Whilst my financial relationship with Virgin Active was often on the rocks, one cannot lay fault in our physical relationship. Virgin have an extensive variety of equipment with at least 2 sets of each weighted dumbbell and a vast array of machines. Whilst I can't say that I used the swimming pool facility that often, I can say that the Sauna came in extremely handy after a night out on the joll, where internal bodily cleansing was a necessity. When it comes to the social pros of the virgin active health club, the place is a social hub and whilst this isn't exactly great for those seeking a non distracted gym session filled with gains and deep breathing, Virgin did produce an exponential amount of 'Stellies Crushes' (An online platform in which students anonymously admit who they have sexual dreams about).
Jokes aside though, not once did I finish a full gym session in Stellies without bumping into a familiar face and having to endure that awkward conversation that one has to endure when you come face to face with an acquaintance who you once told you loved whilst out in Town. Other than this, the Stellies Virgin Active used to become very overcrowded, so much so that I would frequently walk in, before walking straight back out.
Having just acquired a car from my Parents this year without a corresponding change in pocket money , I knew some lifestyle changes were going to have to be made and my budget was going to have to be taken some what seriously (for the first time ever in my student life). This was the reason that I decided to join Zone Fitness, a small and intimate gym above the Pick n Pay in Rondebosch which also had very affordable rates.
I took the 'January Special' deal which entailed paying R2000 up front in cash in exchange for a full years access to the gym - this worked out to being a meager R165 a month when simplified. Ultimately the affordable rates in combination with the short 10 minute drive along the main road every day to and from gym were the key factors that swayed me from following the social norm in joining the Claremont Virgin Active. The cherry on the cake however is the banterous Nigerian car guard who greets me every day and who has also accumulated over R200 of my 5 rand coins for 'guarding' my car in what seems like a very safe area.
Whilst the location and price of this gym are prime, I'm sure many of you are wandering whether the service provided by Zone is of an adequate standard, and to answer you that truthfully - it was more than adequate. The staff are first and foremost very friendly and approachable which puts you at ease on entering. The equipment range is extensive although I would say minor touch ups could be made on the labeling of dumbbells. Zone, most importantly is a lot less busy than Virgin and you will NEVER find yourself waiting for more than a minute to use something such as a bench. Although small, the gym has an open plan layout with a cardio section and weights section that overlap. It also has a studio which is of a more than adequate size for those wanting to do core exercises. The changing rooms are unexpectedly large with a fully functioning scale, lockers and clean showers and bathroom facilities. The atmosphere within the gym is of a friendly nature and fellow gym goers are often more than willing to give gym related advice which I find encouraging and motivating.Zone really have altered my opinion on the 'Virgin or nothing' mentality that most students seem to have now a days. I would encourage all students and especially those working with a budget to re evaluate their options and consider downsizing but definitely not downgrading to a gym such as Zone or one of a similar nature.
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