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Be the 12th Member on Team Freespeed Virgin Active

Tue, 21 May 2013 13:26:27 +0100

In the three years that Team Freespeed and Virgin Active have been partners, the team has grown to be the best performing and most aspirational of all triathlon teams racing in the UK.

Team Freespeed: 2013 Triathlon Season Started with a Bang

Tue, 14 May 2013 13:49:35 +0100

After a successful 2012 season culminating in Sam Baxter being voted Amateur Triathlete of the Year at the 220 Magazine Awards, Team Freespeed Virgin Active were in great spirits heading into the new season. Three new athletes have been added to the team for 2013, with one more to come.

What's HIIT All About?

Mon, 13 May 2013 17:36:36 +0100

Over the last 18 months there has been an explosion of high intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts on the fitness market. Although this training principle has been around a lot longer, I love the fact that the media attention has shone a light on exercise intensity and created some noise around it

TRX Gym Challenge: Match Randy's Reps

Fri, 10 May 2013 11:46:54 +0100

Throughout the month of May, we’re inviting our members to tackle their club’s TRX Suspension frame and challenge the innovation’s inventor, Randy Hetrick, with four testing exercises...

Virgin Active Swim Gala Series 2013

Wed, 08 May 2013 12:42:34 +0100

After the success of 2012's swim gala series, preparations are now well under way for this year's events with thousands of children from Virgin Active clubs across the country ready to take the water and go head-to-head once again.

Crossfit Craze: Revolution or Fitness Fad?

Tue, 07 May 2013 17:26:50 +0100

You may or may not have heard of the latest fitness craze that's sweeping the nation, but there's a good chance there's a CrossFit gym near you. Our UK Head of Fitness, Alan Holl, shares his thoughts on this exercise trend...

Take on TRX

Wed, 01 May 2013 11:19:25 +0100

Throughout the month of May, we're challenging our members to tackle TRX. To help get you started, we've got our top five moves from our National Fitness Manager, James Trevorrow.

Activeness at the North Pole

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 15:09:36 +0100

The expedition to the North Pole is one of the last natural frontiers of physical challenge that you can put yourself through. With an ever shifting landscape and ice movement the team have to be physically fit and innovative to compete against the minus 40 degrees of extreme weather.

VA Surrey Squashes the Competition

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 11:26:34 +0100

April 9th saw the Virgin Active Surrey Health & Racquets Club beat the Oxford Health and Racquets Club in the Premier Squash league Semi-Final to reach the Final for the 4th consecutive Year.

Staying Sane With An Injury

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 15:36:12 +0100

This Sunday while most of my running buddies are lining up for the start of the Virgin London Marathon, full of nerves, excitement and energy gels, guess where I will be? The pub.

30 Minutes of Exercise for 30 Days

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 13:55:10 +0100

Last June I set myself a challenge. My exercise mojo had up and left the building some months earlier and as a result my gym sessions had pretty much turned into a routine of turn up, adopt a sulky look on your face and then half heartedly cross train/run or row for an hour.

VA staff do Fit Pro

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 12:01:56 +0100

As part of their ongoing education and inspiration, a selection of Virgin Active's experts and staff recently took part in the UK's biggest annual fitness convention. As you'd expect from an event packed with the country's brighest and best industry experts, there was plenty to learn and even more to get involved with.

Top Tips for Running Snacks

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 16:44:29 +0100

Sunday 21st April will see this year’s Virgin London Marathon take place with thousands of runners lining the streets of the capital. As ever, this year’s entrants will span a wide range of ability and experience levels, all hoping to achieve their individual goals – whether that is an assault on the course record or simply making it round in one piece.

top-running-snacks

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 14:18:31 +0100

JTC Foundation Calls VA Northwood Home

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 17:42:36 +0100

Jo Durie, the former top five singles player on the WTA , longtime British no.1 and Mixed Doubles Champion at both Wimbledon and the Australian Open, is a key member of the Junior Tennis Coaching (JTC) team that calls Virgin Active’s Northwood Riverside Club home.

12 Week Gym Floor Journey

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 15:57:56 +0100

Lifestyle blogger Yin has taken on a strict 12 week challenge to transform his life into an active one. With the help of a Virgin Active personal trainer at the 200 Aldersgate Classic Collection Club he tells us how his gym floor journey went.

Marathon Motivator Iwan Thomas

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 15:15:25 +0100

Iwan Thomas MBE is a former European & Commonwealth 400m Champion and still holds the British Record for the event. Now, more of a regular on our TV screens than on the track, Iwan is a keen runner and member of our Virgin Active Health Club in Southampton. Here, Iwan tells us what gets him going and his transition from professional athlete to master motivator.

Robson Reaches British #1 Spot

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 11:57:44 +0100

When it comes to owning the right credentials to spot a future champion, the likes of Billie Jean King and Chris Evert take a lot of beating in women’s tennis. And both the pair of multiple Grand Slam winners are both insistent that Laura Robson is the young lady most likely to succeed on the biggest stages.

Dive in to Loch Ness like a Pro

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 12:21:19 +0100

On Yer Bike: Virgin Active London Triathlon 2013

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 16:53:13 Z

Believe it or not, but Spring is just around the corner which can only mean one thing: the start of triathlon season. Thousands of athletes at all levels will be taking to their bikes, hitting the roads or, if they're really crazy, diving into open water in the coming weeks in readiness for this year's events.

Gym Virgin to Gym Nut

Tue, 12 Mar 2013 16:24:55 Z

Writer Emma Ledger went from gym virgin to gym nut almost overnight. She visits her local Virgin Active, The Strand health club, whenever she can. Emma tells us how the gym has changed her life, and why this is one good habit she’ll never let slide.

Getting the Girls Back into Play

Fri, 08 Mar 2013 09:18:39 Z

To mark International Women's Day, Maria Miller MP, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport and Minister for Women and Equalities, blogs for Virgin Active on a remarkable 2012 for female athletes and her visison of the future for sporting girls and women.

Happy World Tennis Day from Virgin Active

Fri, 01 Mar 2013 12:12:00 Z

March 4th sees The International Tennis Federation celebrate its 100th year by announcing a World Tennis Day. To support such a memorable day we will be launching our new all-inclusive adult tennis programme, which was unveiled last Tuesday by Virgin Active’s new Tennis Ambassadors Laura Robson and Andrew Castle.

The new face of Virgin Active Tennis

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 11:21:02 Z

On Tuesday 26th February, we introduced you to our two Grand-Slam signings – Laura Robson and Andrew Castle. Check out our gallery of the day's best photos.

Laura has landed at Virgin Active

Tue, 26 Feb 2013 17:46:00 Z

Wimbledon may be 4 months away, but thanks to Virgin Active and British sporting sensation Laura Robson, tennis fever starts right now.

How to Transform Your Body

Fri, 15 Feb 2013 17:22:17 Z

Rob Stubbs is a Personal Trainer at 200 Aldersgate Health Club - part of the Virgin Active Classic Collection - who is undertaking a strict diet and exercise plan for the next 14 weeks in the lead up to the Miami Pro World Fitness Model and Bodybuilding Championships 2013.

Get Going with Virgin Active on Valentine's Day

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 12:46:46 Z

With the day of love upon us how will you be wooing your loved one? Why not get going at the gym? Here are 5 Reasons to visit your Virgin Active today.

What gets Iwan Thomas Going?

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 17:18:07 Z

We were lucky enough to catch up with Iwan Thomas, former Olympian and the current British 400m Record Holder, who gave us the inside scoop on what gets him motivated and how he challenges himself in and out of the gym.

Although he told us right off the bat he couldn’t admit to most of the things that get him going (insert cheeky smile here).

Pancake Recipes for Everyone

Tue, 12 Feb 2013 12:32:32 Z

Seeing as it’s Pancake Day we wanted to know what our members favourite recipes were so we took to the Virgin Active Facebook page to find out what you’d be treating yourself to today.

Get Going on Your Attitude to Get Going at the Gym

Tue, 05 Feb 2013 13:11:05 Z

Laura Williams is a former couch potato who’s revamped her lifestyle to become one of the UK’s leading independent personal trainers, and is also a successful freelance fitness journalist. Laura has her own fitness column, Fit in the City, in City A.M.; blogs for The Huffington Post, and writes regularly for titles such as Essentials and Practical Parenting.

Laura’s a keen runner but tries to get to her local Virgin Active, our Canary Riverside club, whenever she can. In the first of a new series of guest blogs, Laura tells us how getting going isn't just about, well, getting going - and how sometimes you may need help from an expert to attack your day.

Australian Open Wrap-Up

Mon, 28 Jan 2013 17:17:09 Z

Tennis expert and friend to Virgin Active, Andrew Castle looks back on a memorable Australian Open that saw Andy Murray just a feather away from back-to-back Grand Slam successes...

Whatever gets you going... it's waiting for you

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 17:27:13 Z

Matt Lawless is a Sports journalist who is training at the Virgin Active Classic Collection Kensington. The 26-year-old has decided to get fit in 2013. But can he get in his best shape ever? He's up for the challenge and will be exclusively sharing his experiences with Virgin Active throughout the year. Follow him on Twitter @mattylawless

Donna's Home Away From Home

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 16:48:07 Z

In the first of a new series, Sunday Times Tennis Correspondent Barry Flatman writes about Virgin Active Northwood member and rising star Donna Vekic, who looks to have a bright future after making waves down under in this year's Australian Open.

Do Something New

Tue, 15 Jan 2013 15:29:46 Z

The New Year is now well and truly upon us, which means we’ve all made our resolutions with a view to starting afresh and getting going. For many people that means going from doing nothing to doing something, but what about those of us who are already active and in need of a new challenge?

Well, this year could well be the year for trying something new.

Setting Your Goals for 2013

Fri, 11 Jan 2013 17:21:41 Z

With 2013 now well underway, many people will have already started their New Year health kick and will be grafting away in the gym or the pool.

At the same time, there’s a good chance that a lot of people will already have given up on their fitness dreams.

Build Your Stamina and Shop Till You Drop

Wed, 12 Dec 2012 12:03:00 Z

We all know that with the holiday season comes the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping. Are you up to the challenge this December? We’ve put our top tips together to get your stamina up and ready to hit the shops

2012 Virgin Active Swim Gala Finale Results: December 09, Fulham Pools

Mon, 10 Dec 2012 16:10:31 Z

Eight more of our Virgin Active clubs headed to the pool on Sunday 9th December for the second leg of this year's swim gala series finale. After another tense day of action and excitement, how did your club do, both in the gala and the overall results?

Group Exercise: Barefoot and Beaming

Tue, 04 Dec 2012 11:56:26 Z

I was asked recently if I'd like to get involved with a Beaming class while spending a day at Virgin Active Milton Keynes. I accepted immediately. I'm one of those people who always gives something a go without really considering what's involved. And occasionally it gets me into hot water.

2012 Virgin Active Swim Gala Finale Results: December 02, Fulham Pools

Mon, 03 Dec 2012 15:53:26 Z

Eight Virgin Active clubs took to the water on Sunday 2nd December for the first leg of this year's swim gala series finale. After a great day's racing and excitement for everyone involved, how did your club do?

Christmas Pudding Blow Out? What's the damage?

Mon, 03 Dec 2012 12:02:53 Z

OK. So we know there's no point asking you to be good over Christmas. After all that's what Christmas is about. Lying on the sofa. Fit to bursting. Reaching out for one more stuffed date (and you don't even like dates). Watching The Sound of Music on an interminable loop. The thought of exercising any more than pulling another cracker far from your mind. But don't worry. Help is at hand.

A is for Activeness

Tue, 20 Nov 2012 11:35:04 Z

We are very proud of our people here at Virgin Active Health Clubs. They are friendly. Fun. Talented and inspiring. And passionate about what they do. Take Colin Bennett for example. He is the Racquets Manager of our Gloucestershire Club and has just been awarded Veteran Player of the Year by the Lawn Tennis Association – one of just 20 awards.

The best food to eat before exercising

Tue, 06 Nov 2012 09:17:00 Z

Exercise is good. We all know that. But to get the best out of your workout it is important to understand the part that food plays. Eat the right things. Eat them at the right times. And your time at the gym will seem like child's play.

Five common mistakes when first joining a Health Club

Mon, 05 Nov 2012 16:25:31 Z

Just signed on the dotted line? Ready to be transformed into the body beautiful? We pinpoint the five most common mistakes newbies make when joining a gym or health club for the first time. Avoid these and you are well on the way to a healthy and rewarding relationship with your Health Club.

The name is Active, Virgin Active

Fri, 26 Oct 2012 10:34:17 +0100

Yesterday I saw a preview screening of Skyfall, the new Bond movie. How great was that? Our beautiful infinity pool at Virgin Active Canary Riverside was chosen by Sony to feature in the film. The preview screening was our reward.

How Virgin Active can help you play the ukulele

Wed, 24 Oct 2012 10:47:01 +0100

Working out at Virgin Active can help you be your personal best in all kinds of ways. Read on to find out how one member finds working up a sweat in the club helps him to make sweet music afterwards.

Behind the Scenes to #BeYourPersonalBest

Thu, 04 Oct 2012 12:57:51 +0100

Last week at Virgin Active Swiss Cottage we were on the lookout to catch some of our members who were pushing past their limits on film. Well we didn’t just find a few; there were lots of members getting their sweat and stretch on so it wasn’t hard to get some great real life gym floor footage.

Glad to have given it a tri

Thu, 04 Oct 2012 12:32:14 +0100

About half a year ago, I decided that I was tired of being lazy. I resolved to get fit - and training for the London Triathlon would be how I’d do it. Six months on, and with my maiden tri conquered, was it worth the effort?

Throw away the scales and get tracking

Thu, 27 Sep 2012 15:48:03 +0100

Getting fit I think, is a little like giving up smoking. It will only happen when you are mentally ready. And last year, two things happened to make me get serious about shaping up.

TRX – Total Resistance Exercise or Terrifyingly Rigorous Experience?

Thu, 27 Sep 2012 12:07:17 +0100

It sits there, a big metal frame in the middle of the gym floor. Aggressive looking yellow and black straps hanging ominously from the bars. Red-faced grimacing people are suspended from it. It looks scary. And hardwork. But just a little bit fun.

Last Minute Tri Advice at the Secret Series Run

Tue, 18 Sep 2012 17:07:08 +0100

In the lead-up to the Virgin Active London Triathlon this weekend, we have some last minute advice from two elite athletes - Olympic Team GB Triathlete Lucy Hall and Paralympic T35 Sprinter Sophia Warner - who took part in the Skechers Performance Secret Series Run Session last Thursday.