Boost Your Mood
Keeping active is not only vital for your physical health but can boost your mood, making you happier and healthier, and is one of the five steps that evidence shows we can take to improve our mental wellbeing. We're encouraging our whole community to get active and try some of the other steps too.
| 1. Connect |
4. Give to others |
| 2. Be active | 5. Take notice |
| 3. Keep learning |
30-day University of Edinburgh student gym, class, swim and 30-day climb memberships
Our 30-day student gym, class, swim and a 30-day climbing membership for University of Edinburgh students are now available.
Free entry weekend for students and staff
We're offering University of Edinburgh students and staff the opportunity to get active at our gyms for free.
- Easter Bush Gym - Thursday 25 and Friday 26 April 2024
- Roped Climbing and the Gym at the Pleasance - Thursday 25 to Sunday 28 April 2024
Opportunities to be active and connect
Being active and building connections with people around you will support and enrich you every day. Here are some of the opportunities we have coming up where you can get active and connect with our community.
Outdoor bootcamps
Twice a week for 5 weeks (Tuesday and Thursday) from Tuesday 23 April.
Our bootcamps are a one-of-a-kind workout which take place in a unique outdoor setting and are suitable for all ability levels!
Social Runs
Taking place at on Central and Kings Buildings Campus.
Get social and active with our friendly, fun and free social jogging sessions!
Find out more about our Social Run sessions
Feel Good Walks
Taking place at on Central and Kings Buildings Campus.
University of Edinburgh staff and students are invited to come along for a lunchtime Feel Good walk to help boost your mood.
Find out more about our Feel Good Walks
Just Play Sessions
Taking place at the Pleasance
Sport and physical activity can help us feel happier, healthier and more connected, so why not join us at our just play sport sessions?
Our Just Play sport sessions are open to all students and staff at the university and are an opportunity to try a new sport, get active and make new friends. Plus, they’re FREE!
Sessions will be suitable for all abilities.
- Friday 5 April - Just Play Volleyball at the Pleasance
- Friday 12 April - Just Play Climbing at the Pleasance
- Friday 12 April - Just Play Basketball at the Pleasance
- Monday 15 April - Just Play Pickleball at the Pleasance
Find out more about Just Play sessions
Sports Union Club Stressbuster Sessions
Stressbuster sessions are free opportunities to play some casual sport whilst de-stressing and taking your mind off upcoming deadlines. All sessions are open to anyone including non-club members.
Further booking information available soon.
Opportunities to take notice and keep learning
Being aware of the world around you and what you are feeling, and reflecting on your experiences can help you appreciate what matters and learning new things can help with your confidence as well as being fun. We have lots of opportunities to try something new.
RLSS UK National Pool Lifeguard Qualification course
Monday 8 to Saturday 13 April from 8:30am to 5:30pm each day.
The RLSS UK National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) is the most awarded lifeguard qualification in the United Kingdom and Ireland and is also internationally recognised. The NPLQ is an excellent starting point for anyone looking for a career in the leisure industry.
Find out more about our RLSS lifeguard course
Learn to lift
One session a week for 5 weeks from Sunday 28 April.
Learn how to squat, bench press, deadlift, row and press with the correct technique.
Find out more about our Learn to Lift workshop
Learn to lift for Women
One session a week for 5 weeks from Sunday 28 April.
Learn how to squat, bench press, deadlift, row and press with the correct technique.
Find out more about our Learn to Lift for Women workshop
Yoga (Hatha and Vinyasa Flow)
One session a week for 5 weeks, from Tuesday 23 April at the Pleasance, and from Wednesday 24 April at Kings Buildings.
Our yoga workshops are suitable for all levels and those looking to improve their yoga skills.
Find out more about our Yoga workshops at the Pleasance and at Kings Buildings
Firbush Courses
Friday 17 to Sunday 19 May 2024 - Paddle Sport Skills, RYA Start Windsurfing, RYA Dinghy Sailing Level 1 or RYA Dinghy Sailing Level 2.
Are you looking to develop skills in new a sport or progress from your current level in a chosen area? Join us for our skills course weekend in May and choose the course that suits you! The courses will run from Friday evening to Sunday afternoon and are full board with accommodation in the main building. You will have access to our drying room and bar area. All the courses are delivered by our qualified instructors and may include some theoretical sessions in the evenings.
Opportunities to give to others
Doing something nice for a friend or stranger, or volunteering for a larger cause, can have a huge impact on other people, as well as helping you in looking after your wellbeing.
The Big Dig Clean Up 2024
Tuesday 16 April, 11:00 - 13:00, Easter Bush Campus
Join our Active Lives team as they conduct some 'clean up' tasks for trees planted as part of the Big Dig project.
- Removal of all canes & shields
- Re-soiling the trees
- Removing weeds
Please contact the active.lives@ed.ac.uk team if you would like to take part in this event.
Sign up for a sponsored event or challenge
Discover what challenges you can take part in with the University