars genuinely welcome newcomers. Maybe it’s because S2S has been around long enough to establish a strong culture, or maybe it’s just luck, but the community here is something special.
You’ll find a proper mix. Long-term expats who’ve been coming for years, digital nomads on month-long stays, and travellers just passing through for a week. Somehow, they all mesh together beautifully.
Who It’s For
S2S works brilliantly for beginners and intermediate athletes. The coaching is solid and patient, perfect if you’re still getting to grips with Olympic lifts or learning your technique. That said, competitive athletes train here too. The programming is solid, and you can absolutely push yourself if that’s your thing.
One thing that sets S2S apart is their flexibility. They understand that people visiting Canggu aren’t on rigid schedules, so their drop-in policy is wonderfully relaxed. Pop in when you can, train at your own pace, no stress.
The Extras
Beyond regular classes, S2S offers beach workouts, which are absolutely brilliant when you fancy a change of scenery. They’ve also got yoga sessions and other complementary programmes, because recovery matters just as much as the workout itself.
They offer fitness holiday packages that include accommodation near the gym and beach. If you’re planning your first visit to Canggu and want everything sorted, this is a proper easy option.
Drop-in rate: £12-15 per class Best for: Beginners to intermediate, community seekers, flexible travellers
Fortitude Bali: Training with a View
If S2S is the cosy neighbourhood gym, Fortitude is the slightly more polished older sibling who’s really got their act together.
This gym has quickly built a reputation as one of Canggu’s premier fitness destinations, and once you’ve trained there, you’ll understand why.
The Rooftop Advantage
Let’s start with the obvious: Fortitude has a rooftop gym. An actual rooftop. With sunset views. Over Canggu.
I know, I know. It sounds almost too Instagram-worthy to be true. But here’s the thing: when you’re halfway through a particularly tough workout and you glance up to see the sky turning pink and gold over the rice paddies, something magical happens. Suddenly, those last few exercises don’t seem quite so terrible.
The space itself is impressive. Well-designed, spacious, and kitted out with quality equipment. Everything feels considered and intentional, from the layout to the programming to the coaching.
The Coaching
Speaking of coaching, Fortitude boasts some seriously impressive credentials. Their head coach, Yunus, won the Indonesian CrossFit National Championship in 2021. Coach Sergio holds a Level 3 CrossFit certification and brings years of experience. These aren’t just people who’ve done CrossFit for a bit. They’re proper athletes and educators.
What does this mean for you? It means you’re getting top-tier instruction. Form corrections are precise, suggestions are thoughtful, and the programming is intelligent and varied.
Beyond CrossFit
Here’s where Fortitude gets interesting. They’ve expanded beyond pure CrossFit to offer a broader fitness menu. High-intensity bodybuilding? Yep. Stretching and mobility classes? Absolutely. They’ve recognised that whilst CrossFit is brilliant, it’s not everything, and sometimes your body needs something different.
Their “Sunday Sweat” sessions have become something of an institution. Open to all fitness levels, they’re as much social events as they are workouts. Perfect if you’re new to town and looking to meet people.
Who It’s For
Fortitude attracts a slightly more serious athlete crowd. People who know their way around a barbell and are looking for quality coaching to take their training to the next level. That said, they’re absolutely welcoming to beginners, especially those who appreciate structure and professionalism.
If you’re the type who loves good programming, values expert coaching, and doesn’t mind paying a bit extra for quality, Fortitude will feel like home.
Drop-in rate: £15-18 per class Best for: Intermediate to advanced, those seeking expert coaching, sunset enthusiasts
Wanderlust Fitness Village: The Full Package
Right, let’s talk about Wanderlust. Because calling it just a “CrossFit gym” feels a bit like calling Bali “a nice island.” Technically accurate but wildly underselling it.
Size Matters (Sometimes)
Wanderlust sprawls across 2,000 square metres. To put that in perspective: that’s massive. Properly massive. We’re talking multiple training areas, a lap pool, ice baths, saunas, and probably a few corners you haven’t discovered yet even if you’ve been going for weeks.
This isn’t just a gym. It’s a fitness village (the name makes sense now, doesn’t it?). The philosophy here seems to be: why settle for just training when you can have a complete wellness experience?
The Saturday Smasher
If Wanderlust has a signature event, it’s the Saturday Smasher. Picture this: over 100 people, all doing the same workout, all suffering together in the most delightfully communal way possible. It’s part fitness class, part social event, part “let’s see if we can actually finish this thing.”
The energy is absolutely electric. Even if you’re not naturally a morning person (raises hand), the collective enthusiasm is infectious. Plus, there’s something weirdly comforting about knowing that everyone else is just as exhausted as you are.
The Facilities
This is where Wanderlust really shines. Post-workout ice bath? Sorted. Want to squeeze in a few laps in the pool? Go for it. Need a proper recovery session in the sauna? They’ve got you covered.
They’ve also got a comprehensive class schedule beyond CrossFit. High-intensity interval training, Olympic lifting classes, and various other options. If you’re travelling with a partner or friend who’s not sold on CrossFit, they can find something here that works for them.
The Atmosphere
With size comes diversity. The community here is more varied than at smaller gyms. You’ll find everyone from casual fitness enthusiasts to serious athletes, families to solo travellers, yoga devotees to powerlifting fanatics. It’s less of a tight-knit family vibe and more of a bustling fitness neighbourhood.
Some people love this energy, others prefer something more intimate. It’s worth trying a class to see which camp you fall into.
Who It’s For
Wanderlust is perfect if you want options. Maybe you’re planning a longer stay and like the idea of mixing up your training. Perhaps you’re travelling with others who have different fitness interests. Or maybe you’re just someone who values having proper recovery facilities (those ice baths really do work wonders).
It’s also brilliant for people who thrive in larger group settings and feed off big, energetic classes.
Drop-in rate: £12-16 per class Best for: Those wanting variety, groups with different interests, recovery enthusiasts
Quick Comparison
S2S CrossFit
Drop-in: £12-15
Best for: Beginners, community
Class size: 12-15 people
Standout: Beach workouts
Vibe: Cosy, welcoming
Fortitude Bali
Drop-in: £15-18
Best for: Serious athletes
Class size: 10-12 people
Standout: Rooftop sunsets
Vibe: Professional, polished
Wanderlust
Drop-in: £12-16
Best for: Variety seekers
Class size: 20-30 people
Standout: Recovery facilities
Vibe: Energetic, bustling
How to Choose Your Gym
Are you just starting out with CrossFit? S2S or Wanderlust. Both excel at welcoming beginners.
Do you value expert coaching and don’t mind paying a bit more? Fortitude. The coaching here is exceptional.
Want maximum flexibility and a relaxed vibe? S2S. Their drop-in policy and laid-back atmosphere are perfect for travellers.
Looking for variety beyond CrossFit? Wanderlust or Fortitude. Both offer broader programming.
Prefer smaller, more intimate classes? S2S or Fortitude. Wanderlust can get quite busy.
Are sunset workouts important to you? Fortitude’s rooftop is unbeatable.
The Practical Bits
Most gyms in Canggu offer:
Drop-in rates (£10-18 per class)
Week passes (usually better value)
Month memberships (best value for longer visits)
Foundation courses for complete beginners
Equipment rental if needed
Pro tip: Many gyms offer your first class free or heavily discounted. Take advantage of this! Try a few different gyms before committing to a longer package.
Money-Saving Tip
Never pay full drop-in rates if you’re staying more than a few days:
1 week pass: Usually 20-25% cheaper per class
2 week pass: 30-35% cheaper per class
Monthly: 40-50% cheaper per class
Calculate your expected visits and buy accordingly.
A Few Tips
Hydrate like your life depends on it. The heat and humidity are no joke. Drink water before class, during class, after class. Then drink some more.
Don’t be a hero. Your normal working weight back home? Scale it down a bit. The heat adds an extra challenge you weren’t expecting.
Embrace the early morning sessions. Training at 6:30am might sound horrific, but it’s genuinely the best time. Cooler temperatures, quieter classes, and you’ve got your whole day free afterwards.
Chat to people. Everyone’s friendly, everyone’s up for a post-workout coffee, and some of the best travel experiences come from random gym conversations.
Over to You
Quick question: What matters most to you in a gym?
Strong community
Expert coaching
Variety of classes
Recovery facilities
Price
Drop your answer in the comments!
I’d also love to hear:
Have you trained at any of these gyms? Which was your favourite and why?
Still trying to decide? Tell me what you’re looking for
Got questions about specific programmes or classes?
Read Part 1: Why Choose Canggu
Next up: Part 3 - Beach Workouts and Outdoor Training