BADUNG, Bali — In Bali, the pursuit of wellness has become something of a cultural phenomenon. From sunrise yoga sessions in Ubud to high-intensity padel matches in Canggu, the island’s expatriate and wellness-focused communities have embraced sports as both lifestyle and identity. But a recent viral story from Jakarta serves as a sobering reminder that even healthy habits have their limits—and that more is not always better.
Michelle Young Jhonatan, a 25-year-old woman in West Jakarta, shared on her Instagram account that she has been diagnosed with a benign bone cyst in her shoulder, which she believes was caused by excessive padel play. Her routine: two sessions a day, sometimes totaling six hours on the court, often combined with gym workouts on the same days.
“I could play twice a day, afternoon and evening,” Michelle explained. “Sometimes the evening session would last three to four hours. So in total, six hours a day. Plus I’d still go to the gym on the same day.”
Her symptoms began with shoulder pain that she dismissed as ordinary soreness. She continued playing through tournaments until one day, after a match, her right hand went numb and weak. The pain that followed was severe enough to send her to a doctor, where an MRI revealed the cyst.
For now, she has been advised to stop playing for three weeks to allow her shoulder to recover.
A Wake-Up Call for Bali’s Active Community
Michelle’s story, though based in Jakarta, resonates deeply with Bali’s sports and wellness culture. The island has seen a surge in popularity of sports like padel, a racket sport similar to tennis that has exploded in popularity across Southeast Asia in recent years. Courts have multiplied in areas like Canggu, Pererenan, and Sanur, catering to a growing community of enthusiasts—many of whom are expatriates, digital nomads, and long-term visitors.
What makes Michelle’s case striking is not the injury itself, but the intensity that preceded it. Six hours of high-impact sport in a single day, combined with additional gym sessions, represents a level of physical strain that even professional athletes would approach with caution.
The Culture of “More” in Bali’s Wellness Scene
Bali’s wellness industry thrives on a philosophy of self-improvement, often encouraging people to push beyond perceived limits. From morning HIIT classes to afternoon surf sessions and evening yoga, the island offers a seductive array of options for those seeking to optimize their health.
But experts warn that this culture of “more” can sometimes tip into overtraining—a condition where the body is pushed beyond its ability to recover. Symptoms can range from persistent fatigue and sleep disturbances to more serious injuries like stress fractures, tendonitis, and, as in Michelle’s case, bone cysts.
Dr. I Made Surya, an orthopedic specialist based in Denpasar, notes that overuse injuries are becoming more common among Bali’s active expatriate community.
“When people move to Bali, they often adopt a lifestyle that is far more physically active than what they were used to,” he explains. “Suddenly they are surfing, playing padel, doing yoga, and hiking all in the same week. The body needs time to adapt. Without adequate rest, injuries are almost inevitable.”
Listening to Your Body: A Lesson in Balance
Michelle’s experience offers a valuable lesson for anyone pursuing an active lifestyle, whether in Bali or elsewhere. She describes ignoring early warning signs—shoulder pain that felt like “sleeping the wrong way,” persistent soreness—because she assumed it was just normal fatigue from training.
It was only when her hand went numb and the pain became unbearable that she sought medical help. By then, the damage had already been done.
“The body gives signals before it breaks down,” Dr. Surya emphasizes. “Pain that persists, weakness, numbness—these are not things to push through. They are signs that something is wrong.”
A Balanced Approach to Wellness
For those living in or visiting Bali, the message is not to stop moving, but to move wisely. Bali’s active lifestyle can be a source of joy, connection, and vitality—but only when balanced with rest, recovery, and self-awareness.
Here are a few practical considerations for staying healthy while enjoying Bali’s sports and wellness offerings:
- Vary your activities. Cross-training reduces repetitive strain on specific joints and muscles.
- Build in rest days. The body needs time to repair and strengthen.
- Listen to early signals. Persistent soreness, joint pain, or weakness should be evaluated, not ignored.
- Warm up properly. A good warm-up and cool-down routine can prevent many common injuries.
- Stay hydrated and nourished. Bali’s tropical climate increases fluid and electrolyte needs.
The Bigger Picture: Wellness Without Excess
Bali has become a magnet for those seeking a healthier, more intentional way of living. The island’s natural beauty, vibrant sports scene, and wellness-focused communities offer countless opportunities for growth and connection.
But as Michelle’s story reminds us, even the healthiest pursuits can become harmful when taken to extremes. True wellness is not about how much you can do, but about finding a rhythm that sustains your body, mind, and spirit over the long term.
In the end, the goal is not to prove how much you can endure—but to cultivate a practice you can enjoy for years to come.
Hey Bali News encourages all visitors and residents to approach their wellness journey with balance. If you’re experiencing persistent pain or unusual symptoms, consult a medical professional before continuing your training.
