Life Time: Chicago's Premier Athletic Resort and Spa

Life Time Introduce

For those in the Chicago area seeking a fitness destination that goes far beyond the typical gym experience, Life Time presents itself as a luxury athletic resort and spa. Situated in the heart of the city, this club is designed to be a comprehensive healthy living community, offering an extensive range of amenities and services under one roof. It aims to provide a premium experience that supports a healthy way of life, from physical training and group classes to relaxation and social spaces.

Life Time's approach is to cater to every aspect of its members' well-being. The facility is equipped with state-of-the-art fitness equipment and dedicated studios for various classes. It is a place where you can find everything from high-intensity workouts to serene yoga sessions and a relaxing spa experience. The sheer volume and variety of offerings are designed to make it a one-stop-shop for all your health and wellness needs. The visually appealing and well-designed spaces, including a café and upscale lounges, contribute to an atmosphere that feels more like a resort than a gym.

However, it is important for prospective members to be aware of the high price point and some of the operational challenges that have been noted. Reviews indicate that while the amenities are impressive, some members have felt that the high cost of a membership doesn't always align with the overall experience. Issues such as a lack of communication during unexpected closures and what some perceive as misleading sales tactics have been points of frustration for some. These are important considerations for anyone evaluating if the "premium" price tag matches their expectations for a "premium" service.

Life Time is located at 15 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60654, USA. Its prime location in the River North area makes it a highly convenient option for those living and working in downtown Chicago. The facility's integration within a major residential building, One Chicago, adds to its accessibility for residents.

The club is committed to accessibility, with features including a wheelchair accessible entrance, a wheelchair accessible parking lot, a wheelchair accessible restroom, and wheelchair accessible seating. This ensures that the facility is designed to be welcoming and accommodating to individuals with a variety of mobility needs.

Life Time offers a truly comprehensive suite of services and programs, catering to a wide range of interests and fitness levels.

Personal Training: Work with certified trainers to create a customized fitness plan tailored to your specific goals.
Indoor Cycling: Participate in high-energy, instructor-led cycling classes in a dedicated studio.
Pilates Studio: Utilize state-of-the-art equipment in reformer Pilates classes designed to improve core strength, flexibility, and balance.
Yoga Studio: Choose from a variety of yoga classes, including both Vinyasa and Hatha, for a mind-body workout.
Strength Training: Access a full suite of strength training equipment, including free weights, machines, and functional training areas.
Youth and Kids Classes: A range of programs are available for children, including kids' classes and youth sports training.
On-site Spa and Café: Enjoy full-service spa treatments and a café offering healthy food and beverages.
Online and On-site Services: Take advantage of both in-person and online classes and services for a flexible workout schedule.

The features and highlights of this Life Time location are designed to provide a resort-like experience, offering a range of amenities not typically found in a standard gym.

Indoor and Outdoor Pools: The club features both an indoor lap pool for serious swimmers and an outdoor swimming pool for leisure and relaxation.
Basketball and Pickleball Courts: Members have access to regulation-size basketball courts and pickleball courts for pickup games or skill training.
Sauna and Showers: The facility includes a sauna and clean, well-appointed showers, perfect for post-workout recovery.
Wi-Fi: Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the club, allowing members to stay connected.
Luxurious Amenities: The club boasts a full-service spa, a LifeCafe, and other high-end amenities that create a feeling of luxury and convenience.

For those interested in learning more or exploring membership options, you can contact Life Time directly.

Address: 15 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60654, USA
Phone: (872) 345-8500

What is it that makes Life Time worth choosing? The primary draw is its extensive array of high-end amenities and services, which are unparalleled in many fitness settings. The combination of a massive workout floor, multiple dedicated studios, indoor and outdoor pools, and sports courts makes it a place where you could spend an entire day. For those who want their gym to be a central part of their lifestyle, offering opportunities for both intense workouts and relaxation, Life Time's resort-like model is a major selling point. The option to take a variety of specialized classes, from Pilates to cycling, all under one roof, is a significant convenience.

However, it's crucial to consider the member experience as a whole, especially given the premium price. While some amenities, such as the café, are a definite highlight, a premium price comes with a premium expectation for service and consistency. Reviews from former and current members point to some gaps in customer service, including a perceived lack of flexibility with membership fees and inconsistent communication during unexpected closures. Issues with maintenance, such as cold plunges being down and murky pool water, have also been noted, which can be frustrating when paying a high monthly fee.

For some, the trade-off between the cost and the amenities is worth it, especially for those who will utilize a wide range of services. For others, the high fees, potential for a difficult cancellation process, and perceived inconsistencies in service may be a deterrent. Ultimately, choosing Life Time in Chicago is a decision that requires a careful consideration of your personal needs and priorities. It's a club that offers a luxury fitness experience but also comes with the expectations and potential drawbacks of a high-end service. For many, it's a place that was a huge part of their fitness journey; for others, the disappointment in a "premium" experience not always living up to its price tag has led them to look elsewhere. It's a place with great potential, but it's important to be an informed consumer.

Life Time Services

Gym
Indoor Lap Pool
Kids Classes
Pilates Studio
Strength Training
Yoga Class
Yoga Studio
Cycling
Personal training
Youth classes

Life Time Details

Service options
Online classes
Onsite services

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Wheelchair accessible restroom
Wheelchair accessible seating

Offerings
Sauna

Amenities
Basketball court
Restroom
Swimming pool
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi
Swimming pool

Atmosphere
Shower

Planning
Membership required

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Life Time Photos

Life Time Location

Life Time

Illinois Cook County Chicago River North West Chicago Avenue

15 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60654, USA

Life Time Reviews

An average rating of ★4 from 288 user reviews.

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★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

Lifetime was a huge part of my fitness journey—I loved the amenities, the people, the cleanliness, and the staff. But after relocating to the city, I was told my only options were to cancel or upgrade from $150/month to $300/month plus a $200 upgrade fee. As an 18-year-old who had been a loyal member for over a year and a half, I asked if they could waive the fee or work with me on the price. The answer was no to both.I reluctantly upgraded—big mistake. On my second day at the new location, the cold plunge was down, the water was murky but still open, and the pool license looked expired. Its ridiculous parking isn't included, and was never told the outdoor pool was extra. I also noticed that the water pressure in the showers are always low. For $300/month, I expected a premium experience. Instead, I got extreme disappointment. I’ll be canceling my membership and finding a gym that actually lives up to its price tag!
August 13 · NUNYA BIZNES
I joined this gym over the summer excited by what seemed like a great facility and experience. Unfortunately, over time, a number of issues have made me reconsider the value of my membership.When I first signed up, I was told by the salesperson that both of my roommates could be added as co-members on my account. However, when we arrived together, I was informed that only one additional person could be added—completely contradicting what I was originally told. This felt like a misleading sales tactic and was very frustrating, especially since one of my roommates was then unable to join us.The equipment is decent but nothing extraordinary—I’ve been to other gyms with much better setups for a fraction of the price. While the amenities are visually appealing, they don’t quite justify the high membership fee. That said, I will give credit where it’s due: the café is a really nice touch and one of the highlights of the facility.What ultimately led me to write this review was arriving today to find the gym completely closed due to a power outage. There was little communication about the situation, no clear timeline for reopening, and no word on whether members will be prorated for the days missed. For a gym of this price point, I expect better transparency and customer service.Overall, this gym has potential, but the lack of consistency and communication makes it hard to recommend at the current cost.
July 24 · Ryan Sobol
Paying $500/month at Life Time River North gets you a rooftop shut down at 9:30 pm, no food or drinks, rude service, and ignored complaints — nowhere near ‘premium.I’ve been a loyal, long-time customer, and I expected far better than what we’re experiencing now. For the amount of money we pay, the service and offerings are unacceptable. On the rooftop, food and beverage service is consistently unavailable — no waiters, no drinks — yet members are constantly policed not to bring in any outside food.Even worse, the rooftop is cleared out every night at 9:30 p.m., in the middle of summer, when members should be able to enjoy the space. Being forced out so early feels less like a premium club and more like a retirement home.This is absolutely inappropriate and deeply disappointing. If this level of service continues, I will be left with no choice but to continue sharing my experience publicly. This is not the level of service expected from a premium club, and unless corrected, more members will surely feel the same disappointment.⚠️ And if management chooses to retaliate by canceling my membership instead of fixing these problems, that will only prove my point and I will share that publicly as well.
August 26 · Ljiljana Lillian Savic
This newly added location in Chicago, belonging to the Lifetime brand, is truly exceptional. The gym floor's vast expanse is impressive and magnificent, featuring all the standard Lifetime sections and more. Additionally, there's an indoor and outdoor pool available for an extra fee, and the club remains open 24 hours in Gold Coast Chicago. The views from both the gym floor and the pool are splendid. Conveniently, there's a Whole Foods store on the ground floor, making it a comprehensive facility.However, there are some drawbacks. During weekend mornings, the gym floor can get incredibly crowded, often dominated by college groups or unknown gatherings, which can be bothersome for those trying to use the machines and bars.While they offer amenities like a cold plunge, sauna, and steam room, there's a need for better signage to educate members about proper behavior, such as not leaving towels everywhere. Furthermore, it's important for members to rinse or shower before using the hot tub or cold plunge, as wearing underwear or sweat-soaked sport shorts can introduce unwanted elements into the water. This practice can compromise the water quality, potentially remaining unchanged for an extended period of time.
August 12 · Sheng C
The only thing keeping me there is that its open 24-7 and has a cold plunge (when it's not under maintenance indefinitely). If I pay an arm and a leg, I expect certain standards. The sauna is never heated enough and everyone in there constantly complains about it so I know I'm not alone. If you have a real job, forget about having a streamlined workout because evenings and mornings are always super crowded. They make you pay for parking which adds up to a couple hundred bucks on top of the membership fee. The elevators take forever. There's been times I'm standing there for 3-4 minutes waiting for the elevator. They make you pay for a pool membership on top of the parking and regular membership. The shampoo/conditioners are empty half of the time. I've been a member of lifetime for over a decade but I'm on the verge of cancelling my spouse and I's membership.
August 14 · Frank Mark