Life Time opens fitness center in Summerlin

In case you're wondering what that large tan brick building is just east of the Red Rock Resort on Charleston Boulevard, it's home to the newest athletic club in the Las Vegas Valley. Summerlin Life Time Fitness opened its doors to the public on May 13.

The 200,000-square-foot facility represents the 92nd club, opened in the 21st state by the Chanhassen, Minn., company. Amenities include a 50-foot rock-climbing wall; a 7,000-square-foot child center that caters to infants, toddlers and youngsters up to age 11; a large tuff area for soccer and football; more than 400 cardio machines; a basketball court; a two-story waterslide; and all the other bells and whistles expected in high-end athletic clubs.

"The entire family can eat together here. Kids can play and mom and dad can get a great workout," said Jason Thurnstrom, vice president of communication for Life Time Fitness. "We're all about connecting and energizing the member."

Thurnstrom said Life Time Fitness clubs differ from other facilities in that they try to tailor a member's interests into a specific course of activities. If a member likes basketball, he explained, then the member is encouraged to participate in a league, rather than waiting for pick-up games.

"We zero in on what they want," Thurnstrom said. "We talk to our guests about what they are interested in."

Summerlin Life Time Fitness prides itself on having dietitians who work with trainers to develop specific foods and an exercise regiment for members. The facility also offers summer camps for kids, skin and hair care advice, metabolic testing and a cafe where nutritious foods are prepared daily.

Thurnstrom emphasized that the club doesn't share event rooms for programs. There is a specific cycling room, for example, with ride-along videos that make you feel like you're participating in the Tour de France and separate rooms for yoga class, Pilates, strength training and squash.

Summerlin Life Time Fitness compares itself to being like a resort without the hotel aspect. It has a spacious outdoor pool with a bistro, scented steam rooms, experienced hairstylists on hand, chiropractic care, message therapists and much more. The corporate philosophy of the athletic club is to stress fitness, sports, family, lifestyle and wellness.

"What you have at Life Time is a healthy lifestyle resort," Thurnstrom said. "We provide a healthy way of life."

Life Time Fitness was founded by Bahram Akradi in 1992. From 1984-'89, he led the United States Swim and Fitness Corp. as its co-founder and executive vice president. He was also founder of the health and fitness industry Leadership Council.

Summerlin Life Time Fitness, 10721 W. Charleston Blvd., is open 24/7. It only offers month-to-month memberships that are $119.95 per month for an individual, $199.90 per couple and $249.85 for a family. For more information, call 228-2611 or visit lifetimefitness.com/summerlin.