Helping You
Every Step Of The Way
Virgin Active sponsored the Royal Parks Half 2025.
We didn't just help runners to cross the finish line — we got them to the start line feeling their best.
Got a race coming up? Use our training plans and support below to help you.
Training Plans
In these 16-week plans, you'll build fitness, confidence and endurance to help you cross the finish line feeling your best on race day.
Build my strength
Strength training is just as important as cardio when training for a race. Two to three short sessions a week will leave you feeling more powerful, running for longer, and help you avoid injury.
Join our Lift Club, Strength and Conditioning or Reformer Pilates classes to muscle up your training.
Meet Nick, your strength coach
Nick is our Lifting and Calisthenics Lead and has over 10 years’ experience as a PT, Strength and Conditioning coach and CrossFit trainer. He’s a big believer in form and function over aesthetics — and he’s here to help you unlock your full potential.
Work on my flexibility
Flexibility isn't just for yoga classes — it’s your secret weapon. It helps prevent injury, improves stride length, and makes running feel smoother.
Join our Yoga, Pilates or Reformer Pilates classes to stretch smarter.
Meet Vanessa, your mobility & flexibility coach
Vanessa is our Head of Yoga and trains our yoga instructors.
Her approach builds body awareness to help you move freely and confidently — in the studio, in the gym and on your runs.
Read all about it:
Never skip stretching after a run. Here’s why.
Fuel my race
Eating the right foods helps fuel your mileage. You’re putting in the effort — your body needs something solid to run off.
For personalised advice, book a session with one of our Nutrition Coaches.
Meet Becky, your nutrition coach
Becky is our Head of Nutrition and has 8 years’ experience working with elite-level athletes.
She’s supported everyone from Olympic competitors and England Hockey to The Royal Ballet School — and now she’s here to help you fuel your finish line.
Read all about it:
Do you need to carb load before race day?
Get me in the Recovery Zone
Relax and recover. You’ve earned it. From Sound Baths to spas to dedicated Recovery Zones in select clubs, we’ve got everything you need to bounce back stronger.
Meet Sophie and Matt, your recovery coaches
Sophie is our Head of Exercise to Music and has a background in performing arts, helping your body recover through movement.
Matt is a trained nutrition therapist and former Head of Nutrition here at Virgin Active, with a big focus on fuelling effective recovery.
Read all about it:
Why is recovery important for running?
Let’s get to the core of it
Your core is involved in every stride. A strong, stable core supports posture, balance and overall endurance. It’s essential for every runner. In Strength and Conditioning or Reformer Pilates, your core will feel the burn.
Meet Lydia, your Pilates coach
Lydia’s background spans Pilates, dance and functional movement.
She helps runners build deep strength, mobility and posture — all through considered, progressive movement.
Read all about it:
Make my muscles work for me
Conditioning is about getting the most out of your muscles. It’s more about performance than size, and it's key to a better race experience. Join our Strength and Conditioning classes to feel the benefits.
Meet Leo, your strength and conditioning coach
Leo is our Head of Boxing and Strength and Conditioning. He uses performance-focused training to help people lead healthier lives and race their best.
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