Expanded Hotel Fitness Review: MGM Grand
The View from My Room at the MGM Grand Las Vegas - Christian Pizarro | CP Personal Training
Location: Las Vegas, NV
Dates of Visit: April 15-17, 2023
Disclaimer: I received no compensation for writing this review from the hotel.
One reason I can write these hotel fitness center reviews is my other career as a filmmaker. I tell those who ask what I do for work that when I’m not in the gym or helping clients online, I’m on set behind the camera telling stories through a lens. This also means more travel for projects and conferences.
The red Bicycle Media team attends the NAB Show every April in Las Vegas to explore the newest production technologies and network with other filmmakers and companies whose equipment we utilize. As the team's travel planner, I can choose which hotels to stay at and experience. Two years ago, we stayed at the MGM Grand, which is the topic of this blog entry. With the trade show over a month away, I will describe and display what to expect when you work out at their facility.
Please note that this is a review of the MGM Grand’s fitness center, which is separate from the facility inside The Signature at MGM Grand.
The Hotel
A Vegas landmark since the early 90s, the MGM Grand has hosted some of the biggest events in the world, especially with some of the biggest boxing bouts and concerts at the Grand Garden Arena attached to the resort. With its can’t-miss green and gold exterior and over 5,000-room capacity, it is a must-stay for tourists. Fun Fact: The theme was based on The Wizard of Oz, a film produced by MGM.
The resort is on the south end of the Strip, a walk from most of the resorts on Las Vegas Boulevard. However, it is a stop on the Las Vegas Monorail, which connects guests to the rest of the Strip and the Convention Center. The resort boasts the largest TopGolf facility in the world, a popular nightclub (Hakkasan), and Cirque du Soleil’s KA.
The Fitness Experience
Location: Inside the MGM Grand Spa and Salon, next to the pool entrance.
Hours: Mon - Sun, 7:00 am - 6:00 pm
This is one of two fitness centers on the property. The other is inside the Signature at MGM Grand section, whose entrance is next to the Spa. They are strict about opening at 7 am, so we waited outside the entrance until then. After walking down tranquil hallways, I arrived at the relatively small facility.
The Review
Cardio - 1/1
Like most places, cardio is a high priority when equipping these facilities. They used TRUE Fitness equipment, featuring LED screens and wireless charging capabilities. Treadmills and ellipticals lined the windows, offering views of the pool and palm trees. Bikes and stair climbers were added behind them. The variety and abundance made it worth a full-star score.
Weights - 0.8/1
I’m a fan of the Iron Grip brand, so seeing their dumbbells being used is already a plus. They have enough for the space, as they at least go up to 75-pound pairs. They also had TRX-branded kettlebells, although not many and were only singles up to 30 pounds. Yes, I am a stickler with kettlebell availability since it is a great alternative to dumbbells, especially if the weight you want is taken. With that said, MGM still gets a 0.8 for quality and quantity of dumbbells.
Space - 0.7/1
It was a modern and beach-like setting, with white walls and light wood accents surrounding the square-shaped space. However, as large as the resort was and the number of guests it could accommodate, I was surprised that this space was not larger. I understand that most visitors will not exercise on their Vegas excursion, but there’s still a good fraction that will and may have to wait long for machines and equipment to open up. There was enough space to walk around, but I felt that there was more to be desired. It was much bigger than Mandalay Bay and Paris, but it does not compare to how spacious The Venetian and Resorts World were.
Amenities - 0.6/1
To clarify, this does not include the spa’s offerings. If you are looking for towels, you are at the right place, as a tower of them rolled up were readily available next to twelve small lockers. A weight scale, hand sanitizing station, filtered water, and a vending machine with sports and energy drinks for sale rounded out the amenity portion of the review. For the drinks, you would be better off walking to CVS, Walgreens, or an ABC Store for cheaper and more variety of options. I felt that there should have been more available with the reputation of the brand, as I can find a similar setup at a Home2 or a Tru by Hilton.
Other Equipment - 1/1
Along with Cybex machines and adjustable benches, there is a corner of the room with TRX-branded equipment, including slam balls, kettlebells, and their world-famous suspension bands. It also has a pull-up bar, mats, medicine balls, a multi-height box for jumps, and Yes4All weighted bars. A Smith machine for bench presses, squats, and other power lifts is also available for use. The variety, alone, calls for a perfect score in this category.
Final Grade: 4.1⭐
Conclusion
I would agree with some of the Vegas vloggers, who also have highlighted fitness centers on the Strip and Downtown, that this facility is smaller than expected. However, I think the variety and quality of equipment available would rank the MGM Grand fitness center “above-average.” If you choose to stay here and want to work out, I would recommend going first thing in the morning or after lunch. I also understand that you do not go to Vegas to work out! So, have fun, but you have a viable option if you want to break a sweat or take a break from your conference/bachelor(ette) party.
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References
https://mgmgrand.mgmresorts.com/en/amenities/spa-and-salon.html
