Interview with Amber McEnery, General Manager of Life Time
Minnetonka, MN | September 2025
A Recovery Revolution on the Pool Deck
When members of Life Time Minnetonka step onto the pool deck these days, they’re greeted with something new: a sleek, modern sauna placed right next to a cold plunge. It’s a combination that’s quickly become the heart of the club’s recovery experience.
For General Manager Amber McEnery, the addition was more than just a remodel—it was a response to what members had been asking for.
“It was the number one request right out of the gate: a cold plunge. I’m a cold plunge person myself—I’ve gone into Lake Harriet in the dead of winter—so I knew what it could do for recovery, for knees that have taken a pounding, and for the mind. Pairing that plunge with a sauna was just the natural next step.”
Life Time already had two beautiful saunas in the locker rooms, but demand for something on the pool deck was strong. Members wanted convenience, flow, and a space that supported their recovery routines without interruption. That’s where Superior Sauna came in.
Quick, Seamless, and Built Right
Amber was clear: the installation had to be smooth, fast, and non-invasive for members.
“Working with Superior Sauna has just been fantastic,” she says. “Great communication, moving fast, keeping me in the loop. It wasn’t invasive, it wasn’t loud—it was just this wonderful movement of coming in, setting up, and in basically one day, it was done.”
The result is a sauna that looks like it’s always been part of the space, seamlessly integrated with the pool deck and cold plunge.
“It’s become part of the routine. Part of the brand. Members are excited, they’re using it constantly, and we’ve even brought back folks who used to travel to other clubs for the cold plunge. Now they’ve got everything they need right here.”
The Member Experience
Michael, a long-time Life Time member, has found himself using the sauna and cold plunge rhythm almost daily.
“Before, I was just an occasional sauna user. Now I try to do it after every workout. Having the sauna right next to the cold plunge makes it easy—hot, cold, back and forth, no wasted time. Plus, there’s great natural light up here, and it’s quieter than the locker room. I even bring my mom—we both do our workouts and then meet here for a plunge and sauna. It’s become part of our family routine.”
For Britta, a yoga teacher and long-time Life Time member, design and functionality matter just as much as performance.
“I’ve been with Life Time since the early ‘90s and taught yoga at 14 clubs. When I heard the hot tub was becoming a cold plunge, I hoped they’d add a sauna too—and that it would be beautiful. This space checks all the boxes: natural light, sleek wood, glass, and a layout that feels spacious and efficient. The aroma of the thermally modified wood is clean and natural, which is important for someone like me who’s sensitive to chemicals. It’s a special design, and I hope more Life Time locations adopt it.”
Value Beyond Remodels
Amber points out that Life Time Minnetonka is a unique building, originally a restaurant before being converted into a fitness club. After a full remodel, the sauna and cold plunge project proved that a significant impact can come from adding wellness amenities without tearing down walls.
“You can’t always put a dollar sign on it,” Amber says. “What it’s really done is elevate the member experience. It’s driven new memberships, brought back old members, and created buzz in the community. For us, being the first in the company to roll out this pairing has been powerful.”
Looking Ahead
The success of the sauna and cold plunge has Amber thinking about what’s next.
“We’re already dreaming about outdoor winter sauna experiences down the road. But for now, this addition has been an instant member experience driver. And that’s what it’s about—when you provide an exceptional experience, the revenue follows.”
Why Minnetonka Chose Mod6
When Life Time Minnetonka decided to add a sauna to the pool deck, they needed something that looked permanent, performed like a commercial workhorse, and could be installed quickly without tearing apart the club. That’s exactly why they went with the Mod6.
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Turnkey: Pre-fabricated modular panels made installation fast—up and running in less than a couple days.
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Durable: Built from Thermory wood with 25+ year rot resistance, perfect for heavy daily use.
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Efficient: Insulated with natural sheep’s wool, the Mod6 holds heat better and lowers energy waste.
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Flexible: Designed to fit unique spaces like Minnetonka’s pool deck, where every square foot matters.
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Beautiful: Glass, wood, and lighting options give it the sleek, modern look members expect.
The Mod6 made that possible—turnkey, fast, and built to last.
As Amber puts it: “Don’t worry—if it’s anything like Minnetonka, you’ll be surprised how smooth it is, how non-invasive it is, and how excited your members will be.”
Final Word
Life Time Minnetonka shows what happens when recovery, design, and convenience come together. A sauna and cold plunge may seem simple. Still, when they’re placed with intention, supported by quality materials, and embraced by the community, they transform a club into a true wellness destination.
