THE GYM RAT
The plight of the Gym Rat is perhaps the easiest to resolve, as it can be accomplished without leaving the air-conditioned comfort of your hotel. All MGM MIRAGE hotel-casinos house spas, where you can work your muscles to the point of exhaustion, then treat them to a Swedish massage. Spa Bellagio, for example, offers a full line of weight and cardio machines, as well as free weights, saunas, whirlpools, and relaxation lounges. Some, like the facilities of MGM’s Grand Spa, feature their state of the art Internet access and virtual reality equipment. Others, like The Mirage, offer separate men’s and women’s fitness zones. And most facilities offer by-the-hour personal training.

THE HIKER
If you’re only familiar with the dirt-and-cactus aspects of our desert terrain, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to find the pine-studded slopes of Mount Charleston a mere 45-minute drive from the Las Vegas Strip. As seen from the city, Charleston Peak is the often snowcapped crest to the Northwest. Up close, it is an almost alpine landscape of aspen trees, rocky outcroppings, seasonal waterfalls, and some of Southern Nevada’s finest hiking trails. Hikes range in difficulty from Class 1 (a comfortable walk) to Class 3 (a veritable climbing experience) and are particularly enjoyable in the summer months, when excessive temperatures at the Valley’s lower elevations make other outdoor excursions difficult.

THE CYCLIST
Among avid cyclists, the allure of the Valley’s world-class mountain and road cycling trails may well outshine the excitement of the Strip. To the east, just outside Boulder City, lies Bootleg Canyon, a vast, ski-slope style plot of interconnected mountain bike trails looming in the rocky hillsides above Lake Mead. Boulder City Outfitters provides equipment rentals and guided tours for anyone set to explore what the International Mountain Bike Association has certified as an “Epic Ride.” To the west, you’ll find Red Rock Canyon, perennial favorite of local cycle and desert enthusiasts alike. Its accessibility and stunning walls of striated red rock keep it in the ranks of the Southwest’s most visited natural wonders. Riders rave about its 13-mile Scenic Loop, which skirts the most breathtaking landscapes of the 197,000 acres of national conservation area. Road and mountain bike rentals are available for your excursion through McGhie’s on West Sahara Avenue.

Now that you know where to go for all your workout needs, there is no excuse for passing up that tremendous looking pie from the buffet dessert line.