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LifeTime Fitness

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4.9

Overall Score

Author: Kalicia Bateman

LAST UPDATED: April 6th, 2022

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.

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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.

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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.

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Star Rating

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3.6

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122 Reviews

Review Breakdown

5 grade

42%

4 grade

25%

3 grade

7%

2 grade

3%

1 grade

22%

Sentiment Criteria

Value

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Quality

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Service

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Trustworthiness

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Dave Earp Pompano Beach, FL

Lifetime Fitness in Boca Raton is all about the money, not about the client! Over the past few years, the gym has become increasingly money driven. Rates have gone up to nearly $200 a month and services continue to decline. Group classes that are included in your membership are getting cut back and being replaced with classes you must pay extra for. If this isn’t bad enough, instead of holding the pay extra classes in designated rooms or out of the way areas, they hold them in high traffic areas and block other members from accessing. The restrooms/locker rooms are often not tidy and unstocked. They rent out the parking lot for special events to a nearby golf course, leaving little or no parking for gym members. I could go-on-and-on, but you probably get the point. With that said… the diminishing services and the increased cost are one thing. The “arrogant and indifferent” attitude of the club management is another. If you ever ask about parking or if are they going to add classes back or even give a mere suggestion… you will get nowhere… other than to be ignored, treated with indifference, or with an arrogant attitude. Well… this is one member that won’t be treated that way anymore! After 10 years of being a member and spending over $20,000 in dues, I had enough and cancelled my membership!

4 years ago

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Jeff Chicago, IL

They terminated my membership on a liars call after 13 years of being a great member, I swear on a bible I didn’t do anything other than there big kids all grown up at the front desks just didn’t like me, I was targeted by the gym employees and tossed out, I would always say nothing to nobody I knew Better! You couldn’t tell your side of what happened and the ceo needs to know that??! They refused to let me say what happened? I heard 5 different stories of why I was being terminated, They even refunded my dues to me like fast within 2 days my cash was returned into my account so obviously it shows I did nothing, We all dislike some people every now and then it’s life? They should not toss anyone out of a business if you can’t call the police on a person how can you kick them out? I paid 13 years of dues and you terminate me for what? So you didn’t like me who cares?? How would you like it if a gas station refused to allow you in there service station. All cause you don’t like them? And me I’m way decent I not the problem I always the solution, Unfair is kicking out only cause you didn’t like me it’s unfair not cool at all

5 years ago

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CR Glenview, IL

Life Time Fitness ignores misconduct by employees, mistreats clients with 20+ years of membership, and doesn’t apologize. Must be a company-wide policies. On May 29, 2021, (after full re-opening of clubs, I might add, with mandatory COVID-19 regulations lifted) my husband and I walked in late to a cycle class. The instructor (Rachel) spent a good 3 minutes yelling at us in a nasty way, telling us to leave. We didn’t because 1) people walk in late (and leave early) ALL the time – like every class – and 2) we pay several hundreds of dollars a month to be members. If we run late from time to time, so be it. That’s life and we come here to release stress, not to take on more. I will say generally speaking, we DON’T run late. In the 20+ years we’ve been there, I can count on one hand the times we were late. This occasion, it was a simple error on start time. Instead of approaching us after class to talk, the instructor thought it would be a better idea to yell at us during class, asking us to leave. Several riders did approach us after class to offer sympathy. They ALL said her behavior was uncalled for and they offered to walk to management right then and there to complain. I thanked them and declined – saying she may have been having a bad day and that upon reflection, I was sure she’d apologize for being so extreme. When I spoke to her after class, she said that it’s disruptive when people come in late. COMPLETE BS. As mentioned, people come in late and leave early all the time – not a word is said to them. Also, the cycle room is dark with extremely loud music. Riders hardly notice when people come in late. That’s an added benefit of the class – no equipment to get. Bikes are spaced, and set up already. When I didn’t get an apology, I sent an email to the club a few days later to make sure they knew what happened. It took them a week to get back to me and when they did, Matt T. (Senior General Manager) said he agreed with me that she didn’t handle well. I said all would be forgotten if she’d apologize. (Hey, everyone has a bad day. But own up to your behavior. If you wrong someone, make it right. It’s basic human decency.) He said he’d talk to her and get back to me. That was on June 4, 2021. Today is July 13, 2021 and he not only hasn’t gotten back to me, but he has ignored all calls and emails from me asking him to reach out and update me. To make matters worse, I contacted the Corporate Office in Chanhassen, MN to see what they thought. When speaking to people there for the first time about this, they all agreed it was a horrible experience that should not have happened. I asked for their help getting Matt to do his job so I could put this behind me. They said they would help, and then they don’t follow up. I have tried calling and emailing to follow up, and they have just ignored. Calls were made to Babette M. (Senior Manager, Member Relations), who never returned them. Calls and emails were sent to Nick T. (Member Relations Associate), and he never returned them. Occasionally I was able to “track him down” at work, through dialing in and speaking to other team members. But he never proactively reached out to me. Valerie G. (Studio Manager) last month was supposed to email me the club policy on why coming late to class might be dangerous. Never received (most likely because it doesn’t exist). Leah Q. (Regional Manager Group Fitness Programming) said she spoke to Matt and Rachel to ensure they have a clear understanding of how to “better handle situations like this.” But apparently not how to handle the member you mistreated. All that was needed was a sincere apology and we all could move on. Simple human decency. My opinion is that Matt T. feels it’s above him or the instructor to apologize. Above him to return phone calls and emails. And corporate lets him.

5 years ago

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Gabriel Philadelphia, PA

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.

7 years ago

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Sophia Cypress, TX

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.

7 years ago

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Tatiana Williams Deerfield, IL

I have been a member of Life Time Fitness in Vernon Hills, IL since 2009. We spent many good years there , but the indoor lap pool had a major issue. There a dry sauna located right next to this pool. However, there is no shower near the sauna. Consequently, when people go to use this sauna, they tend to immediately jump into this pool without even washing themselves first . It is disgusting and completely unsanitary. It makes the pool very dirty at times. I complained to the staff about this, but they don't seem to care. It seems to me that they don't even clean the pool area itself that well, either.

8 years ago

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Rosemary Parks Sicklerville, NJ

I joined Life Time Fitness in Mount Laurel, NJ in July 2016 and gladly paid my $100/month membership fee, personal training fees, metabolic assessment fees, and purchased food from the overpriced Life Cafe. Loved so much about this gym, the classes, the locker rooms, the people. Unfortunately not all the people liked me, specifically the Group Fitness Director who from the first moment she met me kind of had it in for me. I don't really care if she liked me or not, I mean it's a gym it's not like I need her to continue my daily life and I understand that not everyone likes me. The Group Fitness director specifically didn't like me because I had opinions that differed from hers regarding classes offered at the gym. I never said anything negative about her or her instructors, but she felt compelled to private message me that I would probably be happier at another gym and that I should leave Life Time. Imagine my surprise with that great customer service. She's very much a bully and I do believe I was the target of her bullying and harassment. I would have spoken to the GM of the club but he is her husband so it would not have done me any good. They are one of the nastiest "managers" of a club that I have ever run into. Lots of talking down to people as if they are so much better than everyone else. So if you join, be careful what you say on Facebook or you will probably be asked to leave also.

9 years ago

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Colleen Lasko

Today at the Parker/Aurora, CO center I walked away from my jacket in the locker room for less than 5 minutes and someone made off with it with all of my keys in my pocket. This totally ruined my day as I had multiple appointments I had to cancel since I couldn't get into my car and had to wait for the police as this person now has access to my car, my home and my mailbox. A huge shout out to my trainer Snake Blocker who took over an hour out of his busy work day to give me a round trip ride home so I could get my spare key fab. I am now out over $300 to get my car reprogrammed and a new key fab made. I was told Lifetime Fitness holds no liability for these type of things, that the locker room is "use at your own risk". General Manager Jeff M really was not overly concerned about my predicament and basically brushed me off as he had another appointment to get to he told me. No one from management helped me contact the police or followed up with me in any way. I was basically left to my own accord except for Snake Blocker!

9 years ago

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Carol L Hargett San Antonio, TX

this was suppose to be month to month with no contract. after 8 months, i moved and they refuse to cancel my membership even tho i haven't stepped foot in there for 10 months now. I've gone in, i've called and i'ved written and mailed letters. that's nearly a year of payments for something i don't use. i finally cancelled my credit card and now SETH, won't leave me alone about the "unpaid balance" of 2 months, since i cancelled the card and threatens me with further action and saying it will go to collections, everyday he contacts me. This place was nothing but a money pit. i thought it seemed nice, but then noticed hygiene was not kept up well. everywhere you turned there was money to spend in addition to paying $150 for me and my 14 year old and 7 year old. Everything was about selling you more stuff this is for wealthy who want to throw away their money.

10 years ago

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Jeffrey Brian Smedley Bridgewater, NJ

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.

5 years ago

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Ana Newark, NJ

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!

6 years ago

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Unhappy customer Rockville, MD

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.

6 years ago

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Leslie Neeser Eden Prairie, MN

The club itself has been good, it's when you try to cancel your membership they fail. Both my son and my sister have cancelled their membership at the club and their cancellation was never processed and the paperwork was lost. The corporation continued to take money out of their accounts for several months until it was noticed. Then they required them both to go into the club again for a signature. They were extremely pushy and tried to get them both to put the membership on hold. It took a number of times to get someone to process the paperwork. Very unprofessional!

8 years ago

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Lillian Hood Philadelphia, PA

Fort Washington PA the club is nice everyone is polite for the most part. However their accounts receivable department sucks. I have a corporate account. In the beginning I received no invoices they Debited my account Twice in the same month. They just did it again Back-to-back debit. I am sick of them at this point. The only way you can pay them is if you call. No way to pay online. Just ridiculous in these days in time

8 years ago

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Ben Wasscher Mound, MN

Have been a member for 22 years. During my morning workouts I always watched the news shows , initially CNN, then MSNBC and watched Morning Joe for the last 10 years. Now they have decided that members are no longer allowed to watch news shows because they are not considered "healthy". Always felt they were kind of expensive, am now looking for an alternative club and will definitely leave Lifetime by the end of the month.

8 years ago

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Robert Sweat OH

Nice facility, horrible service from day 1. Any questions or issues, they transfer you around where no one answers the phone. I have left messages for everyone up to the center manager with no response. It's just not worth the high cost. When will I learn? I've been thinking about finding another gym and saw LTF had a special and thought what the heck. I reached out on line and asked for pricing information. I specifically asked not to be called. Shortly after, I received a call! When I restated my desire not to be called.. the jerk laughed in my ear and hung up.. Amazing..

9 years ago

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Stephen R Wilkins

Lifetime is a scam gym. They have a ton of fine print rules and fees and sign you up for things even if you don't want them. They send you a lifetime magazine and then you read the fine print and it says you have to cancel or they will start charging your card for it. If you want to cancel you have to give them a 30 notice . The Lifetime bucks you get expire and can't be recovered. The place is a money grabbing monster that.

9 years ago

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Rizwan Uqaili Richardson, TX

Lifetime Fitness Garland billing is highly incompetent and sloppy. They kept billing me for over 2 years for a class that was canceled by the instructor. Apparently just because I did not manually cancel out of the class as well. And once their billing error was caught, a refund was not forthcoming. Watch your credit card bills carefully to make sure they're not overcharging you.

9 years ago

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amanda Birmingham, AL

This is by far the worst company I have ever had dealings with. The customer service is horrendous. They charged my account repeatedly unauthorized and would not issue refunds for those unauthorized charges. Corporate customer service is rude. General Manager of local club did not return any phone calls after regular attempts over a 4 month period.

9 years ago

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Ra Hy Alpharetta, GA

My child has a mild disability and was made fun of to the point of tears at camp.When I came to pick her up she burst into tears. The camp counselors had no idea what had happened. I went to the front desk to let them know we would not be returning due to inadequate supervision and they refused to refund me. My other daughter came out of camp crying because a child was pulling down other's pants. The counsellors again had no idea about it. I have called 10 times to resolve with Lifetime and now have to sue them.Going to call 11 Alive News.

10 years ago

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Susan Huey Wayne, PA

Lifetime was ok until Covid. I had my membership on hold, but they randomly started charging me. They must not need my patronage because customer support told me I'm a liar and the issue was 100% my fault. I've never had an issue like this before but I guess it must be me.

4 years ago

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EDWING Buckeye, AZ

Please review your contract, the hidden fees will upset you. The personnel will not tell you all the truth and make you sign a contract. I was misled into a fraudulent membership month-to-month which became a contract with hidden fees. REVIEW YOUR CONTRACT. THEY HAVE HIDDEN FEES THAT THEY WILL NOT TELL YOU. DO NOT TRUST THEM. E.C.

8 years ago

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Sarah

Sales rep lied about refund/cancellation policy, then gave me the run around for days. Got his manager involved and was told it was a corporate policy they can't override. Whence I contacted corporate I was told the opposite. So much effort to try and get a simple change honored as presented.

9 years ago

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LINDA SCHMIDT Tulsa, OK

I was a member for 5 years and experienced bullying by a team instructor and could not cancel my membership without excessive fees, this is a dishonest company

7 years ago

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Todd Denver, CO

Do not sign a membership agreement with these scumbags. They make it impossible to cancel and then aggressively attempt to collect their frivolous debts.

7 years ago

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lisa Chestnut Hill, MA

Management was terrible at Chestnut Hill location and gave the impression they did not want teenage children there

6 years ago

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Michelle Ives Arvada, CO

Terrible corporation! Nice facility. Extremely rude customer service and account management.

6 years ago