Life Time is expanding its presence in the Atlanta area with its newest club opening mid-December 2024: Life Time North Druid Hills. This poised-to-be iconic athletic country club is about a 10-minute drive from Life Time Buckhead at Phipps Plaza and not far from the midtown and downtown Atlanta areas.
“I’m excited for members to experience this luxurious club,” says Tara Esmiel, lead general at Life Time North Druid Hills. “Our spaces and programming are exclusive to Life Time and our team members are the best in the industry. My vision is to establish Life Time North Druid Hills as a premier offering while setting the bar high in Atlanta’s fitness scene.”
Let’s explore the 65,000-square-foot Life Time North Druid Hills space:
Discover your go-to studio class by trying a variety of cycle, yoga, barre, dance, strength, and cardio formats. There are five designated studios for indoor cycling, Pilates, barre, yoga (complete with radiant heat panels for hot yoga classes), and other unique-to-Life-Time group-class formats. Classes are taught by top performers, with options for all fitness levels and interests.
Venture onto the expansive workout floor to find free weights, state-of-the-art cardiovascular- and resistance-training machines, and designated stretching areas. It’s easy to build and stay consistent with a fitness routine when everything you need is available in one convenient space.
The workout floor is also where GTX, Alpha, and Ultra Fit signature group training classes take place. GTX is a 50/50 blend of cardio and strength work; Alpha is centered around Olympic weightlifting and metabolic conditioning; and Ultra Fit combines sprint-interval training with balance and strength efforts.
MB360, the fourth in Life Time’s signature group training class portfolio, is also available to members. This mind-body program melds meditation and mobility work with functional strength and conditioning exercises.
Members who want to advance their fitness experience can engage with a Dynamic Personal Trainer for one-on-one guidance (at an additional cost). (Learn more: “Achieve Your Fitness Goals With Dynamic Personal Training.”)
For those looking to incorporate more stretching, recovery, or mobility work into their routines, consider a Dynamic Stretch session: A stretch specialist will take you through a full-body assisted-stretch session (at an additional cost). (Read more: “What Is Dynamic Stretch?”)
Life Time North Druid Hills will have an outdoor leisure pool for members to enjoy. “I’d describe it as a true Beach Club,” says Esmiel. “Members will be able to enjoy the ambiance — from the poolside bar to the lounge chairs and cabanas,” says Esmiel.
Unwind in the LifeSpa with a massage, then extend your relaxation in the executive locker rooms with time spent in the whirlpool, sauna, or steam room. There is also a cold plunge for those who want to experience the benefits of cold therapy. “Having a cold plunge is unique to the Atlanta area and we’re so excited to offer this to members,” says Esmiel. “This form of recovery has become very popular as of late, and the mental and physical benefits are valuable for our health.”
Enjoy a healthy meal and find nourishment when hunger arises in the LifeCafe. Get a smoothie or shake to take on the go or sit down for a full meal.
Grab a paddle or racquet and get your competition on: Life Time North Druid Hills features three indoor pickleball courts, six outdoor pickleball courts, and six outdoor tennis courts.
“One thing I’m excited about at this club is that we’ll have a tennis and pickleball lounge, complete with a bar area with outdoor seating,” says Esmiel. “It’s going to be a really fun vibe!”
Get to Know Your Lead General: Tara Esmiel
What is your experience with Life Time — and how did you get into this role as lead general?
My experience with Life Time has been 10 years in the making. I began working in the Kids Academy at Life Time West County-Chesterfield in Missouri between my college classes.
I then ventured into member services and received the opportunity to grand open Life Time Frontenac in St. Louis, Missouri, as the member services manager. Then, with the membership concierge division, I returned to West County-Chesterfield as the membership concierge leader.
I recently trained for the lead general role at Life Time Vestavia Hills in Alabama, as well as at the two Missouri clubs where I previously worked.
Growth within Life Time is there for those who want it. I’ve been very lucky to have people who have invested in me along the way. Being a lead general is the most exciting way I can have a hand in others’ development and growth — whether it be a member who needs motivation or a team member who could use support on their career path.
What excites you about the opening of Life Time North Druid Hills?
Life Time North Druid Hills will be such a special club. The tennis and pickleball courts, the outdoor lounge and bar, the cold plunge, the studio offerings — this is set to be an amazing place. And I’m thrilled to be a part of a Life Time so close to midtown Atlanta!
Why do you believe in a healthy way of life, and how do you incorporate that mission into your days?
People say health is wealth and it’s so true. Without health, we have nothing. It’s crucial for me to intentionally move my body every day because my body does a lot for me. I get a lot of satisfaction working for a company that believes in that.
Is there anything people might be surprised to learn about you?
I have a really good memory! I remember a lot of details. While it can get me in trouble from time to time (ask my husband!), I will remember many details in conversations that I have with team members and members. This allows me to better connect with others on a personal level.
Do you have a favorite way to spend time at the club?
I love community. I’m the oldest of four in my family, so being with others drives me. My favorite way to get involved at Life Time is by taking classes.
