Sport & Exercise

Give it a Go - get active this January

Regular exercise is key to maintaining physical and mental wellbeing. This January we're encouraging our whole community to get active. 

Give-the-gym-a-go: University of Edinburgh Staff

Free gym entry for University staff

  • Pleasance Gym: Wednesday 3 to Sunday 7 January 
  • Easter Bush Gym: Wednesday 3 to Friday 5 January

Further details

Terms and conditions

Users must agree to the terms and conditions of use. Sport & Exercise reserves the right to amend or withdraw this offer at any time. Our standard terms of use apply. The offer does not include the use of St Leonard's Land Swimming Pool. The offer does not include squash court or any other activity hire.

Give-the-gym-a-go: University of Edinburgh Students

Free gym entry for University students

  • Pleasance Gym: Thursday 11 to Sunday 14 January 
  • Easter Bush Gym: Thursday 11 and Friday 12 January

Further details

Terms and conditions

Users must agree to the terms and conditions of use. Sport & Exercise reserves the right to amend or withdraw this offer at any time. Our standard terms of use apply. The offer does not include the use of St Leonard's Land Swimming Pool. The offer does not include squash court or any other activity hire.

Give-climbing-a-go

Free roped climbing taster sessions for University students and staff

  • Thursday 11 and Friday 12 January:  14:00, 14:30, 15:00, 15:30, 16:00 and 16:30
  • Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 January: 14:15, 14;45, 15:15 and 15:45

Book your place on MyEd - search for Climbing in the training and event section

Further details

  • Equipment will be provided 
  • You'll be asked to sign in, confirm your details and accept the terms and conditions of use.

Terms and conditions

  • Users must agree to the terms and conditions of use. Sport & Exercise reserves the right to amend or withdraw this offer at any time. Our standard terms of use apply. The offer does not include the use of the bouldering wall.​​​​​​

Welcome back to Edinburgh 5km

Free Active Lives running session for University students and staff

Join Active Lives run leaders to explore the cobbled and historic streets of Edinburgh, whilst being active alongside fellow students and friends at the University.

Further details

The exciting running route will pass many iconic sights of the capital city - The Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, Greyfriars Bobby, The Meadows, and Arthurs Seat.

  • Monday 15 January at 12pm
  • Start point - Meet leaders outside Pleasance Gym. 46 Pleasance, Edinburgh EH8 9TJ
  • Distance - 5km
  • Terrain - Cobbled streets, pavements, undulated underfoot
  • Finish point - Outside Pleasance Gym, 46 Pleasance, Edinburgh EH8 9TJ
  • Book your place on MyEd - search for Taster - Welcome back to Edinburgh 5km - Active Lives Running Session

Further details

Important - This running session is not suitable for complete beginners. The pace will be adapted to suit the group, aiming for a comfortable pace to allow runners to talk amongst themselves. Some running experience is required. You may wish to bring a water bottle along.

Please come ready to run, wearing suitable running footwear and clothing. Please don't bring any bags or laptops, as we can't offer any storage for this event.

Just Play Sport sessions at the Pleasance Sports Complex & Gym 

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! All sessions will provide students the chance to play some fun sport and a coach will be present to lead the session. Sessions will be suitable for all abilities.

Free Active Lives basketball session

  • Monday 15 January from 11am to 12pm
  • This session will be Basketball
  • Meet - Pleasance Sports Complex & Gym (Central Area)
  • Book your place on MyEd - search for Taster Session - Active Lives Just Play Sport - Basketball 

Free Active Lives Pickleball session

  • Friday 19 January from 4pm to 5pm
  • This session will be Pickleball
  • Meet - Pleasance Sports Complex & Gym (Central Area)
  • Book your place on MyEd - search for Taster Session - Active Lives Just Play Sport - Pickleball 

What to bring

A pair of comfy trainers, a water bottle and a smile. Please wear suitable active clothing.

Welcome back to Edinburgh - Feel Good Walk

Free Active Lives feel good walk for University students and staff (central campus)

Walk into 2024 with our Active Lives Feel Good Walks. Our walks are an opportunity to be active outside in the fresh air, to meet like-minded people and feel part of a community. Our small group walks are led by experienced and wonderful walk leaders. Meeting up with others for a walk and a talk can do wonders for our physical, mental and social health. Let’s look out for one another and our own wellbeing this year. The local walk will last around 40 minutes.

Further details

  • Thursday 18 January from 11:15am to 12pm
  • Meeting point - Meet outside Pleasance Sports Complex & Gym (Central Area)
  • Book your place on MyEd - search for Taster - Welcome back to Edinburgh - Feel Good Walk, Central Campus (Active Lives)

Other opportunities to get active this January