Many people join Virgin Active gyms in South Africa to stay fit and healthy. But life changes, like moving to a new area or wanting a different gym spot.
You might wonder if you can switch your main gym location.
The good news is, yes, you can often change your Virgin Active home club. However, it depends on your membership type and some rules.
But there might be small fees. It’s not always free, and some plans make it easier than others.
Key Points
- You can update your home gym location if you’re on a standard plan.
- You can do this online, by phone, or in person, but fees might apply for some methods.
- Reports indicate small admin or transfer costs, like around R140 in older cases.
- Plans like Premier let you use many gyms without changing, while single-club ones need a formal switch.
How Membership Types Affect Changes
First, let’s understand the different types of memberships at Virgin Active South Africa. This is key because your plan decides how easy it is to switch gyms or use multiple ones.
Virgin Active offers different plans in South Africa. Some let you visit multiple locations easily, reducing the need to switch.
For example, a Club membership ties you to one spot, so changing means a transfer. Premier or Collection plans give wider access, making switches less necessary. This flexibility helps if you travel or move around cities like Johannesburg or Cape Town.
If your membership is through a program like Discovery Vitality, there could be limits. It’s wise to confirm details to stay on the safe side.
Types of Virgin Active Memberships and Their Access Rules
Virgin Active has several membership options, each designed for different needs.
| Membership Type | Access Details | Need to Change Home Club? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Club Membership | Full or off-peak access to one chosen Virgin Active club. Includes basics like gym floors, classes, showers, and sometimes pools. | Yes, if you want a different main spot. This plan is tied to a single location, so switching requires a formal change. | People who stick to one gym near home or work. |
| Premier Membership | Access to all Virgin Active clubs in South Africa (except Collection clubs), plus some overseas spots. There’s a “Premier Select” option for fewer local clubs at a lower price. | Not usually needed, as you can visit any eligible club without changing your home base. But if you want to update your official home club, you can. | Travelers or those who move between cities often. |
| Collection Membership | Full access to the five luxury Collection clubs in South Africa (in Durban, Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town), plus other clubs worldwide in places like Africa, Italy, Australia, UK, Thailand, and Singapore. Features fancy extras like water therapy, Pilates, saunas, ice baths, and work spaces. | Rarely needed due to broad access, but possible if you switch your primary spot. Membership is limited. | Those seeking high-end wellness experiences. |
| Red Club Membership | Access to one Red Club with simple, tech-focused setups like fingerprint entry, free WiFi, and quick showers. No frills, just efficient fitness. | Yes, similar to Club membership – you’d need to transfer if changing locations. | Budget-conscious folks wanting straightforward gym time. |
Why Might You Want to Change Your Virgin Active Club?
Life doesn’t stay the same, and neither do your fitness needs. Common reasons to switch include:
- Relocating to a new suburb or city. For instance, moving from Sandton in Johannesburg to Century City in Cape Town might make your old club too far.
- Preferring different facilities. Maybe one gym has better yoga classes or a bigger pool.
- Work changes, like a new job closer to another Virgin Active spot.
- Family reasons, such as joining a club with kids’ programs if you have young ones.
- Trying something new, like upgrading to a Collection club for luxury vibes.
Whatever your reason, Virgin Active’s policies support these shifts. Their terms emphasize making fitness accessible, so transfers are built into the system.
Step-by-Step Guide to Changing Your Virgin Active Home Club
Switching your gym location is straightforward, but follow these steps to avoid issues.
- Log into your Virgin Active account on their website or app. Look at your contract to see your home club and plan type. If you’re on a fixed-term deal, note any commitment periods that might affect changes.
- Virgin Active has clear rules in their public and Vitality contracts. These say you can change your home club, but it might involve fees. Download the latest terms from their support site to confirm.
- You have three easy options:
- Online: Visit the Virgin Active help portal at https://hello.virginactive.co.za/.
- In Person: Go to your current club or the new one.
- By Phone: Call the contact centre at +27 860 200 911.
Provide Necessary Information
You’ll need your membership number, ID, and reasons for the switch. If it’s a Vitality plan, mention that, as it might need coordination with Discovery.
Pay Any Required Fees
Expect a small admin or transfer cost. Older reports mention around R140, but check current rates as they can change. For downgrades, there’s an extra one-off fee.
Confirm the Switch
Once approved, your new home club updates in the system. You might get a new access card or band if needed.
This process usually takes a few days, but plan for up to 20 business days if it’s linked to billing cycles.
Fees and Costs for Switching Clubs
No one likes surprise charges, so let’s talk money. Virgin Active doesn’t make transfers free in all cases.
Administration Fee applies if you change via phone or in-club. It’s for handling the paperwork.
Some members report Transfer Fee, like R140 in past complaints.
Downgrade Fee: If switching to a cheaper club, pay a one-off amount.
No Fee Online: Doing it through the website often avoids extra costs.
If you need a new access device, that’s extra. Also, your monthly fees might adjust based on the new club’s rates.
For Vitality members, fees tie into your program level. Always budget for these to keep things smooth. If fees seem unfair, you can lodge a query through their helpdesk.
Restrictions and Important Things to Know
- Your plan is personal, no giving it to a friend.
- If linked to Discovery Vitality, changes might require a new contract or affect rewards.
- If in a 12-month deal, switching doesn’t cancel it, you still owe the time.
- Kids under 16 can’t access Collection clubs. Parents must handle changes for minors.
- You can’t switch if behind on payments.
- Not all clubs accept transfers if full, especially Collection ones.
If frozen or suspended, resolve that first. Virgin Active can deny changes if you break rules, like sharing access.
Alternatives to Changing Your Home Club
If switching seems tricky, consider these options:
Upgrade to Premier or Collection for multi-club access. This lets you visit anywhere without a formal transfer.
Use guest passes for occasional visits to other clubs, though fees apply.
Freeze your membership temporarily if moving short-term, for medical or travel reasons (up to 6 months, with a fee).
Cancel and rejoin at the new club, but watch for cancellation fees (up to 40% of remaining contract in some cases).
Upgrading might cost more monthly but saves hassle long-term.
Common Questions About Changing Virgin Active Clubs
How long does it take?
Usually quick, but allow 20 business days for processing.
Can I change during my cooling-off period?
Yes, within 5 days of joining, with full refund options.
What if I have kids linked?
Their access updates automatically, but check age rules.
Is there a limit on changes?
No set limit, but frequent switches might raise flags.
What about international clubs?
For Premier or Collection, access is global, no need to change homes.
