A Bodybuilder's Guide to Las Vegas

A Bodybuilder’s Guide to Las Vegas

We're all in Vegas for the same reason, to watch the annual Mr. Olympia competition. And we've all purchased our VIP show tickets (*hint hint*), and expo tickets. But what is there to do in Vegas when you're not at the Orleans Hotel or at the Las Vegas Convention Centre? Good question! Here's a comprehensive list of where to train, where to eat, where to get a tattoo, where to cure your hangover, and a myriad of other endless possibilities for Vegas fun!

Where to Train

City Athletic Club - 7980 W Sahara Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89117
This gym will be jam-packed with hot, tanned, oiled-up, amateur and pro men and women! It's the place to see and be seen if you’re doing a photo shoot (we’d know, because that’s where MUSCLE INSIDER is booking its shoots!). There are two floors, tons of both cardio and weight training equipment (the largest free weight selection in Las Vegas), and a whole section in the back for boxing and CrossFit. It’s a five-star gym with all the amenities and luxuries; it’s actually the only Las Vegas health club to receive the prestigious Condé Nast Five Star distinction. It’s 48,000 square feet of awesomeness. Go.

Las Vegas Athletic Club - 3830 E Flamingo Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89121
There are seven LVAC locations, but this is the one where you’ll see the majority of pros and fitness celebs. They have a top-tier weight-training area, a massive and ridiculous assortment of the best equipment available on the planet. They also have private women’s gyms, which are apparently the best in the business. Some locations have pools, Jacuzzis, saunas, kids’ playrooms, and juice bars with incredible, healthy, eat-clean snacks and shakes. It’s more of an experience than a gym, really. Check it out for yourself though!

CT Fletcher’s Iron Addicts - 6230 S Decatur Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89118
One of the more recent additions to CT Fletcher’s Iron Addicts gym chain (it actually opened on the Olympia weekend in 2015), this Las Vegas location has the right combination of cutting-edge equipment and old-school training environment. Iron Addicts LV is one of the premier gyms in Las Vegas, and because it’s just slightly off the strip, it should be quiet enough there … unless, of course, a pro like Kai Greene (or any one of CT Fletcher’s other IFBB pro friends) drops by. It’s got everything from powerlifting to CrossFit equipment. It’s a must to check out.

Where to Eat

Protein House - 9555 S Eastern Ave Suite 125, Las Vegas, NV 89123
See Larissa Reis and a host of other notable IFBB pros at this restaurant that has health-conscious fitness enthusiasts in mind! Whether you’re juggling a busy schedule and ordering to go, you’ve got some down time and you’re dining in, you’re an athlete looking for the perfect fuel, or you’re just doing your best to stay close to your meal plan this weekend, Protein House is a place where the food is outstanding in both taste and nutrition, prepared as you would if you had the time. It offers a menu designed with the professional athlete/ fitness lifestyle in mind, as well as a “build your own” option. They only use the finest and most unique selection of ingredients, blended with an acute sense of preparation and presentation every time!

The Buffet at Wynn - 3131 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109
When you type “Best buffet in Las Vegas” into Google, The Buffet at Wynn Las Vegas turns up on the first page—several times. And for good reason. Wynn takes your standard buffet and turns it up a notch. The buffet features 120 new dishes prepared in smaller portions, so you can try a little of everything. You get dishes like Frank Sinatra’s family recipe of spaghetti and meatballs, Jonah crab claws, and Guinness-braised short ribs, but also gourmet, made-to-order items such as Peking duck buns and fresh sushi. Be sure to save enough room for dessert. There are a whopping 39 options including sticky toffee pudding, an assortment of unique gelato, cakes, cookies, and pastries, and even sugar-free options.

Andiamo Italian Steakhouse - 301 Fremont St, Las Vegas, NV 89101-5600
We’ll get to the actual steakhouse in a minute, but before we do, you need to go to Fremont Street. Fremont Street in and of itself is an incredible entertainment and gaming destination in the heart of the world’s most exciting city. It’s a five-block entertainment district, and the site of the “original” Vegas strip. It’s got that old Vegas feel, but they’ve managed to modernize it with a 1,500-foot-long screen ceiling and a zip line inside. Located inside El Cortez Hotel and Casino, Andiamo prides itself on American Prime with Italian flavour. You can indulge in premium American steaks and irresistible Italian favourites that will keep you coming back for more. Homemade Italian breads, award-winning sauces, and handmade pasta are made with the freshest ingredients and prepared from scratch every day.

Where to Party During the Day

Pool parties are huge in Vegas, for obvious reasons: One, beautiful people love pools, and two, it’s frickin’ 100 degrees all the time in the desert. So why not make the most of your weekend and kill two birds with one stone: see world-famous DJs along with hundreds of other hot bodies and cool off in a pool. There are two places you’ll want to find yourself during the day if you have nothing to do, and want to hit the hottest pool parties in Vegas:

Wet Republic - MGM Grand, 3799 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109
The MGM Grand is as historic and famous as Vegas itself, and its pool parties are just as legendary. There’s one giant saltwater pool, and six private VIP dipping pools. Wet Republic also has an open-air lounge that’s more than a quarter the length of a football field. Did we mention that only the best DJs play at Wet Republic year-round, and the Olympia weekend is no different? DJ Shift is coming down to spin on Friday, Steve Aoki hits the tables Saturday, and the Endless Sundays with Dada Life take over the airways on Sunday. If you’re not familiar with these names, consider another venue—this one isn’t for you.

Encore Beach Club - Encore, 3131 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109
This is a total see-and-be-seen venue, featuring a three-tiered pool complex that is lushly landscaped with pagoda showers, “lily pad” water lounges, cabanas, and eight ultraluxe two-story bungalows. This is where the beautiful people go to pool party during the day. And the Olympia weekend is full of famous DJs to provide the soundtrack to your day. On Friday, Grandtheft is performing at noon (then Flosstradamus at night). If you show up on Saturday, you’ll get to see David Guetta (!!!), and if you’re not too hung over by Sunday, Zedd is DJing at noon. World famous DJs right in front of you!

Where to Party at Night

Second only to where to go during the day, is where to party at night! Don’t go too crazy, because we want you to enjoy the expo and shows as much as possible, but if you think you can pull off being both a night owl and an early bird, then check out these nighttime hot spots.

Omnia - Caesars Palace, 3570 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109
OMNIA spans 75,000 total square feet. That’s probably the biggest dance floor you’ve ever seen. We could just stop there, but there’s more. The multi-level venue encompasses a seductive ultra-lounge, a high-energy main room and mezzanine, as well as a breathtaking rooftop garden showcasing panoramic views of the Las Vegas Strip. The weekend of the Olympia, OMNIO has a special treat: The Chainsmokers are performing on Friday, and Afrojack on Saturday. This is a massive funfest, and you need to check out the club voted “Best New Nightclub” by the Vegas Magazine Awards in 2015.

XS Night Club - Encore 3131 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109
Inspired by the sexy curves of the human body, XS Las Vegas provides an elegant and passionate club environment that surrounds Encore’s sparkling pool. XS nightclub is located at the Encore hotel, and has been named the number one nightclub in the United States by Nightclub & Bar’s Top 100 for an unprecedented five years. XS is the place to be for two special reasons on the Olympia weekend: Saturday night, they’re hosting the afterparty where the pros will be! That’s first and foremost. Secondly, David Guetta is spinning Friday and Sunday, and Zedd is DJ’ing Saturday night.

What Else to Do

Celeb Sightings
Orleans Hotel - 4500 W Tropicana Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89103
The Orleans is a Mardi Gras-themed casino hotel located 1.5 miles from the Strip. The Orleans proudly offers 1,886 beautifully appointed rooms and suites, but also fine dining, casual dining, and an ultra casual food court which has restaurants open 24/7. Oh, did we mention the Orleans is also home to the Mr. Olympia?! The show itself takes place at the Orleans arena, but you can catch any/all of the IFBB pros at the Athletes’ Meet & Greet, the athletes’ press conference, or just chilling in the lobby or by the pool all weekend. Either way, all you have to do is hang out at the hotel, and you’re bound to run into someone you recognize!

Shoot Guns
Bullets and Burgers - 3113 W Tompkins Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89103
Shoot a .50 caliber and fire a wide range of fully automatic machine guns and specialty weapons at a private outdoor range just outside Las Vegas. Your tour guide picks you up from your hotel and will then drive you out to the Hoover Dam Bridge where you will have a 15-minute photo and video opportunity. Then you shoot kick-ass guns. And to top it off, lunch is included inside the World Famous Arizona Last Stop restaurant located onsite. Burgers and Bullets—it doesn’t get any better.

24-Hour Tanning
Bodyheat - Dozens of locations throughout Nevada
Just do a quick Google search for “Bodyheat tanning Las Vegas” and you’ll see all 22 locations. Pick one near your hotel, and show up … anytime. This 24/7 chain was voted Best Tanning Salon in Vegas, and it probably has something to do with its “No Orange Guarantee” (self explanatory) and “Fresh Lamp Guarantee.” This place is a win—any time of day.

24-Hour Nail Salons
24 Nail - 4075 S Durango Dr Las Vegas, NV 89147 and AMPM Nail Salon 3135 Sammy Davis Jr Dr Las Vegas, NV 89109
Don’t need to say much about these places … if you’re getting your nails done outside of the hours of 9 am and 9 pm, then you probably have your reasons. Try out these highly ranked salons. Just make sure you make an appointment in advance.

Anti Aging Clinic
Ageless Forever Anti-Aging, Growth Hormone, TRT, Weight Loss Clinic - 6020 S. Rainbow Blvd. Suite C, Las Vegas NV 89118
AgeLess Forever is a great place to get your hormones tested to see if the doctor on site thinks you could benefit from a legal prescription of steroids or GH. This particular facility specializes in testosterone, growth hormone, bioidentical HRT, weight loss, cool sculpting, and pretty much anything and everything else related to looking leaner, better looking, and younger!

Tattoos
Hart and Huntington - Hard Rock Hotel 4455 Paradise Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89169
Carey Hart is a Motocross superstar, the inventor of the “Hart Attack” trick, Pink’s husband, and also the man behind Hart & Huntington tattoo parlour. Hart & Huntington features some of the best resident tattoo artists in the country. Whether you’re an ink veteran or an ink virgin, the crew at Hart & Huntington will help you make things permanent with skill and precision … and maybe a tequila shot.

Hangover Cures
Hangover Heaven - 3281 S. Highland Dr., Suite 806, Las Vegas, NV 89109
If you’ve spent a night drinking, chances are you’re going to be hung over in the morning—and if you’re hung over, you’re dehydrated. Hangover Heaven has used IV therapy to treat tens of thousands of tourists for hangovers in Las Vegas. Dr. Burke and his team are experts at IV hangover cures, IV vitamin therapy, and IV hydration. They have basic IV packages for mild, nuisance hangovers, and premium hangover cure packages for severe hangovers. Moral of the story: If you’re going to go out at night, then go in to see Dr. Burke.

(Note: All photos courtesy of the business' Facebook page)