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.
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.
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
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.”
Encourage your pre-school child to get active from an early age by signing them up for Play & Try coached activities.
As the largest provider of sport and leisure facilities across the city, Edinburgh Leisure is well-placed to encourage your child to reach their full potential, help them build confidence, learn skills, and meet friends at the city’s largest sports and leisure provider.
Edinburgh Leisure is offering a taster week from 13th – 19th September where new and existing customers can come and try coached activities for under 5s for £3.00 per session. Tailored for little ones, from babies to pre-schoolers, these fun and engaging sessions are all about having a blast while exploring the first steps into various sports.
Classes include Gym and Jump, Gym Nippers, Swim Baby, Swim Nippers, Swim Toddler, Pre-School Dry Dive Gym, Jump Into Sport, Football Mini Kickers and Kick Starters. Sessions will be offered at Ainslie Park, Drumbrae, Gracemount, Kirkliston and the Royal Commonwealth Pool and are suitable for babies and toddlers.
For those that loved the taster sessions, parents can sign up their child/children for a coaching course at the venue on the same day, with the September fee waived.*
Wherever you’re at on the map or in life, Edinburgh Leisure is here to help the people of Edinburgh enjoy a healthier, happier, and more active life. And it’s never too early to start.
As National Fitness Day approaches on September 18th, themed ‘Your Health is for Life,’ there’s no better time to jumpstart your fitness routine. Whether you’re seeking a cost-effective option or simply a change of scenery, Edinburgh Leisure’s latest membership campaign is here to support you.
With unlimited access to gyms, pools, fitness classes, and climbing facilities, Edinburgh Leisure has everything you need to build a healthier lifestyle.
Running from September 1st to 30th 2024, new members can take advantage of a special no-joining-fee offer, saving up to £35. Enjoy additional member benefits including priority bookings, free gym introduction and 1:1 Instructor sessions.
And unlike many other providers, there are no contracts – with the ability to freeze or cancel your membership.
This offer applies to golf, gym, swim, fitness class, and climb memberships, with flexible monthly options to fit any budget: Golf (from £46.00), Gym (£39.99), Swim (£45.99), Fitness Class (£45.99), Climb (£54.50), and Full Fitness (£59.99). The offer excludes soft play, and junior fitness memberships. Memberships can be conveniently purchased online (terms and conditions apply).
To make the journey even more enjoyable, Edinburgh Leisure is introducing ‘Free Friend Fridays’ throughout the campaign. On the 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th of September, members can bring a friend along for free, so they too can try before they buy, allowing them to experience Edinburgh Leisure’s facilities before committing to a membership.
Additionally, Edinburgh Leisure’s friendly and experienced gym staff are available at no extra cost to help members develop and review personalised fitness programs, ensuring everyone receives the support they need, regardless of their fitness journey.
With 17 gyms, 12 swimming pools, over 750 fitness classes per week and the biggest climbing arena in Europe, Edinburgh Leisure has something wherever you’re at on the map or in life.
In a celebration of the 100th release of BodyCombat™, Edinburgh Leisure is hosting a day dedicated to this popular workout, loved by many across the city.
Being held on 21st September at Edinburgh Leisure’s Meadowbank Sports Centre from 9.30-11.30 am, entry is free for members or just £5 for non-members.
BodyCombat is a workout combining multiple martial arts disciplines set to music which appeals to all ages and abilities as it is incredibly adaptable to the individuals’ fitness level. One of the oldest and most popular fitness class programmes, it comes sixth in popularity behind BodyPump, RPM, Aquafit, Yoga and Pilates.
Alex Smith, Fitness Class Manager at Edinburgh Leisure said: “Last year Edinburgh Leisure hosted 400,000 BodyCombatters across the city and we want to celebrate their commitment to the programme. Even if you’re new to BodyCombat, come along and give it a try to master the moves and feel the movement.”
BodyCombat is available at Ainslie Park Leisure Centre, Drumbrae Leisure Centre, Craiglockhart Leisure Centre, Leith Victoria Swim Centre, Meadowbank Swim Centre, Royal Commonwealth Pool, Gracemount Leisure Centre, Glenogle Swim Centre, Portobello Swim Centre and Kirkliston Leisure Centre.
Spaces are limited so make sure you book your place now online or via the Edinburgh Leisure app.
Inspired by the Paris 2024 Olympics, St James Quarter in partnership with Edinburgh Leisure is inviting guests to ‘get active’ from 26 July—11 August, with a whole host of sporting festivities and special guests, as it launches its ‘Festival of Sport’ right in the heart of the city.
Spectators can visit the Fanzone on Level 5 at St James Quarter to cheer on their favourite athletes from the comfort of the Quarter’s rooftop bar, with captivating views of Edinburgh’s historic Calton Hill.
As the official Team GB Fanzone in Scotland, St James Quarter will be showing all the live action from the Olympics in Paris on a giant screen, delivered in partnership with Ocean Outdoor.
As part of the two-week-long Festival of Sport, St James Quarter, in partnership with Edinburgh Leisure, is hosting a range of free fitness activities to inspire guests to get active and move more. From Pilates to Body Combat, Hatton Boxing to Musical Theatre Fitness, there’s something for everyone to get into the spirit of the Games, including family friendly classes.
Alex Smith, Fitness Class Manager at Edinburgh Leisure said: “Edinburgh Leisure is a charity helping people be active. Managing over 50 sports, leisure and schools facilities across the city, we are committed to creating opportunities for everyone to get active and stay active.
“This is an exciting partnership and a great opportunity to showcase what Edinburgh Leisure is about. Wherever you’re at on the map or in life, Edinburgh Leisure has something for everyone. Come along and book in for some of the fitness classes on offer and get a taste of what we’re all about.”
The Edinburgh Leisure team is looking forward to cheering on three of their own colleagues who have headed to Paris to represent diving at the Olympics.
Performance Dive Coach – Jen Leeming, who has been working for Edinburgh Leisure for 12 years developing the diving programme, is attending with Team Jamaica, having coached Edinburgh Leisure Dive Coach, Yona Knight-Wisdom, who is representing his country. Meanwhile, Dive Specialist Vicki Tomlinson will represent GB as a diving judge.
Three of Edinburgh Leisure’s staff are heading to Paris representing diving at this year’s Olympics.
Performance Dive Coach Jen Leeming, who has been working for Edinburgh Leisure for 12 years developing the diving programme, will be attending the 2024 Olympics with Team Jamaica, having coached Edinburgh Leisure Dive Coach, Yona Knight-Wisdom, who is representing his country. Meanwhile, Dive Specialist Vicki Tomlinson will be representing GB as a diving judge.
This will be Jen’s second Olympics Games, but third with Edinburgh divers competing at the Games. In 2016 she coached ex-Edinburgh diver Grace Reid to the 2016 Rio Olympic 3m final but was unable to attend as coach. Then, in 2021 Jen supported Edinburgh Diver James Heatly to the Olympic 3m final in Tokyo. Jen and Yona will be travelling out on 23rd July to Paris.
Jen Leeming said: “For Edinburgh to produce three Olympians over 8 years is amazing and really demonstrates the progress and excellent facilities and coaching in Edinburgh.
“Yona is an extremely professional athlete who demonstrates a high-level of consistency day in, day out. Yona is a true role model for all divers in Edinburgh and Great Britain. We are very lucky to have him as an athlete and coach in our programme.”
Born, raised and educated in Leeds, Yona Knight-Wisdom started diving at 9 years old in 2004, deciding to represent his father’s nation of Jamaica in 2011. He graduated from Leeds Beckett in 2016 with a degree in sports science, and also started coaching diving in 2013.
Yona night-Wisdom moved to Edinburgh in 2018 solely to continue his pursuit of diving at the highest level. Yona Knight-Wisdom says: “Jen was the main reason for choosing to move to Edinburgh and it turned out to be the best choice as she was key in getting me to Tokyo and now to Paris.
“Jen was a coach in Leeds when I started diving so she already knew me well and I knew she’d be a great coach for me. As she is about to start a new non-coaching role with Aquatics GB, I’m excited that I’ve given her the opportunity to finish this part of her coaching career at the highest level.
“I needed a job up here and coaching was perfect for me and I have been working with Edinburgh Leisure since 2019. Currently coaching a talent development squad, I have four divers going to compete at the upcoming national age groups.”
Paris will be Yona’s third games after Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020. He has won silver medals at the 2016 World Cup and 2019 Pan Am Games as well as at two Grand Prix events. He currently trains 11 sessions over six days of the week which comes up to about 25 hours of training, and also coaches a squad five days a week.
Vicki Tomlinson who has worked for Edinburgh Leisure as a dive co-ordinator at the Royal Commonwealth Pool since 2008, will be representing GB as a coach.
Vicki Tomlinson (centre) says: “Like Jen and Yona, I’m also from Leeds. I started judging ‘professionally’ back in 2017 and I really do have a lot of thanks to give to Edinburgh Leisure for their support, who put me through the World Aquatic Judging School, which was the start of everything for me.
“I wasn’t even thinking of Olympics at the time –it was more of a hobby and a chance to see elite level diving and bring back the knowledge I learned to my role back in Edinburgh. It was only really in the last year that my Olympic dream became more of a reality when I was selected for the World Championships in Fukuoka, Japan, as well as other world level events in Doha, Berlin, Monreal and Xian. It’s been a crazy busy year but I’ve loved every minute.
Tomlinson found out about her Olympic selection in March having made it into the top 10 European judges and she goes to Paris for two weeks from July 24th.
This will be her first Olympic Games. She has yet to receive her judging schedule but it’s likely a variety of springboard, platform and synchronised events.
Five divers from Team Canada – Margo Erlam (Calgary, Alta), Caeli McKay (Calgary), Kate Miller (Ottawa), Rylan Wiens (Saskatoon) Nathan Zsombor-Murray (Pointe-Claire ) have also been making use of the diving facilities at the Royal Commonwealth Pool, and have been training alongside Edinburgh Leisure’s diving performance squad, before heading to Paris to compete.
Edinburgh was their main choice due to the facilities and being in a great city with opportunities for the divers to relax outside of training.
For those that fancy themselves as a Tom Daley, James Heatly, Grace Reid or indeed Yona Knight-Wisdom, Edinburgh Leisure has a diving pool at the Royal Commonwealth Pool, complete with a dedicated Dry Dive Area with trampolines and harnesses.
Their diving programme follows the National Diving Award Scheme with classes to suit beginners right through to those at a competitive level.
Alongside their diving classes, Edinburgh Leisure offer a range of public diving sessions, which allow you to come along and try out or practice your diving skills. These sessions do not need to be pre-booked, simply check out the online timetable for session information and go along.
For more information on dive coaching at Edinburgh Leisure, visit:
Tennis fever may be over but as the world hots up for the next big sporting occasion, Paris 2024, Edinburgh Leisure is encouraging kids to go for gold this summer with their own mini-games challenge.
Featuring a variety of kids and family summer activities including AquaDash, Clip n’ Climb, soft play, Come & Try Coaching sessions, Holiday Camp & Coaching programme, racquet sports and more, kids are being encouraged to try as many activities as possible to complete a Game Card, which will be entered into a prize draw for some amazing prizes.
Go for Gold Game cards can be picked up from any participating Edinburgh Leisure venue. Each game card has a 5 x 5 grid of activities. Once an activity is completed, children will receive a bespoke gold sticker to fill their card. After completing at least one activity from each column, the finished card can be submitted at any participating venue to enter a prize draw.
The prize draw will take place during the week commencing 19 August.
*There will be three winners who can choose from a choice of:
Soft play membership for one month for up to 2 children
Clip ‘n Climb for 2 children or 1 adult and 1 child
Aquadash for 2
1-1 35-minute dive lesson with European Junior Athlete
Angela McGowan, Edinburgh Leisure’s Coaching Programme Manager said: “Few of us will ever be Olympians, but we know that keeping active is good for everyone and our Go For Gold summer mini games is Edinburgh Leisure’s way of encouraging kids to get the active habit in a fun and sociable way during the summer holidays, while encouraging kids to achieve their own medal.”
The Go For Gold promotion will run at most Edinburgh Leisure venues from 15 July – 11 August 2024.
