Fitness Soul Studio can be found in a wee warehouse on Tennant Street, between Leith Walk and…read moreBonnington Road, and is a great resource. I come here on Saturday mornings for my Insanity Class (held elsewhere during the week), but it's the venue for loads of classes during the week. A quick look at their timetable and you'll see familiar names like Zumba, CrossFit and Kettlebells, so there's a variety of classes to suit everyone. The room itself is a large gym hall type space, unheated but don't worry you'll warm up soon, with a stage at the front and various accoutrements of the classes tidied away. It's an ideal space for classes with plenty of room either side of you. As you enter you're immediately met by a small kitchen/lounge area with a couple of sofas, a fridge, kettle etc. This is a great touch as not only does it provide us with somewhere to wait before the class begins, but if you need to refill your bottle, or sit and have a natter, you're sorted. I can't speak as to the other classes, as like I said I only come here once a week for Insanity, but it's a good venue and I'd recommend trying it out. Don't let the February Fitness Cliff get you, stay motivated and #digdeep!

I have worked with Leszek of Fitness Soul over the last two years on a 121 basis.What I love about…read morehim is that he is genuine and walks his talk. He himself is a top athlete, so what he teaches and encourages me to do, I know comes from real life experience. He covers everything from strength to flexibility and I am always impressed by his knowledge and friendly demeanour. On top of that, he has helped me look at my diet and nutrition and again he leads by example. If you are looking for a high-quality Personal Trainer who has a very professional outlook combined with a genuine interest in you achieving what you want regards your fitness and health, make Leszek at Fitness Soul your first call...you will not regret it.

AoN is one of Edinburghs most unique theatrical performance companies…read more If you like dancing, theatre and everything up in the air you'll definitely enjoy their shows. I did see '123 Here We Go' as well as 'Uncharted Waters' a couple of years ago and was impressed by the choreography, music and artists work, which created a magical atmosphere. As much as a ballet dancer relies on their partners, an aerial dancer relies on trapezes, poles, ropes and silks to receive support, balance and show spectacular moves above the floor. I like to see how flight and fall can be so dramatic, breathtaking and beautiful at the same time. You'll forget that there is anything like gravity with all these high-flying performers. When I moved to Edinburgh I used the chance to join AoN as a student to extend my dancing skills from floor based to aerial styles. AoN runs classes at 'Out of the Blue' as well as 'DanceBase' from beginners to professionals. However, the classes at DanceBase are always fully booked (that is for the evening classes, not too sure about day time) so you need to be very quick to get accepted. The class is super fun and you'll learn about trapeze, silks, hoop and ropes. I was broozed and in absolute pain the first days after class but built strenghts quickly and it's getting better! Also the pain is worth it as it's great fun and feels so good to be able doing a new move! To me AoN is a great gift to Edinburghs dancing scene and if you like to watch dance go and see their shows or/and join their classes! Keeps you fit and it's much more fun than going to a gym (never understood people paying money for indoor running and lifting weights).

YES! Finally a 24…read morehour gym opens in Edinburgh. Pure Gym is situated on the new up-and-coming quartermile in Edinburgh, just a stones throw away from the Meadows and a short walk from the University - ideal for everyone. It only costs £17 a month to be a member of the gym, with a £20 initiation fee which is such a bargain. The gym is a really decent size and is filled with lots of workout machines and weights without being overcrowded. Every member is given a pin code which is used to enter and leave the gym, as well as enter the changing rooms. Classes are available at the gym, such as spinning, and there are plenty of personal trainers on hand to help you with your work out. Pure Gym is purely a gym - there is no swimming pool, sauna or jacuzzi, but there is a sun bed! The gym is never too overcrowded and there are always plenty of machines meaning that no one has to wait in line to use one - amazing.

So I gave Pure Gym a go…read more I've never been a member of a gym, nor have I ever been on any of those mad machines. I tried it for three days to learn the ropes and (since I'm not sure I'll have time for gyming for a bit) to try out a gym while I have a bit of free time. Applying for membership took about 5 minutes, all online and I was good to go immediately. The next day I showed up for my induction which was given by a lovely, relaxed - and most importantly completely not intimidating - lady who was patient in showing the machines, how to use them and explaining the ins and outs. After induction I was left to my own devices, so I tried out some machines. I was there at rush hour (but maybe some days are busier than others) and it was fine. There was no waiting for anything and everyone was friendly. I made the most of my brief membership and had fun. The gym itself, though I can't compare to other gyms, seems well equipped and there seems to be a relaxed atmosphere. The classes look like fun and apparently rarely fill up (even when the online thingy says they have, apparently they recommend you try showing up because there's so many no shows). There's a few rules such as: your stuff needs to be locked up (padlocks are available for £4), you need to carry a sweat towel when you're using equipment (again, available in vending machines) and there's no opportunity to bring friends (you're paying very little so I guess that makes sense!) Overall it was a good introduction to gyming. I had fun. The facilities are adequate, the staff are friendly and the atmosphere is fine.