The fitness industry struggles with high staff turnover, burnout, and wage competition. Meanwhile, Life Time has senior leaders who have been working together for over 40 years. This remarkable stability reveals something special about the company culture, especially in a field where change happens quickly.

Life Time began as a small Minnesota club in 1992 by Bahram Akradi and has grown to over 180 clubs nationwide and three in Canada. While expanding, it has maintained its original vision and adapted to its members’ evolving needs. Its success comes from prioritizing people and service rather than focusing solely on facilities or equipment. Originally Life Time Fitness, its evolution led to dropping Fitness from the company’s name in 2017 to better represent the healthy way of life ethos of its clubs, athletic events and digital footprint, leveling up at every opportunity to serve its memberbase. 

A Mission That Guides Every Decision

The mission statement came in 1997, when Life Time’s leadership team, including founder Bahram Akradi, Efonda Sproles, and 15 others, spent a weekend retreat defining their purpose. They created this mission statement: “To provide entertaining, educational, friendly, and inviting experiences of uncompromising quality that empower everyone to live a healthy and happy life.”

For Life Time, these words actively shape daily operations. Efonda Sproles, who has worked alongside Bahram for 41 years, recites this mission statement daily. The team views it as an ongoing pursuit rather than an achievement with a finish line.

This mission influences everything from club design to staff training. Life Time has grown without losing its identity by staying anchored to these core values. It has expanded its vision and offerings while maintaining its foundational purpose and passion.

The quality and care for this mission have led Life Time to be the premier healthy lifestyle brand nationwide. Known for the luxury experience, the athletic country club is on the higher end in terms of cost, which has led Life Time to obsess over the tiniest hospitality details for its clients. Creating desirability is everything! It’s demonstrated from the moment a member checks in down to the choice of equipment — every choice makes a difference in crafting the Life Time experience.

Hospitality Sets Life Time Apart

Life Time approaches fitness differently by focusing first on people. As Efonda explains, “We’re not in the fitness business. We’re in the people business.” This perspective influences their hiring practices and member interactions. The success comes from focusing solely on the member experience. The obsessive commitment to this fact allows sales to happen organically, as they have no salespeople, and ensure the member experience is top-tier. 

The company distinguishes between service and hospitality. Service skills can be taught – checking members in, following protocols, and maintaining facilities. Hospitality, however, requires something innate – a genuine desire to care for others that can’t be trained. Life Time specifically seeks people with this natural inclination.

This hospitality focus leads to unexpected comparisons. When investors ask about competitors, Life Time doesn’t mention other gyms – they reference luxury brands unparalleled in their hospitality, like Disney and Ritz-Carlton. Similarly, the hiring approach reflects this philosophy. Instead of traditional interviews, Efonda uses what he calls the “three C’s” – coffee, culture, and connection. Through casual conversations, he identifies candidates who genuinely embody Life Time’s values and will contribute to the hospitality-focused environment.

MIORA Performance + Longevity: Advanced Wellness

Life Time continues expanding its wellness offerings with MIORA Performance + Longevity, focusing on preventative health. This initiative shows its commitment to anticipating industry developments and taking proactive steps rather than reacting to the latest wellness trends.

MIORA offers personalized services all based on the proprietary Metabolic Code developed by Life Time’s Chief Science Officer James LaValle. Offerings may include hormone therapy, peptides, and individualized health planning. Instead of relying on prescriptions, members receive a comprehensive plan provided by medical providers and registered dietitians. This approach helps address potential health issues before they develop and/or works to reverse or alter current diagnosis.

The service provides depth typically found during executive physicals, but makes it accessible to members. By combining wellness expertise with fitness knowledge, Life Time creates wellness programs that offer the next level of wellness to its members who take health seriously. 

Career Opportunities for Fitness Professionals

Life Time offers fitness professionals solid career paths with multiple income streams, schedule flexibility, and comprehensive benefits, including medical and dental insurance, at 30 hours weekly. This environment allows trainers to build sustainable careers, not just jobs. These opportunities are currently live on Marketplace by Coach360. 

Professional growth comes naturally with access to every Life Time location, continuing education, and certification reimbursement. Trainers work with premium equipment, have ample training space, and benefit from valuable brand partnerships that enhance their credentials.

The company supports its team members with the same dedication they show members. This creates positive momentum with well-supported employees who deliver exceptional experiences and retain members while attracting talent. Many trainers find Life Time becomes their career home rather than a temporary position.

Final Thoughts

Members frequently share stories about how Life Time changed their families and their lives, not just their physical fitness. These personal accounts confirm that the company fulfills its mission of supporting healthy, happy living. My personal fitness story began in Life Time almost two decades ago, and I can confidently say I may not have found my space in the health and wellness industry without walking through those doors. 

Life Time builds communities where meaningful connections form alongside health routines. Its ongoing expansion, including new locations in Idaho and its integrated living and workspace concepts, brings this approach to wellness to more people. For fitness professionals looking to align their skills with meaningful work, Life Time offers the chance to contribute to something that genuinely improves lives daily.

About Elisa Edelstein
Elisa is a curious and versatile writer, carving her niche in the health and wellness industry since 2015. Her lens is rooted in real world experience as a personal trainer and competitive bodybuilder and extended out of the gym and on to the page as a writer where she is able to combine her passions for empowering others, promoting wellness, and the power of the written word.