Life Time Athletic-Laguna

**The Good News:** This place is nice. Really nice. Clean equipment, spacious layout, all the amenities you’d expect from a premium gym. The cold plunge, sauna, and clean towels are *chef’s kiss*. **The Other News:** It’s giving “retired and loving it” energy. I showed up at 10am on a Tuesday ready to crush some weights, and I’m pretty sure I was the youngest person there by two decades. The café had more action than the free weights section. Someone was literally doing tai chi in the stretching area for 45 minutes. Respect, honestly. The pool area is beautiful, but I kept expecting someone to ask me to keep it down (I wasn’t even talking). It’s like working out in a very nice, very expensive library where everyone is also doing hydrotherapy. **The Existential Crisis:** Is this better than Equinox? I DON’T KNOW. Equinox has that “I definitely have meetings after this” energy. Life Time has “I’m meeting the golden girls for lunch at 11:30” energy. Both will enthusiastically accept your money. Life Time might give you more square footage for your dollar, but Equinox gives you more… anxiety? Motivation? The lingering scent of ambition? **Bottom Line:** Four stars because it’s objectively a good gym, the facilities are top-notch, and honestly? Sometimes you just want to work out without feeling like you’re in a SoulCycle commercial. Just don’t expect much competition for the squat rack before noon. *Would recommend if: You enjoy a peaceful workout, appreciate cleanliness, and don’t need high energy vibes to get motivated.* *Would NOT recommend if: You feed off gym chaos, need to feel like you’re training for the Hunger Games, or require constant validation that you’re at the “right” gym.*

I’m giving the gym 5 stars because the facilities and overall staff have been excellent. However, my personal training sessions ended abruptly with no clear communication, which was especially disappointing, as we had such a positive experience for nearly two months. Professionalism and transparency are vital, and I hope future personal training clients receive the respect I had anticipated. Despite this, I believe the gym can uphold its high standards. UPDATE: I don’t hand out praise to personal trainers easily — a point I’ve already made clear above — and my standards tend to be…selective, more so given my experience mentioned above. That said, Connor has managed to restore a portion of my faith. He’ll have you laughing one minute and contemplating pushing him down a hill the next, strictly metaphorical, of course. Your suffering is clearly part of his programming…and, somewhat concerningly, part of mine too (don't judge me. I know a lot of you feel the same way ☺️). What sets him apart is the substance behind the sessions. He checks in, explains everything with intention, and doesn’t waste your time with fluff. There’s a clear method to what he does.

I absolutely LOVE this gym and have been meaning to write a review for some time now. I became a member a couple of years ago when I found out that my insurance plan included membership here. There are restricted days and hours, but I don't have a problem with that as I have a lot of flexibility with my work schedule. The front desk knows customer service!! Koda, front desk manager, has always been helpful, and his communication skills are top notch. In other words, he follows up and gets you the answers you need in a timely manner. Also, Krysta as concierge worked with me on changing my membership, and again, she was responsive, helpful and so accommodating with answering my questions and explaining pricing. Now the best part of the club are the instructors!! Sharyn is absolutely a dynamo and her energy is contagious. I love how she does the strength classes with us while groaning, sweating and laughing so she can feel our pain (LOL). I always seem to find new muscles that are sore the day after. And Juli R. who teaches Life Barre Fusion and Pilates Fusion is an amazing athlete and really knows how to inspire and motivate. Underneath her calm and peaceful demeanor though is a tough teacher who always challenges and motivates us. These are just a couple of my regular instructors that I go to, but it seems that all of them are top notch and the best in their industry. Their cafe always offers tasty and nutritious food and protein drinks after a workout. Again, the staff is well trained and helpful. Always nice to grab something when I'm in a hurry.

An excellent facility and a fantastic experience! Coda at the front desk is so kind, enthusiastic, welcoming, and helpful. He sets the tone as soon as you walk in. Micki's cycle class is incredible and a superb workout! She is so inspiring and challenges you with awesome music and her leadership. She makes everyone feel welcome and a part of the class. Overall a wonderful experience and I highly recommend this quality gym!

I had shoulder pain for the past three days and decided to ask Michael, one of the personal trainers, for some advice. Even though I didn’t have an appointment, he was super friendly, approachable, and responsive. He quickly showed me two simple exercises that helped relieve the pain and also took the time to explain what likely caused it and how to avoid it in the future. I really appreciated his professionalism and willingness to help without hesitation.