Virgin Active Facilities and Equipment in the UK: What to Expect from Your Local Gym
Virgin Active is renowned for providing some of the most premium gym environments in the UK. Whether you’re a seasoned fitness enthusiast or just beginning your health journey, the facilities at Virgin Active clubs are designed to inspire, motivate, and support every goal. With a focus on modernity, cleanliness, and community, these gyms go well beyond the basics.
In this guide, we take a detailed look at what you can expect from your local Virgin Active facility, from cutting-edge equipment and functional spaces to luxurious pools and wellness zones.
What Kind of Equipment Does Virgin Active Offer?
Virgin Active clubs are equipped with a wide array of machines and tools to support strength, cardio, endurance, and functional training. Most clubs fall under two categories Classic Clubs and Collection Clubs with the latter offering additional high-end equipment and premium features.
Cardio Machines
Cardio zones in Virgin Active clubs are expansive, clean, and fitted with industry-leading machines from brands such as Technogym and Life Fitness. Most machines include built-in entertainment systems, heart-rate monitors, and advanced tracking features.
| Equipment Type | Features |
|---|---|
| Treadmills | Touchscreen consoles, incline options, virtual running routes |
| Cross Trainers | Low-impact, full-body movement, suitable for joint-conscious training |
| Stationary Bikes | Upright and recumbent options with live and on-demand ride simulations |
| Stair Climbers | Great for glute and leg workouts |
| Rowing Machines | Water and air-resistance rowers available |
Free Weights
Virgin Active gyms cater to both beginners and advanced lifters. The free weights area is often a central feature, offering a wide variety of gear:
- Dumbbells up to 50kg or more
- Barbells and Olympic plates
- Adjustable benches
- Power racks and squat racks
- Kettlebells, medicine balls, and slam balls
This variety supports all lifting styles from bodybuilding and powerlifting to CrossFit-style workouts.
Resistance Machines
Machines are ideal for beginners, injury rehab, or focused muscle isolation. Virgin Active provides a full circuit of resistance machines, including:
- Leg press, leg curl, and leg extension
- Chest press, shoulder press, and pec deck
- Lat pulldown, cable machines, and seated rows
Many are digitally enabled to guide movement, track performance, and assist with proper form.
Is the Equipment Well-Maintained and Up to Date?
Yes Virgin Active maintains a strong reputation for equipment cleanliness and upkeep. Each club has an on-site maintenance schedule, and many machines include digital diagnostics that notify staff when servicing is required.
Staff regularly sanitise machines, and members are encouraged to wipe down equipment using readily available cleaning stations located throughout the gym.
For a deeper understanding of equipment hygiene standards, see UK Active’s COVID-19 safety guidance, many of which Virgin Active adopted and enhanced.
Does Virgin Active Have a Functional Training Area?
Yes. Most Virgin Active clubs include a dedicated functional training zone, which is designed to support dynamic, full-body workouts involving balance, coordination, and core strength.
Functional Zone Features:
| Equipment | Purpose |
|---|---|
| TRX Suspension Trainers | Bodyweight strength and stability |
| Battle Ropes | Cardio and endurance training |
| Kettlebells & Sandbags | Versatile strength and power tools |
| Plyometric Boxes | Jump training and agility |
| Sled Tracks | Resistance pushing for power/strength |
| Core Mats and BOSU Balls | Ab and core development |
Functional areas are ideal for high-intensity interval training (HIIT), circuit routines, and personal training sessions.
Are There Swimming Pools, Saunas, or Steam Rooms?
Most Classic Clubs and all Collection Clubs feature luxurious wellness facilities that elevate the fitness experience beyond traditional workouts.
Aquatics & Wellness Features:
| Facility | Availability |
|---|---|
| Swimming Pool | Available in most clubs (20–25m lanes) |
| Hydrotherapy Pools | Available in premium locations |
| Sauna | Available in most clubs |
| Steam Room | Available in most clubs |
| Jacuzzi | Available at select Collection Clubs |
Clubs with pools also host aqua aerobics classes, swimming lessons, and family swim sessions.
Use the club locator to check specific amenities at your nearest location.
What Amenities Are Available? Showers, Changing Rooms, Lockers, and Towels
Virgin Active places strong emphasis on hygiene, convenience, and luxury across its changing and showering areas.
Standard Amenities:
- Spacious Changing Rooms: With private cubicles and grooming stations
- Rainfall Showers: Stocked with shampoo and body wash
- Hairdryers and Straighteners: Included at no extra cost
- Digital Lockers: Secure and easy-to-use with PIN or wristbands
- Towel Service: Included at Collection Clubs; available as a bolt-on at others
These features make the clubs particularly attractive for commuters and busy professionals looking for pre- or post-work workouts.
Additional Facilities: Group Classes and Support
Classes are a key part of the Virgin Active experience, with something available for all fitness levels and preferences.
Class Categories Include:
| Category | Example Classes |
|---|---|
| Strength & Conditioning | BodyPump, GRIT, Kettlebells |
| Cardio & Dance | Zumba, Cycle, Box, Step |
| Mind & Body | Yoga, Pilates, BodyBalance |
| HIIT & Circuits | Burn, Blaze (boutique-style training) |
| Aqua | Aqua Fit, Aqua Jog |
All classes are bookable via the Virgin Active app or member portal, usually up to 7 days in advance.
Learn more about boutique-style classes like Blaze on Virgin Active’s official blog.
Conclusion
Virgin Active gyms in the UK set a high standard for fitness and wellness facilities. With well-maintained, state-of-the-art equipment, versatile training spaces, and spa-grade relaxation amenities, members receive far more than just access to a gym floor.
Whether you’re training for performance, maintaining general fitness, or prioritising recovery and mental wellbeing, Virgin Active’s facilities support a holistic lifestyle.
To see what’s available near you or book a free day pass, visit Virgin Active’s Club Finder and explore the environment firsthand.
