Life Time — Local services in Urbandale

I've been a member of Life Time for 9 years, first in Minnesota (where I used to live) and in Iowa (where I've been living since 2015). It continues to be an investment in my health. I want to state a few things:

1. I almost cancelled my Life Time membership almost 5 years ago after my divorce. My ex cancelled his membership, and I didn't know until it happened, that my price would go up. It continues to annoy me that many companies, like Life Time, will charge a higher rate for a single person, and won't give a financial consideration due to a life event, such as divorce, death of spouse, etc. Back then, I then decided to try to cancel, but thankfully, as I recall, it was David who told me that if I cancelled what the ramifications would be - that I'd rejoin at a much higher rate, etc. I am glad I stayed, as working out is essential during life changes. Lesson learned that I share as advice: If you go through a life event, such as a divorce or death, give yourself time to review and process before making changes to your life that are about finances.

2. I was laid off last year and was pleasantly surprised to find that I could pause my membership, which I did for four months (Nov 2023 - February 2024). Coincidentally, a new health club was opening in my Grimes neighborhood and offered a much lower rate. So while I paused the Lifetime membership, I joined Hot Worx. I think Hot Worx is a neat concept, don't get me wrong, and I wish them a ton of success. However, for me personally, it didn't feel good over time to work out in sauna conditions. (That is their "schtick": working out while the workout room is in sauna hi temps.) I did get a job in January 2024 and was excited to come back to Life time in March 2024. Lesson learned: It's always great to check out other clubs. Again, if you're going through a life event, such as a job change, DO NOT CANCEL your membership. Pause it if you must, but working out is definitely a great thing to do during times of turmoil. I did enjoy using the digital Life Time workouts, which I also did during those four months, but it felt great to be back in the club in March.

3. I decided to pause again this month (Nov 2024), to check out yet another club in the Grimes area. I'm an empty nester who's just not into kids these days. I've noticed lots of kids at Lifetime recently, and I think it's terrific for families that they have the ability to put their kids in daycare there, or in classes. Again, not knocking it, but I feel being a bit Gen X er there these days, definitely an older soul in the 4:30 pm plus workout hours there, not that I really care BUT I digress...sooo, I decided to check out Ignit, a small Grimes club. Again, a lower price. I did a free week there, and it is very small. I liked the yoga class and other strength training class I took there, and the genuine care and friendliness of the staff. But last Sunday, when I walked in: There were tons of kids, like a whole team, screaming and doing their exercises on a court. I realized: Ya know what, it's time to go back to Lifetime. So I went back to Lifetime yesterday. Lesson learned: again, nothing wrong with trying out other clubs. Don't cancel a membership until you're absolutely certain you're ready.

Overall, Life Time continues to be the right place for me. For those of you concerned about ongoing price hikes, well I am too. But the two times I checked out other clubs, I saw firsthand what is "lost" in paying less for a club. Thanks...

As a dedicated member of Lifetime Fitness, I've had the distinct pleasure of witnessing Jack's extraordinary impact on the gym's atmosphere and growth firsthand. His exceptional leadership skills are more than just apparent—they're an integral part of the daily experience here at the facility.

Jack's leadership shines through in every aspect of the gym's operation, fostering an environment where members like myself feel motivated, supported, and valued. He doesn't just manage; he inspires, encouraging both staff and gym-goers to push beyond their limits, pursue their wellness goals, and maintain a positive outlook on the fitness journey.

The way Jack recognizes and utilizes the individual strengths of his team members has resulted in a harmonious gym environment where every staff interaction feels personalized and uplifting. This has a ripple effect on us members, making each visit to the gym an enjoyable and productive session—a testament to Jack’s ability to create a culture of excellence that enhances member satisfaction.

Outside of the obvious day-to-day benefits, Jack's influence in business development has been evident in the steady enhancements and expansions taking place. Under his guidance, I've seen Lifetime Fitness introduce cutting-edge classes, state-of-the-art equipment, and tailored health programs that keep pace with the latest industry advancements. As a result, the gym isn't just retaining members—it's continuously attracting new faces excited by the dynamic offerings and inclusive community cultivated by Jack's leadership.

For someone who values their fitness and wellness journey, having access to a facility that evolves to meet and even anticipate your needs is invaluable. This forward-thinking approach to business growth ensures that my investment in a membership here is not just rewarding in the present, but also robust for the future. It's clear that Jack's innovative spirit is at the heart of Lifetime Fitness' market success, and his dedication is a cornerstone of the trust and loyalty that the brand enjoys among its members.

In conclusion, Jack's impact as a leader at Lifetime Fitness resonates with every person who walks through its doors. His drive and vision create a thriving environment that benefits members and the business alike, securing Lifetime Fitness' reputation as a top-tier health and fitness sanctuary. I, for one, am grateful for the positive changes his leadership has brought to my...

I've been a member on and off since it opened. Here are a few pros and cons:

In terms of pros, I love how clean the facilities are and how friendly the staff is. I've worked out with several trainers who are very helpful, knowledgeable, and approachable. The amenities are thoughtfully provided to cater to members' needs, including towels, shampoo, razors, and blow dryers.

The lockers now have numeric access, so keys are not required. They also switched to a login system that uses phones. Additionally, they don't allow male children in the female locker rooms. Instead, there are family bathrooms and changing rooms, and they prohibit nudity in the hot tubs, unlike some clubs.

The cafe offers fast, generally healthy, and tasty food. The WiFi is decent, and the large tables are great if you need a change of scenery to work remotely. The tennis court area also has seating, but it's not as ideal for plugging in devices. The club provides both indoor and outdoor pools, with a wide variety of classes and equipment.

The kids' academy is welcoming and friendly. They provide kids with a variety of play options for up to two hours while you work out. When my child was younger, I liked that they would call me instead of handling bathroom needs themselves.

For cons, I don't like that you need to RSVP for group classes. I stopped attending because it's not always feasible to RSVP and guarantee I can attend. They also started charging extra for the outdoor pool in the summer. I canceled my membership during COVID after putting it on pause for six months, and when I returned, I had to start paying extra for the pool. The pricing is definitely at a premium now.

I enjoy the spa services, but my experiences with the hair salon have been less positive. I had one of my worst haircuts there, and when I took my daughter for a braid, they doubled the price without notice and didn't finish styling it well, so we stopped going.

The nail technicians are efficient, consistently finishing within 45 minutes, which is fast compared to most salons. The quality is always good.

The pool no longer lets patrons use some equipment, and the family bathrooms can be a little messy, but they're...