Physical activity
Physical activity and exercise can really boost your mental health and wellbeing. Studies have shown that exercising is a helpful way to reduce depression, stress and anxiety.
Getting active is also one of the Five Ways to Wellbeing. Learn more here about the other ways to wellbeing on our Five Ways to Wellbeing page.
Ideas and resources
Physical health and mental health factsheet from Mental Health Foundation
Physical health in mental health from the Royal College of Nursing
7 exercises to boost your mental health from Get the Gloss
List of walks in Edinburgh including distance and time it takes to complete from Walk Highlands
Organisations and projects
Edinburgh Leisure is the biggest physical activity provider in Edinburgh with 30 venues, 14 gyms, 10 swimming pools, over 800 fitness classes, all-weather sports facilities and Europe’s largest indoor climbing arena.
The Health Agency hosts Facebook Live exercise classes for a range of abilities.
B Healthy is a community-led health project in South West Edinburgh.
Projekt 42 is the UK’s first wellness centre to combine personal training, group fitness, yoga and mental health services.
Paths for All‘s vision is for a happier, healthier Scotland where physical activity improves the quality of life and wellbeing for all. Click here to find a Health Walk near you.
Venture Trust supports people, at any stage in their life, struggling with issues such as long term unemployment, recovery from addiction, homelessness, isolation, involvement in the criminal justice system in Scotland, and a history of trauma or harm.
North Edinburgh Arts runs several movement classes for a range of abilities.
Out and About provides healthy Lifestyle activities in south Edinburgh.
Health All Round aims to support people living in Gorgie/Dalry and surrounding areas to improve social, mental and physical wellbeing.
Edinburgh Community Yoga aims to provide a safe and supportive for you to learn, equip you with the skills to deal with stress to improve your health and mental wellbeing.
Cycling UK manages the Scotland Cycle Repair Scheme. If you need a helping hand to get your bike into shape, this scheme provides free repair and maintenance work up to the value of £50!