# Virgin Active SA — user reviews > 52 indexed App Store user reviews of Virgin Active SA by Virgin Active South Africa, rated 4.80/5 from 739 ratings. - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/virgin-active-sa/id1022763576/reviews - App overview in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/virgin-active-sa/id1022763576.md - Rating breakdown: 5★ 618 · 4★ 89 · 3★ 20 · 2★ 3 · 1★ 9 ## What do users think of Virgin Active SA? Overall sentiment: negative **Pros** - 👍 Clean and convenient layout - 💡 Digital membership card functionality - 🎯 Well-thought-out design approach **Cons** - 🐛 Frequent login failures and authentication errors - ⚠️ Rewards system doesn't work reliably - 🐢 Extremely slow app performance - ❌ Gym session tracking not registering - 🔄 Inconsistent functionality across devices - 😤 Poor customer support responsiveness - 🎨 Cluttered UI with unnecessary visual elements - ❌ Missing critical features after updates - 🚫 Password reset process broken - 📱 Unresponsive app behavior - 🔐 Account access issues persist over years - ⚡ Uninstall/reinstall required instead of proper updates **Commonly reported bugs** - Login error messages with no resolution - Password reset emails delayed or not received - App freezes during booking attempts - Gym attendance not logged for rewards - Rewards expiring before being credited - Inconsistent reward tracking between users - Internet connection errors despite valid connection - Session timeout and forced re-login - Account creation errors during registration - Class cancellation not reflected in app - Timetables fail to load - App crashes on password reset screen - Add-to-calendar button non-functional on iPhone - Rewards goals resetting incorrectly - Club entry button disappeared after update **Most requested features** - Apple Wallet integration for digital card - Apple Watch device support - Graphical display of visit statistics per month - Bike assignment visibility for spinning bookings - Club entry button on home page - Instructor rating/comments functionality - Class calendar add-to-calendar functionality - Cross-club timetable access for weekend bookings ## Newest reviews (17 of 52) ### 1/5 — Useless *2023-10-17* Writing my first ever app review because I’ve never used a worse one before. I do not receive any rewards despite going to the gym regularly and calling the help centre twice (my email went unanswered). My husband doesn’t have this problem, though, and no one seems able to explain why. I also don’t understand why the app has to be uninstalled and reinstalled, instead of pushing out updates. Bottom line: don’t roll out apps that don’t actually work and make promises to customers that you can’t keep. You’re wasting everyone’s time. ### 1/5 — This app does NOT work *2023-10-06* This app is useless. Went to gym 3 times this week and the app only recorded 1. So no reward again for me this week. When I queried at the reception I was told I could use my card or the app and it really makes no difference because it still doesn’t record my entrance and exit. The lady said I’m not to worry they come back to me, but by the time they do the reward has expired. My history shows my expired rewards! The lady then said she would log a call. FIX IT!!!!! ### 1/5 — Consistent Login error *2023-10-02, version 3.1.0* Unable to login to the app over the weekend as a login error message appears. I’ve changed my password and tried to refresh the app but still doesn’t work ### 1/5 — Broken App, Fake rewards *2023-10-01, version 3.1.0* You get told when you sign up to get the app immediately as part of the process with the incentive of rewards and discounts. None of those work, the whole app is a glorified scanner for entry and that’s about it. Why put in reward schemes if they don’t even work? I’ve logged 2 complaints but it’s been over a month and nothing. I think this might be a scheme to make the gym more attractive at 1000 rand a month and is kept broken to cut costs. ### 1/5 — Rewards Don’t Actually Work *2023-09-12* Been to the gym almost every day since I joined. Check in and then check out when I leave. A single time the app registered my attendance for rewards, otherwise never. Please don’t push technology and a rewards program on your members if it doesn’t work, just makes people frustrated and angry at your brand! ### 1/5 — What is the point *2023-09-09, version 3.1.0* Rewards are not uploaded. Gym visits not logged. Now I can’t access other club timetables to book weekend classes. POOR ### 1/5 — The worst app *2023-08-29, version 3.1.0* The worst app ever. ### 1/5 — Rewards don’t work *2023-08-20* Overpromised and underdelivered. This is terrible execution of a highly marketable feature of the gym. My rewards don’t show up each week even though I complete 2 or more workouts at the gym (which reflect in-app). My sprint goal resets to zero at the beginning of each new week even though it should be cumulatively ticking upwards. When I speak to the club staff they say it’s a known problem that many like me are experiencing. Let’s try again VA. ### 1/5 — Does not work *2023-07-19* Terrible app Not able to reset password Not able to rejoin Not able to choose club o wifi or Mobile Thanks for nothing ### 1/5 — Can’t login *2023-07-09* Been trying to login to this app for weeks. Resetting passwords, restarting app etc. don’t work. Frustrating! ### 1/5 — Pathetic *2023-07-03* This app doesn’t work! They tell you to download the app! You do and then try to sign in or reset but nothing works … trying for an hour then two! I had deleted the app 3 years ago for same problem and 3 years later same problem ! The developer handling this app should be fired! Seriously ! Read your reviews! ### 1/5 — Log in issue *2023-06-25, version 3.0.0* Won’t let me log in. Internet connection error ### 1/5 — Log in issues *2023-06-21, version 3.0.0* I registered and everything was good and then the next time I opened the app, it asked for me to log in but when I do try it says internet connection problem. So I cannot use it until I’m able to log in ### 1/5 — Can’t Log In my Account smh *2023-06-07* Between the load shedding & no inverters at ANY of the locations that I’m close to & now this new update that’s not allowing me to log into this app is extremely frustrating. What’s the point of paying this service when it’s not convenient??? I’m trying to be patient & understanding but I’m a human and my patience is running out! My money & time is valuable to me. I work too hard to give money for free….smh ### 1/5 — A mess *2023-06-03* Since the “new” version which renders the card to use the gym useless , I have not been able to login, tried resetting the password too many times. Latest error is no internet access , even though I can access the virgin web page . A poor start to what was supposed to be the brand new way of using the gym. I am told by Virgin staff I can’t use the gym without the App? Really ? ### 1/5 — I’m a member and app constantly does not work *2022-11-30, version 2.2.13* This app not only constantly does not work or remembers my login details it does not acknowledge cancelled classes leading to a ban on booking classes! ### 1/5 — Stay away-don’t join up *2022-10-25* I’m a paid up member of Silo Collection. I introduced a friend to the gym, who signed up with promises of a month of free smoothies for both of us. We never got the smoothies. Never. Despite repeated follow ups to the club manager, and their promises of “escalating” the matter. It was all just a con. Nothing was ever done. Needless to say they didn’t forget to debit our bank accounts for monthly subs. ## Most critical reviews (10 lowest-rated) ### 1/5 — Buggy app *2026-04-08, version 4.7.3* Just joined this gym yesterday and went in to set up my app today. App login seemed to be working fine but after setting up my own password the screen cut to loading for a few seconds followed by the app crashing. Every time I go to reopen the app, the same thing happens. I’m not able to use the app at all, which means i can’t sign up for classes, or use QR code login. The staff were entirely unhelpful and kind of like “sucks to be you, my app is fine”. Paying too much money for a gym to be this unprofessional. ### 1/5 — What happened to the "club entry" button on the home page? *2025-04-29* Literally the only thing I use in the app and it just disappeared with the most recent update ### 1/5 — Disappointed yet again *2024-10-14, version 4.1.2* I go to the gym to exercise and get my head in a good place and relax. So so arrive change and go to the treadmill - not working, second one, bust - third one - great now I can start - looking forward to a long walk and catch up on world affairs - tv not working - next one yay - working - but no sound. I am NOT exaggerating . Then ok, let’s cycle, and guest what - all over again - same story. We have all talked to management. Waiting for parts and and and. Why do you bother putting this on the web asking for comments? You know what is going on, and you ignore it - and for PR you ask us about our experience! If this was any other businesses they would have folder ages ago. Wondering if there would even be a reply, and why do I bother writing this? JH van Bergen ### 1/5 — Hostile rewards changes *2024-10-04* Killed motivation because of continuously changing goals. Fail. ### 1/5 — Won’t register my gym sessions. *2024-09-11* The new app won’t register my gym sessions. I guess that’s one way not to hand out those rewards. ### 1/5 — Visually messy and inconvenient *2024-08-11, version 3.3.2* Added several steps to navigate through to find my existing bookings or club calendar. Visually overwhelming with giant pictures of smiling coaches instead of actual information that should be readily available. The welcome back screen is unnecessary. Giant fonts are distracting. The previous app was simple but did exactly what it needed to do. “Cool” isn’t always better. 0/5 to the middle manager from an unrelated field who thought of this and the people who didn’t have the guts to stop him. ### 1/5 — Totally unable to use this App - I using the phone to book classes *2024-08-07, version 3.3.2* I am stuck in a ‘doom loop’ of ‘ re-set your password’ / ‘password not recognised’. Previous version was fine. ### 1/5 — Cannot reset my password as the app dies not reapond *2024-01-24, version 3.3.0* I deleted the app and reinstalled it now i cannot reset my password as the app does not respons ### 1/5 — Worst app ever *2023-12-08, version 3.2.3* Get an app designer that knows how to code properly. This app is rubbish. Slow, unresponsive and inaccurate. It does not reflect the correct rewards, timetables hardly load and is a waste of time and money ### 1/5 — Waste of time *2023-11-14, version 3.2.1* Useless. Just spoils your day when trying to use it. ## Most praised reviews (8 highest-rated) ### 5/5 — Convenience and Community *2026-04-02* Virgin Active has become more than just a gym for me — it’s a space of productivity, consistency, and connection. The convenience is unmatched. Whether I’m close to home or on the road, walking into any branch feels familiar and consistent, which makes it easy to stay disciplined. What really stands out is the environment. The café has become a surprisingly effective workspace for me — I get more admin done there in record time than I often do in the office. Then, without missing a beat, I can move straight into a solid workout on my own schedule. Beyond that, it’s also a place of community. Daily interactions and catch-ups with people in my circle of influence make it more than just a fitness space — it’s relational and energising. For me, Virgin Active delivers the perfect balance of convenience, productivity, and community. ### 4/5 — Digital membership card? *2022-03-18* I absolutely love this app. Great layout and well thought out. I had no problem creating an account and signing into my existing membership, thanks for making it so convenient. My only hope is that in Virgin Active will give the option to allow me to not only have access to a digital membership card but to also allow me to add it to the Apple Wallet app to streamline and increase the convenience of accessing the gym as nowadays everyone has their phone on hand. Please consider this, Virgin Active. **Developer response:** Thanks for the review Marko! A digital access card via the app is absolutely on our roadmap for later this year, stay tuned! ### 4/5 — Love the app! Only a small adjustment request *2015-12-16* Love the app! Very simple and easy to use! Only feedback would be that once you have made a spinning booking, I can't seem to see which bike I have booked! Perhaps that is something which could be added to help us forgetful folk 👍🏼 ### 3/5 — Limited functionality *2024-09-10* The option to add the class to the calendar does not work on iPhone! Before you could see it but you could see not add it as there is no button at add it or save or even exit that screen! Please do carry out more testing before rolling out the new version. The comments no where we could rate the instructor has also disappeared from the app! ### 3/5 — Device Support *2017-10-29, version 2.0.2* Any chance of including Apple Watch in the linked devices menu? ### 3/5 — Statistics *2017-07-31, version 2.0* Great new look and feel barring the lack of the graphical display of visits per month. ### 2/5 — Extremely slow app after update *2023-06-21* The appreciate the new features of the app. However, the new app is EXTREMELY slow to open. It can take anything between 20 seconds to over a minute to open even on WiFi which is insane. Especially if you want to use the “seamless” digital card when entering and exiting the gym. ### 2/5 — No Apple Wallet Integration *2018-08-05, version 2.0.5* Your gyms use barcode scanners for access. Why don’t you link Apple Wallet? --- *Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-30.*