The gym to my heart
We’ve had a blast in Vegas, but it’s time to say “see ya later”- we’ll be back very, very soon.
Good times with great friends,
(and fur friends)
amaaaaaazing food
(for the record, Yard House has ridiculous nachos)
and only one trip to the strip for breakfast- I didn’t miss it at all. When the Pilot told me that we could meet him in Vegas for a work event, I was really worried about staying on the strip with a baby. I LOVE the hotels and casinos, but it felt like it would be stimulation overload for Liv, and I hate all of the cigarette smoke. Even though many casinos and hotels are now smoke-free, I would still be worrying about her little lungs.
I was so excited when Jeni offered for us to stay with her, especially since I knew I’d want to hang out with her as much as possible. She lives in Summerlin, which is like it’s own contained little city- it has everything you could ever wish for. Lots of shopping, restaurants, casinos/resorts, and a gym that made my brain explode (and my muscles twitch in excitement to try every possible class).
We worked out at Lifetime Fitness, which is the epitome of sports club/spa. Jeni is a member, and I picked up a week pass for $50.
I talked a little bit about it in this post, but here are some pics.
The indoor rock-climbing wall
one of the pools
the cafe
rows of strength machines and cardio equipment, as far as the eyes can see
hot yoga studio.
I had the chance to take a yoga class while we were in town, in addition to Saturday’s fun, and it was an awesome treat. The room was heated (swoon), and the instructor went through different series, cranked up the music and gave us the chance to flow at our own pace. I got to do a lot of my favorite poses, stretch and sweat. The instructor also walked around helping us get deeper into poses, which I always love.
I’m a huge fan of what I’ve seen of Lifetime Fitness so far- hopefully we’ll get one in Tucson one of these days!
For now, we’re leaving on a jet plane.
See ya in Tucson <3
xoxo
Gina
Something to talk about: What’s your current gym routine like? If you don’t have a gym membership, what’s your favorite way to get in a workout? I love workout DVDs and other at-home workout options. Has anyone else tried out local gyms while on vacation? Many gyms offer one or two-week trial memberships for free, or will give you a pass to try out the gym at a discounted rate.
Something to read:
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That rock-climbing wall looks insane, in a good way!
Last time I did it, I was about…12?
Might be time to give it another try.
Sounds like you had an amazing trip!
Wow – that looks like an amazing gym. I have a free gym at the condos I live at and although it is very tiny (basically just a little room w/2 ellipticals, 2 treadmills, 1 bike, weights, and 1 or 2 other machines), I don’t find that I need to spend money on a gym membership b/c it is usually empty. I also enjoy working out at home (I have a treadmill and Insanity). I have a question for you though! I would love to try yoga at a studio, but I am super nervous. I have only done yoga dvd’s, never at a gym, in a class, or w/anyone else. A yoga studio near me offers the first class free and I really want to try it. I can’t find anyone who would like to go with me so I’m very nervous to do it alone. Do you think I would be laughed out of the studio since I’m new at it, or do you think it will be too much for me to keep up with? I just need advice. I would love to get into yoga but I guess I’m self conscious.
My gym is teeny tiny, which I don’t always love. I love a huge gym like Lifetime where I can get lost in the crowds. In fact, there are many times where I skip a weigh sesh because the weights area is too crowded/I feel intimidated lifting weights in front of others. I’d love to join Lifetime and do all the fun classes, but financially, cannot justify it right now.
When I’m not hitting up the gym I’ll do a tabata routine (love Tabata Thursdays!) at home or pop in a yoga dvd and zen out.
Wow!!! What an amazing gym! I love trying out new gyms when I travel!
I need to go back to Vegas just for those nachos!
Totally agree with you on the ridiculousness of the Yard House nachos! Ate at YH while on vacay in South FL a few weeks ago. Pretty amazing food all around!
I was a member at lifetime for awhile, and it was pretty fantastic. I moved across town and there really isn’t a super convenient one to my new place so I switched. I particularly love the locker rooms at lifetime. Clean fluffy white towels are far as the eye can see! I also liked that the treadmills and machines are spaced out a bit, it’s nice to have a bit of your own space so you don’t have to feel like you are on top of someone else while working out.
I’ve never tried a gym while travelling, but I have done a few drop-in yoga classes. It’s always fun to see different teachers.
We have a lifetime fitness in Atlanta, within walking distance of my clinic, and I wanted to badly to join, but the fees were 299.00 initiation and 150.00 per month membership fee, though there was no contract, but you have to give 60 days notice to quit. Everything was additional charges as well, so I can do a 3 day per week Bikram membership AND a 2x per week Crossfit for cheaper.
They also only allow one day to work out to try the facility. And they do not offer any work wellness programs, my chief physician was going to pro-rate part of the membership if they would decrease it by 15-20% and they were pretty much astounded I even asked if they participated and said “all of their clients pay the SAME, no one client is more special than the next client”, his exact words, and with a bit of disdain. Lifetime is AMAZING as a facility, but the price pared with the attitude, not for me. And ours didn’t even have the awesome rock climbing wall!
By the way, have you tried the Gympact app? I downloaded it this weekend and am giving it a shot, though I didn’t put my goal in by midnight Sunday night, so this week doesn’t count. Getting paid to go to the gym sounds nice, and I haven’t read any negative reviews (except those who miss their targeted days and got charged) so I wondered if you, as a fitness insider, had any feedback.
Lifetime is awesome, but unfortunately they’re not all THAT awesome! I used to belong to a Lifetime, but there are different levels of Lifetime gyms, ranging from not-so-nice to holy-I-could-live-here. Mine had a cafe, spa, nice pool, great cardio equipment but no yoga! I belong to CorePower Yoga now… LOVE.
Seriously, that gym is probably the nicest I’ve ever seen! WOWzas! And a hot yoga studio inside?! That is legit. Glad you guys had fun. I still have great memories of breakfast at Mon Ami Gabi thanks to your recommendation of it on the blog.
I travel a lot for work and always use this website for fitness ideas! https://www.gorecess.com/
You type in the city and state you’re in and what kind of workout you’re in the mood for and it lists all the classes being offered at various gyms in that area. You can even book a class through the website. Even if I don’t see a class I like, it’s good to get ideas of different gyms to check out and see if I can get a day pass. Hope this is helpful for all the other travelers out there!
That gym is gorgeous! I am currently getting all my workouts in at home or the local public pool. But I have a great arsenal of workout equipment at home, and tons of DVD’s. My newest obsession is my GaiamTV.com membership. They have tons of videos available, yoga to zumba type worktouts. They have everything. Really helps me stave off boredom!
~Cat
I love being active on vacation – it’s my de-stressing, “me” time!
I’ve been living somewhere temporarily this summer for an internship, and I’ve been using free trials from 24 hr gyms in the area to get me through the last month. I go to the gym to do my running on the treadmill, and then I workout at home the other days doing yoga dvds. When I go back to school I plan on doing zumba again and maybe even swimming. At the new rec center at my school there is a rock climbing wall too, and it looks awesome. I plan on trying it out this year!
Have a safe flight home 🙂
Sounds like a wonderful week!!! I rarely comment on blogs (although I love yours!) but I have to say I am a member of Lifetime and it’s definitely worth the expensive price tag-$70/month for me. BUT I had a horrible experience when my husband was deployed. They automatically started charging him again (after having stopped when we filled out the required paperwork) and refused to refund the fees (even with orders!!!) and some of the staff members were so mean about it, I was in tears. They actually had the nerve to tell me I should be happy that he’s not being treated the same way Vets were after Vietnam. Like gee thanks. What a consolation. Anyway, finally the right manager straightened things out but Lifetime Fitness as a company is not the least bit military friendly. They don’t care about orders and still require 60 days notice for anything. It’s really more than that because it also depends on their billing cycles!
It’s been hard because I feel so strongly about their poor behavior/policies but I also LOVE the actual gym! : (
I have a gym membership where I live in Alexandria, VA & I love it. I’m working with a personal trainer there and she is awesome and because I’m doing personal training my membership is free… Love that part. That gym looks awesome! When I don’t go to the gym I do Zumba from a local place & they are pretty awesome & when the whether is nice walk/run/jog outside as well. I love outdoor workouts when I can get them!
Wow, now THAT is a gym!! I love it! I looked back at your Vegas recap and it looks like you guys had a lovely time. I’ve never been to a Lifetime in the US before (I live in Canada) but I’ve heard great things about the locations, and I’ve also heard that Equinox is a pretty impressive one as well. My gym is the one that I teach at, and usually my routine involves teaching on Mon, my own cardio and strength sessions on Tues, Thurs, and Fri, teaching in addition to cross training and weights on Wednesday, and an outdoor run on Saturday (that’s like my no-gym day right now while the weather is nice!) Sunday is all about rest, or active rest. Lately I’ve been getting into hot yoga again and my bod is loving it!
Summerlin is my Hood! That Lifetime really is amazing. I toured once but their membership fees are insane. If you are out again try Vegas Hot . They have amazing classes there that you would probably like. Or if you come when it’s cooler there are some amazing hiking trails.
Just last month I injured myself hiking on vacation in the Rocky Mountains. So, that meant the last week and a half of vacay, I couldn’t hike. I thought I’d go crazy not doing anything, so I joined the local gym in Steamboat Springs, and did upper body stuff. Best decision–kept me strong and sane. 🙂
I just joined a gym and met with a personal trainer to get me started. He had me do lots of modifications on exercises because I’m weak (ha ha) but I am excited to see how I’ll progress over the months to come!
I am a Lifetime member in MN and they are so amazing. Expensive but so worth it for the amenities!
I am a member at Lifetime too and I LOVE IT! It’s more expensive than other gyms, but so worth it because my boyfriend and I actually go! I love their classes and their indoor and outdoor pools are amazing for my boyfriend’s son. Their group ex is fantastic- my faves are HIIT classes, Insanity-inspired cardio/weights class, and a Zumba class that fills 2 whole gyms. If you ever get one in Tucson, you HAVE to join!
I LOVE gyms with great classes and good equipment! That climbing gym rocks!!
I’m a LT member in Kansas City and also love it! I think our gym is the same level as the one you went to in Vegas. Our prices are actually pretty low (in comparison to other commenters) no sign-up fee and about $55 per person (or $110 per month for my hubby and I), and that’s a family plan. So we could add as many kids as we want and the price would not go up. The place truly is amazing. A lot of my mom friends have admitted to just going to LT and using the 2 hour child care for 2 hours in the cafe. HAHA.
I’m a Lifetime Fitness member, it actually started here in MN. There are gyms alllll over the Twin Cities metro area. They are great! I think I’ll love it more when I have children and can drop my kids off in their awesome childcare for up to 2 hours a day 😉
If you are strapped for time and can’t get out of the house to work out, INSANITY is probably the best at home workout I have found. Definitely worth every penny.
Hearing you talk about Vegas is making me realize I am in serious need of a vacation. Looks like fun, I love Vegas.
Lifetime Fitness is awesome! I attended an Empower Fitness Conference at one in Parker, Colorado. Holy Cow!!! I was in heaven! In addition to all you mentioned, it also had an Aveda Salon and Spa. I love taking fitness classes while on vacation. It gives me new choreography ideas for my class and an opportunity to see different talent at work. I haven’t used my gym membership for 3 1/2 years now. My Beachbody DVDs have eliminated my need for the gym and I’ve been able to build up my home gym with some nice space in our garage. It’s worked great for me.
OMG this is ine great GYM, I wish we would have something like that close to my house!
Great post! That gym looks really nice. Wish I had something like that nearby! I workout at home all the time and alternate that with running. I actually just published a workout review on a Jillian Michaels DVD on my blog today, but it’s in German!
Greetings from Hannover,
Vicky
Those nachos look incredible!
I have three really young children so I have to fit in my workouts around them. We have a very basic gym set up in our cellar and I tend to do a workout down there after they are in bed. Lately, I’ve been doing lots of different workouts that I’ve found on Pinterest. I like to workout without music to make the most of the quiet time. It can be difficult to fit workouts in but I try to make the time.
i cant tell — is that a great dane or just a big lab??? he looks so cuddly!
a big lab! whiskey 🙂 i love him so much
Does anyone have any suggestions for good workout DVDs? Something that’s got maybe a cardio and strength training mix? That doesn’t require too much equipment beyond weights and a stability ball? I’ve never bought any before and there is SO much out there — I don’t know where to begin! Thanks!
What a nice looking gym and glad you got the time with Jeni and the trip/time with Pilot and Liv did great – a win on all fronts!
$50 for a week!! OUCH!!
I manage a small gym and we only offer group fitness classes – including Zumba, Belly Fit, and then a ton of BTS classes such as Group Power, Group Kick, Group Centergy, Group Active – we have about 40 classes on the schedule during the week… it’s great – however our membership is currently only $50 per month!!! I guess we’re pretty small town though!!
That gym looks amazing! And that’s so cool that it has a rock climbing wall. I’ve been really wanting to do that this summer, but I’ve been too lazy to drive out to the rock climbing gym. It would be so handy if there was one located in my own gym!
I used to work out at Lifetime Fitness and miss it so much! My favorite part was the outdoor pool and water slide! MY current workout routine is 3 days a week of bootcamp, 1 full body workout day and a heavy leg and shoulder day.
One of my fellow dietitians works for Lifetime Fitness in Chicago and loves it. I just love that it offers so much beyond fitness.
you’re right- i really think they help members make it a part of their lifestyle
I always look forward to working out on vacation. Last time we went to Vegas and stayed at the Palazzo. I worked out at Canyon Ranch Spa and loved it! We are taking our two kids on the Disney Crusie to the Carribean in October and I am giddy about their spa/fitness area…lol
I live within 30 mins. of two Lifetime gyms and have looked into it but I would never drive that far for a workout, even back when 2 hours/day of childcare was a dream idea. Their child area here is amazing and the outdoor pools have big water slides. I didn’t know they did hot yoga. Very cool.
I guess you couldn’t get a free 7 day ‘check it out’ pass without a local ID, huh? That’s an expensive guest pass!
Please you had a good time angel 🙂
My gym routine is a little crazy as I LOVE the gym and have a hard time leaving but I mix it up with spin class, yoga, pilates and swimming. I haven’t done a dvd in ages but I love Jillian Michaels who you are responsible for introducing me to missy 😉 so thanks for that!
Big hugs xxx
Last time I was in Vegas there was so much smoke I literally turned green and sick the next day. Glad to hear some places are going smoke free now!
i hate the smoke SO much… i always have to take a shower at night to get the vegas smell out of my hair
When I go on vacation or trips to see my boyfriend (also a military pilot!), I like to do tabata, HIIT, and other equipment-less workouts that are fast and effective! At home, I belong to a gym that I use for weight-training and spin class. Beyond that, I like to run and cycle outside.
Glad you and the family had a great time in Vegas! And that gym is seriously a fitness mecca!
I just adore group fitness classes like body attack or else getting outdoors with my music and running! Perfect workout for me as I love to challenge myself, set goals and enjoy the beautiful surrounding. Enjoy your vacation!!
I live in Summerlin and was at Lifetime the same day as you! Next time let’s coordinate and take a class together 😉
no way!! i need to plan a vegas meet up sometime, because quite a few people have said they’re members there. maybe a zumba class?!
I’m so down!!!! 🙂
I am a Life Time Fitness member as well. Love it! The place is amazing and CLEAN. I find the fees to be reasonable, only slightly more than other gyms in the area, but offering a lot more services. Lifetime has a fitness magazine that is really great as well. Glad your trip went well. I love to travel ,but I love coming home. The feeling of walking into my own home is always so relaxing, and that first night back in my own bed is heavenly. Bella will be glad to see you all.
i missed her furry face so much! and yes, it’s always nice to sleep in your own bed, even after such a wonderful trip
lifetime is FANTASTIC. and you’re right, the cleanliness really stands out
We have a Lifetime Fitness, but the rates for me and husband would be double of what we pay at 24hr Fitness. And there we can use all clubs including the super big ones and I work out at different clubs depending if I work out in my lunch hour/ after work/ weekends etc. My mom got a month long membership for $50 at 24hr Super Sport when she was visiting last time. They don’t have a heated Yoga room, but indoor track, multiple pools etc. I’m not sure what the childcare rates are, but I doubt they’ll be high enough to justify switching to Lifetime.
We also have a gym at work, which is nice. It’s small and in the basement with no windows, but it’s good to have the opportunity to get a workout in during lunch break.
Ive belonged to LT for years, i call it my little world haha. Everything you need is packed into one building. BUT its not all perfect, just like with anything else there are issues that come along with it. The biggest issue is the cult that forms, it becomes somewhat of a highschool environment.