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.

Inside Napier University's Morningside Church building is where you can book yoga classes…read more It costs three pounds a time, and the tutor is really good. You will come away from the class feeling amazing; and the teacher's voice is so relaxing! These lessons are for beginners only.

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!

Whether or not you warm to the Salisbury Centre, and the workshops and classes it hosts, will…read moreprobably depend upon your level of cynicism about new age ideology and phrases such as "holistic education", "blissful healing" and "deeply transformative modality". I generally consider myself quite open to that sort of thing - it's the inner hippie in me - but some of the classes offered here test even my limits of credulity. However, don't let the more, shall we say, far out offerings put you off the centre as a whole, as it does have an exceptionally peaceful atmosphere and the yoga and meditation workshops I've attended have all been pretty sound - the quality just depends on the individual teacher who's running them. If you do want to "awaken the happy you" (who wouldn't?), "experience the light of Christ as healing energy", or even just find a decent yoga class, then check their website to see what courses are coming up.

I have lived in edinburgh for over 10 years now and live nearby the salisbury Centre, passed it…read moreevery day on my way to and from work, but never thought of going in to see what it was all about. The body therapist I am seeing for an injury, suggested going along and trying the Hatha Yoga sessions which would help my posture and movement. I signed up for the classes with Aishvarya Lila on a Thursday evening and it has been so beneficial. The centre offers so much in the way of alternative/complimentary therapies, as well as other activities such as pottery classes. There is a nice little organic garden for relaxing in and also a library open to the public. If you are open minded and willing to try alternative/complimentary therapies, this is a great place to come and meet a varied and interesting group of people. Highly recommended, loose comfortable clothing is advised if participating in any of the classes such as Yoga or Tai Chi.

Hot yoga is a great way to escape the freezing temperatures of Edinburgh. The yoga studio is set to…read more26-29°C during the daytime and to 35-39°C in the evenings for a good muscle release. I was originally interested in this particular yoga studio because they offer aerial classes, which I have been wanting to get into. My class was with Rebeca, who was very nice and understanding to all the newbies and gave a great introduction to aerial yoga. I felt comfortable with her instructions and the amount of attention I received during the class. I would love to attend this class more often, but it only runs Wednesdays and Sundays. On another visit, I decided to try out the Warm Yin yoga class with Nardina. While the class was calm and relaxing, I felt a bit antsy being unsure of what was going on part of the time since it was my first time. I had to keep peeking over to my neighbors to follow along. Maybe this particular class wasn't the right one for me, but it felt a bit too slow paced for me. Overall, great experience and I look forward to many more yoga classes, especially the aerial ones!

Faking summer anyway I can.... I am a self-confessed sun worshipper, and although I flamin' love…read moreScotland & it's distinct 4 seasons (often in 1 day) I struggle over the winter months. You can imagine how delighted I am having now discovered hot yoga - an hour of being blissfully unaware of the world outside, with effects that survive long after you leave! Warning-Not for the faint-hearted or heat-sensitive... temperature sits just under 40degrees, and you literally sweat buckets... I'm used to exercising in the Australian heat, however, I was close to fainting my 1st few times! Hoping that they expand & add more classes, as already it is very popular and classes are quite small....

Just started attending yoga classes on a Tuesday evening in Haddington. It's a beginners class, and…read moregoes through interdisciplinary movements, which I enjoy. Although I have done enough yoga now to class myself no longer as a beginner (though not intermediate either... kinda in the middle), I'm enjoying the pace and length (90mins) which allows you to really spend time building up the movements before coming to final relaxation - sometimes an hour class just isn't long enough. What can I say? I am hooked on yoga... and having a class near my home makes it much more convenient than commuting into Edinburgh.

YogaJo's is a beautiful dedicated yoga studio in Milngavie that runs yoga classes for pretty much…read moreeveryone. I prefer the gentler styles of yoga like hatha and yin, but they also run astanga and flow classes for those who prefer faster paced classes. They also run classes for kids and teens - my niece goes every week and loves it. The studio is bright, clean and spacious with tea, coffee and sometimes even cake, but best of all is the welcoming atmosphere they generate. All the teachers and students are just so friendly and as a regular participant you begin to feel part of the community there rather than just a random visitor. As a result you begin to deepen your yoga practice not just through the classes, but through your interaction with your fellow students. For me, this is what a yoga studio should really be all about, rather than just somewhere to go and work out.

From the owner: Yoga classes for the whole community. At YogaJo's we have classes to suit all ages and abilities.read more

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

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.