If you’re in South Africa and love staying fit, you might be a member of Virgin Active. This popular gym chain has clubs all over the country.
But what happens when a public holiday comes around? Do the gyms stay open as usual, or do they close early?
Many people search for things like Virgin Active gym hours on holidays or closing time for Virgin Active during South African public holidays. That’s because holidays can change the schedule, and no one wants to show up at a locked door after planning a workout.
Today, we’ll look at what public holidays are in South Africa, how they affect Virgin Active clubs, and what closing times you can expect.
Public Holidays in South Africa
First, it’s helpful to know what public holidays are. These are special days when most people get time off work or school.
In South Africa, there are about 12 public holidays each year. They celebrate important events in history, like freedom and human rights, or religious days like Christmas.
The government sets these dates, and they can change a bit if they fall on a weekend.
For 2025, here is the list of public holidays in South Africa, based on official sources. Remember, if a holiday lands on a Sunday, it’s usually moved to the next Monday so everyone gets a day off.
- New Year’s Day: January 1 (Wednesday)
- Human Rights Day: March 21 (Friday)
- Good Friday: April 18 (Friday)
- Family Day (also called Easter Monday): April 21 (Monday)
- Freedom Day: April 27 (Sunday), so observed on April 28 (Monday)
- Workers’ Day: May 1 (Thursday)
- Youth Day: June 16 (Monday)
- National Women’s Day: August 9 (Saturday)
- Heritage Day: September 24 (Wednesday)
- Day of Reconciliation: December 16 (Tuesday)
- Christmas Day: December 25 (Thursday)
- Day of Goodwill (also known as Boxing Day): December 26 (Friday)
On these days, schools, banks, and many shops close or have shorter hours. Gyms like Virgin Active often do the same to give staff a break or because fewer people come in. But Virgin Active tries to stay open on most holidays, just with different times.
Public holidays are also called statutory holidays or national days off. They give families time to relax, travel, or celebrate. For fitness fans, though, it might mean adjusting your gym visit. Knowing these dates ahead helps you avoid surprises.
Normal Operating Hours at Virgin Active Gyms
To understand holiday changes, let’s first talk about regular hours. Virgin Active clubs in South Africa don’t all have the same schedule because each one is in a different place. Some are in busy shopping malls, others in quiet neighborhoods. But most follow a similar pattern.
On weekdays (Monday to Thursday), many clubs open early, around 5:00 AM, and close late, like 10:00 PM.
Fridays are a bit shorter, often closing at 9:00 PM.
Weekends are more relaxed: Saturdays and Sundays usually start at 6:00 AM and end at 8:00 PM or 9:00 PM.
For example, the Virgin Active Cape Town Foreshore club has these hours, Monday to Thursday from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM, Friday from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM, and weekends from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Another one, like Virgin Active Sandton in Johannesburg, might be similar. These times help people who work during the day or like morning workouts.
Virgin Active is known for being a top health club chain. They offer things like yoga classes, swimming pools, and weight training.
How Public Holidays Affect Virgin Active Closing Times
Now, the main question: What time does Virgin Active close on a public holiday? The answer isn’t the same for every club or every holiday. From what we’ve learned, most Virgin Active gyms treat public holidays like weekends. That means they open later in the morning and close earlier in the evening than on normal weekdays.
A common closing time on public holidays is 8:00 PM. For instance, at the Chilli Lane club, they close at 8:00 PM on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays.
The Kyalami Corner location also closes at 8:00 PM on Sundays and holidays. In Cape Town Foreshore, it’s the same: 8:00 PM on public holidays.
But not all clubs follow this exactly.
Some might close even earlier. The Kenilworth Centre club, for example, closes at 5:00 PM on public holidays. Older information from 2009 says some clubs close at 8:00 PM on holidays, but they’re closed completely on Christmas Day and Good Friday.
In general, expect shorter hours on holidays. Opening might be at 6:00 AM or 7:00 AM instead of 5:00 AM, and closing around 8:00 PM. This gives staff time with their families while still letting members get a workout in.
Special Cases
Not every public holiday is the same. Some are more relaxed, like Heritage Day, where gyms might have normal weekend hours.
Others, like Christmas, lead to full closures. Virgin Active wants to keep things fair, so they post updates on their website or social media.
During the COVID-19 times, hours were even shorter, like closing at 8:30 PM on weekdays. But now, in 2025, things are back to normal. Still, if there’s a big event or bad weather, hours could change.
For off-peak members, there’s another twist. Some memberships let you go only during certain times, like after 8:00 AM on weekdays, but anytime on weekends and holidays. If you have that plan, holidays are a great time to visit without restrictions.
How to Find Out the Exact Closing Time for Your Virgin Active Club
The best way to know for sure is to check directly. Here’s how:
Visit the Virgin Active website. They have a club finder tool. Type in your area, like “Johannesburg” or “Durban,” and pick your club. Each page lists the hours, including for holidays.
You can also use their app. It’s free to download and shows real-time info. Or call the helpdesk at 0860 200 911. But note: The helpdesk is closed on weekends and public holidays, so call before the day.
Tips for Working Out on Public Holidays
Public holidays are perfect for fitness because you have extra free time. But with shorter gym hours, here are some ideas to make the most of it.
Go early in the morning. Many clubs open at 6:00 AM on holidays, so beat the crowd. Bring a friend or family member – some holidays are about togetherness, and Virgin Active has guest passes.
If your club closes early, like at 8:00 PM, plan a short workout. Focus on quick exercises like running on the treadmill or a yoga class. Virgin Active offers lots of classes, even on holidays, but check the schedule.
If the gym is closed, try outdoor activities. South Africa has great weather for jogging in parks or hiking. Holidays like Youth Day in June are in winter, but still mild in many places.
Stay hydrated and eat well. Holidays often mean big meals, so a gym visit can balance that out.
Virgin Active Stays Open on Most Holidays
Virgin Active knows that fitness doesn’t take a break. Many people use holidays to catch up on exercise. That’s why they keep most clubs open, even if shorter. It’s part of their mission to help South Africans live healthy lives.
The chain started in the UK but grew big in South Africa. Now, half of all Virgin Active gyms are here! They have pools, saunas, and trainers to make workouts fun.
Memberships start affordably, and you get access to all this.
Conclusion
In summary, Virgin Active closing times on public holidays in South Africa usually range from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, depending on the club.
Most aim for 8:00 PM, like on weekends, but always check your local one. They’re closed on some days like Christmas and Good Friday. Use the website, app, or phone to confirm.
