Getting the most with Virgin Active

When it comes to fitness and working out I won’t lie, going to the gym is not at the top of my list. I’m more of an “at-home- gym kinda gal” and I’m kinda crowd shy if you know what I mean.
I love hiking up the hills of Muckleneuk and finding a spot for my strength training with views and outdoor spaces for me to reach my fitness goals for that week – I’m great with setting out my own fitness goals and planning accordingly , I’m my own little personal trainer.

So when I ventured into Virgin Active I was a little sceptical and curious to see how they could live up to the hype and how they could measure up to my fitness appetite , maybe teach me something new and you never know even convert me into a gym bunny.
Firstly, I have to tell you starting out this gym journey at the Loftus Gym is everything, the ladies at reception were nothing but friendly and helpful queens, with beautiful smiles.

I didn’t know what to expect from my first class and first day in my Virgin Active adventure , which began with personal trainer Freddy ….. This was The Grid which takes your six primal movements – push, pull, lunge, bend, twist and squat – and turns them into a “no walk in the park”.

Virgin Active designed this high intensity interval training class to get you fit. Think maximized calorie burn in minimal time.“Walk in the park “indeed (wide-eye emoji) The GRID definitely challenges you and the best part you’re in a group setting so – no letting down the rest of your unit ; soldier!!

The GRID is set in a space that is well equipped and ready to help your workout goals for me it was strengthening my core, working those buns and thighs and building my arm strength and let me tell you it was productive. A set of 6 workouts, each focused every part body and muscles you didn’t even know you had – with a personal trainer who will never let you give up – a bonus for those of you in need of some motivation. You will leave this session, impressed with yourself and knowing you’ve put in an hours’ worth of hard work and even better calories were burnt!

The next class I took up was the Reformer class – Reformer Pilates was invented by Pilates founder Joseph Pilates. The practice is on a bed-like frame that uses different weighted spring combinations to create resistance when we move the carriage back and forth.
Using a reformer bed means you can target those small muscle groups, which helps to form long, lean muscles. You can do more exercises than what’s possible on the mat and have a play with a wide range of movements – from sitting and lying on your back or side to balancing on your knees and using your feet.

By adding the Reformer bed, you’ll glide, pull and stretch your way to the best body you’ve ever had. Sculpt and tone from top to toe, strengthen your core muscles, and burn calories as you power your way through one of these specialist strength and endurance workouts.”
I have to admit this was my favourite class, it challenged me in a way that made me want to keep going and Yes ladies and gentlemen I will be back. The Reformer Pilates instructor Tracy Bressick-Bala is a pro and a beautiful soul… the equipment in this class allows for a limitless variety of exercise and that for me is what made it worth every second.

Just when I thought Virgin Active could not do anymore, they showed they can help you reach your workout and body goals with their personal trainer offer – Virgin Active’s Personal Trainer starter packs are the most affordable to get some quality face time with a highly trained personal trainer . My session was with Temo Kekana – personal trainer extraordinaire and drill sergeant – It  was a 45 minutes session of strength training from walking lunges with a medicine ball twist, to resistance band step ups with an exercise ball to butt lifting exercises using a resistance band – I definitely hurt for days after that ,but if you’re serious about getting your monies worth and reaching those body goals then I highly recommend a personal trainer session at Virgin Active . You won’t regret it!

My final day at Virgin Active was a Suspension Yoga class with Artemis , since this was on a Friday evening – I was looking forward to a great workout as well as a calming moment to help me unwind after a long week – and this class definitely delivered.Taught in a specialized hammock, Suspension Yoga combines traditional yoga poses with Pilates, calisthenics and aerial aerobics for a fantastic full-body workout.

Suspension in the air releases tension on the bones and muscles, increasing flexibility and deepening your practice. Suspended yoga strengthens core muscles and increases spinal and shoulder flexibility. Heals back problems: It gives you the chance to hang freely, allowing your spine to lengthen.

I found this class healing, rejuvenating and transportive – if you’re looking for a gym facility that doesn’t just give you machinery, but an opportunity to leave your home and find an environment that allows you to leave your cares behind and not only reach your wellness and body goals, but transport you to a place that connects to your personal wellness goals with pure synergy – I believe that’s what Virgin Active offers…What are you waiting for? I know I’m sold…