Swimmer Michael Phelps; gymnast Gabby Douglas; fencer Keeth Smart; tennis pro Rafael Nadal — what do these athletes have in common? They’re all Olympic champions. Whether you play sports to stay fit or simply for the love of the game, go for the gold at our favorite spots.
En garde! Lunge toward your opponent with your foil, saber, or épée in hand. Desert Fencing Academy teaches the physical and psychological skills needed to combat your opponent. Unlike team sports, each fencer’s performance is an individual victory, based on his or her own effort. Learn self-discipline, upper- and lower-body strength, and personal responsibility under the tutelage of head coach Leslie Taft. Desert Fencing Academy offers a number of packages, including introductory lessons, or unlimited monthly use of the facility for a small fee.
My Gym
73760 Dinah Shore Dr., Palm Desert.
760-218-1343; www.desertfencingacademy.com
Dive into Desert Aquaventures. Cathedral City’s premier, year-round indoor swim school teaches infants, children, and adults how to become skilled water babies. Sign up for any of the private or semiprivate American Red Cross–endorsed courses. Each encourages personal water safety.
760-565-8818; desertaquaventures.com
So you think you can tumble? Put your body to the test at The Gymnastics Academy. This Palm Desert gymnasium is a magnet for youngsters and parents who wish to jump, stretch, and flip their way into fitness. Bond with your kids in the facility’s Mommy/Daddy and Me classes, or embrace your inner Olympian with independent lessons.
75400 Gerald Ford Dr., Palm Desert.
760-610-2680.
Break your opponent’s serve and claim your victory at Shadow Mountain Resort & Club. Skilled tennis pros will teach you to lob, ace, and volley the ball over the net. Try Shadow Mountain’s five-hour tennis clinic, which includes a three-hour morning session and a two-hour afternoon session. Private and semiprivate lessons also are available, depending on your skill and comfort level.
45750 San Luis Rey Ave., Palm Desert.
760-346-6123; www.shadowmountainresort.com
X Marks the Spot
Enjoy extreme sports in Greater Palm Springs
Move over, X Games. Desert daredevils are ready to take on the wildest extreme sports right here in the valley. Participate in or learn your favorite adrenaline-fueled activity at these locations.
Skateboarding
Learn tricks from accomplished and novice skaters, or skate this park’s diverse terrain.
Palm Springs Skate Park
405 S. Pavilion Way, Palm Springs.
760-323-8278.
Motorcycle Racing
Study the basic principles of riding. CVMT teaches turning, shifting, braking, cornering, and swerving.
Coachella Valley Motorcycle Training
760-574-9169; www.cvmt411.com
Off-Roading
Tackle proper safety techniques to make your self-guided ride a journey to remember.
Off Road Rentals
59511 Hwy. 111, Palm Springs.
760-325-0376; www.offroadrentals.com