Virgin Active has begun the next stage of its 360-degree wellness concept by focusing on nutrition and the mental wellbeing of its members.

The first part of its Body Movement initiative, launched last year, was to introduce a suite of dedicated treatment rooms and studios providing physiotherapy, sports massage and reformer pilates.

The concept consists of body maintenance and rehabilitation, nutrition, mental wellbeing and movement.

Now, managing director Robert Cook has revealed that Virgin Active has begun plans with nutritional companies to expand its offering.

“We're working with some nutritional companies to come in and give advice that can be passed on to members through our PTs," said Cook, speaking in the latest edition of Health Club Management.

"And similarly for mental wellbeing, it’s early days but we’ll be looking to work with various companies on ways to develop mental fitness and agility, as well as cultivating a good state of mind.”

The company is assessing potential interventions it could provide, whether “through social interaction, buddying up, different forms of exercise, meditation or live chat lines,” Cook said.

The Scotsman, who has been in the role for 18 months, joined the brand as it was in the process of selling 35 clubs to Nuffield Health, and has since sold a further 14 gyms to David Lloyd.

Focusing on its remaining 43 sites, Cook said he plans on creating clubs that not only function as gyms but serve as lifestyle hubs for socialising, working and relaxing.

Having scaled the business down, he said he wants to “concentrate on getting the jewel we’ve got properly polished”.

To read the full interview click here.