This is the first suburban Life Time location I went to. I go more often now to St. Louis Park, but this remains a good option, and at a cheaper price. (Note: If you buy a single-club Gold membership here, it actually includes both this location and Bloomington North. Unusual perk.)
ACCESS / CONTEXT
This location is better than Bloomington North, much more expansive, although it does have more limited hours (closing as early as 9p on weekends). While others are right that the bones of the building are older than some of the exurban clubs like Savage and Lakeville, the interior is at least as new (I believe it was renovated in 2008 or so).
In terms of access: you're in good shape if you're driving a car, although parking does get tight during the usual after-work hours. (But even then, there's overflow parking across the street -- and "only in America", a shuttle to bring you 50 ft to the entrance.) It's very close to the South Bloomington Transit Center, but it completely squanders that asset. The designated walking route would be going around the Dupont Center office building (that's between LTF and 98th) and then walking through the LTF parking lot. That sidewalk is very poorly maintained during the winter, so most people use an informal path on the east side of the Dupont Center building. (You can't miss it -- it's right after you cross the SB 35W ramp.) But how lame is that? Life Time has a relationship with the Dupont Center owners -- since they use their ramp for overflow parking -- but have taken no action to accommodate the obvious flow of transit users. Bicycling here is difficult, unless you're coming from the south. If you do make it one piece, there is at least a decent rack near the entrance.
INSIDE -- WORKOUT FACILITIES
I like the exercise floor. I particularly appreciate that there are freestanding fans around, which I do not find at many other clubs. The spacing of the cardio equipment is more generous than I find at other clubs, which is nice. I also appreciate (although some many not like it) that you can avoid the TVs if you want. At some clubs, you don't seem to have any choice but to be bombarded with Fox News or MTV. The weight area is decent, although there are only one or two squat racks, which seems a little short. I have not tried group fitness at this location, so I can't speak to the quality of the studios or classes.
There is a pool, which is not too crowded, but it's only about 1/2 or 2/3 standard length, so it can be a little annoying for lap swimming. It's also a pleasant lukewarm temperature, although hardcore swimmers may not like that.
INSIDE -- LOCKER ROOMS
The locker rooms are pretty nice, although I do note an unusual problem here of other members leaving wet towels around the showers. I'm not sure if it's the members or the staff to blame for them piling up, but it's gross. It has a sauna, steam room, and hot tub in the locker room, all pluses. It's also the larger, Northwest Athletic-scale locker room, which is also nice. It feels less dense/crowded, even during busy hours. As other note, free towels available, plus lotion, mouthwash, and body wash/shampoo. No conditioner.
There is also a bathroom on the workout floor, but unfortunately it's not kept very clean (the men's one, at least). read more