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!

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

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.

My first Yoga place I'm trying out. After having looked at so many various yoga companies and…read moreclasses offered (online), this place seemed the most appealing to me. I should mention that it's also one of the more expensive. The location is very central, in the West end, ideal for a go by after work hours. Lee, the boss, is very charming and friendly. This place got a real welcoming home feel to it. I only had one teacher so far and she appears really nice. She customs her classes to her clients needs and limitations. They offer the first taster class for free, what is a real nice gesture. For a drop in class you pay £12 and for a set of 5, you pay £57. They also offer yoga matts, but you can bring yours along. The yoga room is small and cosy, meaning that the attendees number is low. That's nice if you don't wanna be stuck in a room with lots of people. There also are changing rooms, toilets, and practitioner rooms for sports massage and physio. Overall a lovely little studio with lots of charm!

I'm so happy I've finally found a great yoga studio in Edinburgh. After a few failed attempts…read moreelsewhere, where either the teaching was sub-standard or the atmosphere was a bit serious, I stumbled upon Canning Street Yoga when walking past one day and decided to give it a try. As soon as you enter, you're greeted with a big smile from owner, Lee Derrick, who opened the studio just six months ago. He's a super friendly guy who wants to make yoga fun and accessible to everyone at an affordable price. No intimidating, hardcore yogis here, just people like you and me who want to do some yoga in a relaxed environment. Lee's goal is to create a community feel to the place so that people feel they can hang out for a while, mix and socialize. So many yoga classes I've been to feel quite austere with no talking and people arriving immediately before the class and leaving immediately after. This place is more social than that and stems from Lee's chatty good humour but also from the friendly welcome given by all the other instructors. The classes on offer cover most requirements with hot yoga, vinyasa flow and beginners classes for example. But there's also a few classes that offer something a bit different and help generate that community vibe. For example, there's yoga and wine on Fridays (the wine comes after the class, not during!) and workshops on certain weekends that explore different aspects of yoga such as Salute to the Sun coming up this Saturday that explores the sun salutation. There's also a sports performance angle where the instructors can work with you to improve your strength and flexibility for your chosen sport. For example, there's a Yoga for Golf program coming up to help lengthen that backswing and open those hips! In addition to yoga, you can also get a range of therapies, treatments and massages. I can recommend the sports massage from Maurice of MH Therapies as he seems to be able to find and remove knots (sorry, "contractions") that have been problems for years, quite transforming my posture and how I feel. So I recommend this place, whether you're wanting to try yoga for the first time, just looking for some good classes or you want to feel part of a more friendly yoga community.

Beautiful relaxing little oasis in Edinburgh. I have had many good massages over the years here…read more Today I had a fabulous, restorative, relaxing and muscle-loosening session with Wisdom. Highly, highly, highly recommended!

OMG- I just had one of the best massages of my life! Giovanna worked my knots like a champ- not…read moretoo hard not too soft. I have a lot of stress and she relaxed me so much I fell asleep at the end. I feel so great. I almost wish I lived nearby to make her my regular masseuse. Again - Giovanna - the best.

I attended this studio for 3 months, taking 4 classes per week. I really wanted to like it, as it…read moreis the only Bikram place around. Unfortunately, the teaching staff are inconsistent and rude. On multiple occasions I was singled out in class for doing a modification. The modification was for an injury and had been given to me by a teacher from this studio. Twice a teacher argued with me and called me wrong in the middle of class. I have never felt so disheartened and so small as when I was attending this studio. If you are not injured and if you are already perfect at Bikram, this is the studio for you. If you want to deepen your practice or learn yoga, do not go here.

Bikram yoga classes are exactly the same no matter where in the world you take one so I won't go…read moreinto detail about the class other than it's really hot, hard work and lasts 90 minutes. I would also say that it's not the best class to do if you're a complete beginner at yoga. The studio is located in what was garages/workshops, so it's behind some buildings down an alleyway. Its not that well marked especially in the dark but classes are busy so you'll probably see someone with a yoga mat to follow. The studio is friendly and welcoming to new members. They have so many classes each week that it's quite possible to do a class each day. They seem to have a good social scene with events held in the studio on a frequent basis. There are large changing rooms with showers with good pressure. There is a large space to clean mats with spray provided, which given how much I sweated on to my mat it was very much needed. They offer an introductory offer of 20 days for £20 which gives you a chance to try the classes. Beyond that it's either £12 a class or you can buy blocks that work out cheaper or an unlimited pass for £90 per month.

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.

I got into yoga about two years ago because I ran lots and was constantly always struggling to…read morestretch properly. I hear about hot yoga, and having lived most of my life in very warm places like Florida, I thought the combination of hot and yoga sounded ace. I got a Groupon deal, and generally they run a special for beginners to try for two weeks at £25. Normally classes are £12 a piece unless you get a block card, then they are less. I've take several classes there after I used up my initial block and love it! It is super warm, but I enjoy it and you feel like you work a lot harder to concentrate and focus on the moves. I don't go every week, but I have definitely noticed a progression in my flexibility and it is so thrilled to see progress! Their website has an easy booking system and apparently, they will soon have an app. I've taken classes from both Lynne and Alan, and they were super easy to follow and very helpful you to get the position and movements right. The standard class is 1.5 hours and gets right into it with an hour of positions, which you do several times to push yourself further each time. The last half hour is some mat work mostly working the back and doing some stretching combined with shavasana. You can bring your own mat or rent one for a £1, and if you forget a massive bottle of water, they also sell those for a £1. Bring a towel and wear light clothing, I generally wear shorts, but then your knees are hard to hold during some poses, so it is easier to wear longer tights. I would highly recommend the trip out to try it. My skin always feels really nice afterwards as well. They do offer an early bird class Friday's at 6:45 am for £6 and they have a 1 hour express class or a Power class, which I am still meaning to try. It is a great yoga workout and an even better stretch, I definitely feel like it is a treat to go and during the cold, grey days or rainy weather, it feels like a mini-vacation to be warm!

This studio is in between my home and work and yet it took me almost 10 months to go try it out…read more And oh how I wish I could turn back time! Wonderful teachers, all very different, so it's nice to try out different ones. Also getting the variety in advice is nice. Some are tough, others super sweet, go try a class with each to pick what you need/like! I love that they offer hot yoga and power yoga. The hot yoga is strongly based on Bikram but leaves out the Bikram poses that I dont like haha. But having also the power yoga option is perfect as you can have two totally different workouts at the same studio, and they complement each other very well. One day I wanted to cancel as I had been feeling very tired all day, but I went to hot yoga and got totally energised! I felt the most awake that I had been all day. I used their 14 days unlimited for 25 pounds and would recommend starting this way and going as often as possible. Your body really adapts and even starts craving it! Makes it easy to go exercise AND enjoy it that way! The atmosphere in and after classes is always different, often after class nobody says anything to each other, in others everyone is very friendly... But the class itself is consistently good. They are open to listen to you personally and give advised based on your goals and maybe injuries. This will be my go-to place for workout in the coming months/years, thankful I found it! Love how addictive it gets if you go often! And, being in a 40 degrees room is a lovely break from winter. When I come home I still am warm enough for 3 hours after not to need to turn on the heater in my flat :) I also like the carpeted floor who adds to the padding of your mat. And the fact there is a whole wall of mirrors so you can see and correct your pose! On the down side, mat rental and water costs extra, something other studios in the studio do provide sometimes. I still give it a 5 though because it makes me feel soooo good!

I'm always on the hunt for new yoga classes so when I found out about a free taster class at a new…read moreyoga studio - I was there in a flash! The class was led by Sarah, who practices under the name 'Yogabeet'. The class was vinyasa style, that flowed at a pace that allowed us to fully explore each pose, feel the stretch, build strength and yet still build up warmth and increase the heartrate. Yogabeet as well as other instructors will be holding classes at this newly renovated studio - right in the heart of the New Town. The entrance is a typical door that leads to a small hall and not quite refurbished hallway (should be finished soon). Halfway up, on the landing, are toilets and space to change. So far, nice but nothing out of the ordinary. I then reached the door at the top of the stairs which opened onto a big open space with the most amazing high, glass ceiling - something I would expect in the Assembly Rooms, not in a small Georgian terrace. In the summer, the natural light must be amazing but on this dark winter night, the atmosphere was created by multi-coloured lights that accented the architectural details. The wooden floors were perfect for any type of fitness class. The walls were covered with unframed artwork. I found out that the space is also used as an art studio and for art classes. Tonight the easels and stools were pushed neatly aside, making space for plenty of yoga mats. All in all, the location was so easy to get to, the space was GORGEOUS, there was plenty of room for everyone to have their own space. The only small niggle was that the room was a bit chilly. Possibly because the space has only just started to be used on a regular basis, maybe it will take a few weeks to get the chill off. For the yoga class, luckily I had on layers which I could remove as I got warmer through the class. I can't wait til January when the new timetable kicks in! Details of classes are on the facebook pages for Yoga Mountain and Yogabeet. I've also reviewed the Yogabeet class on my blog, Healthy Edinburgh.

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.