Reviews of Virgin Active. (Gym) in London (London).

Virgin Active

241 Reviews

120 Comments

Gym

Fitness center

Shell-Mex House, 80 Strand, London WC2R 0DT, United Kingdom

Description

Information of Virgin Active, Gym in London (London)

On this page you’ll find the address, open hours, more popular times, the contact, photos and real reviews of this business.

This business has received very good reviews from their customers, so probably it’s a place you should try if you are looking for this kind of services.

Map

Open hours of Virgin Active

Popular times

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Monday

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Saturday

Reviews of Virgin Active

D. G.

I just recently join virgin active and I have to say Fantastic place to work out. Everything as expected running machines, gym machines. Could not ask for more. The spa area is great. The gym is very. Lean compared to other gyms I have been too. This place is great for anyone that works close by to central London. The location is great and happy to have joined this gym.

F. A.

Asides from the epic name, Jack Daniels is such a friendly and cheerful staff member - he really goes the extra mile and goes out of his way to help gym members. He and the staff are warm, friendly and efficient. The facilities are great here - the lounge area is a luxuriously, spacious area to work too. My husband and I are regular members of this cub. Thank you for a fantastic place to come to work out and relax.

L.

Recently joined the gym and I was very happy with the choice. The staff members are very friendly and the gym is always very clean! The pool and the spa area is a huge bonus

C. J.

Anytime I visit Virgin Active at the Strand, I am always very happy and impressed with the staff who are very professional, polite and helpful with anything that I need. In particular, Daniel on reception, always going above and beyond. There is also Charlie, who is another helpful member of staff. The changing rooms and poolside are always immaculately clean which is important to me. What a fantastic team

E. T.

Staff helpful and friendly. Modern Swimming pool and good spa. The coffee is a complete dissaster NEVER BUY COFFEE IN THIS PLACE..as it tastes ugly, very bad like drinking horse urine.

M. T. R.

Really nice club, staff are friendly and every time I went there (maybe I was lucky) the gym floor was seams really quiet ! Never tried the caffè area, so I can’t talk about that, but they have a nice and clean swimming pool, great selections of classes and PT.

B. B.

Really good venue, the facilities are great and friendly staff. Can be overwhelmingly busy sometimes but you just have to time your session correctly. They offer an amazing discount for 18-21 users which makes it an even better value. The gym was always very clean with great facilities. I love the fresh towel for showering and the sauna and steam room, very good.

C. R.

Virgin Active in the strand is absolutely an amazing health club. It's so relaxing and inspiring to be a member and the staff are absolutely encouraging and professional.

P. V.

Staff are pleasant and courteous. Had a bit of an issue getting the correct membership but they were very clear on how to rectify it and allowed me in on my first day. Sorted membership later that day and resumed without an issue. As for the club its excellent for me. Rowing machines, yoga at the right times and an excellent pool. hot tub and sauna. Can pop in at about 8am on my morning commute and have a nice morning swim before heading onwards to work. Changing rooms are clean and despite people on here whinging about air con issues I haven't noticed any temperature variations since I've been a member. All in all pretty good. Showers could do with regular refills of shampoo, etc though.

W. D.

You really don't get what you pay for at Virgin Active on The Strand. As you'd expect from a central London location, monthly membership fees are high, however the club does boast an 18m swimming pool, a large jacuzzi, a steam room, a sauna as well as the gym floor itself and a good few rooms for classes, spin, etc. So far, so good. The pool is good and rarely too busy, whilst the cardio equipment is plentiful. There are lots of resistance machines and two free areas, as well as quite a number of free weights. The changing rooms are a little tired but well-equipped. So why only 3 stars? The weights area is by far the worst maintained I've ever had the misfortune to spend time in - the selfish, arrogant clientele (not all of them, of course, but a significant enough minority) leave weights around all over the place, as well as consistently failing to remove weights from free bars, and the staff DO NOT CARE. Consequently it's easy to trip over weights, unclear whether benches, weights or equipment are free, and difficult to get any sort of rhythm to your workout. If you never use weights areas, this gym is fine, if pricey. If you ever use the weights area and are a decent human being, I would warn you away from this gym (I have no idea whether this is pervasive across Virgin Active gyms in general) as you will get incredibly frustrated - it feels like Virgin Active are happy to take your money, but that's where the hard work ends. I've complained a number of times now and there's been no improvement. Bizarrely, they seem to employ a man who spends his entire shift in the (men's) changing room who ensures that if a towel (they're complimentary - a good feature) is left unattended for more than four seconds, it's whipped away into his cart. If only they cared even half as much about the gym floor.

Т. Х.

Decent gym. Good classes and fresh equipment, clean and not overcrowded. Working hours on weekends are a bit short and soap is not always supplied on time to the showers. Customer service can really vary depending on the member of staff. Solid option but nothing extraordinary.

J. V.

Nice central city gym - has everything you need, equipment is in good shape and environment good. Haven't used the swimming pool but that looks good too (quite small though!) Plenty of towels, enough showers, mirrors, lockers and hairdryers. They've obviously invested in the gym and done it up/redecorated recently. Has a great buzz in the morning when all the early birds are in!

C. B.

Fabulous gym - a bit worried after negative reviews, but it's just been redone, and is a much higher spec than the other gyms in tier 1. Beautifully decorated, and thoughtfully laid out. Had a great spin class here, where they'd laid on a sweat towel for each cyclist. They even have straighteners in the changing rooms... The hot tub looks exceedingly clean, it's completely clear. Will keep coming out of my way to use this one.

A. B.

This VA leans more towards lifestyle club than gym, with a relaxing atmosphere and good decor. Limited weights area (only one power rack), but covers all the bases and has plenty of treadmills etc. Nice pool and spa area with sauna and steam room. Changing rooms and communal areas are all relatively recently refurbished, and pleasant sitting area by the cafe with sofas and some tables.

M. O.

James has fantastic business and customer service skills, staff really friendly gym was super clean also the Ladies changing room was spotless. I do believe for the size of the changing room one Lady to clean it is not enough, should be added 1 more person to the changing room for sharing the services and duties.

M.

A good gym, nice staff, but in my opinion it is very poorly designed. The free-weights area is unusable during peak times. The fitness first in strand is nearly 1/3rd of the price, has only 1 floor, and yet the free-weights area has more equipment and is more spacious.

K. H.

Great central London gym. I've been going for over 2 years . There are times that are a bit busy but they manage to make it work. Really like it here and the staff are really friendly. Only gripe. Sometimes the gym floor is occupied for multiple hours in a row by exercise classes leaving little room for stretching areas.

C. F.

Was a member here for over a year and in that time I found the gym excellent and suitable for my needs being close to work. The facilities are fairly standard for this kind of gym, towel service, lockers with wristbands so no need for padlocks, spa area and a decently sized gym with ok equipment. The gym does get busy at peak times, although I mostly went mid afternoon when it was quieter to avoid the crowds, the classes were good, I did spinning a bunch when I could slot in cardio between strength days. I had a trainer for over a year to help push me to new levels, motivate me to reach higher than I ever would have on my own and teach me how to actually do things since I have never been formally shown. The trainers I had, David, then MIguel Mendes for over a year once a week was great at giving me both the skill and confidence to keep pushing and to gain the skill to do the free weights properly, setting me up for the years ahead. I highly recommend if you are looking for strength training at the gym to seek guidance from Miguel and the other PTS who were all super knowledgeable.

M. D.

Flowing its refit at the end of 2016 the Strand Virgin Active has become a very attractive, modern gym. There are a number of studios which hold classes throughout the day along with a dedicated spin studio. Everything feels clean and works well and the staff are some of the friendliest people I've ever met. Only downsides are the relatively small free weights area with only one squat rack and the fact that other, cretinous patrons are utterly incapable of putting any weights back back where they found them - though in my experience this last point is applicable to all VA gyms, not just Strand.

r.

This club is good but not great, despite a recent refurb. It is relatively small which means it can get very busy at peak times. None of the cardio equipment is bluetooth compatible (unlike other Virgin gyms I use) which means if you have fitness apps you can't use them, nor can you listen to your own music via the machines. On the plus side it is alway spotless and the staff are generally friendly. Because of it's small size it misses out of some of the weights machines and equipment commonplace in other Virgin Gyms. The water pressure in the showers is also quite weak/variable. I use this gym because it's convenient for my work and my membership means I use one nearer my home at the weekend (which is a lower grade Virgin Active but actually better in most ways). I've shopped for an alternative but there isn't one, if there was I'd probably take it

S. W.

Convenient location for my work on The Strand. Not a lot of room, equipment is really crammed in. But a small pool, jacuzzi, spinning studio and everything else you would want. Wouldn't join this gym, but as I can use this club on my membership it gets a better rating :-)

F. P.

Clean and great facilities. Staff was very nice. Recommend

T.

Freshly refurbished gym that looks amazing. Slightly smaller gym floor than most Virgin Actives but that's more than made up for by the overall quality of the equipment and feel to the place.

D. F.

Waterstones....books....many of them....lots of subjects.....put the phone down and read something made of paper!

P. W.

Ok but too expensive for me as I only want a gym for one night a week. Gym gets v busy. Changing rooms and pool v clean. Good Yoga and Pilates if you can get in. Sauna temp was a bit low but they'd replaced it and probably fixed now.

B. W.

If Carlesberg did gyms, then this is it! Moved to Virgin Active after three years with Nuffield Health - it's a different league. Better staff, equipment, shower and changing facilities, complimentary drinks in the lounge area, Molton Brown shower gel... ridiculous. Try it out if considering a step up in your regime. For me, it's shown me a gym can have a weights area with enough space to safely work out. Well done Virgin Active!

B. R.

Lots of cardio equipment but good luck trying to use the weights/ resistance - always too busy. Perhaps get rid of some of the vibrating plates that no one uses! Its a good location for me as I can go after work but to be honest I'll probably have a look at the new fitness first on Bedford street when my membership is due for renewal.

I. G.

I use this gym after work around 7.30pm and it's already becoming pretty empty- lots of room and not so many people. Few places in London you get that. Hot tub ain't the best.

W. R. (.

This is a pretty small gym but well equipped with pool, jacuzzi, sauna, steam room and good range of machines. It gets busy straight after work but otherwise not too bad.

J. W.

A truly exceptional health club. I really don't want to give it 5 stars as it's not too busy.... and that's fine with me... BUT it really is a great place to work out, chill out, swim, or even just have a relaxed coffee and a read of the papers.

D. S.

I go "huh?" reading the negative reviews - I have not had even remotely similar experiences, and am perfectly happy with the gym. Fitness First on Bedford Street is a nearby competitor that recently invested in a renovation; pre-renovation, my choice of Virgin Active was a no-brainer, even despite its higher cost, but, hopefully, Fitness First is more competitive now.

Z. D.

It's a small gym but not too busy in the mornings so makes up for a rather good deal - better than bigger, but also busier Virgin Active branches in the city. Certainly has everything you need and it's freshly refurbished so a touch of swankiness :)

J.

Great gym with loads of facilities including studio's for yoga, spinning and other classes. Also a good size pool and big sauna/steam room and jacuzzi.

N. S.

Such a welcoming gym! The refurbishment is such an improvement! Staff are so friendly, and just a really positive atmosphere. Can't recommend enough!

B.

Club has been refurbished and it looks absolutely amazing. Brand new reception and lounge area,bar offering food and drinks, changing rooms and shower area are also new. Staff are so friendly and helpful.the best health club in the area.

C. N.

Outstanding facility; never experienced anything like it in States. Yoga/meditation areas well built & insulated from regular gym area. Knowledgeable staff make this luxury worth it.

E. D. L.

I love the strand but as someone that loves swimming I do not agree with previous comments about the pool. Tiny 17m pool. The rest of the gym is great and staff very friendly and helpful.

B. P.

Amazing club especially since the refurbishment. Staff is very friendly, especially Goda! Usually not too busy between 10AM-1PM and then around after lunchtime. Definitely recommend, best VA club in the area.

D. S.

Really nice gym! All the weights and machines I want for my workout, and on top of that modern design and great atmosphere.

S. S.

Whilst the pool and sauna/steam room/jacuzzi are of a good standard, I found the treadmill to be shaking all over the place while I was running (and I'm very light, so not something I've ever experienced before), which is a bad sign on the maintenance side of things.

C. B.

Alright place, can get very busy. Showers are mostly clean, pool is very short. Steam room and sauna are a bit of hit and miss, some times working some times not.

K.

As gyms go, this is a good one for if you're a cardio bunny. Weights area is, as always in commercial gyms, small. Peak times are VERY BUSY

C. C.

Clean, well equipped, luxurious club.

F. H.

I love this place, great staff and clean gym. I wish they had reformer pilates classes for everyone and not only private.

C. H.

Good gym I'm a central location. Has reformer Pilates but charge an additional cost to the membership which makes it super expensive

C. D.

This gym is very nice you'll find towels, jacuzzi, swimming pool, weights and everything you'll need for the gym

H.

Welcoming staff and very good facilities and classes.

R. H.

Grid classes with Bryn and Ryan are great! Brilliant facilities and looks great after it's refurb, especially the new changing rooms and showers with GHD hair dryers and straighteners!

R. C.

Great gym - Caroline the manager also went out of her way to help me after losing something there. Great service and great facility.

S. S.

Good gym, sometimes gets very busy during lunch and after office hours

M. O.

Amazing gym. After the refurbishment is even better. Can be very busy from 5 to 7

D. C.

Virgin has some of the best clubs in london thanks to Sir Richard but the vibe ie members staff at this club are amazing and so friendly even to a shy guy like me ❤💛💚☝

L. W.

This is my home gym so I visit it regularly. The staff are generally really helpful and the classes are great!

M. A.

It's what it said on the tin. I have been other branch of Virgin active and this one is a good fate for a four star as it can be hectic during the pick hours which is not ideal for those who wants to train hard and leave as machine will not be available

J. L.

love VA- thisis not my club, but i use it sometimes when at work. weights not great but v convenient

R. G.

Massive and good gym with pool steam & sauna..

A. S.

Great gym. Jayke is an excellent trainer.

N. L.

Very nicely put together. The weights area is a bit limited and in the dungeon but otherwise a very nice facility

A. A.

Lovely club, very bright, like being in a space ship ' however membership is veerrrrrrrry ker-ching!xxxx

A. L.

Equipment a bit old and tired and bathrooms need a bit of updating. I only go for a run on the treadmill and its fine for that

J. H.

Great venue Mind they need to pick up the dirty towels in the men’s changing room and mop the shower floor

B.

Fairly small gym but 7/10 for equipment

V. M.

Really friendly and helpful staff. Enjoyed working out there. Good equipment too

R. F.

Close to my work and the facilities are just what I was looking for! Only criticism would be the need for the place to be a tad cleaner (but I was there at peak time)

M. S.

Lovely environment for a thorough work out followed by relaxing steam, sauna and jacuzzi

S. V.

Love this club! I started going with a guest pass and ended up joining.

N. E. C.

Im an active virgin

L. K.

Love the gym. Great to relax and work out

S. D.

GREAT gym. Love em

A.

Top notch facilities and lovely staff. A bit disappointed with the weekend’s opening hours and poor class timetable for what I pay.

M. W.

Decent gym. Underground but then aren't they pretty much always?

A. C.

Very nice facilities and very friendly staff. The best place to escape in central London

L. G.

Excellent venue and very helpful staff!

b. d.

Great club, beautiful facilities, classes and staff

I. N.

Premium gym, nice, clean and with good facilities

T. L.

Recently refurbished... it looks good. Really nice place. Not cheap though...

A. K.

Great gym with swimming pool and sauna

I. p. A.

👌👍

P. M.

Great gym since the refurbishments.

l. a.

They have recently upgraded and it is amazing worth every single penny!!!!

G. T.

New renovation looks good. The addition of a cafe is nice

M. A.

Great team always ready to help

O. R.

Clean.

R. G.

Polished offering, but odd to workout in a basement

A. K.

Great gym with swimming pool and sauna

C. T.

Always helpful staff!

I. N.

Premium gym, nice, clean and with good facilities

P. M.

Great gym since the refurbishments.

M. S.

Beautiful sports club.

L. J.

The changing rooms alone make it worth it

D. K.

Convenient, friendly staff

G. A.

Good

G. A.

Good

M. S.

Beautiful sports club.

P. T.

Very relaxing and clean

Z. M.

Great view

C. T.

Always helpful staff!

h. k.

Classes are awesome!

D. K.

Convenient, friendly staff

N. S.

Excellent

P. R.

OK

L. C.

I love Virgin Active, my Virgin Active family is great and love the Strand club.

P. T.

(Translated) Good gym, use the test day pass to know it. Recommended, great chain (Original) Buen gimnasio, utilice el pase de día de prueba para conocerlo. Recomendable, gran cadena

A. C.

(Translated) Superb metal pool. Clean and well equipped gym. (Original) Superbe piscine en métal. Propre et gym bien équipée.

J. A.

(Translated) Building to see while taking a boat ride from London Eye to Towers Bridge. Friendly (Original) Bâtiment à voir en faisant la balade en bateau de London eye à Towers Bridge. Sympa

R. C.

P. S.

K.

A. N.

P. K.

J. V.

J. V.

Z. M.

A.

J. K.

A. W.

F. M.

I. S.

r.

K. B.

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