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!

Factory Gyms have an excellent deal on at the moment- 12 months membership at £20 squid a month…read more But how are they so cheap you're wondering? Because they don't have a pool. Or a sauna. But they have pretty much everything else and it's all of top-level quality (I've seen the gym for myself). If you're into cardio and weights then this is the place for you. The location is really handy too- right in the city centre next to the back entrance to Waverly Station (Calton Road). If you fancy a wee looky before commiting to a contract, they staff will happily show you their facilities.

Don't know where the first guy got his info from but he's way off the mark. I run a Maximum krav…read moremaga scotland class there and the place is brand new and spotless. All the trainers are top class and really friendly. Cheers Rab http://www.combatscotland.co.uk

Upon my arrival to Edinburgh, the cost of yoga classes shocked me and I couldn't justify the cost…read morefor classes. Lo and behold, Union Yoga ran a special for a short period for first timers, charging only £3 for the first class. I was super eager to give it a go, and with mat hire my total came to £5 for a 60 minute hot yoga class. The studio for hot yoga was located through the back so I had to exit the studio, walk round the back and enter another part of a different studio. Going through the class, it was good. I wasn't crazy about it, but it was led in a way that was relaxing and I did feel pretty good after. I've given three stars because the hot yoga class was muggy at best. Given the large space and high ceilings, it wasn't until the end of the class that I started to feel somewhat warm, and I've been doing hot yoga classes anywhere from 28°c to 40°c where you actually feel hot and sweaty then slippery from all the sweat. I felt this was basically stretches in a warm room which wasn't at all what I wanted and probably wouldn't return again for this class specifically, but might try another one next time.

This is centrally located, with a huge studio that takes about 40 odd people. You're always likely…read moreto get into a class because of this, which is good news for folk that like to drop in. I've booked in for a block of beginners classes. The teachers and staff have been friendly and helpful so far and the exercises and progression are just right for a beginner. I've been enjoying yoga with Union so far and will hopefully do more with them. My only bone to pick is the layout and awkwardness that arises. You have to wait in the reception area while classes are on and there's not much space, especially with 15 other class participants! There is also very little time between classes and the changing area isn't accessible until a class finishes, meaning you've got about three minutes to get changed and put all your items away on a locker. I would give this place five stars if the experience around the classes was better. As it is, the studio is still good but I'd really like to be a bit less rushed after I have spent an hour learning to be aware of my body and relax into poses!

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.

Underneath the Omni Centre this gym is a hidden gem. If, like me, you need a lot of encouragement…read moreto hit the treadmill then this place is ideal. I was a member of Holmes Place for about a year and I can honestly say I actually looked forward to working out! The main room with all the cardio equipment is huge but not in an intimidating way and there is a pleasing lack of mirrors around. Even in peak times, straight after work I always managed to find a treadmill or bike to use and I really liked the facility to tune in to the TVs while you run/ step/ pedal. The stainless steel swimming pool is amazing and it seems that hardly anyone ever uses it as I often found I was the only one in it. You can also treat yourself to some relaxation in the single-sex steam room and sauna after your hard work.

The Yoga Room is a small friendly ashtanga studio located on Forth Street. The front isn't that…read moreobvious and the doors are usually closed to help keep the heat in so just push on the right hand door and generally it's open. There is a tiny entrance area to remove your shoes in, before entering the main space. There is an area to leave bags and coats with seating which is separated from the practice space with curtains. The toilets and a small kitchen area are towards the back of the main space. The studio isn't always that warm (but this may be due to me doing early morning classes here) so it's worth bring an extra layer to wear until you've warmed up. I can't really comment on the teaching here currently as the teacher I was doing classes with has now left Edinburgh but they have excellent workshops much monthly on a range of topics with teachers from all over the UK.

Ok, so this may be a bit harsh based on the fact I only went for a half hour class during their…read moreopen day today. So essentially I showed up saying, yes I fancy a bit of yoga, but I really don't fancy paying for it! But, I have been to four yoga studio open days in as many weeks and this was by far the worst. There was a big line/cluster of people outside when I arrived 5 minutes early. My initial thought was, this is a LOT of people. At the time the class was due to start, we were ushered inside but there was a battle against the previous class trying to leave. Once I made it inside and found a space for my bag and coat, it was glaringly obvious the class was FAR oversubscribed. The mats were so close together you could barely walk between them. Then we were asked to shuffle around and make room so everyone could fit. Some people ended up on blankets because there were not enough mats. While I'm all for everyone getting to have a go, I emailed during the week to make sure I had a spot booked. I was left wondering what the point of that was as they'd clearly not paid attention to numbers. I get that you want to introduce as many people to your studio as possible on an open day, but it's also so people can get a feel of what the studio is like. If today was anything to go by, I won't be making a return. NB: I have happily handed over substantial amounts of money for classes after other open days, so they do work, but they won't work if the lasting impression is of absolute chaos. At least not for this lady!

D got both of us a 6 class pass each for this ashram on a voucher deal a while ago. He only managed…read moreto make it along to 3. I managed to make it to all 6. Although only managed to squeeze in the last one because Ganga let me extend my pass for an extra week. The first couple of times I went, I wasn't really impressed. It was unlike any form of yoga I've done before (and I've done a LOT in the past 10 years). I found the level one classes to be a bit slow, there seemed to be a lot of lying down and breathing (lazy meditation?). But to be honest, the classes grew on me. You are supposed to do a full 12 week course of level one before moving on to level two but Ganga said it was ok for me to try out a couple of the level two classes and they seem a lot more energetic, although still unlike any kind of yoga I've done before. The studio itself is really cozy, there is a reception area downstairs.. once you head upstairs, there is another couch and a space to get changed before heading into the studio.. My only complaint is the classes are on at quite awkward times for me. as they start at 5.30 or 7pm. With me not finishing work until 5.30, meant I could never make the earlier classes and arrived almost an hour early for the later class, as she locks the front door while class is happening upstairs, it meant finding somewhere to go for 45mins or hanging about in the cold... Apart from that.. I'd happily return!

Classes here are a life enhancing experience.....I feel stronger mentally and physically and more…read morepresent more of the time. Compared to other yoga classes they are slow but the pace grows on you...relaxing yoga is what is says and you leave feeling gloriously relaxed. Each level prepares you for the next and while I wondered why I could not progress without completing level 1 my body feels completely different than it did before I did level 1. Ganga has a brilliant deal where you pay a monthly standing order and then can go to as many classes as you want! It really encourages me to keep going as the more I go the cheaper it is! Not only that though - regular practice in class means I am able to practise better on my own and I am more aware of the cumulative effect of good and aware practice. I can't recommend her classes highly enough. Try and see for yourself! Elizabeth

Exceeded every expectation. I dropped in for two classes while on holiday and can say that this is…read morethe best box I've ever traveled to. 1) Willie is a thoughtful and intuitive coach--he is focused on preparation, mobility (I learned new things, even after 6 years!) and moving well--this is not a place at which you'll get hurt. (They use a levels system to formulaically determine appropriate modifications so anyone can get a skill- and experience-approprate workout.) 2) The members are just the BEST--warm, welcoming, fun and kind--sometimes as a visitor I've found myself working out silently in the corner (that's hard for me) but not here. 3) The facility has plenty of high-quality equipment and really utilizes the space. Not a sterile, overpriced facility, just a perfect vibe. 4) Affordable. Willie is not going to gouge you at all. 5) There were new students in both of my classes. If you're new, this is a great place to get started; no judgment, just solid teaching and encouragement. 6) Mitsy is the dog on staff. She's heaven and so sweet and gentle. Great spot. Thanks all.