December has arrived and with it the season of shopping, eating, drinking, partying and … exercise.

December may traditionally be the month that physical activity levels drop (unless you count dodgy dancing) but actually this could be the most magical time of the year to keep fit, according to the experts at Edinburgh Leisure.

Edinburgh Leisure, a charity dedicated to creating opportunities for everyone to lead more active, healthy lives has launched its seasonal promotion, 12 Days of Fitness and 12 Days of Climbing, with the aim of encouraging people to stay active in December.

The 12 Days of Fitness and 12 Days of Climbing promotion offers 12 consecutive days of membership for only £12 any time in December.  As the promotion includes unlimited access to all Edinburgh Leisure’s 13 gyms, 9 swimming pools (excluding the Turkish Baths at Portobello Swim Centre), over 700 fitness classes per week, and climbing, this represents excellent value for money.

And the promotion is timely as experts continually agree that maintaining some level of physical activity during December is important in order to boost immunity, manage stress and mental health, as well as shaping up for your Hogmanay party outfit.

Furthermore, it can be a brilliant way to get one step ahead of New Year fitness plans – that first trip back to the gym in January will be far easier.

David McLean, Fitness Manager at Edinburgh Leisure, said: “When everybody is busy getting in the festive mood, and it’s cold outside, it’s understandable your fitness and activities can slip down the priority list.

“What we advise is to keep enjoying some physical activity – reduce the intensity level if that’s how you feel. Or do something new and fun like Sh’bam or just enjoy a gentle swim and sauna. Any activity can help you keep healthy at this time of year.

“There are countless benefits to staying active during the festive season, and if you remain in the habit of visiting our leisure centres it’s much easier to step up the pace come January.”

For further information about Edinburgh Leisure venues and services and the 12 Days of Fitness Promotion visit www.edinburghleisure.co.uk