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The way many of us work has changed in recent years, especially for those who have office or entrepreneurial jobs. More than ever, people are looking to simplify their routines, reduce commutes, and increase the time that they spend in environments that inspire them.

“As work has become more distributed, and flexibility in work location more commonplace, we’ve noticed more Life Time members working from laptops in the clubs — taking phone calls, sending emails, or completing whatever work was on their plate for that given day,” shares James O’Reilly, president of Life Time Work. “Observing this change in member behavior prompted us to find opportunities to bring components of our Life Time Work business into our clubs.”

Now, in addition to the Life Time Work offering, where professionals can work out of a standalone coworking environment that is either connected or located in close proximity to a Life Time athletic country club, there are also two distinct Life Time Work Club Lounge options for those who want to work in a designated space inside the club itself.

“Our hope is that by adding more options as part of the Life Time Work experience and providing more places for members to work efficiently, we’ll be able to serve a greater variety of member needs and a wider set of use cases, ultimately impacting more members,” says O’Reilly.

O’Reilly explains the options provided with the two new Life Time Work Club Lounge offerings:

Life Time Work Club Lounge

Life Time Work Club Lounges are open plan work, community-style areas inside Life Time athletic country clubs that are complimentary for all Life Time members to use — no specific Life Time Work membership required.

“This is the perfect touchdown space where members can enjoy room to sit down and plug in,” explains O’Reilly. “This isn’t meant to be the place for someone to spend an entire day, but rather is a great option for members to stop and sit for an hour or so before or after their workouts. They can take a phone call, respond to emails, or catch up on daily tasks before leaving the club for the day.”

The design aesthetic is in line with our traditional Life Time Work spaces and features a variety of seating options, including low- and high-top tables. “There’s less traffic and noise in this area than you’ll find in the LifeCafe, making it an atmosphere that’s more conducive to productivity,” O’Reilly says. “If you finish your workout and your phone is blowing up and you need a quieter place to address work items before carrying on with the rest of your day, this is the ideal spot for that.”

Life Time Work Club Lounge Premium

Life Time Work Club Lounge Premium spaces are enclosed, professional work spaces inside of Life Time athletic country clubs that require a membership upgrade to gain access. Members can choose to use the space for a couple of hours or for a full day. Features include private phone booths, collaboration nooks, varying desk options, printing, and refrigeration space (specific spaces and amenities vary by club).

“You can think of this as your middle-ground option,” explains O’Reilly. “It offers more amenities than the complimentary club lounge spaces, but not as many as you’d get with a membership to a standalone Life Time Work space. The best fit for you will depend on your workspace needs and specific use case.

“This option allows members to be embedded in the athletic country club environment and plan their day around working in this space,” continues O’Reilly. “The aspiration line between going to work and working out is blurred when you take advantage of this space. You can prioritize work and your healthy way of life all in one place.”

Note: Life Time Work and Life Time Work Club Lounge offerings are currently available in select markets across the United States. You can find the growing list of locations here.

What Is Life Time Work?

Life Time Work is the first and only coworking concept that combines exceptional workspaces with a world-class health club experience: A membership to the Life Time Work includes a membership to a Life Time Athletic Country Club, which is always located within a few steps or a short drive.

The traditional Life Time Work offering allows professionals to be productive in an array of spaces equipped with ergonomic furnishings — think large, open coworking areas; private offices and desks, private phone booths; and conference rooms. Other amenities include a dedicated staff, secure and fast Wi-Fi, responsive tech support, printing capabilities, fresh coffee, healthy snacks, a community kitchen, and hosted events. The overall look and feel is sleek and modern, and the entire space is designed with your productivity in mind.

The post What Is the Life Time Work Club Lounge? appeared first on Experience Life.

One way we can close the gender gap — and find more fulfillment in our work lives — is using our experience and abilities to support others. In honor of Women’s History Month, which is celebrated every March, we asked a few of the women leaders at Life Time Work (a premium coworking concept that combines exceptional workspaces with a world-class health club experience) to share their advice for women in the workforce.

Meet the Leaders:

• Laura McLellan from Life Time Work in Edina, Minn.
• Chelsea Sobstyl from Life Time Work in Sandy Springs, Ga.
• Stephany Ortega from Life Time Work City Centre Five in Houston, Texas
• Alicia Evans from Life Time Work in St. Louis Park, Minn.
• Molly Walsh from Life Time Work in Coral Gables, Fla.

What advice would you give to other women when it comes to advancing their career and gaining confidence?

“The thing I’ve found most helpful over my 25 years in the workforce is staying in touch and supporting coworkers, clients, and others I’ve met and worked with along the way. They will always be your best resource for finding new clients, people to hire, and a new job, and for moving up in your career.” — Laura McLellan

“Find your ‘why,’ or reason and purpose for getting out of bed and going to work every day. Practice self-affirmations: If you don’t believe in yourself, no one else will either. Ask for help: This may be intimidating in the workplace, especially as a woman, but I’ve learned it’s something your leaders want you to do. And get comfortable with being uncomfortable. Life is going to put you in uncomfortable situations, both personally and professionally, and learning how to navigate them is key.” — Chelsea Sobstyl

“First, speak up and take initiative. When an opportunity to show your leadership or management abilities presents itself, take it. This can include leading a project, initiating change, or simply offering ideas. Second, work effectively with other women. Despite the gender gap for women in leadership and decision-making roles, we must not view other women as competition. And third, find a mentor — and then be one yourself.” — Stephany Ortega

“Let those around you see who you are by your work ethic. Actions speak louder than words. My personal mantra is one from Beyonce: ‘Don’t say the things that you’re going to do, do them. Be about that change.’ Also, confidence comes with time. Get those years of experience under your belt. Once you start to build your experiences, you’ll be able to draw from them in future situations.” — Alicia Evans

“Speak up, ask to sit at the table you want to be at, raise your hand and use your voice in meetings, and be bold and clear when meeting new people.” — Molly Walsh

What valuable lessons have you learned in the workforce?

“Lead with empathy. I’ve found this strengthens teams, builds trust, and creates an atmosphere of health and happiness.” — Laura McLellan

“It’s OK to say no. You can’t do everything and if you try, it won’t be sustainable and will lead to burnout. I’ve learned how to prioritize my important tasks and have accepted that someone else’s urgent request doesn’t have to be my emergency.” — Chelsea Sobstyl

“Don’t apologize for your presence. Instead of saying ‘sorry’ when you knock on someone’s door, for example, ask them if they have a minute. Advocate for yourself and ask for what you want — no one else is going to speak up for you.” — Stephany Ortega

“Assert yourself as a professional in the rooms you occupy. Whether you’re surrounded by people who are older than you, by men, by those who seem more knowledgeable than you, etc., you’re in that room for a reason and are meant to be there. Also, make yourself an asset: Don’t just point out problems, be a problem-solver.” — Alicia Evans

How can women support themselves in the workplace?

“I think the biggest way women can support themselves is by supporting and uplifting other women. Celebrate each other’s wins. Speak up when someone can’t speak up for themself. Far too often I see women tearing each other down to get to the top. You can’t do it alone. Find your people, the ones who uplift and support you, and hang onto them.” — Chelsea Sobstyl

“Be comfortable with having success. As simple as it may sound, being confident is one of the biggest ways women can position themselves for leadership and decision-making roles within an organization.” — Stephany Ortega

“Seek guidance from those around you. Not only do I have my fantastic manager for guidance and leadership on a consistent basis, but I actively seek out advice from my other female coworkers and the female Life Time Work members — all of whom I deeply admire. You never know what experiences they’ve had that could help you in navigating one yourself.” — Alicia Evans

“Take time for yourself and your mental health, and for your family. Take a sick day, a vacation, a mental health day — it’s important to recharge when you need it.” — Molly Walsh

What advice would you give to women who may be facing burnout?

“Make yourself a priority. I like to use the analogy of a cup. Your cup is your mental health, your ability to hold space for yourself and others — it’s what you have to give. There are people in your life who will poke holes in the bottom of your cup. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, it could just be something that takes a little more time, energy, and effort. However, if you keep getting holes poked in your cup and aren’t refilling it with things you love (I refer to those things as rocks), your cup is going to run out. You need to find rocks to put in your cup that will slow down what you’re pouring out.” — Chelsea Sobstyl

“Free yourself from the guilt of not always being ‘on.’ Having work-life balance is not only crucial for your emotional headspace, but also for your ability to perform at work at a high level. It’s important that you give yourself permission to not answer that late-night email or phone call. You only get one life — enjoy it!” — Stephany Ortega

“If you experience seasonality in your line of work, take advantage of slower times to recharge and reset. That way, when the busy times roll around, you’re more ready to face them. In phases of burnout, lean on those closest to you, whether it be a partner, sibling, or friend, to talk through it and brainstorm healthy ways to cope.” — Alicia Evans

“Reevaluate your ‘why.’ How can you enjoy the things you do within your workday? What about it brings you joy? If you find you’re not able to answer those questions or your gut is telling you to leave, move toward something more fulfilling. Use podcasts and books as resources to help give you confidence and assurance that you have the ability to get what you want out of your job.” — Molly Walsh

Is there any other advice you’d like to share?

“Ask for feedback and fail forward. You can’t learn unless you fail, and you can’t grow without real, honest feedback. Show up for yourself, even when it feels like no one else is. Work on your own self-development by reading books and listening to podcasts. Challenge and check-in with yourself. If you’re not invested in yourself, it’s hard to get other people to buy into you.” — Chelsea Sobstyl

“When my well is dry of motivation, I like to watch TED Talks or consume media that highlights women who are dominating in their field. From Brené Brown to Iliza Shlesinger, seeing women who are leading the charge pumps me up to push through.” — Alicia Evans

“Being a woman is a superpower. Get to know your strengths and utilize them. Don’t be afraid to be heard. And always negotiate your salary and benefits. It’s OK to call out behavior that isn’t inclusive. Actively seek ways to support other women who are in leadership positions and look to them for mentorship, education, support, and guidance.” — Molly Walsh

The post Women at Work: Insights, Wisdom, and Advice appeared first on Experience Life.

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“The winter blues can happen not only in the colder states, but even in the sunnier ones too,” says Chelsea Sobstyl, Life Time Work leader in Sandy Springs, Ga. “I’ve lived in New York, Florida, Colorado, and currently Georgia, and have experienced the lull of winter blues in all those places.”

Colder weather, shorter days, and the approaching holiday season all contribute to this emotional state, Sobstyl adds. “The holidays can bring a lot of joy, but they also can contribute to stress and anxiety. Having to plan or host events can be hard and some people who aren’t close to their family personally or geographically or who are grieving those who are no longer with us can feel extra blues. This can lead to a lonelier season during those months.”

Life Time Mind coach Barbara Powell, NBC-HWC, puts it this way: “The winter blues can show up as a lack of motivation, a sense of sluggishness, lower mood, sometimes a shorter fuse with others, and a dip in-day-to-day energy, all of which can affect your work and personal life.”

Why do winter blues exist?

We can feel that winter-blue lull in our day-to-day life due to a variety of reasons, including the following.

• Lack of movement. “Moving less tends to disrupt our overall mentality, ability to sleep well, and how we process our emotions,” explains Powell.
• Vitamin D deficiency. “During this time, due to less access to the natural resources of the sun in many places, our vitamin D intake is naturally less,” she says. “This affects our energy and mood, perhaps even resulting in disrupted sleep patterns.”
• The pattern of the day shifts. “The sun rises later in the morning and sets earlier at night, causing our circadian rhythms naturally to change along with it,” Powell explains. “Ask yourself, Are you shifting with the natural day time and nighttime shifts?”
• The seasonal change. Depending on your location, you may experience a more dramatic season change. The temperatures in some parts of the country range from 80 degrees F in the summer to negative 10 degrees F in the winter. “Even if the environment where someone lives doesn’t have a dip in temperatures and a true ‘four-season’ feel, there are adjustments happening all the time to mark changes in seasons,” she notes. “Can we notice these changes and their impact on our well-being?”
• Comparing yourself to others. “In the winter months, we might fall into the trap of comparing our holiday experiences, family time, New Year’s resolutions, assessment of how our previous year has gone, and so on with our peers,” Powell says. “This is really the thief of joy.”

How can we combat the winter blues?

1. Shift with the pattern of the day. “Being mindful of my screen intake at night — less screens, more books or writing — and having a strong light source to awaken me in the morning — for example, a happy lamp — has greatly assisted me,” says Powell. “I also like to start my day with journaling or meditation.”
2. Use a happy light. “Sun lamps can offset the lack of light and contribute to mood enhancement,” notes Brie Vortherms, MA, LMFT, director of Life Time Mind, the performance-coaching program for Life Time team members. “Try having it at your desk or on your bathroom counter while you’re getting ready in the morning.”
3. Develop a healthy work-life balance. “One of the best practices for individuals who work from home is to separate your work life from your home life — especially during the winter,” says Sobstyl. “Disconnecting from work allows you to spend time with yourself or with your family. Combat the temptation to continue working past your typical working hours, if possible, because that can cause tension between you and your loved ones who want to spend quality time with you.”
4. Implement comfort to your environment. “I’ve always loved the Danish concept of ‘hyyge,’ which means ‘comfort,’” notes Powell. “Winter allows me to accept and create comfort around me to support my well-being.” Consider adding elements of comfort to your workspace, such as a candle, a cozy blanket, a cup of tea, warm socks or slippers, or a rug. (For more on hygge, download the “18 Ways to Find Hygge” e-book.)
5. Bring comfort to your mind. “The way I bring comfort to my mind is giving reassurance that I am where I need to be, that I am enough, and that moments of stillness are not a reflection of lacking, but rather are a necessary settling of my nervous system,” she adds.
6. Take vitamin D supplements. When your body doesn’t receive a necessary vitamin naturally, taking supplements is a great option for prioritizing our health, no matter the season. “An increase in my vitamin D supplements has been helpful for me and I have had clients report the same,” says Powell.
7. Prioritize movement. “Moving your body for even just 20 to 30 minutes a day can be a huge game-changer for your mental status, and can keep you active throughout the holiday season so getting back into your routine after the holidays is easier,” says Sobstyl. Those 20 to 30 minutes could be completed before your workday, over your lunch break, or after work. Prioritizing your exercise is essential, and scheduling your workout helps bring consistency to your regimen.
8. Offer yourself breaks. “When working in the office, it’s important to give yourself breaks throughout the day, if possible,” she adds. “It’s easy to have a working lunch and use those 30 to 60 minutes to be and feel productive, but there is real value in being able to step away, grab something to eat, and take time to recharge in the middle of your day.”
9. Choose gratitude. “I try to reroute any negative thoughts back to gratitude: who I am, what I have gained over the year, who or what supports me, what ‘gift’ I have received lately from a friend, partner, or coworker, and so on,” says Powell.
10. Manage your stress. “Cortisol can disrupt our production of mood-enhancing brain chemicals,” Vortherms explains. “So, the better your stress is managed, the less likely you are to suffer from winter blues.”
11. Check your thyroid. “Make sure your thyroid levels are balanced before heading into the fall and winter months,” she suggests. “An imbalance in these vital hormones can cause dramatic mood disturbances and is an easy thing to remedy with thyroid medication or diet change.”
12. Monitor inflammation. “Some of the inflammatory cytokines can cause a huge disruption in our production of serotonin and dopamine,” Vortherms notes. “Omega-3s, particularly EPAs and fermented food, are both shown to reduce the specific types of inflammation that cause disruptions in our mood.”
13. Take a cold shower. “The last thing I typically want to do during the cold months is turn the water temperature down,” she admits, “but it is almost guaranteed to increase our epinephrine and contribute to positive mood shifts!”

The post 13 Ways to Combat the Winter Blues at Work appeared first on Experience Life.

Robert Kraemer, Life Time Work leader in Minneapolis, Minn., thinks this year is ideal for reinvigorating these events. “I’ve been a resident and employee in downtown Minneapolis for a long time, and I’ve seen how the city has reanimated since the pandemic,” says Kraemer. “This year, I think companies can focus on planning an in-person holiday party to bring people together to have a good time, while also establishing a ‘back to the office’ initiative for 2023.”

Beyond setting the intent for your event, it’s important to consider the culture of your organization, who will be attending, and the overall feel of the gathering that you’re hoping to create. “Be mindful of when you’re planning on celebrating — ask around to see if it intersects with holidays your staff celebrates — and triple check the details. The goal is for everyone to feel comfortable and excited to join.”

With that in mind, Kraemer offers four tips to consider when planning your company party this holiday season.

1. Strategically choose the venue.

The destination is one of the most important elements in party planning and can determine the formality and vibe of your event. “The location depends on the company and the budget,” says Kraemer. “If your corporate office has undergone a remodel recently, host the party at your office, especially if your employees have been working remotely. It could be an opportunity to show off your new space.”

Want to get out of the office? Keep an eye on cool new spots in your community. “Look at local breweries, new restaurants with event rooms, or other cool venues,” suggests Kraemer.

2. Provide entertainment.

Depending on your budget, having a DJ or hosted karaoke are fun options. Music creates a lively atmosphere, and a DJ can emcee the night by making announcements or encouraging people to dance.

You could also set up a photobooth for employees or do a raffle and give out fun prizes. “Encourage people to document and share the event they’re at on social media,” says Kraemer.  “It’s a great way to showcase responsible fun and togetherness, while also self-promoting your company. It creates a sense of FOMO and people will wish they were there!”

3. Give thoughtful gifts.

“When it comes to employee gifts, be intentional about it or skip it,” says Kraemer. “If it’s marked with your company logo and the employee can truly use it, I think that’s great.” (If you’re looking for ideas for gift-giving in the workplace, check out “10 Ideas for Workplace Giving“.) Another option is to give some or all the allocated gift budget to a cause. “Consider integrating a nonprofit or charity when it comes to giving. You can gift your employees with an item that encourages them to donate to a specific cause.”

4. Curate the menu.

Be intentional about your food and drink choices — and offer a variety so there’s something for everyone. “Going the extra mile when you’re planning so there are options for those with restrictions, for whatever reason, is always helpful,” says Kraemer.

And consider being a little more lenient when it comes to dessert — it’s the holidays after all. “There’s a Life Time Work leader and AMP cycle performer who encouraged her riders during the state-fair season to go have fun and not think about killing themselves at Life Time in order to earn their unhealthy food. It’s about balance,” says Kraemer. “And I agree: I think this is a season to give yourself a little more grace for indulgence — be aware of what you’re eating but have some fun, too.”

Think about beverages, too. Perhaps there’s a locally brewed beer or signature cocktail and mocktail you can feature. (If your event is taking place during the workday and alcohol is not an option, crafting a customized mocktail can add a festive feel.)

Be careful to keep the intent on being together and not about the drinking, though. “Speaking as a sober person, I think steering focus away from having it be all about drinking is more inclusive,” says Kraemer. “It also keeps it professional and promotes finding other ways to have fun.”

All in all, do what’s right for your group. If you have a smaller team that’s part of a larger corporation, the best action may be to gather as a small team. “If each department has a budget to host something on their own, then teams can grab a small table at a restaurant or do something a little more intimate,” says Kraemer.

Whatever you decide, make the most of the time together — and don’t forget to celebrate all the great work you’ve accomplished over the year.

The post The Holiday Office Party: 4 Essential Factors for Planning appeared first on Experience Life.

We asked two Life Time Work team members — who are also in-club performers at Life Time — to share their best tips for finding work-life balance. (Life Time Work is Life Time’s coworking concept that combines exceptional workspaces with an athletic country club experience.)

Meet the team members:

• Alicia Evans, lead membership concierge at Life Time Work in St. Louis Park, Minn., and performer at Life Time Edina at Southdale in Edina, Minn.
• Peter Larson, Life Time Work hospitality team member and performer at Life Time Target Center in Minneapolis, Minn.

1. Set boundaries around working time.

Boundaries around work hours can look different for everyone. For example, one person may feel good about not checking email past 5 p.m., while another finds balance by not working on the weekends. Boundaries can be as rigid or flexible as you need them to be — just remember to be clear about them and stick to them.

“Once it’s 5 p.m., I’m off the clock. I don’t answer emails outside of business hours,” says Evans. “I made this decision for myself early on in my professional life. With the digital nature of work these days, it’s easy to just continue working even after leaving the office. Allowing myself that personal boundary gives me the proper time to shut down my brain for the day and to recharge.”

2. Explore interests outside of work and make room for fun.

Aim to not let your daily routine just revolve around work. Instead, refocus your day around your own needs and interests. Make weekly after-work plans with friends, join a recreational sports league, take a class — anything that brings joy to your day.

“We often identify so strongly with our professional titles that we limit our potential for developing other skills and talents,” says Larson. “Whether it’s joining a group fitness class, enrolling in a community education course, volunteering, or performing at your local theater, there are plenty of options to expand our lives outside of work. Making space for these activities can help you live a balanced, enriching, and meaningful life.”

Evans also encourages looking for opportunities to have fun and laugh throughout the workday.

“I love a good sprinkle of humor in everything!” she says. “It’s the best way to get through the day. A small chuckle or joke here and there. Life is too short to not enjoy what you’re doing.”

3. Add in movement where you can.

The far-reaching effects of movement are well-known, including its ability to support mental health along with the other brain benefits of alertness, perception, concentration, learning, memory, and creativity.

“I like to motivate myself by getting up and moving around in between work tasks. It helps me to push through and finish something knowing that I can take a couple of minutes to stretch or walk around the space at Life Time Work,” says Evans. “I find it also helps to keep drinking water throughout the day — I get up and walk whenever I need to refill my water bottle.”

Larson notes that most Life Time Work members are good about getting up from their desks and getting their steps in. “Some choose to stand at their desks or use the stairs rather than the elevator,” he says. “On nice days they may walk the patios. Some attend group fitness classes at Life Time over their lunch break. Others choose to work out before or after work.

“Another tip is to find a fitness class time that you can consistently schedule,” Larson adds. “And if you find a few workout buddies, then you have a healthy commitment to look forward to and people to help keep you accountable.”

4. Listen to your body and rest when needed.

When it comes to work-life balance, your body often knows best. “Pay attention to your mental and physical health,” Evans advises. “Give your body what it needs and be kind to yourself. Taking a break or a day off isn’t going to make or break your goals — and may better serve you over time than pushing through challenging moments.”

Evans advises checking in with yourself often for this purpose. “If I’m feeling overwhelmed by a project and really need to focus, I take a step away and change my scenery to a quieter space so that I can think properly,” she explains. “If I need a five-minute mental health break to reset, I give myself permission to do so. I can only perform at my best with the proper rest.”

5. Prioritize lunch and snack breaks.

It can be easy to forgo your lunch in the name of productivity, but taking that break is one way to avoid burnout. Whether you use that time to eat, go for a walk, or just briefly step away from your desk, a few minutes makes a big difference. Plus, fueling yourself with nutritious eats can keep your day running smoothly.

“As I have grown in my career, it’s now more apparent than ever to me to make time for myself,” says Evans. “You need to set aside time for breaks instead of waiting until you are at your breaking point and desperately need one. Most people think about this in terms of vacations — which are also important to take — but don’t underestimate the power of daily breaks, too.”

“Since I’m on my feet for the majority of the workday, I pack high-protein snacks like nuts, cheese, and beef jerky along with raw fruits,” says Larson. “I also refrain from caffeine after noon each day. On the days I teach class after work, I make sure to have a snack to tide me over between leaving the office and arriving at the club.”

6. Cultivate an environment that works for you.

If you have the flexibility, choose a work environment that feels right for you. Work in an office? Personalize your space with items that bring you joy, such as plants, photos, or other décor. Work from home? Create a calming, productive environment by diffusing essential oils, playing relaxing music, or decorating with soothing colors.

Because the right work environment is different for everyone — perhaps you enjoy being in an open space with others while your colleague prefers the solitude of a closed office — the team behind Life Time Work intentionally designed the spaces to offer a variety of solutions and spaces for members to be productive and integrate balance into their routines.

“In addition to thinking about members’ workspace preferences, we also are intentional about making wellness convenient for them,” says Larson. “Since many of our Life Time Work locations are located near or next to a Life Time athletic country club, our members are able to step away from their desks and blend health and wellness into their daily routines before, during, or after their workday.”

The post 6 Wellness Tips for Better Work-Life Balance appeared first on Experience Life.

Life Time is committed to having a positive impact on the health and wellness of its members and team members, as well as the communities in which it operates and on this one planet we have to call home — and that includes sustainability efforts happening at all Life Time Work locations.

“We want to make sure we’re doing our part and being conscious of our collective responsibility to take care of the earth,” says Ashley Bracey, director of Life Time Work. “We’re raising awareness and taking action where we can.”

We spoke with Bracey to learn more about the eco-friendly practices happening at Life Time Work locations across the country.

1. Reducing and Reusing

All Life Time Work locations provide several filtered water bottle refill stations to cut down on single-use plastic water bottles.

“We are always thinking about healthy cues throughout the space, and one of those is water refill stations,” Bracey says. “We want our members to stay hydrated throughout the day while also reducing their plastic use. We have reusable water bottles available for our members and guests and encourage them to use the refill stations.”

Learn more: “The Problem With Plastic — and What We Can Do About It”

2. Going Digital

Life Time Work takes a digital-first approach to member communications to cut down on printing, making copies, and unnecessary paper use.

“Instead of distributing flyers and other paper materials throughout our spaces, we use QR codes and digital signage to encourage our members to stay in-the-know and sign up for various events,” Bracey explains. “We also have a paper-free process for when new members sign up.”

3. Maximizing Natural Light

“Our design team uses energy-saving lightbulbs, and we try to maximize natural lighting in every way that we can to cut down on electricity use,” says Bracey. “You’ll find expansive windows, and our offices are designed with glass enclosures to allow light to easily travel throughout the space. In some of our original designs, our communal kitchen space was called a solarium because of how the light flowed through it throughout the day.”

4. Decorating With Plant Life and Greenery

According to numerous studies, decorating with live plants has benefits for the environment as well as your health. In fact, even basic house plants can help detoxify the air, raise the humidity to a more comfortable level, and reduce dust and air particulates.

Life Time Work spaces are designed with live plants and greenery throughout the offices and communal areas to improve the air quality and enhance productivity.

Plants have also been found to boost concentration and reduce mental fatigue. “We had an Earth Day event this year where we provided materials and invited members to plant their own succulents and get their green thumb on,” Bracey adds.

Learn more: “5 Health Benefits of Indoor Plants”

5. Encouraging Green Commuting

Green commuting — a.k.a. using public transit, carpooling, biking, or walking — is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint.

“Many of our Life Time Work locations are in very walkable areas that are close to public transportation, specifically our Ardmore, Greenstreet, Downtown Minneapolis, and River North at One Chicago locations, to name a few,” says Bracey. “We also have bike racks available for members who prefer to bike into work.

“Most of our Life Time Work locations are also in close proximity to our athletic country clubs, which means if you are driving in, you only have to park once for your work day and your workout.”

6. Celebrating Sustainability

Life Time Work offers weekly events and networking opportunities, and some of these events take the opportunity to highlight Life Time’s sustainability efforts and let members know how they can contribute.

“We recently had a friendly competition across all of our locations where we logged the number of plastic water bottles saved by each water refill station — the winning location received a prize,” says Bracey.

Learn more about what Life Time is doing as a company to conserve for the planet and how you can help: “Going Green”

The post 6 Ways Life Time Work Is Going Green appeared first on Experience Life.

“I started listening to podcasts because I was getting tired of the same music over and over on my playlists,” says Danielle Erickson, Life Time Work specialist in Bridgewater, N.J. “Now I’m hooked, listening in the car, while exercising, or whenever I have me-time. Not only does it provide a much-needed break from screens, but it also serves as an opportunity to learn when I don’t have a book available.”

Weekly, daily, miniseries, and more, podcasts come in many forms — and in even more genres. There is something for everyone. Whether you’re an avid listener or just getting started, here are some podcast suggestions from our very own Life Time Work team members.

1. The Know with Nikki Spo

“Nikki Sapp Spoelstra is an entrepreneur, a philanthropist, a mother of two boys, a wife, a dog-mom, and a former Teacher of the Year. She’s also a Life Time Work and club member at our Coral Gables location. Nikki established The Know podcast in 2021 to highlight stories of tenacious women. She is passionate about the arts, giving back to the community, and physical, emotional, and spiritual wellness.

“I enjoy the casual conversation feel to the podcast, and it seems to always be the perfect amount of time: 20 to 30 minutes as I drive to work. I love that she showcases people who have been influential and help their communities for the better. The podcast features truly inspiring conversations.”

– Molly Walsh (she/her), Life Time Work Leader in Coral Gables, Fla.

2. WHOOP Podcast by Will Ahmed

“The WHOOP Podcast interviews top athletes, scientists, and experts to showcase people who are performing at their peak — and provides tips for listeners on how to unlock their best performance.

“I listen to it on every commute. I love learning in general, and I recently became more aware and intentional of my health and how I can contribute to my future (older) self’s health and well-being — especially with stress, recovery, and sleep. Building and rebuilding healthy habits (and unlearning some unhealthy ones) can be difficult, but WHOOP helps me create quality habits that have a positive impact on my overall well-being.”

– Miguel Mascorro-Ruvalcaba (he/him), Life Time Work Leader in Houston

3. Whistleblower Podcast: Who Fixed the NBA?

“The Whistleblower Podcast is a deep dive into the NBA referee scandal that made news headlines in 2007. As a fanatic of basketball and the NBA, it was amazing to me how much a referee could impact the flow and outcome of a game. I really enjoyed how they peeled back the layers on the NBA referee system. I typically listen to the podcast on my commute to and from work — it definitely keeps me entertained.”

– Torris Pierce (he/him), Life Time Work Leader in Chicago

4. Something Was Wrong by Tiffany Reese

“Something Was Wrong by Tiffany Reese has captivated me. It’s an award-winning true-crime docuseries about the discovery, trauma, and recovery from shocking life events and abusive relationships.

“I’m very fascinated with true crime. This genre usually has a way of gripping the audience, and I often end up with more questions than answers about human psychology. It has been eye-opening to learn about abuse, manipulation, and control, though these topics may be triggering to some listeners. I really like the focus on mental health and the importance of having healthy relationships as well as the discussions on healing from trauma.”

– Danielle Erickson (she/her), Life Time Work Specialist, Bridgewater, N.J.

Bonus: Life Time Talks by Life Time

This healthy-living podcast — hosted by Jamie Martin, editor in chief of Experience Life magazine, and David Freeman, national performer brand leader for Life Time — aims to help listeners achieve their health, fitness, and life goals. Each episode offers expert insights and tips on everything from exercise, nutrition, and sleep to stress management, mental health, and more. No matter where you are on your fitness journey, Life Time Talks can help you make meaningful, sustainable progress.

Looking for more podcast recommendations? Check out some of our Experience Life staff’s favorites.

And if you have a podcast you love, feel free to share in the comments below!

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