Written by Kyle Ustach | BScEcon
Fact checked by Kirsten Yovino, CPT Brookbush Institute
FACT CHECKED
Finding the perfect gym can go a long way in helping you hit your muscle-building goals. If you love where you go and look forward to the nice equipment and amenities afterward (sauna time, anyone?), it makes it far easier to convince yourself to turn off the TV, get off the couch, and go lift some weights.
But, these days, there is an endless assortment of gyms to pick from. High-end with all the perks, a middle-ground choice that's more wallet-friendly, and the barebones options with only the most basic equipment.
If luxury is more your style, one of the best gyms and health clubs is Life Time, a chain of health clubs identifying as a “luxury athletic country club.” Just like a regular country club, Life Time carries a hefty membership fee.
Is Life Time worth the high membership cost, and what perks come along with that price tag? Stick with us as we discuss the ins and outs of the gym, so you can make an informed decision before signing up.
Table of Contents:
- What Is Life Time?
- Virtual Gym Tour
- Life Time Membership Plans, Fees, & Locations
- Gym Amenities, Benefits, & Cons
- Real Life Experiences From Reddit Users
- How To Deactivate Your Membership
- FAQs
What Is Life Time?
Life Time Fitness was created by Bahram Akradi, a man who envisioned a health club that looked more like a country club than a gym. In 1992, the first Life Time Fitness club opened in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. They slowly expanded in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area before growing to other states.
The chain of health clubs was established as Life Time Fitness before rebranding to the shorter Life Time in 2017. They are a public-traded company on the New York Stock Exchange, trading under the name LTH (Life Time Group Holdings Inc). Life Time's corporate office is in Chanhassen, Minnesota
The entire concept of Life Time is an athletic club that is designed with a country club feel rather than a typical weight room. Gyms are typically one-dimensional in that they only have a weight room and gym floor with free weights and some machines, but Akradi wanted Life Time to be a facility that offers multiple services for the entire family.
Each location contains an array of workout options, including a full weight room, a group fitness room with group fitness classes, swimming pools (some include both an indoor and outdoor pool), a basketball court, an indoor tennis court, indoor pickleball courts, and spa services. Some locations have additional amenities such as child daycare services, kids club, kids academy fitness classes, a protein shake/healthy cafe, hair salon, and social areas.
Life Time facilities contain a state-of-the-art weight lifting area packed with all the newest technology and gym staples. As of late 2023, there are over 170 athletic country clubs throughout the United States and Canada, with the average club spanning 100,000 square feet.
In addition to the fitness centers, Life Time also has a few luxury apartment residences attached to the gym facilities. One of these unique residences recently opened in Stamford, CT and contains 290 luxury for-lease apartments.
They offer studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom units ranging from 540 to 2,000 square feet. In addition to the 290 apartments, there is a 52,000-square-foot athletic facility and a 10,000-square-foot rooftop beach resort. It also has a penthouse lounge containing a golf simulator, private dining room, work-from-home space, bar area, sundeck, and pet area. Life Time plans to open more of these unique luxury apartment residences.
Related: Life Time Vs Equinox
Life Time Gym Virtual Tour
Before we go any further, check out a tour of the gym's Frisco, Texas location. You'll get a feel for all its amenities, as well as hear from some of the gym goers regarding what makes Life Time so great. And, if you want to see how your local Life Time gym compares, you can schedule an in-person tour here.
3 Types of Life Time Membership Plans
If you have heard anything about Life Time, aside from how extravagant they are, it is the high membership cost. There are three main categories of membership: Digital, Standard, and Signature.
1) Digital:
The Digital membership is just as it sounds - digital only.
Although you do not gain access to the facilities, this membership provides virtual classes and virtual training, live streaming classes, exclusive exercise videos, and programs.
2) Standard:
The most popular membership option, the Standard membership includes:
- Club access to all clubs (in your price level)
- Amenities include the weight room, studio classes, indoor pool, and childcare
- Life Time Digital
- Free One-hour session with Dynamic Personal Trainer (14+ only)
- $25 Life Spa credit
3) Signature:
The top-level membership is called the Signature membership. Signature Membership includes everything in the standard, plus the following:
- Unlimited Group Training (GTX, Alpha, and Ultra Fit)
- Early registration for classes, child care, and summer camps
- Access to all clubs
- Free court time for indoor pickleball and tennis
What To Know About Membership Fees
Life Time offers a tour of the facilities before you sign up, which you can schedule online. First, everyone has to pay an initiation fee when they join the health club. The joining fee depends on location but will range from $49 to as high as $170. Life Time does offer special promos throughout the year, where they will waive the initiation fee.
Membership fees are collected on the first of the month which can be paid with any debit or credit card. Adult membership prices depend on the location and can vary from $79 to $269 a month.
The closest location to me in Connecticut is the Stamford location, which starts at $199 a month. In contrast, some of the gyms in more distance Chicago, Illinois suburbs are anywhere from $149 to $179. It varies somewhat significantly based on your area. You can also buy a one-day membership. Check out the Location Finder in the section below, and once you plug in your zip code, it will show you your closest gyms and price points to compare. And, if you ever want to try it or need a gym while traveling, you can get a day membership for $50 per day.
There is a discounted membership option for children and young adults under 26 and seniors 65 and above. The digital membership plan starts at $15 monthly, while the “26 and younger” and “65 and older” categories start at $169 monthly. Some companies offer a corporate membership discount, so check in with your job.
The Beach Club is a special membership perk that includes access to outdoor activities, although it only applies to certain locations. Outdoor services include access to the outdoor aquatic center, water slides, lounge area, and full-service bistro.
Life Time Gym Locations
The origin of Life Time began in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, and slowly expanded in the surrounding areas. Life Time can be found in 31 states and three Canadian locations today. To find the location nearest you, check out the Life Time Location Finder website.
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Life Time Gym Amenities
One of the most well-known and hyped parts of Life Time is its wide range of amenities, including its group classes led by talented instructors. They offer hundreds of weekly classes with various fitness types for people of all fitness and experience levels.
Some of the types of classes they have include cardio kickboxing, yoga classes, Barre, Zumba, pilates, HIIT, spinning, and strength classes, among several others.
The weight room contains all the classic equipment you expect to find, plus the newest technology and machines. Some of the gym equipment includes top cardio and fitness machines from Precor, Hammer Strength, and Octane Fitness.
Most locations have at least six squat racks, all of which have deadlift platforms. The squat rack areas also have a dip station, other attachments, and bumper plates. The rack also has arm attachments so you can safely lift heavy without a spotter!
The gym also has a complete dumbbell rack, as well as preloaded barbells and EZ curl bars. You will enjoy the Alpha line of Life Time equipment if you prefer a CrossFit-type workout.
They also offer Alpha classes, which are a CrossFit workout featuring kettlebells, rows, and Olympic lifts you’d see at a CrossFit gym. Life Time has the perfect equipment whether you are a beginner or a professional bodybuilder.
The cardio area contains all of the standard gym equipment, including a number of treadmills, stationary bicycles, elliptical machines, and stairmaster machines. They also have Woodway Treadmills, a unique treadmill with revolutionary technology. There are several machines, so you most likely would never have to wait for a treadmill.
While certain extra amenities vary by location, every Life Time has a private locker room with unlimited toiletries, saunas, steam room, swimming pool, personal trainers, and a wide range of classes. Standard amenities at all locations include:
- Basketball courts
- Indoor pool (Some have outdoor pools)
- Private locker rooms
- Racquetball court
- Sauna
- Showers
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Yoga Studio
Another key aspect of Life Time is their long hours of operation. While the hours may vary by location, my local location in Stamford, CT, has hours of 5 AM to 11 PM Monday through Friday and 6 AM to 10 PM on weekends. Any perk you can imagine and any type of fitness class imaginable, Life Time most likely has it.
Life Time: Pros vs Cons
Let's weigh the pros and cons of joining Life Time.
Pros:
Here's what makes Life Time so great.
1) Wide Variety:
One of the best things about Life Time is that they offer many types of workouts and athletics. In addition to standard weight room and cardio equipment, you can switch up by hitting the tennis courts, basketball court, indoor pool, or a rock climbing wall.
Just make sure you have a structured workout split before going, or you may get lost in all of the equipment options!
2) Extremely clean:
One of the first things you might notice when you enter a Life Time is how clean they are. The entire facility, from the weight room to the locker rooms, are cleaned multiple times a day. You will be hard-pressed to find a cleaner health center than Life Time.
3) Child Care:
For parents, finding time for the gym can be nearly impossible between work, school, and other activities. Luckily, all Life Time locations have childcare options to keep your children safe and busy.
Cons:
There's so such thing as a completely perfect gym. Here are a few of the negatives of Life Time to consider.
1) Life Time Cost:
There's no getting around it - the price is very steep for the average person. The cheapest locations start at $199 a month, which is a price that most working-class people can’t justify for one month when you can get another great membership, such as to LA Fitness or Crunch Fitness, for around $40 a month or less. Check out our article comparing LA Fitness vs Planet Fitness to see what a less expensive membership will get you.
2) Difficulty Canceling Membership:
Some people have reported having problems canceling their membership. Unfortunately, Life Time does not accept phone or email cancellation requests. You must submit your request on 30 days' notice through their online portal.
Real Life Experiences From Reddit Users
When reading real-life testimonials, the general consensus seems to be that if you can afford it, then Life Time is a remarkable place, especially if you have children.
The Reddit thread “Is Lifetime Fitness worth the price?” has a mix of opinions, but the vast majority agree it is best for families. One user posted, “For just using the gym? Absolutely not. I think the math changes a bit, however, if you have kids." (source)
Several users tend to agree with the concept that having children to utilize the membership perks makes the cost far more justifiable.
Another Redditor supported this concept, “The main perks for me all revolve around their childcare. My kid does camp there in the summer (members get discounted rates), the free child care while I work out, the pools, and they do free parents nights out once a month where you can drop off your kid for 3 hours, and they eat pizza and do activities.”
Despite the glowing review, she continued, “If I was child-free? I probably wouldn’t pay full rates.” (source)
This makes perfect sense because if you don’t have children to worry about, a regular gym may be the better choice. A major determining factor is money and if you can afford the price.
Another commenter posted, “Is it worth it? Probably not, but I like how it's full service.
- Endless Clean Towels
- Free everything you could need for cleaning conditioner/Shampoo/Body Wash/Shaving Cream/Mouth Wash/Deodorant/Hair Spray
- More Clean Towels
- Nutrition Bar and Restaurant
- Overall, a very clean gym and locker room
- Doesn't smell like BO like most cheaper gyms” (source)
Other people had similar high praise for the facilities, reiterating that if you can afford them and will use them, it is absolutely worth it.
Source: Reddit
Hypothetically, if you were homeless, you could have a clean place to shower with unlimited soap and toiletries for a fraction of the cost of an apartment. The locker rooms are so clean and top-notch that you would think you were at a country club, not a gym.
One Reddit commenter posted, “Best spend of my life! It's not just a gym. I go in the morning to shower & steam. In the summer, I get a smoothie and sit by the pool. The price keeps off the gym bozos, and it's a clean and calm environment with top-of-the-line equipment.” (source)
This user brings up a good point: The membership price will keep undesirable members out. The price creates a level of exclusivity and privacy so that you can feel more comfortable during your workouts. This is also beneficial to complete your workouts in a timely fashion.
In commercial gyms, like Planet Fitness, for example, I have personally waited over 20 minutes for basic fitness equipment. Another issue you don’t need to deal with is people disrupting you by filming their workouts.
We have all likely seen viral gym content, or hopefully Joey Swoll protecting people from such. In a country club environment like that of Life Time, you don’t need to worry about the problems you can encounter at your local LA Fitness.
Interested in another gym tour? Check out the YouTube video below titled "Lifetime Athletic Gym Tour | $150/month, is a luxury gym worth it!?" for another perspective on what the gym is like.
How To Deactivate Your Life Time Account
If you end up not enjoying your experience, or can no longer justify the expense, there are options for ending your membership.
- Suspend Club Access: If you have been a member for at least six months, you can suspend your club access for up to four months, once per calendar year. To pause membership temporarily, you can convert to a Digital membership for only $15 a month. A 30-day notice is required.
- Inactivate Membership: If you can’t use the club for a while, you can change your status to inactive member. A 30-day notice and a one-time service fee of $10 is required.
- Medical/Military Freeze: If you need to pause your membership for medical reasons or a military leave, you can freeze your membership free of cost for up to three months. Be prepared to provide a doctor’s note or proof of military orders if you go this route.
- Cancel Membership: If you are looking to cancel, you must provide a 30-day notice. There is no cancellation fee.
You can also add someone to your account whenever relatively quickly. There is a one-time service fee of $10 to add someone to your plan, plus the monthly membership fees.
Life Time FAQs
Let's answer some frequently asked questions about Life Time.
How much is Life Time membership?
Membership fees vary depending on location and membership type; the average cost ranges from $79 to $269 a month. The price of the Stamford, CT location is $199 a month. If you are under age 26 or over 65, you can qualify for special discounts, which bring the price down to roughly $169 a month.
How do you cancel your Life Time membership?
You must provide the club with 30 days notice to cancel your membership and submit the application online.
Is there a family plan membership at Life Time?
No, there is not a family package; however, you can add one adult who lives in the same household, and dependents between 14 and 25. You can add a second adult at a 50% membership rate and children under 14 for roughly $50 a month or less.
Is pilates included with a Life Time membership?
Yes, pilates and several other classes are included with a Life Time membership.
Can I use other locations with my Life Time membership?
If you have the highest level membership, you can use other locations. You can add multiple club access to your membership anytime for a one-time service fee of $10.
Life Time Membership: Final Verdict
If you ever wanted to join that ridiculous gym you see in movies, such as GloboGym in Dodgeball, then Life Time is the place for you. Life Time is not simply a gym - it is designed like a country club and has a plethora of amenities.
The membership fee varies depending on location, but it's definitely pricier than most standard gyms. For this price, you receive access to the finest athletic facilities, including a weight room, cardio room, yoga studio, sauna, basketball court, indoor swimming pool, private locker room, and racquetball court.
You can experience all of the best aspects of the gym with the newest equipment and do so with the utmost privacy and respect. And, this gym is particularly desirable for families with young children due to the wide range of available sports facilities and daycare options.
If you can afford the price and have children, or you would take advantage of the wide range of facilities, then Life Time is your ideal fitness center.
Life Time Membership Verdict: If you have children or enjoy additional perks and amenities, and can afford the hefty membership fees, then yes, a Life Time membership is absolutely worth it.
Interested in researching more gyms before making a membership decision? Check out our article comparing Anytime Fitness vs Planet Fitness. And for the Chicagoans reading this, head to our article on the 6 Best Gyms in Chicago before committing to Life Time!
Images courtesy of Life Time's Instagram
Kyle Ustach
Author