Editor’s Note: As states, the economy, and businesses reopen, we are all figuring how to go about our daily lives in spite of the ongoing COVID-19 health concern. Each of us has to assess our individual health risk as we make decisions about what we’re comfortable with and willing to do as life returns to some sense of normalcy.
When it comes to your decision about returning to Life Time, we’re answering some commonly asked questions about the efforts we’re taking in our health clubs to keep you, your fellow members, and our team members safe and healthy.
Consistent with local government orders regarding the operation of spas and salons, many of our LifeSpa locations have reopened. And as many people look forward to cutting their grown-out quarantine hair, touching up roots that have gone uncolored for months, or practicing some much-needed self-care during these stressful times, we know some may still feel hesitant about visiting our spaces and having these services done.
Following the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding the importance of preventing the respiratory spread of COVID-19, Life Time has updated safety measures across all areas of the club to help protect members and team members, including improving the air quality through our HVAC systems.
Each area of Life Time, including the LifeSpa, has implemented additional, specific safety protocols as well. We spoke with Ali Yanez, vice president of the LifeSpa, to answer some commonly asked questions around the updated safety measures you can expect during your next salon and spa service.
Life Time | Given the airborne nature of the virus, how is the LifeSpa taking precautions to protect guests and team members in its spaces?
Ali Yanez | First, I’ll note that LifeSpa is open to both Life Time members and the public. Our members are already familiar with the convenient connection to Life Time that makes it possible for them to get a haircut or massage after their workout. But there are a lot of other benefits to this relationship as well — especially as it comes to operating decisions, such as our response to COVID-19.
Life Time is working hard to protect our members, guests, and team members during this time, and those efforts extend to the LifeSpa. Throughout the COVID-19 crisis, Life Time has worked under the guidance of medical experts, making updates to our spaces and HVAC system, and following guidelines from local government, the CDC, and the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).
These updates include encouraging social distancing, enhancing our cleaning and disinfecting protocols, and making air quality and filtration updates throughout Life Time and within the LifeSpa spaces.
Prior to each shift, all Life Time team members, including our stylists and technicians, are required to have their temperatures taken. We also ask that anyone who isn’t feeling well please stay at home. Our cancelation policy has been modified, and any LifeSpa guests who are not feeling well may cancel or reschedule their appointments without incurring a cancelation fee.
LT | Do I have to wear a mask at the LifeSpa, and can I expect my stylist or technician to be wearing one?
AY | We want to do everything we can to help you feel comfortable and confident during your service. Depending on your local government’s guidelines, you may notice our team members and technicians wearing gloves, as well as masks or face shields, and we may ask you to wear a mask as well. You can learn about the guidelines for your location on your club homepage.
When wearing a mask for a hair appointment, please choose one with ear loops, as our stylists can cut and color around them much more easily than masks that secure around the back of your head. Our stylists even have a handy trick for securing the ear loops with a bobby pin so the mask stays in place while they trim or color around the neckline.
LT | How are you cleaning and disinfecting the space?
AY | We’ve always proudly held high standards in cleanliness at the LifeSpa, and these practices continue, including the use of Barbicide® disinfectant for grooming tools, combs, and shears at our stylists’ stations. We’ve enhanced our cleaning protocols in the space, including requiring both team members and guests to wash or sanitize their hands before and after appointments.
You’ll also notice team members regularly cleaning the space and high-touch surfaces before each appointment with ProKure®, an EPA-registered, virus-killing disinfectant.
LT | How is social distancing practiced in the LifeSpa spaces?
AY | We’re limiting contact in the space as best we can while providing hands-on services. In addition to social spacing whenever possible, such as seats in the lobby, moving through the space, or in line at the front desk, we’ve added six feet of space between our styling stations, nail stations, shampoo chairs, and pedicure seats.
In areas where we don’t have the space to increase social distancing, we have limited access to or closed off every other station. During massage services, there is also the option for guests to have their massage conducted in a face-down position, depending on your comfort level.
At the front desk and our nail stations, we’ve added plexiglass shields for an added layer of protection and separation between guests and team members. Our check-in and checkout processes are now contactless, and we’re using guest-facing credit-card readers, so we ask that you please use a card or your club tab for payment.
Our beverage service is also discontinued during this time, so we recommend you bring a water bottle or order a shake or beverage from the LifeCafe prior to your service.
LT | Are all services still being offered at the LifeSpa?
AY | Service availability varies by location due to local government guidelines. While some locations may be open for only hair services, others in neighboring states may allow nails, massage, and skin services. To find out what’s available at your location, we recommend calling your LifeSpa or visiting your club homepage.
Where offered (and dependent on local guidelines), hair services include a full-service shampoo, blowout, and style. Nail services are conducted with a plexiglass shield in place, and skin services may require technicians to use a mask and additional face shield.
As I previously mentioned, depending on your comfort level and the mask-wearing guidelines in your location, massage appointments can be conducted in the face-down position to further reduce respiratory proximity between you and your massage therapist.
LT | How can I book a service?
AY | If your LifeSpa location currently is open, most services can be booked online or by using the Life Time Member App.
In locations that are preparing to reopen, we’re sending out a notification email to our previous guests announcing our upcoming reopening. The email asks guests to please fill out a form requesting an appointment and list your preferred technician(s) and service times. This information helps us prioritize your requested appointments if we receive a high demand for services like haircuts and colors before our doors are open.
Please know how excited we are to welcome you back to the LifeSpa again — we can’t wait to hear how you’ve been doing while we help you look and feel amazing.
