Virgin Active, the leading international health club company, today announced the opening of Virgin Active RED in Soweto, the fifth club of its kind in the group. This club joins the area’s existing flagship health club opened in Soweto in 2011 by Sir Richard Branson, and is one of Virgin Active South Africa’s next steps in making its health and fitness offering available to even more South Africans. With over R45 million being invested in its facilities, the new club will boast the latest fitness products and innovation,

The RED club format was first introduced in 2014 and offers a new membership option in an already extensive portfolio that spans the breadth of the consumer market. From a value for money offering to the high-end Classic Collection, club fees range from R179 to R1750. Virgin Active RED clubs provide a value fitness club experience at membership fees designed to attract a broad sector of the market with innovative club facilities of an exceptionally high standard and the latest in fitness offerings for members. Members of the Jabulani club will benefit from: 

• Digital innovations such as “virtual” group exercise classes and fingerprint access
• Top notch change rooms with shower facilities
• Free Wi-Fi and 12 internet stations
• 2187m2 of floor space
• State of the art fitness equipment
• Nationally acclaimed fitness instructors

Ross Faragher-Thomas, managing director of Virgin Active SA said:

“Virgin Active is constantly innovating, bringing the broadest and latest in fitness offerings to our members. Virgin Active RED Jabulani is built on the very strong demand for accessible, quality health-and-fitness service providers. There’s been a robust uptake of membership since we launched the first club in 2014, with members buying into an aspirational and trusted brand for a healthy lifestyle.

We are seeing consumers the world over seeking out ways to improve and maintain their health and wellness levels.  This is equally the case in South Africa where a growing population, increasing urbanisation and a growing middle class are having a particularly positive impact on the health club industry’s potential customer base.”

The club opens on the 4th July in Soweto, one of South Africa’s largest townships in terms of population, average income and prominence. The Virgin Active RED club will complement the club at Maponya Mall extending the range of options available to residents of Soweto.

Faragher-Thomas added:

“Soweto is ready for a new and contemporary concept in health clubs especially geared towards a young, energetic and fitness conscious generation. We expect to see strong growth from the rollout of further RED clubs across South Africa. Our club opening pipeline in South Africa in the medium term is in the order of eight to ten clubs per year.”

 Virgin Active has leading industry expertise in-house providing a comprehensive health and wellness experience combining training, nutrition and lifestyle concepts.  Our full format clubs cater for members of all ages with world-class amenities offering great value for money. Virgin Active RED is a new kind of gym designed for first timers, seasoned timers, and short of timers. It’s gym made easy.”