What a Lifetime Fitness membership covers

A Lifetime Fitness membership gives you access to the gym facilities at your local Lifetime Athletic Club location. The membership includes use of cardio equipment, weight machines, free weights, group fitness classes, pools, saunas, and courts — including racquetball courts if your location has them. You also get access to locker rooms and showers.

Lifetime Fitness is a private gym chain, not a government program or nonprofit. You pay a monthly fee to maintain your membership, and that fee varies based on which membership tier you choose and which location you join. Some locations offer additional services like personal training, childcare, or spa facilities for an extra cost on top of your base membership.

Your membership card is how you enter the facility. Most locations use a key fob or digital app that you scan at the entrance. If you lose your card, you can request a replacement from the front desk, usually for a small fee.

Key Takeaways

  • Lifetime Fitness memberships are month-to-month or annual contracts with a private gym chain, and the monthly cost depends on your location and membership level.
  • Your membership includes gym equipment, classes, pools, and courts at your specific location, though some amenities may require extra fees.
  • You can pause or cancel your membership, but the process and any fees depend on whether you signed a contract and what your membership agreement says.
  • Most locations charge an initiation fee when you first join, separate from your monthly dues.

Membership tiers and what each one costs

Lifetime Fitness offers different membership levels, and the names and prices vary by location. A basic membership typically gives you access to the gym floor, cardio and weight equipment, and some group classes. A premium tier usually adds unlimited classes, pool access, or other amenities. The most expensive option often includes everything plus personal training credits or spa services.

The monthly cost for each tier differs depending on your geographic location and which Lifetime Athletic Club you join. A membership at a location in a major city typically costs more than one in a smaller market. You can call your local Lifetime Fitness or visit their website to see the exact prices and tiers available at your nearest location.

Most locations also charge an initiation or enrollment fee when you first sign up, separate from your monthly dues. This one-time fee can range widely and is sometimes waived during promotional periods. Ask about current promotions when you contact them, as they frequently offer reduced or waived initiation fees.

How to sign up for a membership

To join Lifetime Fitness, visit your local club in person or contact them by phone. You will need to bring a valid photo ID and a payment method — either a credit card or bank account information for automatic monthly billing. The staff will walk you through the membership options, show you the facilities, and have you sign a membership agreement.

The membership agreement is the contract that spells out your monthly cost, what you get access to, how to pause or cancel, and any fees involved. Read it carefully before you sign, especially the cancellation terms. Some memberships require a commitment period, while others are month-to-month with no lock-in.

Once you sign, you will receive a membership card or key fob that same day. You can usually start using the facility when ready. Your first monthly charge will appear on your payment method according to the schedule outlined in your agreement.

Pausing or canceling your membership

If you need to stop using your membership temporarily, many Lifetime Fitness locations offer a pause option. A pause typically freezes your membership for a set period — often 30 to 90 days — without charging you monthly fees. You can usually pause your membership once or twice per year, depending on your agreement. Contact your local club to request a pause and confirm how long it will last.

To cancel your membership permanently, you must notify Lifetime Fitness in writing or in person at your club. The exact process depends on your membership agreement. Some memberships can be canceled anytime with 30 days' notice, while others have a commitment period during which early cancellation may trigger a fee. Check your agreement or ask the front desk what applies to your membership.

If you are in a contract period and cancel early, you may owe an early termination fee. This fee is spelled out in your membership agreement. Once you cancel, your membership ends on the date specified in your notice, and you will not be charged after that date.

Using your membership at different locations

Most Lifetime Fitness memberships are tied to a single home location. You can use the gym, classes, and courts at that specific club. Some membership tiers include access to other Lifetime Athletic Club locations, but this is not standard on all plans. If you want to use multiple locations, ask about a multi-club membership when you sign up — it typically costs more than a single-location membership.

If you move or travel frequently, you can sometimes transfer your membership to a different Lifetime Fitness location. Contact your current club and the new location to discuss your options. A transfer may involve a change in your monthly cost if the new location has different pricing.

What happens if you do not use your membership

If you stop going to the gym but do not formally pause or cancel your membership, you will continue to be charged your monthly fee. Lifetime Fitness does not automatically pause memberships for inactivity. You are responsible for contacting the club to pause or cancel if you are not using it.

If you have been charged after canceling and believe it was a mistake, contact your local Lifetime Fitness club with your membership number and the dates of the charges. They can review your account and process a refund if the charge was made in error. Keep copies of your cancellation request and any written confirmation you received.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze my membership if I am injured or sick?

Yes, most Lifetime Fitness locations offer a pause option for medical reasons. Contact your club and explain your situation. You will typically need to provide documentation like a doctor's note for longer pauses. The pause period and any requirements vary by location, so ask your club what they need.

What if I want to cancel but I am still in a contract?

If your membership agreement includes a commitment period and you cancel early, you will likely owe an early termination fee. The amount is listed in your agreement. Some locations may waive or reduce the fee if you explain your circumstances, so it is worth asking, but there is no may provide.

Do I have to pay an initiation fee every time I rejoin?

If you cancel and rejoin later, you may be charged an initiation fee again. However, Lifetime Fitness sometimes waives this fee for returning members or during promotions. Ask your local club whether they will waive the fee based on your membership history.

Can I use the racquetball courts with any membership level?

Racquetball court access depends on your membership tier and your location. Some basic memberships include court access, while others require a higher tier. Ask your local club which membership levels include racquetball courts before you sign up.

What if I move out of state?

If you move far away and can no longer use your local Lifetime Fitness, you can cancel your membership. You will need to provide written notice according to your agreement, typically 30 days in advance. Some locations may waive early termination fees for relocations if you provide proof, so contact your club to discuss your options.