Vaccinated, in lockdown level one, and looking forward to summer? It’s time to jump back into your full exercise regimen.

Vitality is all about making people healthy. Many of us could do more to improve our chances of living longer and healthier, and particularly to get back to where we were pre-Covid-19. Firstly, vaccination is key (it’s why we’re giving Vitality members 2 500 Vitality points for being fully vaccinated, and why 50% of Vitality members are already vaccinated!). But to really get back to (or even improve on) your 2019 levels, you need to exercise regularly.

This is hard to do, as there’s been an understandable decline in workouts globally. But I’m thrilled that Vitality members have been leading the movement: we found that engaged Vitality members are exercising 6% more than before the pandemic started.

If you’ve invested in more exercise over this period to stay healthy, build your immune system and ward off non-communicable diseases, great job. If not, there’s never been a better time than now to ramp up your efforts.

I can tell you that Vitality has been working hard with our incredible partners to support you on your journey.

A safe and rewarding return to gym

If you have questions about getting back to gym safely, I’d encourage you to join the next Vitality webinar where we’ll dive into the safety protocols and the low COVID-19 transmission risk at gyms. Our panel includes Head of Vitality Wellness Dr Mosima Mabunda, Professor Jon Patricios from the Wits Faculty of Health Sciences, Virgin Active MD Mark Field, and Planet Fitness MD Manne de Wet.?

To encourage new gym joiners, we’re making gym lighter on their pockets this year – any Vitality member joining Virgin Active or Planet Fitness this month will pay no membership fees until 31?December?2021. And no activation cost. In 2022, they will still benefit from 75% off their monthly gym fees.

Gearing up for summer

Vitality already rewards members with upfront discounts on the sports gear, fitness devices and Nike performance gear. And for each of November and December this year, our Summer Shakeup campaign will give members R250 to spend at Sportsmans Warehouse or Totalsports stores for the price of a coffee – just for achieving one Vitality Active Rewards exercise goal.

Meeting in-person for running and cycling events

I can’t wait for physical race events again! Can you? This month, you can look forward to the return of myrun and parkrun. Selected events are already open in line with adjusted lockdown level 1 protocols. Team Vitality will also be announcing more in-person events in the coming weeks – check out the Team Vitality STRAVA and Facebook pages for updates. Finally, you can still run for your country this week in the Vitality Running World Cup and help South Africa win Gold.

The antidote to poor health is Vitality

Enjoying your exercise journey with Vitality? Then share it! Next month, we’re making it easier for you to share goals streaks, achievements, fitness days and more on social media from the Discovery app. Tell your friends to join. They can sign up for Vitality and get the first three months free. Especially because you’ll want them on your Vitality Active Rewards team in 2022, not only to motivate each other, but also win an iPhone 13, Discovery Miles, or a luxury international holiday.

We trust that in 2022, you will continue to #LiveLifeWithVitality and help us achieve our goal of making 100 million people 20% more active by 2025.