Being active is a major part of Mark Takach’s life. As Senior General Manager of Life Time Fitness, he spends his days orchestrating a large staff of people dedicated to health and wellness.

And that is how he likes it.

Starting in the health club industry when he was 15, Takach was running his own club by the time he was in college. “I’ve been in this industry for a little over 20 years,” he says. “I’ve been in several different states; I’ve had 16 clubs in 21 years.”

It’s easy to see why Takach takes such pride in his profession. Even after over two decades in the industry, he maintains a youthful appearance, looking like a man who is at peace with his work. He explained that his job enables him to have a positive effect on the health of the community and that he is still excited by that.

“With Life Time Fitness my role is to organize and deliver a member experience in every area of the club.” Life Time Fitness, located at 281 and 1604, certainly delivers. Its spacious layout welcomes even the most hardened gym rats. With a cafe, spa, child center, group fitness programs, personal training, and a host of other amenities, Takach has his hands full. Still he maintains a dedicated and focused outlook on the tasks before him.

“This club is definitely a lot of moving parts,” he said. “Every thing we do in this business is done with the member experience in mind. If a customer comes in and has a great experience, not only do they feel good, but they also share it with others.” This mindset helps separate Life Time Fitness from the emerging Alamo City workout crowd. Surprisingly, Takach notes that he and Life Time do not view other gyms as competition. He explained that only 15 percent of the population does enough exercise to really impede cardiovascular disease. “It’s the 85 percent that are out there that really are our competition. If someone enrolls in one club versus Life Time, from a big picture standpoint, everybody wins, everyone lives healthy!”

Takach’s practical approach benefits the club members he values so much. He and Life Time Fitness want your business, but really hope that wellness finds you. Interestingly, he looks at fast-food restaurants as bigger obstacles to success than the health club going up next door.

Life Time Fitness also strives to educate the member about his or her wellness – everything from nutrition to physical activity – in order for each person to get the full benefit of his or her membership. “Our mission is educate, entertain, be friendly and inviting, functional and uncompromising.”

Takach speaks at length about the company’s passion for others. He hammers his point by pointing out how diverse his industry is. With people from all sections of life walking through his doors everyday, he is constantly excited and motivated to do his job with passion.

Life Time Fitness is also expanding, taking their mission down 1604 to The Rim. The new facility takes the successful concept and places it in a growing section of San Antonio. According to Takach, visitors can expect the same top-notch service and amenities that they loved about the 281 and 1604 location. He expresses his thoughts on the new location with a great deal of excitement.

This enthusiasm carries over into his personal life. Like his members, Takach remains as active as possible during his free time. He enjoys raquetball, and interestingly, flying. Even while he takes to the skies, he notes that his family keeps him grounded and help make life that much more special. He and his wife Jennifer are the proud parents of two children (Jenna, 6, and Brendan, 3).

He acknowledges his first manager, Scott Daly as having a huge influence on him professionally. “(Daly) mentored me in this industry,” Takach said. “He gave me my first opportunity to run a club. I am thankful for that.”

Today, Takach is looking forward with a bold vision for the future. “We want to get you to do and behave in a manner that leads to a healthier way of life,” he said. “Whether you are two-years-old or 80-years-old, if we can instill in you a healthier lifestyle, we have done our job.”