As winter sets in and coronavirus lingers on, businesses should encourage their staff to focus on their health and wellbeing. The benefits of being physically active, especially in strange times like these, are endless. It has been proven to reduce stress, improve mood, increase productivity, boost immune systems, improve sleep quality and improve fitness. It can even reduce the risk of developing health conditions such as heart disease, some cancers and diabetes

Working from home has become the new normal for a huge section of Edinburgh’s workforce.

While some home workers are enjoying more flexibility, many others have found that it is having a negative impact on their health and wellbeing. For people who have found that they are leading more sedentary lifestyles or missing the buzz of the office, incorporating some physical activity into their daily routine can help offset the downsides to working from home.

For those who are still going to their usual workplace, things are far from normal. Adjusting to new shift patterns, wearing masks for prolonged periods, and coping with changes to roles are just some of the things that can negatively impact staff wellbeing.

There are so many simple ways for people to get active this winter. A round of golf or a game of tennis can help people connect with their friends in line with restrictions and feel less lonely. Booking a swim or a gym session after work can be a brilliant way to mentally switch off after a long day. A walk round the block at lunch time can break up the hours spent sitting in front of the computer and let you see some rare winter sunshine!

As a charity committed to helping people in Edinburgh live healthier, happier and more active lives, Edinburgh Leisure is here to help people to get active. With 50 sports, leisure and school sports facilities across the city, including the iconic Royal Commonwealth Pool, Europe’s biggest climbing wall at the Edinburgh International Climbing Centre and Craiglockhart Leisure and Tennis Centre, there is something for everyone.

Edinburgh Leisure understands how much of a toll this year has taken on people’s health and wellbeing and was delighted to start welcoming customers back in September. All of its venues are now open but, to ensure customers have a safe environment to get active, activities are being delivered at reduced capacity and additional health and safety measures have been implemented.

Audrey McKinven, Corporate Partnerships Manager at Edinburgh Leisure, said:

“Lockdown has been hard for so many people in many different ways and there’s no doubt that many people’s physical and mental health will have suffered.

We’re so pleased that the changes we’ve worked hard to make have enabled so many people to get back to being active again. Our customers have adapted well to everything we’ve put in place and have commented on how safe they feel safe and how much fun they’re having.

“A lot has changed and will no doubt continue to change. However, the charity’s purpose will remain the same – we will still be here to support and enable the people of Edinburgh to be active and enjoy good health.”

Edinburgh Leisure offers a variety of ways to get active, including swimming at one of its nine swimming pools, working out in the gym, fitness classes, climbing, tennis and golf at one of its six scenic golf courses.

For people who were hit hardest by the pandemic, such as those affected by health conditions, disabilities, poverty and inequalities, Edinburgh Leisure’s Active Communities programme can support them to overcome the practical and emotional barriers they face to being active.

Families can now enjoy its popular family swim sessions, children’s sports coaching and Clip n’ Climb at the Edinburgh International Climbing Centre.

An Edinburgh Leisure customer visiting the Royal Commonwealth Pool with her family said:

“We went along to the Commie after missing our family swims during lockdown. We were so happy to see familiar faces. The staff were amazing, the place was spotless and it was exceptionally well organised. The ability to adapt a business like this in such a short space of time is truly impressive and shows a real commitment to the health and wellbeing of the community. Thank you – you’ve made my wee ones very happy.”

There has never been a more important time for businesses to support their staff to look after their health and wellbeing. Being active is one of the best things people can do and for those looking to incorporate more movement into their day, Edinburgh Leisure is safe and is looking forward to supporting local people to work towards a healthier, happier and more active 2021.

Go to www.edinburghleisure.co.uk to find out more about getting active with Edinburgh Leisure.

For further information please email Audrey McKinven, Corporate Partnerships Manager, at audreymckinven@edinburghleisure.co.uk