Tag: Edinburgh Leisure

Hit the Ground Running with Edinburgh Leisure’s Winter Pass

Channel your inner winter Olympian and race ahead of the New Year fitness rush with Edinburgh Leisure’s new Winter Pass initiative. Designed for both seasoned athletes and beginners alike, this limited-time offer brings the thrill of winter sports energy to your fitness journey.

“Just like preparing for the slopes, there’s no better time to build your fitness foundation than before the peak season,” says Ally Strachan, Fitness Development Manager Edinburgh Leisure.

“Our Winter Pass is your lift ticket to wellness, offering an incredible variety of facilities and activities at an exceptional value.”

The Winter Pass provides a dynamic two-week membership experience for just £25, available from 18th November to 18th December. Pass holders gain unlimited access to:

  • 17 state-of-the-art gyms
  • Athletic training facilities
  • Evolve at Meadowbank
  • 12 swimming pools for endurance training
  • Saunas, steam rooms, and the historic Turkish Baths at Portobello
  • Over 750+ weekly fitness classes to rival any training camp
  • Six golf courses for those preferring a different pace

Similar to a season pass at a ski resort, the Winter Pass can be renewed for an additional two weeks, allowing fitness enthusiasts to maintain momentum through the festive period. This flexibility accommodates both high-intensity training schedules and more relaxed approaches to wellness.

Health experts emphasise that maintaining physical activity during the pre-holiday season is crucial for:

  • Boosting immunity during the winter months
  • Managing seasonal stress
  • Supporting mental wellbeing
  • Building stamina for winter sports activities

Edinburgh Leisure’s facilities, conveniently located throughout the city, feature state-of-the-art fitness equipment and expert staff ready to support every fitness journey – from first-time gym-goers to seasoned athletes.

“Consider this your early Christmas present to yourself,” adds Ally Strachan. “When others are just starting their New Year’s resolutions, you’ll already be in peak condition.”

Edinburgh Leisure is a charity dedicated to creating opportunities for everyone to lead more active, healthy lives. With state-of-the-art facilities across Edinburgh, they’re committed to making fitness accessible and enjoyable for all.

For more information, visit: https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/winter-pass

Edinburgh Leisure’s Festive Gymnastics Spectacular – It’s a Balancing Act!

Tickets are now available for Edinburgh Leisure’s 18th annual Festive Gymnastics Display, where more than 800 gymnasts and cheerleaders from six Edinburgh Leisure venues, plus guest clubs, will come together to dazzle audiences at Meadowbank Sports Centre on Sunday, 24 November 2024.

Dorothy McQueen, Gymnastics Development Officer, explained: “Gymnastics is a great way for individuals to learn and build on the fundamentals required for physical development, well-being, and personal growth.

“Our annual Festive Display provides a fun and energetic way to the showcase skills the gymnasts and athletes have been working so hard on throughout the year.

“The focus for this event is on participation and enjoyment, rather than perfection, allowing gymnasts and athletes of all skill levels to shine. The atmosphere is relaxed and supportive, making it a delightful experience.

“It’s a bit of a balancing act to keep youngsters interested and engaged in sport, but our Festive Display adds a real sparkle to our programme for both participants and spectators!”

Alongside over 30 performances by Edinburgh Leisure gymnasts, the event will feature special guest appearances from regional clubs like Acrobay, Cheer Evolution, City of Edinburgh, Falkirk, Jack Kane, and Kestrel, showcasing a range of talent.

Edinburgh Leisure is also looking for volunteers to help the event run smoothly. With over 1,500 spectators and 500+ participants expected, volunteers are crucial to keeping things on track.

“You don’t need to know anything about gymnastics to help,” Dorothy McQueen shared. “It’s a great opportunity to get involved, whether assisting with registration, helping out in the warm-up area, or guiding guests to their seats. Anyone with time to spare, even part of the day, is welcome!”

Anyone interested should contact Dorothy McQueen – Dorothy.mcqueen@edinburghleisure.co.uk 

Tickets are priced at £5.50 each for spectators aged 5 and over, while under-5s enter for free (though without a reserved seat).

Tickets are available for either the morning or afternoon sessions via Ticket Source – https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/edinburgh-leisure-events

Edinburgh Leisure’s gymnastics programme offers something for everyone, from Baby Nippers for toddlers to more advanced classes for older children in disciplines like general gymnastics, trampolining, acro and display gymnastics. It’s just one of 12 sports offered across 17 venues, all designed to help children improve agility, develop new skills, and grow their confidence.

To find out more about gymnastics classes and coaching opportunities, visit Edinburgh Leisure’s website for inspiration.

https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/activities/coaching

Edinburgh Leisure: One penny, endless possibilities

If you’re ready to embark on a journey towards a healthier, more active lifestyle, there has never been a better time to take the first step with a special promotion at Edinburgh Leisure – just in time to drop a few pounds before the Christmas festivities.

From 25th October to 10th November, you can join any of Edinburgh Leisure’s fitness, climb or golf memberships for a joining fee of just one penny. This limited-time offer is your golden opportunity to experience the benefits of being a part of Edinburgh Leisure.

Their memberships are designed to cater to all fitness levels and interests. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just starting out, they have something for everyone.  The new Evolve Membership at Meadowbank Sports Centre is also included in this offer.

By taking advantage of this offer, you’ll gain access to 50+ venues, including 17 top-notch gyms, 12 swimming pools, 6 golf courses, 1 world-class climbing arena, and sports facilities across the city. Enjoy the flexibility of choosing from over 750 fitness classes each week, including yoga, pilates, spinning, and more.

Their expert trainers are there to support and motivate you every step of the way, ensuring you achieve your fitness goals in a fun and engaging environment. 

And as a member, you can also enjoy additional member benefits like priority bookings, and free gym introduction. There is no contract – and you can freeze or cancel your membership at any time.   

So, wherever you’re at on the map or in life, Edinburgh Leisure has something to suit your needs.

To join online, visit: https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/join-for-one-penny

Edinburgh Leisure launches new Volunteer Strategy

Edinburgh Leisure, the city’s largest provider of sports and leisure services across the Scottish capital has launched a new Volunteer Strategy for 2024-2027.

Volunteers are the heart of Edinburgh Leisure’s Active Communities programme. Their 187 dedicated volunteers make a huge impact, making it possible to deliver over 160 health and wellbeing classes each week, supporting over 12,500 to be active and well.

In 2023-24 Edinburgh Leisure saw a 14% increase in referrals to their Active Communities projects on the previous year (a 41% increase on pre-pandemic levels) demonstrating the growing need and demand for their services.

Next year they need to raise almost £1m in external funding to enable them to continue to deliver the level of support they currently provide and grow their programme to support increasing demand

Stephen Hughes, Volunteer Development Manager at Edinburgh Leisure said: “The new strategy outlines our commitment to growing our volunteer programme over the next three years, with a focus on enhancing the volunteer experience, expanding opportunities to make volunteering accessible to all, and strengthening our ties within the Edinburgh Community.

At Edinburgh Leisure, no matter what role is undertaken as a volunteer, training and support is provided.  While their volunteers support Edinburgh Leisure to help their participants get and stay active, they will support volunteers to get the most out of their time with them, empowering them to make their volunteering experience what they want it to be. 

In June 2018, Edinburgh Leisure’s Ageing Well programme, which promotes healthy lifestyles for older adults, earned the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service (QAVS)—the equivalent to an ‘MBE’ for volunteering. Without their volunteers, many of their initiatives simply wouldn’t exist.  

Earlier in September 2024, the Edinburgh Lord Lieutenant, Robert Aldridge, accompanied by the Deputy Lieutenant, Elaine Aitken, visited the team to see how they had utilised the award, learnt about its benefits for their volunteers and organisation, and discussed their plans for the future.

The new Volunteer Strategy follows hot on the heels of the launch in September 2024 of Edinburgh Leisure’s first Impact Report since 2015.

If you have time on your hands and would be interested in volunteering with Edinburgh Leisure, you can find out more by clicking here or contact: Stephen Hughes, Volunteer Development Manager at Edinburgh Leisure – stephenhughes@edinburghleisure.co.uk

Download the new Volunteer Strategy

Capital marks Challenge Poverty Week

The city council and partners from across the city are marking Challenge Poverty Week.

Running from Monday 7 to Sunday 13 October 2024, Challenge Poverty Week is a national campaign highlighting the challenges people living in poverty are facing and how we can work together to make Scotland a fairer and more equal place to live.

The Edinburgh Tenants Federation held a free event at Norton Park Conference Centre on Monday, featuring stalls, support and guest speakers discussing Edinburgh’s housing emergency.

On Wednesday, End Poverty Edinburgh, a group of people with lived experience of poverty, held their second citizen-led conference at the Grassmarket Community Project, supported by the Council.

This year’s event focused on collective action to combat community exclusion, focusing on child poverty, health and wellbeing,

The Council will publish the results of the city’s latest annual poverty report tomorrow (Friday 11 October).

This report will provide the fourth annual overview on progress made by the Council and partners in response to the calls to action made by the Edinburgh Poverty Commission to end poverty by 2030, and will be considered by members of the Policy and Sustainability Committee later this month (22 October).

Throughout the week, a series of blogs will be shared by the Edinburgh Poverty Commission shining a light on council support and services.

Edinburgh Leisure is also highlighting the help and support it can offer people experiencing barriers to an active lifestyle, including the option of a Get Active Card which provides affordable access to venues for people in receipt of certain benefits.

Council Leader Cammy Day said: “In a thriving Capital city like Edinburgh it is shocking that thousands of people are suffering from low incomes, high living costs and even homelessness.

“That’s why we’ve made it a commitment of this Council to do all that we can with our partners to end poverty. Challenge Poverty Week is an opportunity for us to focus our efforts and make sure people know where to turn to for support.

“We’ve made good progress delivering against the targets set by the Edinburgh Poverty Commission four years ago and we’re looking forward to publishing the results of our annual report later this week.

“The funding and the support we’ve put in place is making a real difference to people’s lives, but the cost of living has risen. We face a housing emergency, and we need to prioritise this work now, more than ever.”

Peter Kelly of The Poverty Alliance said: “We’re very pleased that Edinburgh is marking this year’s Challenge Poverty Week.

“In a rich country like ours, poverty is an injustice that weakens us all as a society. But we can solve it. We can redesign our economy to make sure people have incomes that are adequate enough to live a life with freedom and dignity.”

More information about events taking place across Edinburgh can be found on Eventbrite. Information, advice and support for residents experiencing or at risk of poverty can be found on the Council’s cost of living webpages.

Helping people experiencing poverty to live active healthy lives

As the UK gets ready for Challenge Poverty Week (Monday 7th October to Sunday 13 October), Edinburgh Leisure, the largest provider of sports and leisure facilities across the city, is working in local communities to support more people living in poverty and affected by inequalities to be active and well.

Poverty and poor health are inextricably linked. Despite Edinburgh being one of the wealthiest cities in the UK, Edinburgh faces some of the greatest levels of inequality. 

The Edinburgh Poverty Commission estimates that almost 82,000 people are living in poverty. And in terms of life expectancy, a person born in an affluent part of Edinburgh can expect to live 14 years longer, than somebody living in a poorer area.

Forty-three percent of adults living in the most deprived communities in Scotland do not meet the recommended amount of physical activity compared with twenty-seven percent of adults living in the least deprived areas.

Helen Macfarlane, Director of Wellbeing at Edinburgh Leisure said: “Being active is one of the best things we can do for our health, wellbeing, and quality of life. Yet many people living in poverty can face barriers to being active, such as cost, lack of confidence and knowledge of what support is available. 

“As part of Challenge Poverty Week, we’re aware there are many people experiencing poverty or health inequalities that don’t know about the help and support Edinburgh Leisure can give them.

“We’d like to raise awareness of our £10 Get Active card so that more adults experiencing poverty enjoy the life-changing benefits of being active with us.  If you know someone who is receiving benefits, they may be eligible for a £10 Get Active Card, which offers off-peak access to Edinburgh Leisure facilities.”

Edinburgh Leisure’s target is to attract 250 new Get Active Card holders across their venues in October. They currently sell around 600 passes each month.

People in receipt of the following benefits are eligible for a Get Active Card:

  • Universal Credit
  • Income support
  • Job seekers allowance
  • Guaranteed pension credit
  • Employment Support Allowance (ESA)

A Get Active Card offers off-peak access to all Edinburgh Leisure gyms and gym classes; swimming, saunas and steam rooms; and group fitness classes. No joining fees are payable, there is no monthly subscription, and people can pay when they can.

If eligible visit a local Edinburgh Leisure venue and speak to one of Edinburgh Leisure’s Welcome Hosts to sign up or top up your card whenever you want to be active.

https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/get-active-card

Edinburgh Leisure Membership Offer – Enjoy one month free of soft play

Unlock your key to unlimited soft play


Keep the kids entertained while developing their sense of balance, stimulating their mind and encouraging an active lifestyle with the latest Edinburgh Leisure Young Explorer soft play membership.

For new customers signing up to become a member in October 2024, December is completely free. And for existing members referring a friend, if their friends join, the existing member will also receive a free month in December.

From only £18.99* per month, the Young Explorer Soft Play Membership offers incredible value, fantastic flexibility and of course, will keep little ones entertained and burning off energy as they explore the soft plays.

Little adventurers can visit as many times as they wish, enjoying unlimited fun at any of Edinburgh Leisure’s three soft play venues across the city at Clambers at the Royal Commonwealth Pool, Tumbles at Portobello, and Scrambles at EICA: Ratho.

Edinburgh Leisure’s play frames are suitable for children up to ten years old and there are frames for babies, toddlers, and juniors up to 10 years.  Each venue has a Café Refresh offering healthy snacks and tasty treats.

With great member benefits, the Edinburgh Leisure soft play is only available to buy online.

https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/softplaycampaign

Be quick off the mark to experience Edinburgh’s newest hybrid gym and Hyrox training club

Edinburgh Leisure, the biggest sports and leisure provider across the city, is revolutionising the fitness arena with the opening of a new hybrid gym and official Hyrox Affiliate Training Club in Edinburgh.

The global phenomenon of Hyrox, the fitness competition that’s sweeping the globe, has played a part in the increasing popularity of hybrid training, and Edinburgh Leisure will be the first leisure trust affiliated with Hyrox and will have classes for those new to Hyrox as well as for experienced Hyroxers and fitness enthusiasts.

Set to open at Meadowbank Sports Centre on 14th October, Evolve Meadowbank will feature all the equipment, training and classes required to train towards hybrid competitions such as Hyrox and Deadly Dozen, and to reach your fitness goals.

This new gym area will be a fully timetabled space with two different training methods. It will include coach-led, class-based sessions including Hyrox and Strength & Conditioning style classes or open gym sessions for following one’s own workout plan which is not coach-led. The timetable will be available on the app and online and bookings are made via the Edinburgh Leisure website or app.

Ally Strachan, Fitness Development Manager at Edinburgh Leisure said: “This is an exciting development in Edinburgh Leisure’s fitness offering. We will be one of the first leisure trust in the UK to offer such an experience.

“Our new Evolve Meadowbank will be the ultimate destination for fitness enthusiasts seeking a dynamic and inclusive environment whether it’s to improve their overall fitness, prepare for a competition, or simply try something new.

“We’ll be offering a unique blend of traditional hybrid gym equipment, and specialised Hyrox training programmes designed to elevate the workout experience.

“To celebrate the opening of our hybrid gym, we are offering free trial classes from 7th-13th October to members and non-members, available to book from TODAY Friday, 27th September.

“The trial classes are the perfect opportunity to explore our facility, meet our coaches, and experience the unique benefits of hybrid training at no cost.

“Spaces are limited and booking is advisable. Head to the Edinburgh Leisure website or app to book. Look for the Evolve Gym Bookings tile on the Meadowbank venue page.”

The classes on offer will include Hyrox Training classes and Beginner Hyrox sessions for those looking to learn more about the fitness craze that has gripped the nation.

The Evolve Meadowbank membership is separate from Edinburgh Leisure’s current fitness offering. For new members, the Evolve Membership, will cost £59.99 per month, It gives unlimited access to Edinburgh Leisure’s new state of the art hybrid gym facilities at Meadowbank Sports Centre; full access to all the official Hyrox training equipment including Sled Track, Concept 2 Ski and Row Ergs, Wall Balls and a bespoke rig; new and exclusive Evolve Cardio and Hybrid fitness classes; specialised Hyrox training classes; and access to Meadowbank’s leading indoor and outdoor athletics tracks for further training, subject to availability.

For current members of Edinburgh Leisure, a bolt-on is available to buy for an additional £39.99 per month to their existing membership.

Limited memberships will be available to ensure a personalised and high-quality experience for all members.  Memberships are available to be bought from Friday, 27th September. 

Evolve Meadowbank officially opens on Monday, 14th October with session and class bookings going live from Saturday, 4th October at 9 pm.

All sessions and classes are bookable, with the Evolve gym open every day at varying times to accommodate different schedules.

www.edinburghleisure.co.uk

Edinburgh Leisure: Fit for the Future

EDIINBURGH LEISURE RELEASES IMPACT REPORT

Edinburgh Leisure, the city’s largest provider of sports and leisure services across the Scottish capital, has launched its first Impact Report since 2015.

Edinburgh Leisure’s 2023-2024 Impact Report highlights key achievements in line with its strategic goals. Notable successes include a significant increase in customer visits, now surpassing 5.6 million annually, and the growth of their Active Communities programmes, which have supported over 12,500 individuals.

The leisure trust provided sports coaching to over 13,000 adults and children across nine disciplines, including swimming – an essential life skill. The reopening of the historic Warrender Swim Centre marked a milestone, with the facility known for producing elite swimmers.

Edinburgh Leisure hosted major events, including the 2023 Scottish Open Snooker Tournament, and brought back its swimming galas post-pandemic. All of this achieved with the combined efforts of their employees, partners, volunteers and supporters, all of whom help Edinburgh Leisure inspire the city to be active.

Jen Holland, CEO of Edinburgh Leisure, who joined the organisation in March 2024, said: “As custodians of the City of Edinburgh Council’s sport and leisure estate, Edinburgh Leisure looks after an incredible range of sites and venues throughout the city.

“This is not without its challenges, and this year we have faced extreme pressure on our budget, but we remain committed to improving the physical and mental wellbeing of the city.

“Edinburgh Leisure is addressing the growing need for affordable physical activity in the city by providing services at reduced or no cost to those facing barriers to leading active lives.

“By working closely with our partners, including the City of Edinburgh Council, the NHS, and voluntary organisations such as Paths for All and Alzheimer’s Scotland, Edinburgh Leisure is helping to reduce the social and economic costs of ill health and inactivity. As demand for our services increases and economic pressures on the health sector mount, these partnerships remain vital.

“Through collaboration, we continue to align with national and regional goals, promoting sport, physical activity, health, and inclusion across the city.

“This year we have started developing our 5-year strategic plan, ensuring we listen to our customers and are aligned with our partners’ strategies to meet the needs of the city and to be ‘Fit for the Future’.”

Edinburgh Leisure is part of a network of charities operating with a social conscience, delivering social good when providing public leisure services.

Their core business isn’t about making profit, it is about purpose – helping people first. They’re about supporting society to get healthier and happier, employing local people, creating safe spaces for everybody, connecting communities, working towards net zero and supporting people with quality health and wellbeing services for everybody regardless of age or ability.

Edinburgh Leisure provide activities for everyone as they move through their lives, supporting as many people as possible to feel as good as possible.

The Impact Report is available to download in PDF format on the Edinburgh Leisure website. https://bit.ly/3ZjFr6Q

ELImpactReport202324A4Version1Download

Edinburgh Leisure launches new pop-up exhibition as part of Edinburgh 900

The City of Leisure through the lens of Edinburgh Leisure

As part of the Edinburgh 900 celebrations, Edinburgh Leisure, the largest sports and leisure facilities provider across the city will be launching a new pop-up exhibition on Monday 30 September at the Royal Commonwealth Pool.

Celebrate Edinburgh’s legacy of health and fitness and discover how Edinburgh Leisure continues to inspire and support active lifestyles across the city.

The ‘Your Health is for Life’ exhibition will focus on one of the ten themes of Edinburgh 900, ‘the City of Leisure’ through the lens of Edinburgh Leisure.

It will showcase the vital role Edinburgh Leisure has played in promoting active lifestyles for the past 26 years and generations before, and the history of pools in Edinburgh, including a 2005 film by Sitar Rose and Karen Chambers, ‘Liquid Paradise’, which captures the unique atmosphere of the Victorian Warrender Swim Centre.

The free exhibition can be viewed in the foyer and café area of the Royal Commonwealth Pool and will complement the existing display which celebrated the Commie’s 50th anniversary in January 2020.

Free Sporting Memories reminiscence event

On what is also National Sporting Heritage Day, as part of the celebrations, Edinburgh Leisure’s Active Communities in association with the Sporting Memories Foundation, will be hosting a free, one-off event at the Royal Commonwealth Pool themed around memories of the Commie pool and their five Victorian pools.

It will be a fun and friendly session to talk and reminisce with older sports fans over a cuppa. Taking place on Monday 30 September 2024 from 10.30am – 12.00 noon in the Sir Peter Heatly Room at the Royal Commonwealth Pool, 21 Dalkeith Road.

The event is open to anyone, including people living with dementia and their carers. Booking is not required but registering your interest to attend is recommended by emailing: samscott@edinburghleisure.co.uk.

Kerry Teakle, Project Lead for Edinburgh 900 at Edinburgh Leisure said: “Timed perfectly to coincide with Sporting Heritage Day on 30th September, we hope the new exhibition will spark conversations across multi generations about the rich heritage across our sporting estate.

“The exhibition will also highlight Edinburgh Leisure’s ongoing vision to make a positive difference to communities by creating opportunities for everyone in Edinburgh get active, stay active and achieve more.”

A4 Poster_Edin900_Sporting Memories EventDownload