The Golden State opened another Life Time athletic country club in fall 2023: Life Time Walnut Creek! This club is in a coveted location in the San Francisco metro area.
“This Life Time is in Broadway Plaza, a high-end shopping plaza located in the very walkable and bustling downtown of Walnut Creek,” says general manager Jess Culella. “Bringing a brand that I love so much to such a magical location is a huge honor for me. I’m excited to build this new team and create a club culture that makes a profound and positive impact on this community.”
Let’s explore the 76,000-square-foot Life Time Walnut Creek space:
Life Time Walnut Creek features an outdoor rooftop Beach Club with a six-lane lap pool, whirlpool, and splash pad for members to use. “We will have lap swimming as well as the ability to remove the lanes for family swim,” says Culella. “Walnut Creek has a strong culture of youth swim teams. I’m excited to offer additional opportunities for kids to advance their skills through lessons — available for adults too! — and swim teams, all with gorgeous mountain views from our rooftop pool!”
Cabana-style seating is available for poolside lounging, and when hunger hits, members can order from the menu of nutritious food and beverages at the LifeCafe poolside bistro.
Members can enjoy a variety of studio classes, including cycling, yoga, and other Life Time-exclusive formats centered around strength and endurance. There are five studios: two for group fitness and barre classes, and one each for cycling, yoga, and Pilates.
“Our classes are not just taught by anyone — we have the absolute best performers and fitness professionals leading our class experiences,” says Culella. “It’s not only about the skills to perform the workout itself, but also the emotional intelligence and ability to connect with members that really matter.”
There is an expansive workout floor that has free weights, cardiovascular- and resistance-training machines, and designated stretching areas. This is also where GTX, Alpha, and Ultra Fit signature group training classes take place. Each class format is based around a different focus: 50/50 cardio and strength for GTX, Olympic-style lifting and metabolic conditioning for Alpha, and sprint-interval training with balance work for Ultra Fit.
Members can also choose to work one-on-one with highly trained Dynamic Personal Trainers (for an additional cost) and receive guidance and encouragement as they progress toward their goals. This fully engaged approach to personal training is unique to Life Time and is designed to elevate your results and experience. (Read more: “Achieve Your Fitness Goals With Dynamic Personal Training”)
Life Time Walnut Creek also has an full-size indoor basketball court that can be converted to three pickleball courts. Members can participate in the fastest-growing sport in the country and improve their skills while meeting other members and embracing the community atmosphere that the sport fosters.
The Kids Academy features numerous spaces for kids to enjoy: a kid’s play area, infant room, toddler area, movement studio, arts and language studio, kid’s gym, and outdoor play area. Complimentary child care is available for up to 2.5 hours daily for all junior members.
“When parents drop off their kids at Kids Academy, their children are going to thrive, as we offer thoughtfully designed classes and activities that keep them active, engaged, and learning,” says Culella. “We talk a lot with our Kids Academy team members about their ability to empower the next generation of humans. They have this amazing opportunity to help instill healthy habits and positive mindsets for these kids that will benefit them greatly in the long run.”
Life Time Walnut Creek has a full service LifeCafe. “Our LifeCafe, located at the entrance of the club, offers members and nonmembers access to healthy, nourishing options designed to fuel bodies,” says Culella. The full menu features coffee, shakes and smoothies, entrees, and meals to go.
Members can find space to unwind and relax in the LifeSpa, with massage, hair, skin, nail, and body services. Or they can embrace the amenities in the executive locker room spaces that feature a sauna, steam room, whirlpool, and cold plunge, plus offerings like fresh towel service, daily lockers, and personal-care products including shampoo, conditioner, and body wash.
“I cannot wait for this club to be up and running,” says Culella. “Feeling the buzz of the community, that’s something I crave. I’m really looking forward to it.”
Another unique space that’s available at Life Time Walnut Creek is the Life Time Work Club Lounge. This is a coworking space that provides members with the use of workspaces and amenities, including library table seating, premium comfortable furniture, and printer access. If you have remote or hybrid work flexibility, Life Time Work is a place to focus, collaborate, and conquer whatever your workday holds.
GM Jess Culella’s Perfect Day at Life Time
There’s nothing better than starting my day off by checking in with my team members and members around the athletic country club. Connection is such an important part of community, and beginning my day by learning from the perspectives of other people gets me in the mindset to better serve others throughout the day.
From there, I complete a workout, which fuels my energy and has a profound, positive impact on how I show up for myself and others. At Life Time, we have a wide variety of programs under one roof that allow me to keep my body engaged in different ways. This assortment keeps my body and mind interested, engaged, and excited to show up.
You can catch me in a yoga class (and you might just find me teaching a weekly yoga class at Walnut Creek!), in small group training, in a cycle or studio class, or lifting on the workout floor. The program I get the most excited to take is GTX. I love the inclusion of conditioning and how it provides an opportunity to test my limits. The sense of accomplishment I feel at the end of each GTX class is one of the best feelings!
When hunger strikes, I swing by the LifeCafe for one of my two favorites: the Chicken Gyro Bowl or the Vegan PB&B shake (I substitute mangos for bananas though — I’m allergic to bananas).
If I’m seeking relaxation, I love a good steam or sauna session in the locker room. But I’m most looking forward to trying out our cold plunge at Walnut Creek. When at the LifeSpa, I prefer a deep-tissue massage — it’s just about the best way to keep my body restored and ready for my next workout.
