Working body & relaxing the mind @Virgin Active
- Jamie Ramsay
- Jan 25, 2017
- 3 min read
Today, I had the pleasure of visiting the new (ish) Merchant Square Virgin Active gym. Situated near Paddington, it is probably the closest Virgin Active Collection gym to where I live however, due to being a struggling adventurer I can't afford to be a member as all spare cash goes towards future projects! So I struggle by with a no thrills gym and to be honest it does the job on the fitness front. So this made me ask the question "why pay more for a gym?"
When I go to my gym I walk in, use the machines and get out. I am there for one reason and that is to work out. I rarely shower there, never spend any extra time there - I am in and out. Over the past couple of months I have been fortunate to visit 5 different Virgin Actives and in each and every occasion I have spent considerably more time in the gym. My workout was about the same length because, to be honest, most gyms have the same weights and machines so it was other time that I was spending there.
Today, I worked it out. When I visit a gym with a more "club like" atmosphere I tend to spend more time actually relaxing my mind. After my workout I don't merely pack my bag and scoot out the door, I find somewhere to sit and relax. I think through all the things I have to achieve, I prioritise my to do list and I actually spend time completely switching off. In our hectic lives of 24/7 connectivity it is even more important than ever to have some time when you are completely detached from the world outside. So while the name Virgin Active promotes action, it is the time with no action that I feel is the main attraction to being a member of a gym like Virgin Active.
Interesting article on "Why your brain needs more downtime" from the Scientific America
So is it worth it joining a gym like Merchant Square - Well, only you can decide but if I had the means I would...
Now obviously there are also other benefits..
The Virgin Active gyms are cleaner - This gym in immaculate! All the machines are clean and even have fresh hand towels waiting for you...
Weights are returned to where they should be - One of my bug bears about the no thrills gyms is that nothing is where it should be. You end up wasting time trying to find what it is you need.
There is shampoo & conditioner - It's a small thing but it is nice to come home smelling of Molton Brown. It also means you don't have to carry around a potentially leaky bottle of shower gel!
There is a swimming pool - This is a huge bonus for me. I train a lot and being able to work on my cardio while taking some strain off my joints is amazing!
There is a spa area - Sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi - need I say more!
My Workout Today:
5km slow jog @ 10.3km/hour
3 x 12 bench press (14kg)
3 x 12 bench pull up (14kg)
3 x 12 dumbbell (14kg)
3 x 12 chest press (14kg)
3 x 12 overhead dumbbell triceps extension (14kg)
3 x 12 single arm row (14kg)
20 x 3 press up
20 x 3 sit-ups
20 pull ups (10 - 6 - 4 )
24 cycle machine
400m swim
See my daily training schedule here: http://www.jamieramsay.net/single-post/2017/01/16/MY-DAILY-TRAINING-LOG
Thinking of joining? There are lots of different packages but the most economical seems to be £110/month (+ £50 joining fee). This is a 12 month contract and only permits use of this gym.
*** I am not involved in any professional relationship with Virgin Active. I was gifted a couple of passes to check them out. Before I was an adventurer I used to be a Virgin Active member. One day I may be able to afford to train there again!
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