Virgin Active Membership fees

Explore virgin active membership fees for 2025 and discover the value behind South Africa’s leading fitness brand.

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Virgin Active stands as one of South Africa’s leading gym chains, renowned for its extensive network of health clubs and diverse fitness offerings. With locations across major cities like Cape Town, Johannesburg, Pretoria, and Durban, as well as smaller towns, Virgin Active caters to a wide range of fitness enthusiasts.

The Membership fees in 2025 vary significantly based on the type of membership, club location, and promotional offers. Here, I provide a detailed guide to Virgin Active membership fees, benefits, contract terms, and overall value, helping you make informed decisions about joining.

For precise pricing, always check with your local Virgin Active club or visit Virgin Active South Africa.

Virgin Active Membership Fees 2025

Virgin Active offers several membership tiers, each with different access levels and price points. The cost of membership depends on factors such as the club’s location, facilities, and whether you opt for a long-term or flexible contract.

Virgin Active South Africa has three membership types. Club, Premier, and Collection.

Kids under 14 pay R155 per month for Club membership only, while youth aged 14 to 23 and adults over 23 can choose any tier, with monthly fees ranging from R1260 for Club to R1570 for Premier and R2900 to R4200 for Collection depending on age.

Below is a table outlining approximate monthly fees for 2025.

Note: These prices are approximate and can vary by region and specific club. For example, a Club membership in Mbombela might cost R910, while an off-peak option could be R720. In contrast, a Collection membership at Melrose Arch is priced at R3,400 due to its premium facilities.

Discounts through programs like Discovery Vitality (up to 75% off) or Momentum Multiply (up to 40% off) can lower these costs significantly. Always verify rates with your local club.

Check all gym discounts here

Off-peak and Peak Hour Prices

Virgin Active offers membership options that differentiate between off-peak and full access (often referred to as peak or unrestricted access).

Off-peak memberships provide access during less busy times at a reduced rate, while full access memberships allow entry at any time during club operating hours, including peak periods.

As of now, off-peak hours are consistently defined as 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM across clubs. Peak hours, by implication, cover the early mornings (before 8:00 AM) and evenings (after 4:00 PM), when gyms see higher traffic from working professionals.

Off-peak memberships cost R450-R1,070 per month and restrict you from using the gym during the busiest times, typically weekday mornings (6-9 AM) and evenings (5-8 PM) when most people work out before or after work.

Full access memberships cost R550-R1,370 per month and let you use the gym anytime, including during these popular peak hours.

The price difference of about R100-R300 monthly makes off-peak memberships attractive for people with flexible schedules like students, retirees, or shift workers who can exercise during quieter midday or late evening hours. Peak hour access is worth paying extra for if you have a typical 9-to-5 job and can only exercise before work or after work when the gym is most crowded.

Membership rates vary significantly by:

• Urban or premium clubs (e.g., in Cape Town) tend to have higher fees than suburban or regional ones.
• 12-month or 24-month plans, with longer commitments offering lower monthly rates.
• Club (single-club access, with off-peak or full options) or Premier/Premier Select (multi-club access, always full/unrestricted).
• Discounts are available through partnerships like Discovery Vitality (up to 75% off monthly fees) or Momentum Multiply (up to 40% off). Activation or joining fees may apply, typically ranging from R100 to R699, depending on promotions.

Rates are based on adult memberships (over 23 years old). Youth (14-23 years) and kids (under 14) options are available at reduced rates but follow similar structures.

Additional Examples from Other Clubs

• East London: Club Off-Peak at R520/month (12-month plan); full access via Premier at R1,570/month (unrestricted, multi-club).
• Sunningdale (Cape Town): Club Off-Peak at R610/month (12-month plan); full access via Premier at R1,570/month.
• Fichardt Park (Bloemfontein): Club Off-Peak at R450/month (12-month plan); full access via Premier at R1,570/month.

Price Ranges Across South Africa

• Off-Peak (Single Club): R450 – R1,070 per month, depending on location and plan length. Lower in regional areas (e.g., Bloemfontein), higher in premium urban spots (e.g., Cape Town).
• Full Access (Single Club, Peak Included): R550 – R1,370 per month.
• Premier (Multi-Club, Peak Included): R790 – R1,570 per month, with international access options adding value for frequent travelers.

Regional Price Differences

Membership fees vary significantly by location due to differences in club facilities and regional demand. Clubs in major cities like Cape Town and Johannesburg (e.g., Claremont at R1,400 or Melrose Arch at R3,400) are typically pricier than those in smaller towns like Mbombela (R910) or Beacon Bay (R155 for Club-V).

Recent reports indicate a 2025 price increase of up to 50% in some cases, with a Milpark membership rising from R240 to R345. So, I recommend you to always confirm exact rates with your local club.

Discounts at Virgin Active

Virgin Active South Africa offers multiple discount opportunities beyond standard pricing through medical aid partnerships, corporate deals, and promotional offers.

The largest savings come from medical aid schemes like Discovery Vitality, which provides up to 75% cashback on gym fees for members who visit 36 times annually, and Momentum Multiply offering up to 40% off with no activation fee required.

Student Discounts At Virgin Active

Yes, Virgin Active offers student discounts in South Africa through their Youth Premier Membership for ages 14-23.

Students aged 14-17 pay R450 per month, while those aged 18-23 pay R950 monthly, significantly less than regular Premier membership costs exceeding R1,000.

This membership provides access to all standard Virgin Active gyms across South Africa and internationally, including pools, fitness classes, and facilities at over 130 locations.

Students can apply online or at any gym location by providing proof of age (student ID, birth certificate, or university card).

Virgin Active Gym Hours

Virgin Active gyms in South Africa typically open from 5:00 AM to 9:30 PM on weekdays, and from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM on weekends, though hours may vary by location.

Check: What Time Does Virgin Active Open and Close

Virgin Active Joining Fees

Joining Virgin Active typically involves one-time fees, which may include:

• Joining Fee: Approximately R399 for Club memberships, though this can vary by membership type and promotion.
• For Premier or Collection memberships, the fee may equal one month’s full retail rate.
• Access Card Fee: A small fee for an access device (e.g., card or band) may apply.

These fees are sometimes waived during promotional periods, such as January or May campaigns, or for corporate signups through programs like Vitality or Multiply. For instance, Momentum Premier members may enjoy zero activation fees.

Kids under 14 joining Club-V often face no upfront fees, as noted on Virgin Active’s support page.

What You Actually Get With Your Membership

So here’s the deal with what’s included when you sign up. Virgin Active isn’t skimping on the basics – you’re getting access to pretty comprehensive gym facilities. The strength and cardio areas are well-stocked with modern equipment, and they’ve got functional training spaces that are actually useful (not just for show).

The Pool and Wellness Perks

Classes That Don’t Cost Extra

This is where Virgin Active does well – they include a solid variety of group classes in your membership. Whether you’re into high-intensity stuff like HIIT and spinning, or prefer something more chill like yoga and Pilates, there’s usually something that fits. The instructors are generally decent, though, like anywhere, some are better than others.

Family-Friendly Features

If you’ve got kids, the childcare facilities are actually pretty thoughtful. They take babies as young as 6 weeks up to 13-year-olds, and it’s not just babysitting – they’ve designed proper movement programs for different age groups. During school holidays, they run activities too, which can be a lifesaver for parents.

The Extras

Some locations have cafés with healthy food options, and there are lounge areas where you can hang out or work if you need to. Personal training is available, but that’s where they get you – it’s an additional cost. New members do get a complimentary 30-day fitness program though, which helps you figure out what you’re doing if you’re new to the gym scene.

Real Talk

The membership covers quite a bit, but don’t be surprised when certain things you might expect to be included actually cost extra.

Virgin Active’s Memberships Breakdown

Virgin Active has actually done a decent job of creating different types of memberships, so you’re not stuck paying for stuff you won’t use. Here’s how it really works:

Red Club

This is Virgin Active’s attempt at being more affordable. You get access to one Red Club location with the basics – gym equipment, a simple locker system, and decent Wi-Fi. It’s pretty no-frills, but if you just want to work out without the bells and whistles, it could work for you.

Club Membership

This is probably what most people end up with. You pick one specific club and get access to everything that location offers – pool, classes, full facilities. You can choose between full access or off-peak only (which saves you money but limits when you can go).

Premier

If you travel around South Africa a lot or just like variety, this gives you access to pretty much every Virgin Active club in the country. Plus, if you’re traveling internationally to places like the UK or Australia, you can use select clubs there, too. It’s convenient, but you’ll pay for that flexibility.

Collection

This is their premium tier. You get access to five fancy “Collection” clubs (like the one at Melrose Arch), plus everything else. These locations have extra amenities like water therapy and even boardrooms if you need to work. It’s nice, but you’re definitely paying for the luxury.

The Money-Saving Options

• Off-Peak: Same facilities, just restricted to quieter times (think mid-morning or late evening).
• Youth/Student: Actually pretty reasonable – R450 for teens, R950 for young adults on Premier.
• Senior 60+: They offer discounts but aren’t super transparent about the pricing.
• Family Packages: Can include Club-V access for kids, which might make sense if everyone’s using it.

The Corporate Angle

If your company partners with Discovery Vitality or similar programs, you could get decent discounts. Sometimes this makes the difference between “too expensive” and “actually doable.”

Reality Check: The options are good, but make sure you’re honest about which facilities you’ll actually use. Don’t pay for Premier access if you’re only ever going to one club.

Guest Passes, Free Trials at Virgin Active

If you are not a member of their clubs, worry not, you can still enjoy their experience. They provide options for non-members to experience their facilities:

Day Passes: Cost approximately R100–R140 per visit, depending on the club’s location (e.g., R100 at Milpark, R140 at Claremont).

Free Guest Passes: Available for prospective members to try the gym before committing. Request a pass via Virgin Active’s guest pass page.

Guest Policies: Members can bring guests, who must pay the day pass fee and provide identification, such as a recent photo and ID document.

Seasonal promotions, like those in January or May, may offer free trials or discounted rates for new joiners. Refer-a-friend programs through the Virgin Active app can also provide discounts.

Contracts and Cancellation Policy

okay, let’s talk about the part that can make or break your Virgin Active experience – the contract situation. And honestly, this is where you need to pay close attention.

Virgin Active does offer some flexibility with their contract lengths, which is refreshing. You can go month-to-month if you want the freedom to leave anytime, or lock in for 12 or 24 months to get better rates.

For example, at some locations, you might pay R520 monthly on a 24-month deal versus R640 for a 12-month contract. The savings can add up, but remember – you’re committing to that longer period.

The Cancellation Reality Check

Here’s where things get a bit sticky, and this is important to understand upfront. Yes, you need to give 20 days’ written notice (that’s standard legal stuff in South Africa), but if you’re breaking a contract early, they can charge you a cancellation fee of around 30% of what’s left on your contract. That can be a serious chunk of change.

The good news?

You do get a 5-day cooling-off period after signing up. If you change your mind quickly and return any freebies they gave you, you can get a full refund.

Freezing Your Membership

This is actually one of their better features. Life happens – you travel, get injured, or just need a break. You can freeze your membership for 1-6 months per year. There’s usually a small fee involved, but it’s way better than paying full price when you can’t use it. They even do free freezes during certain periods like Ramadan, which shows some cultural awareness.

If you want to upgrade or downgrade your membership, it’s easy, but expect some paperwork and potentially some fees. You’ll need to contact your specific club to work out the details.

Bottom Line

The flexibility is there but read the fine print carefully. That early cancellation fee can sting if you need to get out of a longer contract. If you’re unsure about your commitment, the month-to-month option might be worth the extra cost for peace of mind.

For cancellations or freezes, contact Virgin Active at 0860 200 911, and if you are outside South Africa, call +27 21 180 3566

History of Virgin Active in South Africa

Virgin Active South Africa is one of the country’s leading health and fitness brands, proudly part of the global Virgin Active Group. Known for its commitment to creating world-class fitness experiences, Virgin Active has become a trusted name for gym-goers across South Africa.

Since opening its first club in 2001, Virgin Active South Africa has grown to over 130 clubs nationwide, offering cutting-edge gym facilities, indoor swimming pools, group exercise studios, and wellness spaces.

The clubs cater to a wide range of members with services like personal training, high-energy group classes, and special programs for children and seniors. Virgin Active focuses on promoting an active, balanced lifestyle, providing a welcoming space for fitness, relaxation, and social connection.

Payment Methods available at Virgin Active

Virgin Active South Africa offers several payment options, including monthly debit orders, secure credit card payments via PayU, and upfront cash payments for long-term contracts, which may include bonus months.

Members can also benefit from discounted rates through Discovery Vitality and certain medical aid partnerships. Plus, selected clubs offer flexible pay-as-you-go options like day passes and short-term memberships.

Payment methods may vary slightly by location, so it’s best to confirm with your specific club.

Pros and Cons of Virgin Active Memberships

Look, Virgin Active definitely has some solid perks. With over 130 locations, you’ll probably find one that’s convenient for you. The facilities are generally pretty impressive, most clubs have decent equipment, pools, and a good variety of classes. If you’re into group fitness, you’ll have plenty to choose from, from your standard yoga and spin classes to more intense HIIT sessions.

The family aspect is nice too; they actually put effort into kids’ programs and swimming lessons, which is great if you’re juggling family life with fitness goals. And honestly, if you’re with Discovery or have certain medical aids, the discounts can make it much more reasonable.

The Reality Check:

Here’s where it gets tricky. Without those health insurance discounts, you’re looking at some pretty steep monthly fees. And let me tell you, if you’re planning to work out during peak hours (think 6-8 AM or 5-7 PM), prepare to wait for equipment or squeeze into packed classes.

The cancellation process?

That’s where some people get really frustrated. Some members have shared horror stories about trying to end their memberships, with payments continuing even after they thought they’d cancelled. It’s not just one or two complaints; this seems to be a genuine issue you should be aware of.

Also, not all Virgin Active clubs are created equal. The newer ones are fantastic, but some of the older locations feel a bit tired. And those “extras” can add up quickly – personal training, towel service, premium classes – they all come with additional costs that aren’t always clearly explained upfront.

Summary

The Bottom Line on Virgin Active Memberships in 2025

Virgin Active’s pricing ranges from R300 for basic Red memberships to R3,400 for premium Collection plans, so there’s likely something that fits different budgets. If you’re with Discovery Vitality or Momentum Multiply, those discounts can make a real difference in affordability.

However, recent price increases have frustrated some members, and without corporate discounts, you’re paying premium prices.

The facilities and services are generally solid but don’t rely on general pricing since fees vary between locations. Visit virginactive.co.za/memberships or contact your local club for accurate pricing and current promotions.

Virgin Active works well if you’ll actually use the pools, classes, and extra amenities regularly, especially with corporate discounts. But if you just want basic gym access, there might be more cost-effective options. Be honest about what you’ll use and what fits your long-term budget before committing.

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