You’re probably staying at the MGM Grand for the spectacle. The massive lion, the labyrinthine casino floor, or maybe a residency at the Garden Arena. But then morning hits, and the reality of a three-day Vegas bender starts to sink in. You need to sweat.
Most people assume the MGM Grand Las Vegas fitness center is just another cramped hotel gym tucked into a basement. Honestly, it’s a bit more complicated than that. Depending on which tower you’re in or what kind of room you booked, your workout experience is going to vary wildly. It’s not just one room with a couple of rusty treadmills.
The Main Event: The Grand Spa Fitness Center
If you are staying in the main MGM Grand tower, you’re heading to the second floor. This is where the primary fitness facility lives, right next to the Grand Spa.
First thing you’ll notice? It’s bright. The walls are cream-toned, and there’s a lot of natural light, which is a godsend in a city where you can go three days without seeing the sun. It covers about 30,000 square feet if you count the spa area, but the actual gym floor is a dedicated slice of that.
The equipment is mostly high-end stuff. We’re talking:
- Cybex strength machines that actually feel smooth.
- Iron Grip dumbbells that go up to 75 or 80 lbs (good enough for most, though heavy lifters might pout).
- A decent row of Life Fitness and Precor cardio machines.
The "tired" factor is real, though. While the hotel recently dumped millions into refreshing nearly 4,000 rooms, the gym didn't get the same facelift. It’s functional. It’s clean. But if you’re expecting a boutique CrossFit box or a futuristic Equinox vibe, you might be slightly disappointed. It feels like a very high-quality gym from about ten years ago.
Hours and the "Morning Rush"
It opens at 6:00 AM and usually shutters by 6:00 PM. That’s a sticking point for a lot of people. If you’re a night owl who wants to burn off a late dinner at 11:00 PM, you’re out of luck here.
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And let’s talk about the 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM window. It gets packed. With over 5,000 rooms on the property, even if only 2% of guests decide to work out, that’s 100 people fighting over a handful of Smith machines. If you can swing a post-lunch workout around 1:00 PM, you’ll basically have the place to yourself.
The Secret Option: The Signature Towers
Here’s where things get interesting. If you’re staying at The Signature at MGM Grand (the three gold towers behind the main property), you actually have it better.
Each of the Signature towers has its own fitness center. They are smaller, sure, but they are open 24/7.
If you are a guest at the main MGM Grand, you usually can’t just wander over and use the Signature gyms. They are strict about those room keys. But if you value a midnight treadmill session over a massive selection of weight machines, the Signature is the better play for fitness junkies.
The Cost: Is It Actually Free?
This is the "Vegas math" part. Access to the MGM Grand Las Vegas fitness center is included in your daily resort fee.
Wait. Don't get too excited.
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While the "gym" is included, the "spa" facilities are not. If you want to use the steam room, the sauna, or the whirlpools to soak your aching muscles after a lift, you usually have to pay for a spa treatment or buy a day pass. Usually, these passes are only available if the spa isn't fully booked with treatments.
Staying Well (Literally)
If you’re serious about your health and hate the smell of old cigarette smoke that clings to the casino floor, look into the Stay Well rooms.
These aren't just a marketing gimmick. They are located on specific floors and include air purification systems, Vitamin C-infused shower heads (which sounds fake but actually feels great on your skin), and specialized lighting to help with jet lag.
The best perk? Stay Well guests often get "concierge" style access to wellness programs and sometimes separate areas, though the gym itself remains the communal one on the second floor.
The "Hidden" Cardio: The Lap Pool
Most people go to the MGM Grand pool complex to drink mojitos in the Lazy River. But there’s a specific pool—the Producer’s Pool—that often has dedicated lap lanes.
It’s about 30 meters long.
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If the weather is nice (and it’s not mid-winter when they shut most of the pools down), this is the best workout on the property. It’s quiet, it’s intense, and it beats staring at a TV screen on a stationary bike. Just check the seasonal hours, as the pool deck operates on a much more fluctuating schedule than the gym.
Practical Advice for Your Workout
If you're heading down to the gym tomorrow, keep these things in mind.
First, bring your room key. They check it. No key, no entry.
Second, the water situation is okay—they have dispensers—but the vending machine prices for Gatorade are offensive. Walk to the CVS or Walgreens on the Strip the night before and stock up for $2 instead of $9.
Third, if the gym is too crowded, remember that the MGM Grand is one of the largest hotels in the world. A round-trip walk from the West Wing to the Signature Towers and back is nearly two miles. It’s not a "workout," but in Vegas, every step counts.
Your Game Plan
- Time it right: Go between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM to avoid the convention crowd.
- Dress the part: They are surprisingly strict about athletic shoes. Don't show up in pool slides.
- Check the Signature: if you’re a 24/7 gym person, book your room in Towers 1, 2, or 3, not the main Grand tower.
- Use the app: The MGM Resorts app sometimes lists updated hours if there’s a private event or holiday change.
The MGM Grand Las Vegas fitness center isn't going to win "Gym of the Year," but for a resort of this scale, it’s a solid, reliable place to keep your routine from falling apart. Just don't expect to find a squat rack at 2:00 AM unless you're staying at the Signature.