Richard Branson’s Virgin Group has a habit of going “mega,” from music stores and telecom to space travel.
In April, its Virgin Active subsidiary will open a 4,000sqm gym on Sathon Road it claims will be “the largest and most comprehensive fitness premium fitness club” in Thailand. With all those adjectives, it’s unclear if they mean the most spacious gym or the most expensive gym. Memberships are on sale today.
“Virgin Active has been one of the true success stories of the Virgin Group over the past 14 years,” Branson said in Virgin’s annoucement. “I have no doubt Thais will love getting fit, the Virgin way.”
Virgin Active Bangkok will house six workout studios with more than 200 classes weekly offering the latest exercise fads such as “Zumba, Powerplate and Zuu.” Time-tested classics will get a new twist. For example, yoga is “anti-gravity yoga” at Virgin Active.
Other gym bullet points include:
· “Thirty,” a new high-intensity, interval training program!
· Cycling classes!
· Indoor climbing wall!
· High-altitude training studio provides a “simulated alttitude of up to an amazing 3,000 metres!”
· Latest equipment, “much of which has never been seen in Thailand!”
· “Advanced technology systems” to “effortlessly … manage health and wellness needs” and “stay fully connected with the outside world!”
· Pool!
· Hydrotherapy spa pool!
· Ice/steam rooms!
· Hot and cold “sensation” showers!
· Salt Room!
· Changing rooms!
· Sleep Pods!
· Cafe!
Virgin’s announcement didn’t disclose rates, but promises all will be available at a “great value” with not long-term commitment required.
Initial sign-up is only four weeks, renewed automatically thereafter every fortnight. (That means two weeks.)
Of course science nerds have weighed in to say all you need is seven minutes with a wall and chair, but where’s the simulated-altitude fun in that?
Early bird memberships went on sale today at Empire Tower on Sathon Road or at www.virginactive.co.th. For more information, visit them on Facebook.
