LifeTime Fitness Logo

LifeTime Fitness

Is This Your Business?
star star star star_half star_border

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.

Top Ranked Companies

thumb_up

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.

thumb_down

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.

gavel

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.

Was this content helpful?
thumb_up Yes thumb_down No

Star Rating

info

3.6

star star star star_half star_border

122 Reviews

Review Breakdown

5 grade

42%

4 grade

25%

3 grade

7%

2 grade

3%

1 grade

22%

Sentiment Criteria

Value

star star star star_half star_border

Quality

star star star star star_border

Service

star star star star star_border

Trustworthiness

star star star star_half star_border
cancel
info
star star star star star_border

Mike Hanover, MD

I have been a member for 12 months with my wife and 2 year old son. I came in to cancel my wife's account in October. I was told that it would be removed and pro rated for November. Ok fine Well December comes and I'm still being charged the same rate. I called to ask why my December is still being charged the same amount. Lifetime says they have no record of me canceling. So basically I had to pay again the full amount for December and pro-rated charge for January. You would think you pay this much a gym that the customer service would be better and the people working there know how to do their job. The funny thing is when I signed up initially I had a referral and had to call and email for 2 weeks for my referral to get her lifetime points. They love to bill he hell out of you and offer you zero customer service. Make sure you get everything in writing and follow up. Terrible customer service. The worst part is reading other yelp reviews the same thing has happened to so many other customers trying to cancel their membership. Lifetime just keeps charging and has no record of them canceling. You pay $150 a month and the customer service is absolutely horrible. Don't believe me read the other reviews. The worst part is about reading other reviews online about life time and the same stuff has happened to many other who tried to cancel. Each time paper work is lost or it was never “cancelled “ shady business practices.

7 years ago

star star star star star_border

Derek Rhoades Minneapolis, MN

Gym is very nice. Do not use the Lifetime cafe. My experience with the lifetime cafe has been mediocre at best. Often order is wrong or not what is asked, and prices are high and food is not high quality. So gym very nice, cafe…nah. Stick just getting water and/or protein shakes (though I’ve even had those wrong and they’re pricey too) for the cafe. Austin, TX location

4 years ago

star star star star star_border

Mario Martin Houston, TX

I was over 40 years old and was 275 lbs. and extremely overweight . Life Time Fitness was introduced to me by a good friend. Initially I was intimidated to use the facility but after I met with the knowledgeable and friendly staff, they helped me with a realistic training plan and 8 months later 60 lbs. weight loss and greater self-esteem!

4 years ago

star star star star star_border

Kaylee Gay Columbia, MO

I love all of the equipment variety and how family-friendly it is. The facility is always so clean and they have great rainers. I loved how nice and passionate my trainer was and how much they pushed me. I have never improved so much.

4 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star_border

BeauCarl South Jordan, UT

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.

6 years ago

star star star star star_border

Judy Feldmeier Houston, TX

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.

6 years ago

star star star star star_border

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

7 years ago

star star star star star_border

Hunter Kasprzyk Gilbert, AZ

LifeTime Fitness provides everything you could need from a gym but it make you pay for it. If you are somebody who will only use this gym for a fraction of the features you will be paying a lot more than you need.

8 years ago

star star star star star_border

Nana Asiata Herriman, UT

Lifetime Fitness in Eden Prairie, MN is awesome. It has all the equipment you need and more. They even have a spa that's amazing. Basketball court is a major plus as well as the leagues they run there.

8 years ago Edited September 14, 2021

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star_border

Lindsey A Brown Lehi, UT

By far the nicest and cleanest gym out there. The equipment is very well taken care of and really clean. The kid's area is awesome and I feel that my kids are safe and well watched over while I'm working out. Would definitely recommend Lifetime to anyone!

7 years ago

star star star star star_border

Brinley Knowles Smithfield, UT

The gym here is clean and have lots of options. The pool is clean and my kids love to swim and relax in it after we workout. Walking into the gym I am always welcomed.

7 years ago

star star star star star_border

Tanner Cook Gilbert, AZ

Lifetime fitness has literally everything you’d want - but it’s on the expensive side. However if you enjoy taking classes, they offer many free classes which is a plus.

7 years ago

star star star star star_border

Brayden D. Gilbert, AZ

Lifetime fitness was my go to gym for me and my family. It was great because while I would workout my family would go swim in the pool and have a blast. It’s great.

8 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star_border

Juliann Mecham Managua, MN

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.

6 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star_border

Tracy Hill Draper, UT

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.

7 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star_border

Leslie West Jordan, UT

Lifetime is AMAZING! This place is huge! The thing I like most is that they have lots for kids to do. You definitely get what you pay for but keep in mind that you will be paying quite a bit more than just your basic gym.

8 years ago Edited September 14, 2021

star star star star star_border

Stacy Kay Salt Lake City, UT

Such a beautiful gym. Tons of amenities. The staff that I talked to was great. The price is okay for what you get. I ended up not joining because the location wasn't a good fit for me.

8 years ago

star star star star star_border

Max Chicago, IL

just began a startup package, nice opportunity to get fit for people who likes to eat a lot, like me, ha ha, good stuff and conditions, thanks guys.

5 years ago

star star star star star_border

Nathaniel WilliamsNnNn

Like LifeTime, because the gym open 24 hours. And also my teenage kids can hang out at the gym playing basketball and also sit in the hot tub.

7 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star_border

Kaydence Bonino Riverton, UT

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!

6 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star_border

Jon Posey Riverton, UT

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.

6 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star_border

Alyssa Boren American Fork, UT

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.

7 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star_border

Rylie Crandall Draper, UT

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.

7 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star_border

Shaylee Provo, UT

The equipment is nice and clean at lifetime fitness. There is a lot of variety as far as machines go as well. Classes are fun and the gym is well kept.

7 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star_border

Rathan Kumar Trabuco Canyon, CA

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.

6 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star_border

Jason Draper, UT

Lifetime Fitness is an incredible fitness center because everything is well kept, clean, and nice and the staff is very helpful.

7 years ago

star star star star star_border

Darius Williams Alexandria, VA

beautiful gym and very nice customer service. More on the expensive side of a gym membership but worth it if you can afford it

7 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star_border

oallred Gilbert, AZ

They had a variety of equipment to use which all worked and were clean. The people that worked there were nice and friendly.

7 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star_border

Courtney carlson South Jordan, UT

Awesome place for families. Something for everyone. Wish it was a little closer to our house. Expensive though.

6 years ago

star star star star star_border

bailey jo Orem, UT

Love their facilities, especially their basketball courts. Affordable prices as well.

7 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star_border

Sarah Gilbert, AZ

Really nice gym! The equipment is very new and easy to use by everybody!! The service is great too!

7 years ago