America’s Biggest Gym: Inside Life Time’s Massive Fitness Empire

Life Time Fitness: The Ultimate Fitness Destination

Life Time Fitness, often referred to as a “healthy way of life” company, was established in 1992 and has grown into one of the most expansive and luxurious fitness brands in the U.S. The brand’s largest locations are renowned not just for their size but also for the depth of services offered. For instance, the Life Time Athletic in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and another large facility in Bridgewater, New Jersey, each exceed 200,000 square feet. Within these sprawling spaces, members have access to:

1. Diverse Fitness Zones: These locations include comprehensive workout zones with dedicated areas for strength training, cardio equipment, functional training, and free weights. Many locations also feature areas for specialized training, like boxing, HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training), and CrossFit-style workouts.

2. Sports Facilities: Life Time gyms are unique in their inclusion of recreational sports facilities, such as full-size basketball courts, racquetball courts, and even indoor and outdoor tennis courts at select locations. The facilities are spacious enough to hold community sports leagues and events, making Life Time an ideal choice for those seeking social or competitive recreational activities alongside their fitness routines.

3. Pools and Aquatic Centers: Members have access to both indoor and outdoor pools, hot tubs, and, at some clubs, full water parks with slides and other features. These pools cater to lap swimmers, families, and those attending water-based fitness classes.

4. Luxury Spa and Wellness Services: Life Time locations also emphasize holistic wellness with full-service spas, known as LifeSpa, offering massages, facials, and other treatments. Life Time also often includes services like saunas, steam rooms, and whirlpools to support recovery and relaxation.

5. Dining and Community Areas: Many Life Time gyms offer healthy dining options through LifeCafe, which provides fresh meals, smoothies, and snacks tailored to support members’ fitness goals. Additionally, these facilities may feature lounges and workspaces, making them a convenient choice for members who want to combine fitness and work-life balance under one roof.

6. Kids’ Activities and Childcare: Another hallmark of Life Time’s expansive facilities is their inclusion of kids' zones, where children can enjoy fitness-oriented activities and daycare while parents work out. Programs such as swimming lessons, summer camps, and kids’ fitness classes encourage a family-friendly environment​

Planet Fitness and Accessibility

While Life Time Fitness holds the title for size and amenities, Planet Fitness ranks as the largest gym chain in terms of locations, boasting over 2,000 clubs across the United States. Known for its affordable “Judgement Free Zone” philosophy, Planet Fitness focuses on creating an accessible environment for all fitness levels. Despite smaller individual facility sizes compared to Life Time, Planet Fitness is favored for its budget-friendly monthly rates and ease of access, making it one of the most popular choices for beginners or casual gym-goers​

Conclusion

Life Time Fitness’s large locations are impressive in size and variety, designed as luxurious health and wellness hubs catering to a wide range of fitness needs. From extensive fitness areas to community-oriented facilities, Life Time Fitness represents a peak experience for those seeking an all-inclusive gym environment. Meanwhile, Planet Fitness leads in terms of accessibility and membership numbers, offering a unique model that prioritizes affordability and accessibility for a broader demographic.