9. Duke Diet & Fitness Center at Duke University Medical Center, Durham, N.C.

Designed for Home Runs
Housed in a modern building set beneath towering trees (guest lodging is in homey houses with porches), Duke feels more like a college campus than a medical resort. Catering to those seeking a serious fitness makeover, it promotes a no-nonsense approach to getting -- and staying -- in shape.

Like the nearby "Bull Durham" ball field of Hollywood movie fame, Duke covers all the bases: exercise, nutrition, psychology and medical testing. Up-to-date diagnostic tools customize a goal-oriented, reality-grounded regimen for everyone. The program's strong medical component plus its fully credentialed staff boost its credibility to darn near the stratosphere.

Round out your schedule of exercise, lectures and personal and group counseling with let-your-hair-down evening and weekend activities, from line dancing to cheering sports events. So those healthy habits picked up at the center don't high-tail it once you're home, an optional Aftercare Program offers a motivational newsletter and phone sessions.

Details: From $3,895 for one-week program, includes meals and all testing and activities. Call (800) 235-3853 or (919) 660-6712; or visit www.dfc.mc.duke.edu.