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Fitness clubs witnessing post-Covid boom
South Africa is the most obese country in Africa. But it seems like were trying to do something about it. Gym chain Virgin Active gained 90 000 new members in the country in the past year, with total membership now at 596,000 as of October. Virgin also has operations in Italy, UK, Singapore and Thailand and it says a lot more people ran to the gym in the past year to sign up as new members so they could work out. Newly appointed MD of Virgin Active South Africa, Jessica Spira joins CNBC Africa for more.
Fri, 25 Nov 2022 12:29:55 GMT
Disclaimer: The following content is generated automatically by a GPT AI and may not be accurate. To verify the details, please watch the video
AI Generated Summary
- Virgin Active gains 90,000 new members in South Africa amidst a growing focus on health and wellness post-COVID
- Company aims to provide a holistic health and wellness solution through a mix of in-person and online services
- Black Friday special offers access to multiple gyms with a single membership, highlighting commitment to making fitness accessible
South Africa, known as the most obese country in Africa, is seeing a shift towards prioritizing health and wellness. Virgin Active, a leading gym chain, has gained 90,000 new members in the past year, bringing the total membership in South Africa to 596,000 as of October. The company's operations extend to Italy, the UK, Singapore, and Thailand, where a similar trend of increased sign-ups has been observed. Newly appointed Managing Director of Virgin Active South Africa, Jessica Spira, joined CNBC Africa to discuss the positive momentum in the fitness industry. Jessica shared her excitement about the dynamic environment in the fitness industry post-COVID, with people reevaluating their health and wellness priorities. She highlighted the importance of a holistic approach to fitness, encompassing physical exercise, nutrition, and mental well-being, as individuals strive for a balanced and healthy lifestyle. Despite the positive growth, Jessica acknowledged that Virgin Active is still below pre-pandemic membership levels, aiming for a significant increase. To achieve this, the company is focusing on offering a comprehensive health and wellness solution through a mix of in-person and online services. Recognizing the evolving preferences of consumers, Virgin Active is extending its reach beyond traditional gym settings to outdoor locations and virtual platforms. The online offering has gained popularity, providing members with flexibility and accessibility to workout anytime, anywhere. While the physical gym environment is valued for its social aspects, the online content remains an important part of Virgin Active's omnichannel approach to fitness. As the economy faces challenges such as higher inflation and interest rates, Jessica addressed concerns about members' ability to sustain gym payments. She emphasized the company's commitment to providing value and supporting members in their health and wellness journey, ensuring that the gym experience is inclusive and engaging. Jessica also discussed Virgin Active's approach to managing price increases, aiming for a modest adjustment below the average inflation rate. With investments in infrastructure and equipment, the company is striving to enhance its offerings while maintaining operational efficiency to safeguard margins amid cost pressures. In the spirit of Black Friday, Virgin Active rolled out a special promotion to attract new members, offering access to multiple gyms with a single club membership. The initiative aims to broaden membership reach and encourage more individuals to embrace a healthy lifestyle. Existing members were encouraged to explore the various gym facilities and make the most of their memberships. The Black Friday special underscores Virgin Active's commitment to making fitness accessible and affordable to all, reflecting the company's dedication to promoting well-being and community engagement.
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