I’m pretty strong for a magazine writer. I can bench two hundred (maybe two hundred fifty) magazines, tops. And I became that way the least fun way there is: by lifting weights in my basement, alone.
Life Time is the polar opposite of my creepy writer basement. Their two Eden Prairie locations are airy and sumptuous – country clubs sans golf courses, really. They offer weight training and every other imaginable avenue to wellness. And most importantly, Life Time is brimming with life. There you’ll rub elbows with your neighbors. You’ll make new friends. You’ll get your heart pumping in the kind of warm, inspiring, convivial atmosphere that can only be created by passionate staff!
“My passion, purpose to serve, and DNA are all Life Time,” said Kevin Ahmann, general manager of Life Time Eden Prairie Athletic. “I grew up in this industry as a trainer and performer, so I’ve seen a lot – and what I like about Life Time is our mission and vision. They’re the reason I am here and will remain here.
“We create an environment where superlative luxury meets exceptional fitness. It’s a vibe in which every member feels seen and recognized, and is reminded of why they joined Eden Prairie’s best-in-class resort at the moment of their arrival.
“We have it all: tennis, an indoor and outdoor pool, cycling, cardio machines, weights and weight machines, saunas, whirlpool tubs, cold plunge, and even eucalyptus steam rooms. And because we’re much more than a gym, we also have a cafe, restaurant, beauty spa, nail salon, massage, medispa, and kids programming for ages three months through eleven years.
“Out of everything we offer, I’m most passionate about our team and performers who deliver Life Time’s best-in-class Signature Group Training (SGT) programs. These take our members’ health and fitness goals to the next level by creating group training experiences filled with motivation and accountability.
“Our SGT programs are fun, innovative, and taught by talented and passionate performers who can make even the largest group feel like one-on-one training to everyone present. They deliver real results because they’re grounded in real science. And most importantly, they bring people together, which I truly believe is how people are meant to exercise.”
GTX: a high-octane yet accessible blend of strength and cardio, and perfect point of entry to many new members. Alpha: Olympic-style strength training, with advanced cardio and metabolic conditioning added in for good measure. Ultra Fit: Life Time’s most intense treadmill workout, where competitive athletes achieve new personal records.
“Those are our bread-and-butter Signature Group Training programs,” continued Kevin. “But we’re always developing the next big thing here at Life Time, which is why I’m especially excited for the latest additions to our lineup. Core, Tone, Reform (CTR), our newest athletic class, brings the proven techniques of Pilates to life with music, rhythm, and drive. Life Time currently offers thirty CTR classes per week. They are all waitlisted. We’ve also recently added MB360, which centers on the mental side of physical training. It’s about meditation and mindfulness, and conditioned around strength, endurance, and everyday movement. MB360 is already garnering a huge buzz among our members, who have found it to help with everything from posture and balance to stamina and weight loss.
“ARORA, which is Life Time’s community for active older adults, has become a mainstay in many senior members’ routines since its introduction in 2022. It’s an expansive program, and includes group yoga, chair fitness, aqua classes, a lower-intensity version of GTX called ‘ARORA Fit,’ and a walk club. The classes focus on everyday essentials: strength, cardiovascular health, balance, and flexibility, all adapted to different ability levels and taught by instructors who specialize in training this age group.
“And of course there’s that ever-popular form of exercise across all age groups: pickleball. As the biggest destination for the sport in the country, Life Time offers open play, league competition, clinics, and mixers that conclude in our on-site restaurant. ‘Pickleball and Beer’ and ‘Pickleball and Wine’ are just a couple types of our pickleball socials that I enjoy best!
“Wherever you are on your fitness journey, you never have to be there alone. Join Life Time today to connect with our amazing and supportive community!”
Life Time Crosstown is located at 6233 Baker Road, Eden Prairie; Life Time Eden Prairie Athletic, 755 Prairie Center Drive. Visit LifeTime.life today to learn more!
“Wherever you are on your fitness journey, you never have to be there alone. Join Life Time today to connect with our amazing and supportive community!”