Review: Virgin Active Club Wimbledon
Review: Virgin Active Club Wimbledon
After a multimillion pound investment, we went along to try out the spacious newly revamped state-of-the-art gym in SW19.
By Ellie Holmes
There has never been more competition amongst the gyms of SW19, with new names opening, and established gyms going through major investment to compete with the gym market.
I didn’t know what to expect from the Virgin gym on Worple Road as I had been a member there years ago and eventually given up my membership as life got in the way.
But had I not realised I was at the ‘old site’ – I never would have known, as the transformation of the venue is quite amazing.
The gym has had a staggering £3m investment and has turned into a spacious gym and wellness sanctuary in the heart of Wimbledon.
On arrival, the reception is light and spacious and deceptively larger than the entry appears.
There is an array of classes, including 150 group exercises classes a week, including Reformer Pilates, Lift Club and Sound Bath, not to mention personal training sessions.
The gym floor has natural light and is kitted out with Eleiko and Technogym equipment, and that’s before we have even set foot into the wellness centre.
The mood is airy and relaxing and doesn’t have the chaotic cramp feeling ( which put me off gyms in the first place).
This zen vibe is probably due to the sound bath class, which I can hear ruminating in the background. These classes are designed to ‘release tension with gentle yin yoga poses before entering your relaxation where meditative sounds wash over your body!’ I’m sold!
Every luxury health club has to have a statement pool and the Virgin gym competes on this level with a luxurious 20m pool, which has five lanes so you’re able to swim at your own pace with ample space.
There is also a hot tub, steam room and sauna to relax in post work out, and the changing rooms continue on a similar luxurious theme.
Molton Brown hair and body wash, state of the art lockers, hair dryers and GHD straighteners really does mean you come out feeling refreshed, invigorated and pampered.
My final port of call was café KAUAI which is in the gym. This South African health café aims to offer a delicious and nutritious menu and I was particularly impressed with my carrot and ginger juice and falafel and feta wrap.
I leave thinking that a lot has changed since I last used a gym.
Whilst there is still the emphasis on exercise, things have moved a long way since pounding the treadmill was the beginning and end to a gym visit.
Now the experience is a lot more holistic and the emphasis has shifted to both physical and mental well-being. There are even personal nutritionists on hand to give advice on diet and exercise according to your weight, age and habits.
So in a world where wellness is key, it feels as if Virgin Active have really hit the right tone.
