The Insider: Where to Workout in Las Vegas
There are two types of people that show up in Las Vegas: those who do stick to their workout routine even while they travel (yes, they do exist) and the people who realize they’ve eaten about 1,000 extra calories since they’ve been in town and they could really use a sweat session.
So whether you’re a die-hard gym fan or a “get it in whenever it fits in” kind of person, here’s the lowdown on the hotels that have some of the best fitness centers. Oh and remember you are in Las Vegas, so extra special treatment is a must, most gyms offer towels, cold water, apples, magazines and the like.
Plus it’s a new year and with that comes new resolutions which for many starts with getting on track with a new workout plan to feel better and work off the holiday season gluttony of sweets and treats.
Vdara Las Vegas is ideal for the gym junkie. Aside from being plastered with mirrors, so you can watch the pump set in, the fitness center has new weight machines and free-weights for sculpting and heavy lifting, as well as seven treadmills, four elliptical and stationary bikes courtesy of Cybex (personal TVs and iPod connectivity included). Along with top-notch equipment the space is filled with medicine balls and swiss balls for those people who are all about core strength. This facility makes a morning circuit training session a cinch. And you can ask for things like headphones, towels, newspapers, magazines and water. One of our favorite things about this facility is that you can request a personal trainer, which is ideal if you want a workout, but aren’t sure where to start. Free for guests, small fee for outside guests.
Ever head the words “elegant” and “gym” in the same sentence? You have now. The most swanky gym on the Strip would have to be at Encore Las Vegas. Aside from the usual suspects--treadmills, ellipticals, recumbent and upright bikes--the fitness center here is outfitted in classic “Wynn fashion,” with lavish lighting, natural hardwood floors and luxurious accents all around. Here you’ll find two oversized studios that offer spinning, yoga, pilates and conditioning classes. Did someone tone up before a game of Black Jack? Yup. The Encore fitness facility boasts a huge variety of strength training equipment by Cybex and free weights. Looks like you won’t have to skip that back workout after all. Almost forgot to mention, mid-week the hotel offers poolside yoga and all week long you can work side-by-side with a trainer. Stay here and you’ll be a model by the end of your visit.
It’s no surprise that the “golden child” of CityCenter, Aria Resort & Casino Las Vegas, would host an outrageous workout facility, one that’s filled with state-of-the-art cardio equipment and a wealth of weight training machines. But probably the biggest appeal here are the programs that you can take part in while you stay at Aria. There’s a Wellness Program, which includes a body fat testing and a program designed around a full-body workout. Then there’s the Sport Therapeutic Stretch. With this program you get a one-on-one full body stretch that designed to improve your posture and strengthen your muscles. It’s kind of a post-workout must. And let’s not forget the private training sessions offered at Aria. Go for a one-on-one deal or train with a friend. The group classes are rigorous too and recommended if you’re trying to sweat out last night’s woes.
If you’re going to party at Hard Rock Hotel Las Vegas, you better have to body to go with it. Work on your fitness at their fitness center, which mirrors your hometown club with lots of space and plasmas on the wall. There’s a long aisle of cardio equipment along with several weight machines, row machines and a Smith machine, which you don’t usually find in a hotel gym. They like to consider themselves, the “no excuses” spot in town. And that’s pretty accurate. There’s nothing over-the-top about this fitness center, but it offers guests a chance to get in a good workout before they hit the pool.
If you’re the type that wants to get a little movement, but hitting up your hotel gym or paying to use a nearby gym isn’t quite what you were thinking, head out for a morning run or a brisk walk down the good old Las Vegas Strip. There’s a wealth of scenery, which will make this a run (or walk) like no other and the sidewalks are wide so you’ll have plenty of room to move. Also, you’ll find that during the early morning hours (not 4am, but around 6am) the Strip is fairly peaceful with few people standing around so your workout will go uninterrupted for the most part.
