Walking into a group fitness studio for the first time can be intimidating. New-to-you exercises, unfamiliar equipment, and a room full of seemingly confident people can be enough to make anyone second-guess their decision to take a class. But at Life Time, every class is intentionally designed to create a welcoming space for everyone.
“From Kids Academy classes to ARORA healthy-aging classes, there is a class for every stage of life and every fitness level at Life Time,” says Danica Osborn, CPT, group instructor and coach at Life Time in Warrenville, Ill., and on-demand performer in the Life Time app.
“Our instructors and coaches come from all walks of life, backgrounds, ages, sizes, and fitness levels, so there is both representation and inclusiveness on both the workout floor and in the studio. It’s what makes our fitness professionals so good at what they do — they coach from a place of empathy, experience, and relatability.”
Brian Wesolowski, CPT, Dynamic Personal Trainer, and signature group training coach at Life Time in New Hope, Minn., adds that his hope is for everyone in his classes to feel welcome and to want to keep coming back. “Any class can be a good fit for you as long as you’re open to being coached and improving along the way,” he says. “You might not be able to do a certain exercise in the programming, but that doesn’t mean we can’t meet you where you’re at. And eventually with consistency and effort, we can help you achieve things you once thought weren’t possible!”
We asked Osborn and Wesolowski to share more about the inclusive approach behind Life Time classes programming and how they personally work to make their classes feel welcoming to all.
Class Options Tailored for You
Within the expansive library of Life Time studio classes, signature group training programs, and on-demand classes, there are multiple options for every fitness level, goal, or preference.
“In the group training community at Life Time, we have the formats of GTX, Alpha, Ultra Fit, and MB360, which all offer a different experience,” says Wesolowski. “All abilities and all goals are welcome, and Life Time team members are ready to help you match your goals and preferences with the options available. No matter which format you choose, a dedicated coach will guide you through every step of the workout.”
If you’re feeling intimidated and want to start from the comfort of your own home, Osborn suggests using the live-stream and on-demand classes available in the Life Time app to help get you moving. “This allows you to experience the classes, their intensity, equipment, level of difficulty, and vibe beforehand,” she explains. “Some classes are even express length, so if you’re not ready for a full 45-to-60-minute class in person, this is a great way to dip your toe in the water.”
When you are ready to try an in-person class, offerings range from private to small group to large group classes for every fitness level. There are over 30 different formats for large group classes offered in the categories of cardio, strength training, boxing and kickboxing, yoga, barre, dance, and indoor cycle. Instructors will guide you through the entire class and can offer modifications as needed. Let your instructor know if you have an injury, limitation, or preference so they can help you find a workaround during class.
Instructors and Coaches Who Care
Behind every Life Time class and group training program are certified instructors or coaches who work to create a welcoming environment where everyone feels confident.
“Instructors are asked to arrive to their classes at least 15 minutes prior to the start time,” Osborn explains. “This is partly to set up the space and get the music and equipment ready, but also so they can greet participants and meet new members. Establishing connections and building rapport makes classes feel welcoming and inviting.
“Throughout class, I provide exercises with options to make the move feel more or less challenging, so that everyone can leave the class feeling both exerted and successful. I am constantly assessing the room as I instruct so I can gauge if participants are ready for some additional options to modify or progress a given move.”
When Wesolowski meets new participants in class, he helps them learn the flow and makes sure they feel comfortable with each exercise. “I might also introduce them to a few other class participants to make sure they feel welcomed into the community we have built in those classes,” he says.
A Judgment-Free Zone
Remember, everyone was a newcomer at some point — and Life Time instructors and coaches keep that in mind. They want each participant to know that no one is judging you, so instead of worrying, you can focus on your individual progress and encourage those around you.
“When I teach, I like to remember where I started,” says Osborn. “I recall my own uncertainty attending my first group fitness classes. It felt like everyone else was much further ahead in their fitness journey than me and I remember trying to hide in the back and go unnoticed. But I quickly realized no one was judging me — everyone was worrying about their own efforts and their own form.
“In a matter of months,” she continues, “I was lifting heavier, moving quicker, and moved to the front of the class, partly because my fitness was improving, but more so because my confidence was improving thanks to patient, encouraging, and inclusive instructors who fostered an environment that made everyone feel like they belonged and could get stronger.”
One Community, One Common Goal
One of the most important benefits of Life Time classes programming is the community it creates of both members and instructors and coaches — especially when there’s a blending of backgrounds and perspectives.
“Once you get involved in classes at Life Time, the community can become a great source of support,” says Wesolowski. “Whether you need someone to encourage or challenge you, hold you accountable, or simply check in and ask how you are, the Life Time community is amazing. Everyone wants you to succeed! The community is a huge reason that people keep coming back class after class.”
Osborn adds that despite having different bodies and backgrounds, there’s one thing everyone has in common in any Life Time class. “We share a common goal: Together, we are striving to be stronger, healthier, better versions of ourselves,” she says. “It’s empowering to have a room full of people working hard and getting outside their comfort zones. The community encourages you, inspires you, empathizes with you, and helps you keep going when you might otherwise throw in the towel.
“I don’t think it would have the same effect if everyone else in class far exceeded your own fitness level, nor would you work as hard if everyone else in the room was weaker or slower than you,” she adds. “A class full of individuals with varied fitness backgrounds and abilities pushes and challenges you to be the best version of yourself. It’s not about competition — it’s about continuously leveling up and I love that we can make that possible for every Life Time member.”
