“It’s like a country club without a golf course,” remarked Natalie Bushaw, vice president of corporate communications and public relations at Life Time, describing the national healthy lifestyle brand’s newest location . Life Time recently expanded its footprint with the opening of its North Druid Hills location, Life Time’s eighth in Atlanta and first in DeKalb County.
“Walking through the door definitely doesn’t feel like you’re walking into a gym,” Bushaw said, “and it’s not a gym; it’s much more. Members, she said, are greeted at the concierge desk, where they discuss their goals for the visit and create a plan.
The new Life Time sits on the 8-acre site of the former Athletic Club Northeast, once “Atlanta’s most exclusive athletics and racquet club, fulfilling consumers’ strong desire for health, premier wellness and social services for singles, couples and families. ”, according to Life Time’s announcement about the new site, which opened in mid-December.
Some of the people who belonged to the old Athletic Club Northeast have joined Life Time’s new facility and are impressed with the new state-of-the-art equipment, according to Tara Esmiel, senior general manager of the venue. “We are very excited to bring this premium lifestyle property to the area. »
Life Time calls the North Druid Hills location “a stunning 65,000 square foot single-story indoor club, complemented by outdoor spaces designed for relaxation and racquet sports.” The resort-style outdoor area includes a beach club and pool deck, complemented by a luxurious leisure pool, private cabanas and loungers, and a bistro.
There is also a five-lane indoor pool as well as a courtside lounge and bar for watching and socializing after the game.
The facility includes 12 outdoor racquet sports courts for pickleball and tennis. “The old Athletic Club Northeast was known for tennis, and we want to continue that tradition,” Bushaw said. “Pickleball became popular during the pandemic and continues to be popular.” There are also three indoor pickleball courts.
Inside, there’s a spacious fitness area with what Life Time describes as “state-of-the-art cardio and strength equipment, free weights and kettlebells” as well as “five boutique studios for barre , cycling, group fitness, hot and traditional yoga and Pilates, with Life Time’s exclusive collection of classes. Additionally, there are dedicated spaces for its signature group workout programs, Alpha, GTX and UltraFit. In total, nearly 150 classes led by Atlanta’s top artists will be offered each week.
While parents explore the facilities, their children can spend time at the Kids Academy, where specially designed classes and programs are offered for children ages 3 months to 11 years. “This is a highly secure area,” Bushaw stressed. “No one can enter or leave without authorization. Parents do not have to worry about their children going out and wandering into other parts of the facility.
At LifeCafe, members can get meals or snacks, including a buildable bowl station and grab-and-go assortments. They can order food anywhere in the establishment. “If, for example, someone finishes a workout and wants to eat, they can order it and have it ready and waiting for it when they arrive at LifeCafe,” Bushaw said. LifeCafe also offers a variety of nutritional supplements.
“We have seen tremendous growth in demand for our Life Time offerings in Georgia since entering the market in 2006. The opening of North Druid Hills further addresses this issue and continues to elevate our offerings with social services , training, recovery, play and the relaxation experiences it offers,” said Parham Javaheri, president of club operations and head of real estate development. “With this opening, along with our recent multi-million dollar renovation at Peachtree Corners and the planned 2025 opening at Perimeter – another location we have acquired and are transforming into a premier Life Time destination – we continue to grow our portfolio in a variety of ways. »
