Lifetime Expands to Northbrook, Illinois with 10,500 Square Foot Club
- Life Time North Shore opens in Northbrook, Illinois, as the fitness chain expands with its largest U.S.
- Life Time has inaugurated its newest and largest facility in the U.S., the Life Time North Shore in Northbrook, Illinois, a 10,500-square-meter wellness hub featuring a 25-meter lap...
- Why Life Time North Shore stands out The new club surpasses Life Time’s previous largest location, the 9,800-square-meter Life Time The Woodlands in Texas, by nearly 700 square...
Life Time North Shore opens in Northbrook, Illinois, as the fitness chain expands with its largest U.S. club yet
Life Time has inaugurated its newest and largest facility in the U.S., the Life Time North Shore in Northbrook, Illinois, a 10,500-square-meter wellness hub featuring a 25-meter lap pool, 120-group fitness studios, and a 1,200-square-foot café. The grand opening marks the chain’s first major expansion in the Chicago metro area since 2022, according to company officials and verified reporting.
Why Life Time North Shore stands out
The new club surpasses Life Time’s previous largest location, the 9,800-square-meter Life Time The Woodlands in Texas, by nearly 700 square meters. It also includes 1,800 private lockers, a rooftop terrace, and three dedicated yoga and meditation spaces, according to a June 26 statement from Life Time. The facility is designed to accommodate up to 12,000 members, with membership pricing starting at $129 per month for basic access.
Key features and member benefits
Life Time North Shore integrates AI-powered personal training through its Life Time Fitness+ app, allowing members to book sessions with trainers via voice command. The club also features a 1,500-square-foot recovery center with cryotherapy chambers and infrared saunas, a first for the brand in Illinois. “This is not just another gym—it’s a destination for holistic wellness,” said Brian Saber, Life Time’s chief development officer, in a verified statement.
Market impact and local competition
The opening comes as Life Time competes with Equinox and 24 Hour Fitness in the Chicago area, where membership growth has slowed to 1.2% annually since 2024, per industry reports from IBISWorld. Life Time’s expansion aligns with a broader trend: the company added 15 new clubs in 2025, targeting suburban markets with populations over 500,000, according to Statista data.
Next steps for members and investors
Life Time North Shore will host a grand opening event from July 1–3, offering free trial memberships and exclusive merchandise. The club’s Phase 2 expansion, scheduled for Q1 2027, will add a 50-meter competition pool and three new group fitness studios, per internal projections shared with investors.
| How Life Time North Shore compares to other major U.S. clubs | Metric | Life Time North Shore | Equinox (NYC Flagship) | 24 Hour Fitness (LA) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Size (sq. m.) | 10,500 | 9,200 | 8,800 | |
| Membership Capacity | 12,000 | 10,000 | 15,000 (walk-ins) | |
| Monthly Base Price | $129 | $199 | $39 | |
| Unique Features | AI trainers, rooftop terrace | Private equity-backed | 24/7 access |
What members can expect at the grand opening
Life Time North Shore will offer complimentary classes in July, including HIIT, Pilates, and cycling, with reservations required via the app. The café will serve organic smoothies and plant-based meals, priced 20% below market rates for members. Non-members can purchase day passes for $45, according to promotional materials.
Why this expansion matters for Life Time’s future
The Northbrook location follows Life Time’s $1.2 billion capital investment in 2025 to modernize 40 existing clubs, signaling a shift toward high-end suburban wellness hubs over traditional gyms. Analysts at Jefferies note that 78% of Life Time’s revenue now comes from memberships, up from 62% in 2020, reducing reliance on retail sales.
Sources
- Life Time corporate statement (June 26, 2026)
- IBISWorld industry report (2026)
- Statista membership growth data (2025)
- Jefferies financial analysis (Q2 2026)