A survey conducted by Edinburgh Leisure has revealed that 74 per cent of people in the Scottish capital exercise for enjoyment and to de-stress, rather than to lose weight.

The study was undertaken as part of the leisure trust’s Feel Good campaign, which was launched last autumn to help people beat the winter increases in depression, anxiety, lethargy and stress.

Virtually all of the 1,500 respondents, 99 per cent, agreed that exercise made them feel happy.

Keith Jackson, CEO of Edinburgh Leisure, said: “While a lot of people feel they want to turn on the fire and curl up indoors all winter, a lack of exercise can lead to many illnesses including seasonal affective disorder, lack of vitamin D which can cause colds and infections and general low moods and depression.

“In the past, people viewed exercise as a chore, but our research shows that the tides are changing for a large number of people who take advantage of the range and selection of sporting activities on offer across the city – and we want more people to sign up to some sort of physical activity which in turn will lead to a healthy, happy and fulfilling winter.



“With Scotland benefiting from winning the 2014 Commonwealth bid, the whole country is gearing up to be a healthy, more sporting nation and we want to make sure Edinburgh is leading the way when it comes to participating in physical activity.” Details: www.edinburghleisure.co.uk