Established in 1992 in Brooklyn Park, MN, Life Time is bringing its Healthy Way of Life brand to San Clemente’s Village by the Sea with the opening of Life Time Rancho San Clemente. It is a brand birthed when the company’s founder, Bahram Akradi, age 17, came to the U.S. from Tehran, Iran to study engineering at the University of Colorado. 

While studying there, Akradi began selling memberships at the Nautilus Fitness Center. After college, upon becoming involved with the establishment and sale of a well-known chain of health clubs, he began envisioning a place where people of all ages could come for more than just exercise - a combination lifestyle center complete with exercise, health-education, and a full range of amenities offering a social and spiritual element that would give members more than one reason to join. And today, as the company has opened 150 destinations in the U.S. and Canada – including one in nearby Laguna Niguel, the Life Time brand seems to be doing just that.

More an athletic resort than just another fitness center, this newest Orange County venture with its 46,000 sq. ft. country club-style facility has been designed to give members of all ages an opportunity to enjoy an elevated, one-of-a-kind health and wellness experience.

“We are excited to add another Life Time destination to Orange County and specifically here in beautiful San Clemente,” said Kevin Hammell, General Manager of Life Time Rancho San Clemente. “At Life Time we work to individualize each club’s offerings to best fit the interests of the community. With our outdoor tennis and pickleball courts and full-service healthy living experience inside and outside the club, we are confident we’ll help members of all ages live healthier, happy lives.”

To that end, the San Clemente location is featuring a broad array of highly personalized, specifically designed programs and services to help members achieve their wellness goals. Much more than just a gym membership the highlights include: 12 tennis courts with a center stadium court; four pickleball courts; a full pro shop; certified instructors and personal trainers; boutique studios featuring indoor cycle, yoga, barre and Pilates classes; best-in-class cardiovascular and resistance training equipment; an outdoor aquatic center with a leisure and lap pool and outdoor bistro; and a Child Center with infant room and space where children three months to 11years of age can engage in active play. Daily drop-off care will be available, as well as children’s drop-in classes and academies that include Yoga, dance, gymnastics and more.

Other resort-like, Life Time amenities include the LifeCafe, a nutrition-focused fast-casual indoor/outdoor restaurant and bar; LifeSpa, a full-service salon and spa providing facials and massages as well as hair and nail services; Lavish dressing rooms with saunas, whirlpools, complimentary towels, lockers and more. Both the LifeCafe and LifeSpa can be enjoyed by the public. 

Committed to providing well-rounded, competent, highly trained and member-focused Team Members, Life Time has developed a vigorous, intense training for potential employees. Entitled the Life Time University, it provides training and certification for each of the positions within every Life Time facility. For positions from supervisor to front desk there is a specific guideline, certification and training program complete with testing to make sure that consistent, professional service will be delivered to all members at all locations.

According to Natalie Bushaw, Senior Director of Public Relations, present Life Time members have been overheard making remarks like … “Life Time makes me healthy and happy;”  “Life Time is like a modern country club without the golf;” and “Being at Life Time is like spending time at a resort;” among others.  

With unlimited monthly access seven days a week, Life Time promises to deliver an unmatched athletic resort experience, providing comprehensive healthy living, healthy aging and healthy entertainment that extend well beyond fitness to encompass the entire daily life of individuals, couples and families of all ages.

A Grand Opening of Life Time Rancho San Clemente was held on the evening of January 23rd; opening to members on January 24th. And as he does with the opening of all Life Time facilities, its founder Bahram Akradi was there teaching the first cycling class to be held at his newest athletic resort.