- LifeTime Fitness
LifeTime Fitness
Lifetime Fitness is a privately held chain of fitness centers headquartered in Chanhassen, Minnesota (right outside of Minneapolis). The company was founded by Bahram Akradi in 1992. Lifetime brands itself as a comprehensive health and lifestyle company, offering a personalized and scientific approach to long-term health and wellness. Members of all fitness levels can gain access to personal training programs with a personal trainer, health club benefits, and various other workout programs to help them meet their fitness goals. The first club opened in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota and expanded throughout the region and later throughout the United States and Canada. Most LifeTime Fitness centers are located in fringe suburban areas in medium to large-sized metropolitan areas, with a handful of locations in central city or inner suburban locations. Today, Lifetime Fitness currently has a combined total of 121 centers in 27 states across the United States and Canada.
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The Good
- Upfront fees
- Lifetime membership fees and options
- Gym equipment
- Classes
- Other available amenities
Upfront Fees
In comparison to other local gyms, Lifetime Fitness' upfront fees are less expensive. Its one-time initiation fee (also known as an enrollment fee) can range from $29 to $79, depending on what your needs are. Average enrollment fees for other gyms we reviewed are $100 or more.
Lifetime Membership Fees and Options
A number of Lifetime membership options are available to those seeking to improve their physical fitness and health and well-being at a variety of fitness locations. Membership dues and fees vary depending on the plan that you select and the fitness club location. The following are the membership options that are currently available to those with the desire to start a new and improved health and fitness journey:
- Single Adult — This is a regular monthly membership for individuals 18 and up. The monthly fee for this plan is anywhere from $75 – $199 depending on location and the enrollment fee is $29. This pack comes with an equipment introduction with a personal trainer and free swimming lessons for kids for the first month.
- 26 and Under — This is a discounted monthly membership for young adults under the age of 26. The monthly fee is anywhere from $69 – $139 per month depending on location with a $29 initiation fee. This also comes with the equipment introduction and free swimming lessons for kids for a month.
- Day Pass — If you are wanting to check out Lifetime Fitness in your area before signing any paperwork, you can purchase a day pass for $40 and waive the initiation fee for the day. This deal is not available at every location.
Gym Equipment
Lifetime Fitness' facilities are absolutely stunning and spotless and provide state-of-the-art fitness equipment. The gym floor at the fitness clubs has plenty of cardio equipment and weight equipment and is well designed. There are no spin or exercise bikes in this area, so you have to take a spin class to gain access. Whatever form of exercise you enjoy (weight training, strength training, cardio, classes, etc.), Lifetime has it all: Pilates reformers, smith machine for your squats, cable crossovers, squat racks, ellipticals, treadmill machines, stairmasters, etc. The machines are very clean and towels are always around for members to grab. The equipment is all new and top notch, including the cardio machines with built-in touch screen monitors. The main workout area is cavernous, with tons of space for the cardio machines, a huge area for free weights and machines, and some open area to work with personal trainers. Many facilities may also include a lap pool, a separate indoor or outdoor pool, hot tubs, and basketball courts.
Classes
Lifetime's facilities are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and offer a wide variety of fitness classes for people of every fitness level: yoga, kickboxing, cycling, meditation, and many more. Group fitness provides members the chance not only to be social, but also to be pushed by their classmates to best meet their fitness goals. Most of these fitness classes are included with the membership fee (with the exception of the yoga classes). Where pools are available for those with a gym membership, swim lessons may be offered for kids. The majority of the gyms we reviewed do not have 24/7 hours, which gives Lifetime Fitness an advantage in this area for people with busy schedules and limited time in the day. Also, it is favorable that most of Lifetime's group fitness classes are included with the membership fee. The fitness center has a very goal-driven culture and encourages all of their new members to meet with Lifetime trainers before beginning any workout routine to set realistic, yet challenging goals.
Other Available Amenities
Other high-end amenities Lifetime offers at their fitness centers is a sauna, Jacuzzi, steam room in the locker room, indoor and outdoor pool, full-length basketball courts, a spa/hair salon, food courts, child center with up to three hours of child care per day, free one-day guest passes, and an indoor/outdoor café. Facilities do not have racquetball or tennis courts. Lifetime Fitness requires its trainers and nutrition coaches to be board-certified and collegiately trained. The company offers a program called CORE 3 that provides integrated health assessments, nutrition plans, and workouts that lead to long-term health and wellness success. Nutritional coaching starts at $99 per session.
The Bad
- Price and contracts
- Hidden fees
- Cleanliness
- Trainers and nutrition
Price and Contracts
Lifetime's monthly membership dues for a single person can range from $60 up to $199 per month. This fee falls in the average-to-high range in terms of affordability. There are several national gyms who charge similar fees per month as well as several national gyms who charge less per month. According to some Lifetime Fitness reviews from customers, the fitness centers' facilities and amenities are not of a high enough quality to sustain rates this high when there are other gym's also offering month-to-month contracts for $20 or less per month.
Hidden Fees
Customers should be aware that they will be charged an admin fee upon signing up. If you're planning on taking advantage of the company's two-week free trial, Lifetime needs two forms of identification, your license, and a major credit card. If you decide not to join, the company charges you anyway-not only for one month, but also for the second month because but you need to give Lifetime one month's notice before you cancel.
Cleanliness
Cleanliness of Lifetime's machinery, lavatories, and other equipment varies depending on location according to customer reviews. While one Lifetime Fitness Center is noted as dirty, not being well-maintained and having a large amount of broken equipment, another Lifetime location's locker rooms, saunas, steam rooms, showers, pools are always clean and maintained and fully stocked with large and small towels, toiletries (Q-tips, disposable razors, mouthwash, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, etc.). Many customers agree that each locker room is huge and spacious and easy to lock using your own membership card. (Many gyms require you to carry around a combo lock to their gym.) Lifetime's lockers are finished with stone and marble in the showers, which also provide a good amount of pressure in their water.
Trainers and Nutrition
There is a general consensus among Lifetime customers that their Fitness Trainers are pushy when it comes to upsells and do not provide the best customer service. Customers who partake of the free personal training session find it to be set up as an opportunity to sell Lifetime's personal workout programs (group or individual), their nutritional supplement products or their nutritional coaching. In some cases, it comes across as if Lifetime's personal trainers are working on commission because if you decline, they sometimes treat you unfavorably.
The Bottom Line
LifeTime Fitness offers members a wide array of group fitness classes included in the membership fee (except yoga). Many of its large high-end facilities operate 24/7 and feature personal fitness instruction, salons, food courts, large child centers, and indoor/outdoor pools. You can expect industry standard equipment, well-maintained facilities, and board certified trainers. You can also expect high monthly premiums with less expensive initiation fees than other gyms. Memberships are also single-club access only, meaning you cannot use your membership for other Lifetime locations. Lifetime customers have conflicting experiences as members. Some customers feel the facilities aren't worth the high fees while others feel you get what you pay for. All agree the facility itself is unmatched and high-end. Lifetime offers personal and small group training as well as nutritional coaching for an additional high fee per session. Some customers feel that the trainers are "pushy" when it comes to upselling members on paying for additional services and/or products. There aren't many hidden fees, but with a luxury gym with luxury pricing, there don't have to be. Overall, Lifetime Fitness is a good facility with a dedication to fitness; however, you can get equal amounts of bang for your buck at other facilities, and save yourself the costly monthly dues.
User Reviews
Star Rating
112 Reviews
Review Breakdown
Sentiment Criteria
Jeffrey Brian Smedley
Their business practices are a disgrace/ After shutting down for the virus, they were permitted to reopen in September. As per their process on August 28, 2020 we submitted our suspension as I do have a respiratory issue. After sending us an email stating suspension was in process, they continued to bill us 296 dollars a month. When we became aware and asked to have the money refunded we were informed that since it was over 30 days they could refund our money. We are now forced to hope our credit card company helps us out, and in the worse possible economic circumstances.
Shante Reeder
I love everything about Life Time! Their classes are AMAZING, the swimming pool is so fun, and I love that there is a cafe! My kids have loved going to the child care as well!
Judy Feldmeier
San Antonio 281 location: Liked the fact they started to provide toiletries makeS it really convenient. Showers and sauna could use some updates. Indoor and outdoor pools are nice and spacious.
Bryan Jensen
Sandy location has everything: indoor and outdoor pools, fitness area, daycare, and smoothie bar. We love it!
Rathan Kumar
This is the closest gym to my old place of living, and was very great. Equipment was plentiful and great to get my workout done.
Jessica
I love Lifetime fitness. It’s clean, affordable, tons of equipment and they have great customer service.
Randi Nelson
I like LIfeTime Fitness because they are very supportive in your goals and they offer a program to help you change your lifestyle, not just go to the gym once.
Karina Aguilar
lifetime fitness is not as friendly as the other gyms and their membership fees are atrocious
Janessa Whatcott
Love coming here! They have plenty of classes to choose from and the child care is the best!
take7
Excellent facility. We moved farther away from it so I try to go when I'm in the area. Large rooms for rent and use. and the work out facility was clean and organized and had a good variety of machines. Wasn't busy and crowded. The classes were great too.
Hallieford
Lifetime fitness is great. They worked with me on a short contract. It was great to get my workout in even when out of town.
fernandopessoa
I was a member at Lifetime for several years and had a great experience. It was reasonably priced and it gave my access to a great gym/pool. I was able to add my kids on so they could swim with me and they loved it.
Justin McMurtrey
We were members at Lifetime for couple of years. While it’s a great gym, it is super expensive. It is not worth the price in what services you receive.
Eddie Rios
Lifetime Fitness offers first class gyms and services in the fitness world. They have updated machinery for great circuit workouts. They also have fun and demanding fitness classes in a lot of disciplines. It's just a well designed facility with fitness experts to help.
Juliann Mecham
LifeTime Fitness is a great gym. They also are great supporters to local high school teams and local events. I think that is a friendly way to encourage fitness and over all health in the community.
David T
You pay for it, but Lifetime is so nice. Amazing quality and quantity of equipment, classes, pools, etc. I always feel like I get a great workout in there.
Reckholdt
They are great. They have all of the equipment you could ever want. Their stuff is clean. Their classes are the best and overall atmosphere at the gym is great.
Cam McClellan
Lifetime is a really nice gym. They have so much equipment and their facilities are clean. They are on the pricy side though.
SkylarPickens
Customer service is great. All the machines are up-to-date. Everyone is welcoming. The staff was very good on making sure you had everything you needed and the atmosphere was very nice. Would highly recommend!
Michelle Ives
Terrible corporation! Nice facility. Extremely rude customer service and account management.
Jacob
Lifetime Fitness is a family favorite. Although its only found in select locations, LifeTime has the best facilities overall. You feel like a superstar and have access to the best of the best machines and trainers.
Ana
BE AWARE!!!! I was a client of this gym for at least 4years with swimming classes for my 4 year old, I had to cancel my membership and I request to cancel on Nov. 16 and they told me I was good to use the gym until the Dec. 16. Never told me they have a policy in place they would charge me again in Dec. the full month because I did not give a notice a month prior to cancel. In other words THEY STEAL YOUR MONEY! Once you complain they come will al excuses in the book! If I could I would give ZERO STARS AND I WILL NEVER RECOMEND THIS PLACE AGAIN!
Courtney carlson
Awesome place for families. Something for everyone. Wish it was a little closer to our house. Expensive though.
BeauCarl
If you can afford a family membership here it really does have a lot of perks including a hair salon, smoothie bar, multiple lessons for kids athletic camps, tanning salons, fantastic locker rooms, but again it’s a hefty monthly fee. The challenge is what is included with the monthly membership and what is extra many of the classes like Pilates all of the extra camps are extra fees on top of an already premium price.
Kaydence Bonino
We loved having a membership at lifetime fitness. We took advantage of the day care, which was awesome! I especially loved the variety of classes they offered and the pool!
Sheila Kulycky
I have been a member for two years.I Love My Club. Before I joined I visited two other clubs in my area but Lifetime was the best fit for me. It’s a bit spendy, but I think it is worth it. I think it is a great value. I feel that the Club has a very welcoming environment. All of the employees from the GM to the Locker room attendant are professional and friendly. On the other hand I have never felt pressure to join or buy anything.
lisa
Management was terrible at Chestnut Hill location and gave the impression they did not want teenage children there
Jon Posey
Lifetime is fantastic, but you pay for it. The gym is also a magnet for people waaaay to into themselves. Pool is great, the bball leagues were fun.
Tony
Used to be a member. Very nice facility, but overpriced and only one location that's not exactly convenient for me.
Unhappy customer
The front desk staff are not courteous nor helpful. They have no idea about rules and regulations. None of the managers return your calls. I left at times 7 messages and never received a return call. When you make a simple request, no one takes care of it . You gave to call again and again. The corporate office must spend some training money to train all their staffs. The customer Carr staffs don’t care either and they hung up on your face. I am not understanding why these people are so rude unprofessional and incompetent.
Krisztina Ligo
I have the most amazing time dancing latin dances in Gabriella 's Dance Jam class in LifeTime Fitness, in Cary. It's not a zumba class, so if you are looking for a 2 step, monotonous type of chill class this is not for you. Gabriella puts together latin dance choreographys that are so fun and addictive,that you will always want to come back. She teaches salsa, samba, bachata and many more latin dances where you can let your body move in very feminine ways. You can let your guards down and be real feminine and enjoy latin music. She has been performing since age 5,so she knows how to break down the choreography to easy steps so you can learn fast. She changes music and choreography so we never get bored. Absolutely addictive to this class for more then 10 years now.
bailey jo
Love their facilities, especially their basketball courts. Affordable prices as well.
Zac Marx
LifeTime Fitness is probably my favorite gym. I love all of the options available to partake in. Rock climbing and basketball are my favorite, but the pool is always open and the master classes are super fun. I just wish it wasnt so expensive.
Don Boren
Very nice Gym. Clean locker room. Nice pool. The equipment was always clean and well-maintained. Membership plan was reasonably priced.
Amy Boren
Love this gym. The variety of classes is perfect and the machines are always in great condition. Love the cleanliness of the bathrooms and how they offer towels for daily use. My kids love the variety of activities in the daycare and were excited to go.
Alyssa Boren
I love the day care that they have there, it has lots of things your kids can do. The machines are in good condition. The pools are really fun and are taken good care of.
Gabriel
The problem with this company is that there are many locations that don't measure up. Most of the Bronze clubs are horrible and the management fits this level of service. I've been to 20 different locations and the only location that is worth the cost is the FT Worth Texas location. For example, the location in Boca Raton Florida is a Diamond club which cost about $159. This is crazy because the gym is barely above average. The FT Worth TX location is $129 and worth every penny. Take in consideration cleanliness, professionalism and cost, try another company. Unless you are a member of the FT Worth TX. location.
ValCar
Love lifetime fitness, lots of great classes, cycling is awesome here. Love the life time spa!
Sophia
If I could give them a zero, I would. DO NOT DO BUSINESS WITH THIS COMPANY. I had a membership for several years and finally had enough. The facilities are beautiful, but not worth it. LifeTime “reserves” equipment arbitrarily for their trainers. One time while I was USING a box (like one to do step ups or box jumps on) a trainer came over with a cone and placed it on the box I was USING, then told me I needed to find a new box as this one was now reserved. Um NO!? This sort of thing happens ALL the time. So I finally decided that enough was enough. I emailed them to cancel (as per their policy that a membership must be canceled in writing) however, I was told that I needed to go in (to the lifetime I signed up at which was in Iowa and I now live in Texas) or send in a hand written letter. I told them that their policy only states “in writing” and does not specify hand written and as fees add up the longer the membership is active, I was unwilling to wait for the “snail mail” to get there. They told me they would take care of it. THEN DID NOT. I thought my membership had been canceled, since that’s what I was told, but they left it open and continued charging me, refusing to cancel unless I proceeded with their made up “policy” designed to extend the days your account is open. Then FINALLY sent me a form to fill out saying they would cancel if I signed it, but the form they wanted me to sign stated that they could charge me fees THEY deemed necessary. They try to SCREW their customers at every turn, DO NOT DO BUSINESS WITH THIS COMPANY.
Jeff
Beautiful big gym. Heavily overpriced, and it continues to be raised every year.
Bernadette
I belong to the Warrenville, Il lifetime. I absolutely love it ! The staff is very friendly and very helpful. All the machines work all day he time and there’s plenty so you never have too wait. The locker rooms are always clean and plenty of towels , showers and blow dryers. And there’s a sitting area with plenty of space with a large tv . As several others have said you get what you pay for. And I feel incredible after I leave no matter what workout I choose.
kristin Gneiting
I was a member of LifeTime Fitness when I lived In Las Vegas. It was the Summerlin location and everything about it was so,so, nice. The locker rooms had nice furniture in waiting areas, with tv's and wooden lockers. They had a nice steamroom, sauna, showers, and everything you needed like you were at a spa. Plenty of activities for all ages and all levels of fitness. Beautiful pool with a nice slide. Great climbing wall, nice child care and good food. It had it all.
Judy
I love that it is exceptionally clean and well organized. It is a one stop destination! The pools are clean and the lifeguards seem well trained. The fitness floor is amazing. No waiting for equipment! They have an abundance of clean towels available on the fitness floor, the pools and the locker rooms. Speaking of the locker rooms, they are amazing! The women's has vanities with hairdryers and other amenities. The showers are clean and roomy. There is a wet a and dry sauna in the locker rooms as well as on the pool deck. I could go on and on! It is amazing! Last, but not least the people who work there are knowledgable and friendly! I couldn't recommend LifeTime more highly!
Jason
Lifetime Fitness is an incredible fitness center because everything is well kept, clean, and nice and the staff is very helpful.
Rylie Crandall
I love this fitness center because their facilities are always clean and well kept. I feel comfortable working out there, but the price is expensive to keep up.
Hannah Francis
I really love LifeTime Fitness. They have amazing machines and equipment and staff that are more than willing to help. It is the perfect place to work out and get in shape.
Camry
Absolutely love LifeTime Fitness! It has everything I want: fun fitness classes, A LOT of different weight machines, rock wall, steam room and sauna, and very clean amenities.
Olivia Clark
I love lifetime fitness. The facility is beautiful the amenities are great and the customer service is awesome. It is a bit pricey but you definitely get what you pay for.
Tracy Hill
I went to lifetime fitness for a time, but it got too expensive so I switched gyms. I loved how clean the facilities were and the amenities. I would love to go back but it’s just too pricey.
Bethany Tomaszewski
Great for basic training and people who need help with working out. I believe it needed more diverse equipment. Customer service was always amazing with a very friendly helpful staff. Very over priced