Meet Lukas Baker, the new membership services representative at Elite Sports Club-North Shore and River Glen. He’s passionate about creating a welcoming, supportive environment for members and helping people feel confident as they begin or continue their wellness journey. Whether you’re new to the club or a longtime member, Lukas is here to make your experience a positive one. Learn more about Lukas Baker here!
Get to Know Lukas Baker
- What position(s) do you currently hold at Elite and any you have held in the past?
I’m currently a membership services representative at Elite-North Shore and River Glen.
- How long have you been working in the health/fitness/tennis industry and how long have you worked at Elite?
I started working in the industry in 2021 and joined Elite in 2025.
- What made you want to start working in this industry and/or for Elite?
My journey into the health and fitness industry has always felt pretty natural. Growing up, I was surrounded by people who dedicated their lives to helping others—my mom, a hearing specialist, and my dad, a drug and alcohol therapist. They both showed me the importance of empathy, listening, and supporting people through life’s challenges. That really shaped my approach to any job I’ve taken on, especially in customer service and membership roles.
On a more personal level, I’ve had a passion for health and fitness from a young age. I was a high school swimmer and water polo player, and that experience taught me not only the value of discipline and teamwork but also how physical activity can build confidence and community. It’s something I carried with me into adulthood, both in my own wellness journey and in the work I do every day.
What drew me to Elite specifically was the club’s commitment to creating a welcoming, supportive environment for members of all ages and fitness levels. I’ve worked in this industry for several years now, and what really sets Elite apart is its sense of community and the focus on long-term wellness. It’s not just about short-term fitness goals—it’s about helping people build healthier, happier lives, and that’s something I’m proud to be part of.
- What is your favorite part about your job?
Definitely working with a fun and supportive staff.
- What activities do you participate in at the club or outside of the club that are health/fitness/tennis related?
I work out and am trying to get back into participating in yoga on a regular basis.
- What has been your biggest personal struggle with health/fitness/tennis?
My biggest personal struggle with health and fitness has definitely been consistency, especially when it comes to maintaining a routine through life’s ups and downs. I’ve dealt with weight fluctuations throughout my life, and that journey has taught me just how hard it can be to stay on track—especially when you’re juggling work, social life, and everything in between.
For a long time, I had this idea that I had to be “all in” or not bother at all. If I couldn’t commit to the perfect diet or the perfect workout schedule, I’d fall off and feel defeated. It took a while, but I’ve learned that progress isn’t about perfection—it’s about showing up for yourself, even on the tough days, and finding balance rather than extremes.
That’s also why I’m so passionate about starting healthy habits early and encouraging young people to get involved in sports or physical activity. The earlier you can build those habits and that mindset, the easier it is to carry them through life. And as much as I believe in eating clean and being mindful of what we put into our bodies, I also believe in treating yourself and enjoying life. Health isn’t about restriction—it’s about sustainability and being mindful of what the future can hold, good and bad.
- What has been your biggest personal accomplishment with health/fitness/tennis?
I was a three-year state champion in water polo. And now, being an advocate for quality food and drinks that don’t have harmful ingredients, like dyes, chemicals, and heavy metals.
- What advice do you give people who are coming to the club for the first time?
First and foremost—don’t be intimidated! Walking into a new health club can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re just starting your fitness journey or getting back into a routine. But the great thing about Elite is that it’s truly a community. Everyone here, staff and members alike, is rooting for you.
My advice is to take it one step at a time. You don’t need to have everything figured out on day one. Try a class that sounds fun, book a tour or orientation, and don’t be afraid to ask questions—we’re here to help. I always tell new members: give yourself grace. It’s okay to ease in and find what works for you. Fitness isn’t one-size-fits-all, and your journey should feel like yours, not anyone else’s.
Also, get involved! Whether it’s group fitness classes, chatting with other members, or just saying hi at the front desk, the more connected you feel, the more likely you are to stick with it—and actually enjoy it.
- What advice do you give people who are struggling to make health/fitness/tennis a priority or are getting bored/burned out?
First of all, if you’re feeling this way—you’re not alone. I’ve been there, and honestly, most people have at some point. Life gets busy, routines get stale, motivation dips—it’s totally normal. What I always tell people is: give yourself permission to reset. It’s okay to step back, reassess, and try something new.
If you’re struggling to make fitness a priority, start small. You don’t need to overhaul your life overnight. Even 20 minutes of movement a day—whether that’s walking, stretching, or trying a quick class—can make a big difference. The key is consistency, not perfection. And remember, doing something is always better than doing nothing.
If you’re burned out or bored, change it up! Try a new group class, switch your workout time, ask a trainer for something fresh, or even bring a friend along. Fitness should be fun—or at the very least, not feel like a chore. If it’s starting to feel that way, that’s your sign to shake things up.
And lastly—don’t be too hard on yourself. Fitness is a lifelong journey, and it’s okay to ebb and flow. What matters is that you keep coming back to it in a way that works for you.
- What personal advice do you give someone who is looking to get to a healthier point in their life in general?
Start where you are, not where you think you should be. A lot of people put off making healthier choices because they’re waiting for the “perfect time” or they feel like they need to have everything figured out before they begin. But the truth is, there’s no perfect time—and progress doesn’t come from perfection, it comes from small, consistent changes.
Health isn’t just about hitting the gym or eating a salad. It’s about taking care of yourself mentally, physically, and emotionally. That could mean drinking more water, getting better sleep, going for a walk after dinner, or setting boundaries that protect your peace. It’s about building habits that support the life you want to live, not trying to fit into someone else’s version of wellness.
And be patient. Real, lasting change doesn’t happen overnight. I’ve had my own struggles with weight, motivation, and balance, and I know how discouraging it can feel at times. But you have to give yourself grace and keep showing up—even when it’s messy. Celebrate the little wins. Focus on how you feel, not just how you look. And don’t forget to enjoy the process—because health isn’t a destination, it’s a lifestyle.
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