We often view health simply as the condition of our physical bodies. But true well-being encapsulates a much larger picture — one that also embraces our mental and social well-being, too. Although the latter is frequently overlooked, social health isn’t optional, according to the World Health Organization.
In a recent report, the WHO stresses the importance of treating social health with the same urgency as physical health, noting the serious but under-recognized effects of isolation and loneliness. These feelings can weigh heavy on us, affecting our physical condition, our mental clarity, and even our longevity.
The solution? Just as we challenge ourselves to run that extra mile or lift that heavier weight, we can also push ourselves to build our social strength.
Experts at Life Time emphasize the importance of social health, which is why many offerings extend beyond physical fitness to help foster community and connection. “Life Time operates in many lanes in the health and wellness world, but at the heart of everything we do is helping our members be healthy and happy,” says Art Johnson, director of events and sponsorship marketing at Life Time. “Life Time is a hub for social connection — we truly have ways for every member to engage, no matter their age or interests.”
If you’re looking to put yourself out there and surround yourself with a like-minded community, this round-up of spaces and activities at Life Time might interest you.
1. Attend social events and activities.
Every year, Life Time ups the ante when it comes to its social events portfolio, according to Johnson. “These events make it easier for members to create connections with others outside of their regular workouts or routines,” says Johnson. “With a wide variety of events geared toward various audiences, we aim to offer options all members can look forward to.”
Life Time’s social event experiences are curated for the following groups:
- Families: Attend events like Dazzle Dance in the winter, Strong Like Mom in the spring, Poolapalooza in the summer, or JamBOOree in the fall.
- Kids and teens: Hang at weekly themed Parents Night Out events as part of your Junior Membership.
- Adults: Partake in events like the Yacht Club Social, Fire and Ice, Casa Playa, and Masquerade.
- Adults age 55 and older: Participate in ARORA Coffee Club and other regular ARORA events.
- Members who want to give back: Support philanthropic events like Move for a Life Time.
You can find and sign up for social event experiences at Life Time in the Life Time app: Click on “Schedule,” select “Events,” and then either choose a category or “View All Events” to peruse what’s upcoming at your club (apply filters to your view to customize what you are looking for). You can also connect with the membership concierge at your club to learn more about upcoming events.
If you’re nervous to attend an event by yourself, invite a member friend or a nonmember to join you. Based on club guest policy, many events are open for nonmembers via the sharing of a guest pass.
“Life Time’s social events can provide an opportunity for you to push yourself out of your comfort zone,” adds Johnson. “You could end up meeting new people, which can help broaden your horizons and raise your confidence and social strength.”
2. Join a group fitness class or sports activity
Engaging in physical activity in a group can bring a sense of camaraderie, connecting you to others with shared goals. This alignment can be fruitful for fostering new connections.
“At Life Time, members all want the same thing: to pursue a healthy and happy version of themselves,” Johnson says. “There’s a shared interest that serves as an immediate connection point. It also creates a sense of mutual trust you can fall back on. These are advantages to building relationships you might not be able to experience outside your club.”
New relationships don’t just form on their own, though. It’s important to take ownership in fostering your social health. “If you’re a regular in GTX, Alpha, or Ultra Fit classes or other studio formats, try striking up a conversation with a familiar face, or getting to know your coaches and instructors,” Johnson encourages.
The organized sports at Life Time can also nurture fun connections. Partner with someone new at pickleball, for instance — you might find that you have chemistry as teammates that you can use as a spark to form a new friendship. If you like the energy of someone you’re shooting hoops with on the basketball court, ask what else they like to do at Life Time.
Johnson adds: “When you take a risk by talking to someone new, you never know where it could lead.”
3. Spend time in shared spaces
Inspiring social connections is a driving priority for Life Time, and this is considered in the design of its clubs. Walking around your Life Time athletic country club, you’ll find plenty of spaces that are curated for community, whether it’s in the LifeCafe, on the pool deck, in the Life Time Work Club Lounge, or even in the recovery spaces like the whirlpool and sauna.
The atmosphere is ideal for casual conversations and organic connections. It’s what led Christa Negron, a member at Life Time Westchester in West Harrison, N.Y., to meet her best friend. “I just kept seeing her around the club, and we started chatting, which led to us going to classes together,” Negron says. “We found out we had the same schedule with our kids, and we became best friends from there. We go to the club together basically every day.”
Like Negron, you can bond with other parents whose kids attend the Kids Academy. You can also strike up a conversation with other members in the LifeCafe or those using the recovery amenities. Even unplugging from your phone and music on the workout floor can facilitate an opportunity to create a connection with others. (Learn more: “How to Make Friends at Your Health Club.”)
For many Life Time members, their athletic country club is a secondary space for them: “The club is not just seen as a ‘third space’ anymore,” adds Matt Brinza, vice president of architecture and engineering at Life Time. “That’s why community and social connections are a big theme for us in designing, and we prioritize integrating that in numerous ways in our clubs.”
Whether it’s at a Life Time social event, in a workout class, on the pickleball or tennis courts, or elsewhere at the club, there are ample opportunities to stretch yourself socially, according to Johnson. “The beauty is you can try out so many different things,” he says. “We encourage members to pursue social opportunities since those can be so fulfilling.”
Note: Specific club offerings and events may vary by club location. Check your club’s schedule for more information.
