Stay fit and learn new skills from gondola rowing to sky-high yoga

Jackie Brett makes her recommendations to enhance your skills during your Las Vegas vacation.

Gondola University

Ever dreamed of commanding a gondola? The Venetian Las Vegas’ Gondola University offers up to nine participants per day instruction that begins with a history of Venice followed by gondola fundamentals, “Rowing 101,” and the hands-on experience of rowing a vessel. At the end, there’s an official Sash and Scarf Ceremony, modeled after the resort’s ritual for its new gondoliers. Participants receive a gondolier hat and T-shirt, a souvenir photo and a certificate. Daily sessions are between 8 and 10 a.m. Enrollment begins 72 hours in advance by calling 702.607.3982.

Fly Fit at McCarran

McCarran International Airport has launched Fly Fit, the first airport fitness program created in partnership with the American College of Sports Medicine. The walking program was designed in response to “Step It Up!,” the Surgeon General’s call to action to make walking a national priority. Fly Fit provides travelers with convenient walking paths located throughout McCarran Airport’s terminals. The paths range from about a half to 1-1/2 miles long with options both before and after security screening checkpoints. Paths, which passengers can also find in advance on the airport’s website, are marked with signs throughout the airport.

mccarran.com/relax/flyfit

High Roller Yoga

The High Roller at the LINQ Promenade is offering yoga sessions on the world’s tallest observation wheel. During the one-hour session with an instructor from Silent Savasana, guests wear headsets to listen to the instructor and music while they’re guided through the encounter. Folks can bring their own mat or borrow one, and receive a branded water bottle.

Visitors must book at least 24 hours in advance by calling 702.322.0537. Private one-on-one sessions can be booked. Otherwise, a minimum of four people is required to book a group session. Time slots are available daily from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. with a premium sunset option Monday through Wednesday.

Jackie Brett has written about Las Vegas for 40 years in magazines and major newspapers. Her weekly column now appears on numerous websites.