“Active parents raise active kids” seems and often proves easier said than done amidst the busyness of our generally fast-paced lives.

ultimate

Virgin Active has been making it easy and convenient to prioritize family well-being with their digital platform and loyalty programme as well as Club-V and Club-V Max membership for children below the age of 14.

I signed my daughter up for a Club-V membership shortly after she turned a year old; three years on and I love what it’s done for her and our collective well-being.

As a yoga teacher, movement is a key part of my day. You’ll find me at my Virgin Active club getting a workout in and sequencing yoga classes in a studio while she stays active and cared for in a safe environment for up to two hours at a time.

Occasionally, I’m just getting some work done or enjoying uninterrupted me-time over lunch at Kauai all while she enjoys her Club-V visit.

I call it the ultimate parent hack, and everyone should know about it especially if you’re a busy parent trying to find harmony between life, work and raising a child.

What is Club-V?

Club-V is Virgin Active’s interactive children’s facility designed for children aged 6 weeks – 13 years. Think daycare meets lifestyle and wellness-focused solution that will benefit the whole family.

There are trained and skilled professionals to care for kids and deliver fitness programs for different age groups. All Club-V coaches are qualified in early childhood development and paediatric first-aid training.

The Club-V coaches at my current club are exceptional at what they do and how they respond to kids. I always walk away knowing my daughter is in good hands during her visit. Parents are required to always remain at the gym with the exception of holiday camps.

Every Club-V facility is access controlled. No visitors or non-members are allowed access unless under extreme circumstances such as a medical doctor, emergency cleaner or technician etc. ensuring the utmost safety for little members.

Memberships start from as little as R99 per month and there are benefits such as holiday camp and other fun days hosted by the club. During the school holidays, kids can be dropped off for up to 4hours and parents may leave the gym but are requested to remain within close proximity to the club in the event of an emergency.

Club-V Max is a more extensive facility consisting of various zones that are designed to accommodate older kids as well.

What are the benefits of a Club V membership?

For Kids: Kids model parents’ behaviour and accompanying each other to the gym not only develops healthy habits but an appreciation for the importance of movement.

Club-V is a diverse environment for kids to connect and socialise, which I find integral to character building and social development. There are plenty of toys as well as arts & crafts to aid cognitive development and physical activities to promote movement and physical development.

For parents: Club-V assists parents with time to focus on personal fitness goals with peace of mind, no guilt attached. And this may be the drawing factor, Virgin Active proves their commitment to making wellness easier and more accessible for members.

And at the same time, rewards them in a simple and regular manner using their app, which launched less than a year ago.

I no longer use my physical card to enter the gym, I simply scan my QR code upon entry and exit. Booking a class is seamless and I have access to exclusive content across eight categories of exercise.

The in-app programme offers weekly rewards such as free smoothies as well as month-long sprint bonuses such as cash-back and membership tiers with perks, all of which contribute to the wellness narrative and leave you feeling rewarded and recharged for your efforts to get active.

Memberships start from as little as R99 per month for Club-V and R240 per month for Club-V Max with benefits such as holiday camp and other fun days hosted by the club. Rates may vary according to your health insurance benefit. 

Sanobar Khan.