Setting new workout trends for gym-goers in South Africa, Virgin Active’s recently-opened Cape Town club in Gardens offers not only the latest high-tech, high-energy exercise equipment but a beautiful Japanese-style ‘zen’ centre.
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Futuristic West meets traditional East under one roof at this world-class gym, where ultra-modern treadmills and state-of-the art exercise bikes co-exist with serene, uncluttered spaces designed for yoga and other ancient arts. Between them, the two facilities provide the ideal balance between physical exertion and mental chill-out, catering to the new lifestyle demand for symmetry of body, mind and spirit.
The ‘zen’ centre – an oasis for quiet contemplation
With today’s exerciser concerned with maintaining mental stillness as much as peak body fitness, the zen studio contributes to the conventional workout mix a programme of pilates, tai chi and yoga.
The centre’s stunning city views, simple bamboo and wood decor, acres of open floor space and hushed environment are perfect for the powerful, newly-fashionable yoga practices of Hatha, Kundalini and Ashatanga*. These encompass age-old meditative disciplines, mind-altering exercises and stretching techniques designed centuries ago in India and the East, and now revived to enhance not only physical fitness but mental quiescence and spiritual growth.
Not generally available at more ordinary gyms, quiet self-contemplation comes in daily classes as part of the Gardens’ VA membership package.
Body overhaul for mental well-being
Elsewhere in the gym is the latest computerised exercise machinery – programmed to know members’ bodies better than they do…. Initially designed for intensive exercise based on cardio-vascular and resistance training principles, this high-tech equipment is nowadays increasingly recognised for its role in reducing stress and depression by lowering blood pressure and preventing hypertension.
With everyday dialogue now identifying dopamine, serotonin et al. as exercise-generated, brain-released hormones, the local gym is becoming the place to go to for a better mood.
Virgin Active, Gardens - ahead of gym trends
In keeping with the world’s new breed of super-sleek, mechanised gyms, VA’s Gardens’ branch caters to all the latest lifestyle fitness trends popularised by Aniston, Paltrow and other celebrities. Agleam with glass and chrome, and packed with computerised wellness systems, it epitomises the fitness industry’s most progressive contribution to urban living in cities the world over, from Tokyo to New York.
Opened just last February, the gym already has a sizable customer base. This is largely drawn from the ranks of those Capetonians who see regular exercise as not merely a fad but a way of life.
Passing fitness fancy or here-to-stay way of achieving wellness?
Either way, Virgin Active takes itself seriously, particularly at the new Gardens gym where the most up-to-date technology and latest-thinking psychology combine to produce workout solutions for all needs, be they for brain, brawn or bravado.
*Ashatanga, Kundalini and Hatha Yoga
Ashatanga yoga: From the teachings of Krishnamacharya in India, this method involves synchronizing the breath with a progressive series of postures guaranteed to produce internal heat and create purifying sweat to detoxify muscles and organs. Apart from building strength and stamina, ashatanga yoga produces a quiet mind and a sense of lightness and balance.
Kundalini yoga: A meditative discipline focussing on psycho-spiritual growth and the body's potential for maturation. The practice of Kundalini Yoga, with life energy at its heart, consists of a number bodily postures, expressive movements and utterances, characterological cultivations, breathing patterns, and degrees of concentration.
Hatha yoga: This begins with a purification of the mind and spirit , then comes to the body via body postures and breath. Hatha Yoga is what most people associate with the word yoga and, outside of India, is mainly practised for mental and physical health and vitality.
About Virgin Active South Africa (Pty) Ltd.
Virgin Active South Africa (Pty) Ltd. is a part of the Virgin group and was launched in South Africa in January, 2001. Brainchild of Richard Branson, Virgin is now the third most recognised brand in Britain and the first global brand name of the 21st Century. Headed up by Managing Director Mark Field, Virgin Active South Africa currently employs 180 permanent staff at its head office in Kenilworth, Cape Town, and 2500 permanent staff, approximately 500 casual staff and 1000 independent group training instructors at its 78 health and fitness clubs nationwide. Unlike its competitors, Virgin Active aims to bring about positive change to people’s lives by moving beyond exercise through the promotion of health and well-being.
The Virgin Active brand represents value for money, quality, innovation, fun and a sense of competitive challenge. It is for this reason that Virgin Active offers all club members the following facilities: Virgin Life Care HealthZone, Squash Court, Tennis Court, Group Training, Indoor Cycling, Swimming Pool, Sauna/Steam Rooms, Circuit (Weights), Change Rooms. Further information on Virgin Active and its unbeatable offerings are available at www.virginactive.co.za.
- Issued by Total Media PR on behalf of Virgin Active South Africa.
For more information contact: Nicole Chamberlin, Senior Account Manager: (021) 448 2020, 072 819 9616, nics@totalmedia.co.za
Stephanie Ponsford, Senior Consultant, (021) 448 2020/072 766 9679, stephanie@totalmedia.co.za
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