After much anticipation, Life Time Athletic has just opened in Ardmore. This facility contains a state-of-the-art gym, a full service salon and spa, a coworking space, a cafe, and the Life Time Kids Academy. This new space is sure to be popular as a one-stop-shop for both lifestyle and work, helping to balance the two (especially for parents who stay home or work from home) by housing all the amenities you could ask for in one sparkly building.

 

We got a tour of the over 80,000-square-feet space on opening day, and it was already bustling. Here’s why.

The Gym

Obviously the centerpiece of Life Time Athletic is the fitness facilities. Of course there is exercise equipment as far as the eye can see, and Life Time also has five specialized studios for group exercise, yoga, barre, spin, and Pilates classes. No matter what your interest or fitness level, it’s safe to say there is something on the schedule for you. There is also personal and team training, ranging in intensity all the way up to “Team Alpha” (similar to CrossFit).

 

The locker rooms are spacious and luxurious as well. In addition to basic locker and shower facilities, there is also a hot tub, wet sauna, and dry sauna. All toiletries and supplies are included, so no worries about packing too much in your gym bag.

Kids Academy

One of the most attractive features of Life Time is its Kids Academy, which provides much more than babysitting for its kids (ranging from 3 months to 11 years). There is playspace as well as a schedule of classes (drop-in and progressive lessons), all included in membership. Two hours at the Kids Academy are included per day (per child), and the parent must remain in the building the whole time.

 

The staff (or “gurus,” as they are called) are highly trained and experienced, both in terms of childcare credentials and knowledge of their field. For example, the dance instructor has danced professionally for decades. “We try to find people who are committed to kids, who want to improve the lives of kids,” explained Natalie Bushaw, Director of Communications, as we toured the colorful and welcoming spot.

 

For babies age 3-12 months, there is “The Nest,” which contains everything a baby needs to play and nap (lots of baby toys, a crib, bouncers, and more). Note that for safety reasons, they will not change diapers, so they will be sure to know where exactly in the building you will be during your stay in case you are needed. Babies will get tummy time, storytime, play, and bottle-feeding while they are there.

 

Toddlers age 1-2 remain in the Tot Spot, which has lots of resources for both physical and imaginative play. There also toddler progrms offered every hour on a rotating schedule, which include fitness activities, creative and building activities, sensory exploration, and Music Move and Groove.

 

For ages 3 and up, the possibilities really expand with a full schedule of classes, as well as a series of climbing tunnels! Kids can take movement classes like dance, yoga, Zumba, indoor sports, and gymnastics; but they also have arts, building, and school skills classes available to cater to both the creative and the physical sides. Classes are 45 minutes long, and are included in membership cost. There are also 10-week progressive lessons that require pre-registration, but are also included in the cost of membership. These lessons include martial arts, gymnastics, sports, and dance.

 

Life Time is also planning to start Parents Night Out, where you can drop off your kids (and not have to stay in the building) for an adult night out. In addition, special events like the Daddy Daughter Dance and yoga under the stars (on their outdoor turf-covered deck) are in the works.

LifeSpa

Life Time has a full salon and spa, including hair, nails, massage, and facial services, as well as a relaxation room. The individual service rooms have calm names like “Lavender Meadow,” and look just as peaceful.

 

As an added bonus, and one that we are very excited to use, the spa is open to non-members, and if you are there getting a service, you also receive a day pass to the club, as well as two hours of Kids Academy!

LifeCafe

The café is also open to non-members, and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as smoothies, coffee, and snacks. You can customize your own smoothie or salad, or just get a grab-and-go meal. They even have a kids’ menu, which has favorites like chicken tenders and cheese quesadillas. The café also has a little shop area where you can buy bars, supplements, and powders to take home.

Life Time Work

The new Ardmore location of Life Time is the first to also have coworking space. This has both private and open-plan workspaces, as well as little phone rooms and a dedicated outdoor terrace. You can also reserve (for an extra fee) a larger conference room for meetings. The workspace also has printing, shredding, scanning, and copying, as well as wi-fi, an on-site tech genius, and a kitchen area. The desks and chairs in some offices are ergonomic, and can be adjusted with the push of a button! We also loved the design of the coworking space, which was a complete departure from a stark cubicle setting, to say the least.

 

Membership to Life Time Athletic is required to use the coworking space, but you do not have to buy Life Time Work membership if you are only interested in joining the gym.

Life Time Athletic Ardmore is located in Suburban Square in Ardmore. The address is listed as 40 E. Montgomery Ave., but that doesn’t mean much in Suburban Square, so just walk to where Macy’s used to be and you’re there! It is open seven days a week, from 5 am—11 pm on weekdays, and 6 am—8 pm on weekends.

 

Life Time also has similar locations in Fort Washington and King of Prussia.

 

Photographs by Laura Swartz.