The studio was stinking. Barre class wasn't super challenging. Tried to speak to the instructors…read morewho weren't very friendly. I'd recommend going somewhere else.

Love this studio! A home away from home whenever I'm in Edinburgh. Booking a class online has…read morealways been tremendously easy; showing up and checking-in for a class has always been welcoming and friendly and hassle-free; and, their space in New Town is just lovely. I've taken the candlelit restorative class a few times now, and it's always been such a pleasurable experience. The twinkly lights in the ceiling are a touch of magic, the literal and metaphorical warmth of the room is just right (I'm a girl who runs hot, and sometimes yoga studios just overdo it with the blasting heat), the atmospheric background music brings it all together - truly, it's immersive. I've had a couple different instructors, all bringing their own personal touches. Sometimes there's (optional/consensual) hands-on/reiki offered too! I miss this studio when I'm not in the city, and I'm already looking forward to my next visit!

There are 2 instructors at The Pilates Place, Ellie and Linda, and I take a class with Ellie every…read moreweek. I have been going for 6 months, and during that time the classes have been excellent. The class is small and Ellie always takes time to ensure each member is doing things correctly in a gentle and helpful manner. I have some health problems and Ellie can always find the time to make sure the exercises are suitable for me. She takes a genuine interest in each person and always keeps the classes relaxed. They are very accommodating if you miss a class, and more importantly NEVER make you feel bad about missing a class! I think everyone in the class has recommended the Pilates Place to friends!

Only came here to have my massage from Katie's Health & Beauty, but the premises look really nice…read more. there is a reception area with comfy seats.. then out the back there is a space for pilates mat classes as well as reformers. I'm quite tempted to go back and try out a 1-2-1 on a reformer.. I've heard great things about them and have been wanting to give it a go but didn't know where abouts in Edinburgh offered classes.. Now I know!

I spent five minutes tonight on a skype call with my mother, turning my head to the left and…read moreexclaiming, "Look! Look!" like I was running a half marathon. Sure, it might not be the biggest accomplishment in human history, but if it weren't for Balanced Physiotherapy, it's one that I wouldn't be able to claim this evening. On Tuesday, I was hosting my biggest event of the year and true to chaotic form, proceeded to cause myself serious bodily harm 24 hours prior. I threw my neck/shoulder out. I wish I could say it was doing something heroic, or at least suitably slapstick, but no... I threw my back out by turning left aggressively when the cat tipped something off the counter. (I'm so cool.) There was a little twinge, then screaming pain and enter the next twelve miserable hours where I sleepily dragged myself around the house trying ice packs, hot showers, hot water bottles, stretches and everything in between. It was so bad, I couldn't sleep for more than ten minutes before I would shift and wake myself up from the pain. Awesome. So on Tuesday morning, at 9am, with no sleep had and an event looming that coincidentally involved hauling 12+ large boxes up and down stairs during set up... I started the panic calls to different RMTs. After seven unsuccessful calls, I was near tears when I phoned Balanced. It was the last place in the area and I didn't have enough time to boot it further into town, so when they said they were booked, I nearly lost it. Then there was a tiny pause and the gal at the other end of the line chirped: "Our masseuse says she can fit you in." *FANFARE* Within two hours I was in chatting with Alex (I hope that was her name, sorry if it wasn't - i'm awful at names!). I booked a quick 30 minute session. The space isn't fancy, it's not a serene spa wonderland with cucumber water and soothing music. In fact, it's pretty bare bones... but who gives a crap, I can move my neck and that's all that matters. Over the 30 minutes, we chatted as she poked and prodded at shoulder. The atmosphere was really casual, and I got to ask a lot of silly questions about RMT without being made to feel like an idiot. She pinpointed the problem immediately, worked on it for the quick session and at the end, taped me up to allow blood flow, led me through some stretches and sent me on my way. It wasn't a miracle. I didn't leave and was magically transformed. My shoulder still hurt like hell but I had gained enough mobility that a couple extra strength ibuprofen and a good grimmace would get me through the night. Even when the pills wore off mid event and my shoulder returned to pain town, it wasn't nearly as bad as that morning. I got home, popped a heat pack on, did my stretches and today: I can turn my head left! I've got a few more until it's officially back in working order but on short notice, for £28, Balanced Physiotherapy kept me upright and solved my problem within 48 hours. Damn straight that's 5 star worthy.

I did my research before joining a gym in Edinburgh, and I think that this is definitely a…read morefive-star gym that beats out the rest on quality and price. It is not just the new, fantastically-built university gym for Edinburgh University, but it is also a community gym that welcomes members of the public to join as well, for just slightly higher rates. I like that this gym has variety and great quality. The main cardio room has great machines with touch-screen TVs that are easy to navigate and the best and most current gym technology. Behind this room is a weight room that can be very busy with lots of testosterone monopolizing the weights, but at lunchtimes it is much less busy and intimidating. In the back, with stunning views of Arthur's Seat, is my favorite gym room with great elliptical trainers along the walls and many large individual mats on the floor for using weights, medicine balls, exercise balls, etc. It is much more calm than the other rooms. I also love the classes. So far, I have been to two spinning classes, two Zumba classes, and a circuits class. They have all been great with really nice and helpful instructors. You book all of the classes online from seven days before the classes, but can also sometimes show up and see if there is extra space to join in. Spinning definitely fills up quickly, but it's worth it! This is a fantastic place and has a great vibe about it. With your membership, you also have access to the pool that's in another building. Thus far, I have been more than happy with all of the many other offerings in the main building!

great gym, just the hours, the open hours should always be the same 6am or earlier. Many if not…read moremajority of gym goers are early birds, but have to wait till 9am, on sat and sunday. Notice there's a queue every weekend. All gyms , rcp included, open real early 7 days a week as they know this, dont be lazy and open earlier!

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.

Was in here for their open day just to have a nosy and was lucky enough to nab a taster massage as…read moresomeone hadn't shown up. They offer a variety of treatments from beauty to reflexology. My masseuse was Kirsty who does sports/remedial and she was great! Really good pressure. There are three treatment rooms as well as the yoga studio, changing room and bathrooms. There's shelves to leave your bags outside the studio for yoga. Would recommend popping in if you're in the area and looking for some R&R or TLC. Can't comment on the yoga/pilates classes but would love to give them a go.

I'm hitting it lucky these days as I'm finding lots of five star places!…read more Came to New Town Therapy (NTT) as a friend had posted about their open day in aid of Maggies. NTT offer yoga, pilates plus therapies and it is a wee gem in Dundas St. I booked in for reflexology and a remedial massage. Jo did my reflexology and it was great. I've had reflexology overseas before and its been a bit sore. Jo worked in a relaxing way (I almost fell asleep) but was able to tell me where I was sore and was spot on. The remedial massage was by Merrelle and was fab. I love when my masseur gets right in there and I needed those knots tackled. I was a bit sore for a couple of days but the rest of the week, I've felt good as prior to the massage I'd been sore and tired. I bought a voucher to use in a few weeks as my treatments were fab and I'll definitely get another massage as my body will totally appreciate it.

I've taken a few different courses at Dance Base now and loved every one! All of the teachers are…read moreat the top of their craft and in my experience are dedicated to fostering and encouraging supportive and friendly atmosphere both in and beyond their classes. The administrative staff are equally lovely and helpful. As the National Centre for Dance you can truly tell how passionate and dedicated everyone is to championing this art form. I especially appreciate that Dance Base platforms a variety of dance forms which are harder to access, such as Dr Charm's Burlesque class which I have been in for a year now (and have already booked my slot for autumn)!

This place is amazing. The depth and skill of their teachers , and the range of classes offered…read moremean there is something for everyone. It is truly a place for everyone from professional dancers to schmucks like me. Go here. It will be so much fun.

Swimming lessons are great but gives young children and parents a false sense of safety. The kids…read moreare not thought ISR skills which can be life saving...my wee one is completely use to having the arm bands which floats her body in a vertical way not possible to do it without them https://www.parentspreventingchildhooddrowning.com/post/the-hidden-dangers-of-childhood-swimming. Where can I get ISR lessons instead in Edinburgh ?

I really, really, REALLY like the new Victoria Baths. I like it's old retro poolside wooden…read morechanging rooms and old school tiles and viewing gallery. For some reason it's always relatively quiet and if it's not there's the odd kid and parent combo but purely learning the basics of swimming with arm bands, apart from that there's a couple of old women in the slow lane and basically the rest is all yours. Private showers are a rarity, especially if you've just learned it's not ok to have "proper" showers when you're at swimming and shaving your arm pits is pretty much frowned upon... Unless you have your own private shower that is!

My relationship with yoga is strictly casual; it's a challenge, something I enjoy, something I know…read moreis good for me, but even though I've been seeing it for a while, I'm not quite ready to commit, financially or emotionally. Hell, I don't even own a yoga mat. Given this attitude, the Bristo Yoga School suits me fine. Classes are cheap, drop-in, and may be as small as four or as big as twenty depending on who turns up. Here, you can do fun stretching followed by even more fun relaxing without feeling obliged to immerse yourself in the nuances of Indian philosophy, or the difference between Iyengar, Hatha and Ashtanga (which I have never understood). Nor, in the classes I went to with Lisa, was I ever expected to perform any extreme poses, such as standing on my head, balancing on one little finger and such, which came as a great relief. I suspect (in fact I know) that more serious practitioners would be less impressed by the casual set-up of the Bristo Yoga School, but it's perfect for people me, the Sunday drivers of yoga.

I don't currently go to regular classes at Meadowlark but I do attend some drop in classes,…read moreworkshops and special events. Meadowlark has an excellent range of classes for everyone from beginners to daily Mysore classes. The studios are light, warm and clean. The changing rooms are a little small if the class is full and everyone is using them but most of the time it's fine. I have found all the teachers and reception staff to be friendly and welcoming. For me the studio is just a little too far out the way for both home and work for me to do more classes here but it's certainly one of the places I'd recommend for trying yoga. They are opening another studio in March and I'm looking forward to trying aerial yoga in it.