By: Sarah Allport

Students at Rochester College who want to get fit as a New Year’s resolution have a state-of-the-art facility in their own backyard.

“Life Time is the cruise ship of fitness clubs, A one stop shop,” said Shawn Heath, Life Time’s member services head.
The facility operates 24 hours a day and seven days a week. Included in the club is a café, salon, free-of-charge childcare center, lounge, climbing rockwall, indoor and outdoor pools, basketball courts, racquet courts and an abundance of elliptical, free weights and weighted machines.

Workout guidance ranges from a large selection of classes to one-on-one training. The workout facility offers cycling classes, boot camp style workouts, yoga, swimming classes, family style workouts and many more changing courses to accommodate the seasons.

“Staying motivated is key in keeping to a fitness goal or healthy lifestyle,” Heath said.
“Instead of working out alone, come to Life Time to have people around you, pushing and motivating you.
“Do it for the motivation,” Heath urges.

Life Time Fitness’ corporate website boasts several true testimonials, including success stories and tips on finding the correct trainer.
“…Since joining Life Time I have found classes that I can’t live without such as hydro fitness, cycling, CRT (Cardio Resistance Training), elliptical trainer and barbells,” wrote Deanna Encinias.
“I have worked my classes into my weekly schedule and go faithfully.  I can now say that with diet and exercise I have now lost 67.5 pounds and feel like a new person,” Encinias continued.

Assistant Dean Terrill Hall oversees the partnership and handles all the student memberships to Life Time.
“This is a great partnership that began in 2005 to boost resident student numbers,” Hall said.
Previously, the college began to simply offer a few physical education classes at the facility. The partnership evolved to students using the facilities as if it were the college gym and recreational area.

“We have had great feedback these years from the students, and quite a bit of students take advantage of the partnership,” said Hall.
Resident students are entitled to a Life Time membership after tuition is paid for the semester. Commuter and Center for Extended Learning students also have a deeply discounted rate available for purchase.

The discounted rate available to commuter students changes on a monthly basis. Currently, the student rate is nearly $25 off the regular member monthly rate.
Students must contact Assistant Dean Terrill Hall to purchase or activate their membership.

Hall can be reached at thall@rc.edu or (248) 218-2042.

Memberships are only valid for the Life Time Fitness Rochester, located just east of the Rochester College campus at 200 West Avon Rd in Rochester Hills.

Generalized club or class questions can be directed at Shawn Heath at sheath@lifetimefitness.com or (248) 601-9400.