Virgin Active is part of the well known Virgin chain and has a large number of health clubs across the UK.

To find your nearest branch I suggest you check the website which has recently been updated and is easy to use. Quite recently Virgin Active has acquired Esporta Health clubs so the number of clubs has increased, which in my opinion is a great thing as Esporta clubs are great.

There are different memberships available depending on which you join to, this then becomes your home club. With my home club the membership allows me to use any other club within my group plus groups which are lower, this gives me potential access to over 50 clubs in the UK.

Certain other clubs that are in a higher category can be used once a month and some unfortunately would have to be paid extra for.

I currently pay rounded up £60 per month. I find this to be good value considering what is on offer. My friend who has a home club only membership pays £40 per month but prices do vary depending on location and your requirements.

What is on offer?

Unlimited use of the gym facilities, which for mine includes gym, swimming pool, sauna, jacuzzi, and a beauty section should you wish to have a massage or manicure etc, (this section is payable). A lot of home clubs have a female only section which may be of interest to some.

There are televisions in the gym that you can listen to/watch via earphones, or on certain machines there are interactive screens where you can play games whilst you cycle for example. I find this enjoyable albeit rather distracting at times as I forget to cycle.

There is also the option of taking part in a large number of the exercise classes that take place 7 days a week. I have only tried a couple, but so far my favourite is the Kettlebells class, it is an intense calorie burning workout involving the use of a kettlebell which is of russian origin.

There is a variety of classes to suit different interests, for those who prefer more of a dance workout there is the Zumba class which seems quite popular. Other popular classes include body pump, spinning and yoga.

A few classes are offered on a payable basis too, this is clearly displayed on the timetable.

The staff are very friendly and easy to aproach should you have a query on how to use a machine or such.

My home club also offers a Creche facility, I suggest you look on the website to check if your nearest club offers such a service.

Towels are not free, they are available for a £1 a time fee or on a monthly basis for roughly £5. I have to say I am disapppointed they are not free considering membership has already been paid for.

Lockers are provided on a daily basis which require a padlock that you can buy at reception if you don't have your own. There is also the option to rent a locker on a more permanent basis. I personally just use them on a daily basis.

Showers are available to use and I have found them to be clean and large in size.

There is also free internet usage should you wish to use it.

Most clubs have a cafe area which provide hot and cold snacks/lunch and drinks.

What I miss in the facilties on offer is that there is a lack of racquet sports available in my area. I would have to travel a long way to use a club that offers such a facility, however it is the same with all the different brands of gym clubs.

Overall I find the Virgin Active clubs to be of great value and they offer a great range of facilities!