[imagesource: Virgin Active SA]

Virgin Active South Africa is flipping the script on what it means to be ‘fit’ by rebranding from a conventional gym to a Social Wellness Club – because who said wellness had to be boring?

It’s less about chasing fleeting fitness fads and more about embracing real, lasting well-being – Think sound baths, ice baths, and maybe even a nap (or two) while you’re at it.

In a world full of 5-minute fitness hacks and viral ‘wellness’ tips that make you question your life choices, Virgin Active’s new approach is the antidote.

“True wellness goes beyond just breaking a sweat,” says Damian Fairly, Virgin Active’s Regional Yoga and Pilates Lead.

“It’s about mental clarity, emotional resilience, and creating an inclusive space where everyone feels welcome – even if your idea of wellness is hugging a tree.”

With this refreshing take, Virgin Active is tackling a big misconception: fitness alone isn’t enough. A 2020 study published in JAMA Internal Medicine showed that mindfulness meditation reduces anxiety and depression. Meanwhile, a 2021 study in Science Direct confirmed that group wellness activities can make you feel like part of a wellness squad (minus the hashtags).

Virgin Active’s new wellness line-up is designed to make the mind-body connection a reality, not just a nice Instagram quote. Here’s a sneak peek at what’s on offer:

• Yoga for all moods: Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or a ‘what’s a downward dog?’ beginner, classes like Flow, Align, and Calm cater to all.
• Sound baths (yes, they’re a thing): Featuring soothing quartz singing bowls for the ultimate in mental clarity and relaxation. Nap encouraged.
• Ice baths and sauna sessions: For the brave, ice baths offer stress relief and recovery. Also, perfect fodder for social media if you need to prove you ‘did the thing.’

Even five minutes a day of mindfulness can change the game, and Virgin Active is here to help you start small. So if you’ve ever accidentally signed up for a marathon thinking it was a fun run (it happens), no worries baby steps work too.

Virgin Active’s wellness gurus have a few suggestions to keep things light and breezy:

1. Assess your vibe: Tailor your wellness practices to what works for you. Remember, “A flower does not compete with the flower next to it, it just blooms” – straight from the wellness meme playbook… or your Mom’s Facebook page.
2. Find what feels good: Whether it’s yoga, sound baths, or just chilling with like-minded souls, choose what brings you joy. No need to suffer through something just because it’s trending.
3. Wellness in your PJs: Mindfulness doesn’t need a yoga mat or special gear. You can practise it anywhere – even in bed before you sleep, while stuck in traffic (as a passenger, please), or hugging a tree in your neighborhood. We won’t judge.
4. Build your wellness crew: The best part of the new Virgin Active? You don’t have to do it alone. Share a Pilates class, bond over a sound bath, or catch up in the lounge over a smoothie. Wellness is a lot more fun with friends.

Virgin Active has created spaces where members can connect over more than just squats and planks. Whether it’s post-class hangouts, a coffee break, or a nutritious meal, this new approach to wellness makes you feel like you belong – without the pressure to show off your PB every time.

“People are already telling us how transformative it’s been,” says Fairly. “Less stress, better moods, and a lot more smiles. That’s the real magic of our new approach.”

So, if you’re ready to stop chasing fitness fads and start prioritising real wellness, Virgin Active has you covered—no detox teas, waist trainers, or 24-hour fasting required. Just balance, happiness, and a whole lot of feel-good vibes.

For more info, check out the website or drop by your nearest club.

Note: By “club,” we mean Virgin Active… although, who’s to say what happens post-workout?

About Virgin Active South Africa

Virgin Active South Africa has over 130 clubs nationally. They offer wellness without the B.S. A place where people can stop pretending to feel well and actually start being well. A place that is the antidote to the fakeness plaguing the wellness culture and the category.

Wellness at Virgin Active is about taking care of your health is all aspects: exercise, nutrition, sleep, recovery and mental health. For more information, head to www.virginactive.co.za