Virgin Active SA is rebranding from a conventional gym to a social wellness club, complete with several exciting new offerings.
The fitness club chain is focusing more on lasting wellness for all.
Virgin Active is flipping the script on what it means to be ‘fit’.
It is in the process of introducing new offerings including hot yoga, sound baths and even ice baths at some of its clubs.
REDEFINING WELL-BEING
With this refreshing take, Virgin Active is indeed tackling a big misconception that physical fitness alone is enough.
A 2020 study published in JAMA Internal Medicine showed that mindfulness and meditation reduce anxiety and depression.
VIRGIN ACTIVE’S NEW WELLNESS OFFERINGS
Virgin Active’s new wellness line-up is designed to make the mind-body connection a reality, not just an Instagram quote.
Here’s a sneak peek at Virgin Active’s new wellness offerings.
● Yoga for all – from the seasoned yogi to complete beginners. Classes like Flow, Align and Calm cater to all.
● Sound baths are also on offer, featuring soothing quartz singing bowls for the ultimate in mental clarity and relaxation.
● Ice baths and sauna sessions offer stress relief and recovery. Ice baths strengthen the immune system by creating more white blood cells. They also produce a positive stress reaction and raise levels of serotonin and dopamine in the brain. Moreover, they also provide perfect photo opportunities to prove that, like a Finn, you can take the Polar plunge!
LIFE IN SOUTH AFRICA
South Africa is indeed a stressful place to live, with various daily challenges.
Thus, South Africans should pay more attention to their mental well-being.
“True wellness goes beyond just breaking a sweat,” says Damian Fairly, Virgin Active’s Regional Yoga and Pilates Lead.
MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS
The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag) is Africa’s largest mental health support and advocacy group and is involved in counselling, outreach and capacity-building work throughout South Africa.
Since 1997, Sadag has initiated rural development projects in communities where there are little or no mental health care services available.
In fact, it reports a steady increase in suicides as well as declining mental wellness in South Africa.
TAKING WELLNESS SERIOUSLY
South Africans must indeed realise that there is a need for overall wellness, not just physical wellness.
“People are already telling us how transformative it’s been. Less stress, better moods, and a lot more smiles. That’s the real magic of our new approach.” Fairly said.
For South Africans who are ready to prioritise real wellness, Virgin Active’s new wellness offerings might just be the answer.
“It’s about mental clarity, emotional resilience, and creating an inclusive space where everyone feels welcome.” Fairly said.
Are you keen to try out these new wellness offerings?
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