Edinburgh has a host of martial arts clubs to choose from. Edinburgh University has several well…read moreknown societies including a tournament winning Karate team, and Leith has its own mixed martial arts champion, Rick Young. But it's Yee's Hung Ga school that I believe offers one of the best martial arts experiences, not only in Edinburgh, but in the country. Yee's Hung Ga is an organisation with several Kung Fu schools, most of which are in America, but also another in Aberdeen. Yee, if you are wondering, refers to Yee Chi Wai, grandmaster of the school. Each school offers the authentic experience of learning one of China's most famous Kung Fu styles. Hung Ga is a southern Chinese martial art that focuses on devastating and powerful close range techniques and low hard stance training and is famously associated with the Chinese folk hero Wong Fei Hung. As a child I, like so many, was in awe of martial arts I saw in films, games and comic books. I won't deny the cliche, I was part inspired by Bruce Lee and other Kung Fu stars. Early on I tried a few classes of Judo which turned out not to be for me. I then joined a Karate school which I enjoyed much more but unfortunately closed down not long after. It wasn't until much later when I spent a few months studying in London, where I joined a Kung Fu school for a short time, that I was truly impressed, and knew I had to continue with the arts in some form. After moving back to Edinburgh I sought out another Kung Fu school, which led me to Yee's Hung Ga. Yee's Hung Ga is particularly effective in not just teaching you flowery fists and embroidery kicks, but genuinely effective self defence techniques, in both physical execution of moves but also the necessary mind set. But it's not all about learning to fight and defend. There are also more peaceful , some might say spiritual aspects to the art. A good part of each class is taken up with traditional Chinese Qi Gong, which at the very least helps you to relax. These aspects of the class are not just geared toward keeping a composed mind during training, but also for everyday life. At the moment classes are taught in the Methodist Central Hall by Tollcross, however plans are in the work to soon move to a new dedicated venue nearby. Currently classes are taught three days a week, with beginners able to attend one class on each of those days, all starting at 19:00 and lasting an hour. Monday's class focuses on form training, Wednesday drilling sessions and sparring, Friday is applications and slow sparring. More details can be found on the excellent new website along with more contact details. Look out for updates on this review or on the website when the school moves to the new location. Anyone can come and try classes out. All ages, all abilities, whether you've trained in other arts before or not. Expect the class to be tough. Expect to train hard. But that's not to say you won't be welcome. Far from it. Each person is simply expected to try their hardest, to the best of their ability at the time, and to progress at their own level. There is no competition here. One of the things that attracted me to this school was the seriousness of attitude, complemented by a feeling of family and camaraderie, as opposed to the macho or flippant attitude unfortunately found in some other schools. Yee's Hung Ga Edinburgh branch offers a chance to experience genuine Kung Fu in a great atmosphere. If you are thinking of taking up a martial art, there's no harm in giving this school a change. To give you an extra push, the first class is free!

It is hard enough to find a good martial arts class in the UK ordinarily, but to find a good…read moreChinese martial art class, in a sea of Japanese, is even more difficult. Yee's Hung Ga, is an intense, profesionally taught class that runs three times a week. Hung Ga is an old southern Chinese style that blends both external and internal and is known for its deep stance training. This takes the form of Qigong, a combination of movement and breathing techniques that helps not only in the art but everyday life; and more pratical and applicable self defence. Each lesson a week focuses on a different aspect of the art but always involves Qigong.The lessons can be physically intense, but all that is to be expected of you is to try your best and train hard. The cost of lessons is average for martial arts (perhaps below average if you take the quality of teaching into accont) and the first lesson is free. A profound, expertedly taught martial art that helps you make the most of your body and mind, both in lesson and in the greater context of your life.

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

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.

There are many gyms in the city but I think this is one of the best. I have found many are very…read morecramped and at the Edge there is no such thing as queuing for machines or time limits on your use of them. What I especially like about this gym is that there is always at least one member of staff on hand to ask questions if needed and they build you a personalised plan of exercise based on what you hope to achieve. At first I was nervous about this but the staff built me a plan that wasnt too difficult to stick to. The facility also has a pool and jacuzzi and runs a lot of classes, they also do client incentives such as prizes for high attendance. This is nice because it feels as though they want you to succeed unlike some of the bigger chains who just seem to want your money. The only downside to the Edge is that it is quite far out of the city centre but it would be ideal if you work at the Gyle or Edinburgh Park.

This is a well equipped gym for all shapes and sizes. You won't feel out of place here no matter…read morewhat age you are. There are regulars who are 70 years + and those at various stages in their journey to get fit/lose weight/be healthy. I have been a member now for over a year. The membership fee is extremely reasonable at £30 a month basic and £36 a month for 6 weekly reviews with a personal trainer. They have up-to-date exercise machines and use new technology such as the amazing and addictive vibro-gym to offer a wide variety of exercises to challenge your body. There are a number of different classes you can attend which are included in your membership fee. Non-members can attend these on a limited basis on a pay as you go basis. Classes such as body balance (yoga and pilates mixed together), spin, body combat, body attack, box a fit and many more are all there to give you a bit of everything. It's recently started opening at 6am so that people can get a full workout before a day's work. There are showers and locker facilities as well as a sauna in each gender's changing room. The staff are extremely friendly and supportive, always ready to give advice. The best thing is that this place has a good atmosphere. There are LCD screens on the walls and on some of the exercise machines which show different channels. You can plug your ear phones into the machine and watch eastenders whilst you run 5 miles if that's what takes your fancy. Definitely good value for your money.

DISCLAIMER: I'm on the committee, I do not receive any money for doing this, it's purely a…read morevoluntary role. I've been going to Edinbop's dancing lessons since March 2012, and it's great fun. Tuesdays are Blues-days, which although a dance I've yet to try does have its hardcore devotees. It's a very intimate dance, which isn't my kind of thing personally but might be yours! Lessons are on Tuesdays from 7pm at the Newsroom, Leith Street. Wednesdays mean Shoe Swing. From 7pm, there are Lindy Hop and Balboa lessons on at the Counting House, West Nicolson Street. I love Lindy Hop, if you think of 'swing dancing' then Lindy is what you're picturing. Balboa is a closer, more shuffly dance which can be great for dancing to very fast music if your Lindy feet can't keep up. One lesson is £5.50 (£4.50 concessions), and two is £10. Included in your price is admittance to the weekly social that takes place after lessons on Wednesdays. DJs spin some swinging tunes, and everyone has fun! Occasionally there's a live band, and every week there's a guest DJ slot from someone in the community. So if you do show up, ask me for a dance, yeah?

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.

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!