FOR THE SPA ENTHUSIAST
Make getting in shape and learning about nutrition and exercise a vacation in a resort setting. The Zoetic Health & Fitness program is a seven-day mind/body/spirit experience offered at J.W. Marriott Desert Springs Resort and Spa. Meals and personalized workout plans cater to individual needs. Fitness activities include yoga and Pilates, stretching, resistance training, spinning, and cardio.
BONUS: Luxury accommodations, three balanced meals a day plus healthy snacks, and access to all resort amenities are included. $2,950-$3,650 per week. 74855 Country Club Drive, Palm Desert, 1-760-579-3079, www.zoeticfit.com
FOR THE OUTDOORSY TYPE
Lace up those boots, slather on the sunscreen, and take a hike. With more than 350 days of sunshine and 140-plus hiking trails within 60 miles of Palm Springs, the area is one of the country’s top hiking destinations. The breathtaking vistas and huge variety of vegetation and elevations make getting in shape a learning experience as well. If you’re new to the sport, consider joining a club to help you gear up and learn the ropes. The Coachella Valley Hiking Club offers more than 150 guided hikes a year on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays — ranging from easy to strenuous.
BONUS: Dogs are welcome on many of the hikes, so you and your four-legged pal can get fit together. Membership is $25 a year for individuals/$35 a year for a family. (1-760-345-6234, www.cvhikingclub.net) The Desert Trails Hiking Club also offers numerous guided hikes for different fitness levels, both for members and nonmembers. The clubs holds monthly social events, except in summer. Dogs are also welcome on some hikes. Membership is $10 a year/$15 a year for a family, $5 guest fee per hike for nonmembers. ([email protected], www.deserttrailshiking.com)
FOR KIDS OF ANY AGE
Remember warm summer nights playing kickball until it was too dark to see? Or playing catch for hours? Bring those wonder years back at Big League Dreams Sports Park in Cathedral City. Adult coed kickball leagues let you revel in your inner kid — no equipment needed. Or join one of the adult softball teams; there’s one for every skill level. Seasons last about 10 weeks, then start up again. Don’t worry if you are solo: You can sign up as a "free agent" and join an existing team. Soccer fans also can get their kicks in one of the many year-round leagues.
BONUS: Getting to play ball like a big-leaguer at the cool replicas of Fenway Park, Yankee Stadium, and Wrigley Field. (Softball $325 per team/$25 per player; kickball $100 per team/$25 per player; soccer $250 per team/$25 per player) 33700 Date Palm Drive, Cathedral City, 1-760- 324-5600, info@bigleaguedreams. com, cathedralcity. bigleaguedreams.com/ park-information
FOR THE EASYGOING
You don’t have to run a triathlon to be in shape. For those who would like a more forgiving approach to physical fitness, Mizell Senior Center has just the ticket. Classes include qigong and beginning and intermediate tai chi to improve mobility and breathing. Chair yoga is ideal for people who cannot stand or get up and down easily. Fit After 50 helps build bone mass and improve flexibility. If you need guidance, learn how to work out with help from a certified personal trainer. The center even offers a free Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program.
BONUS: Anyone of any age can participate in classes at the center — it’s not just for seniors! Membership is $25/ year; class fees vary, but are generally just a few dollars. 480 S. Sunrise Way, Palm Springs, 1-760-323-5689, www.mizell.org
FOR THE NIGHT OWL
Can’t sleep? Work an odd shift and don’t know how to fit an exercise regimen into your life? 24 Hour Fitness in Indio could be your answer. As the name suggests, gyms in this international chain are open 24 hours a day — a big help for night owls. The Indio location features everything from cardio equipment to a basketball court to a sauna and steam room.
BONUS: Try the club for free with a seven-day pass. 42900 Jackson St., Indio, 1-760-262-8771, www.24hourfitness.com
FOR THE TRADITIONAL GYM AVERSE
Get ready to bring it, old school, at Underground FitClub/CrossFit Palm Springs, which refers to routine as "the enemy." T.J. Morgan and John Rozeluk are certified as CrossFit Level I trainers. Get super fit with high-intensity group training that focuses on strength, range of motion, and metabolic conditioning. The 2,000-square-foot gym offers traditional boxing-club equipment such as climbing ropes, Olympic weights, kettle bells, and pull-up rigs.
BONUS: Sign up for private training; no membership required ($85 for an hour or $45 for a half-hour). 820 Research Drive, Suite 9, Palm Springs, 1-760-567-8135, site.undergroundfitclubps.com and crossfitpalmsprings.com
FOR BIKER BABES (AND DUDES)
Palm Springs’ bike trails are a free and enjoyable way to revisit the city and see the sites in an eco-friendly way. The five trails vary from the 13-mile citywide circular tour to shorter trails that offer great picnic spots and meander down picturesque streets or past lush golf courses.
BONUS: The City of Palm Springs offers free downloadable trail maps at www.visitpalmsprings.com/overview/play/palm-springs-bike-trails/10470. Palm Springs Department of Community Services, 401 S. Pavilion Way, Palm Springs, 1-760-323-8265
Photo: Tom Brewster