I honestly can't recommend Joanna from Fitness Soul enough! I started my fitness journey with absolutely zero knowledge or experience in strength training, and after just six weeks, I feel incredibly confident and like I genuinely know what I'm doing.
What truly set her apart was the expertise in adapting the training to accommodate my specific needs, ensuring every session was challenging yet safe. Joanna is a brilliant teacher, focusing heavily on technique and form, which has been essential for my progress.
If you're looking for a personal trainer who is not only knowledgeable about building strength but also patient, adaptive, and dedicated to educating you on the "how and why," look no further.
Tucked away in Tennant Street this club is the nirvana of exercise addicts. I'm one of them.
I made that post about 10 years ago and have revisited it today (8/7/2025).
The comments are as relevant as ever.
Fitness Soul has established its identity as "The gym for people who hate gyms".
It's for people who understand the need to exercise but are not naturally athletic and are looking for an environment that caters for their mindset.
Natural athletes welcome too!
💯% genuine review.💪🏻👍🏻
Six weeks of PT with Joanna at FitnessSoul and I’m stronger, running better, and down centimetres on hips/waist. She seamlessly adapted training around an unrelated injury so I never lost momentum. Outstanding coach — couldn’t recommend more.
Honestly, at the beginning I wasn’t sure this was for me. But once I started training, it completely changed my mind. Week by week you notice how much stronger, fitter, and more confident you become, it’s such a rewarding feeling.
What surprised me most is how good it makes you feel, not just physically but mentally too. The energy, the motivation, even the rush of happiness you get after each session, it’s addictive in the best way.
I’d recommend this to absolutely everyone. Once you give it a try, you realize how much you actually needed it.
Thank you so much Paula for this beautiful review 💛 I’m so happy you discovered the benefits of strength training through our Small Group PT sessions. The sessions were always full of laughs and good vibes thanks to you ☺️! x Joanna
ilio Hernandez2025.07.14
I’ve been going to Fitness Soul for over two months now, and it’s the first time I’ve ever felt comfortable in a gym environment.
From day one, I felt welcomed and supported by Lez, Joanna and the rest of the team. The atmosphere is relaxed, friendly, and genuinely encouraging. It doesn’t feel like a typical gym at all—it’s more like a small, active community where everyone is invited, no matter their level.
I started without any experience lifting weights, and I’ve surprised myself by actually enjoying it. The classes are well-structured, and all the team really know how to guide you in a way that builds confidence. Zumba and kettlebells are my favourites, but I’ve also really enjoyed strong core and social strength.
In just a couple of months, I’ve noticed that I feel stronger and more motivated. For the first time, working out doesn’t feel like a chore—it feels like something I want to keep doing.
If you're looking for a place that’s beginner-friendly, supportive, and far from intimidating, I honestly couldn’t recommend Fitness Soul enough.
Zumba is my first love and after 15 years of dancing with Fitness Soul I can assure you that there is nothing like it to wash away the stresses of the day. A range of classes and special events will draw you in. My second love is walking the hills and this became badly affected by osteoarthritis - I knew that Fitness Soul could help. I have Personal Training that meets my needs and every session is different and fun - Joanna always thinks of something different to keep you involved and to help you reach your goals. Strength and core training can help manage symptoms of musculo skeletal conditions. its natural to be cautious but the years of expertise at Fitness Soul means they know how to support you. I no longer need pain killers and am walking further, faster and higher these days. With some hard work, commitment and the right support you soon start to see some benefits. Its scientific but just now for me its also magical!
Brilliant small family-feel gym with brilliant owners and coaches.
Not only do you get supported and encouraged by the owners and coaches, but you’re also supported and encouraged by the other members.
Absence is noticed - if you need help with accountability this is your place.
Small group PT sessions are hard but progress comes. And we all know weight bearing is good for us as we get older!
Not experienced anything like it.
Fitness Soul is the perfect place to get fit and strong in a warm and friendly environment. Everyone involved has so much energy and passion, you can't help but want to keep going back for more. I am so much fitter and stonger since joining, and truly enjoy (most) moments. I have never lasted long in other gyms, this one has me fully committed.
Thanks so much! That means a lot. This is exactly what we’re all about, helping people fall in love with training, without the pressure or ego. Just good vibes, smart training, and showing up consistently. We're buzzing to have you with us and love seeing your progress. Let’s keep going, and yeah, not every moment has to be fun… just most of them 😄💪
Laura Piunti2025.07.08
I met Joanna and Letzek through a friend in common, and I was instantly inspired by their dedication and passion, knowing they built Fitness Soul from the ground up all by themselves! It’s incredible to see their vision come to life in such a welcoming and vibrant community. Since then, Fitness Soul has always been there for me during some of my most difficult transitions since moving to Edinburgh. Whether it was healing after a breakup, dealing with burnout at work, or even navigating lockdown — we exercised online using apples and potatoes. Great memories!
Fitness Soul is not just a place to work out; it's a community where everyone lifts each other up. The instructors are incredibly passionate and genuinely care, creating a supportive environment that inspires you to push your limits without feeling overwhelmed. My favorite classes are Zumba and Social Strength! Zumba is an absolute pure boost of energy after a long day at work. Social Strength feels like hanging out with friends while lifting weights – how awesome is that?I also love Konga with Roz, if you really want to sweat to awesome tunes. These classes make working out so much fun, and I’ve noticed remarkable changes in my strength and endurance because of them.
I’ve been with Fitness Soul on and off for almost 10 years, and no matter where life has taken me, I always find my way back. I am now determined to stay! It’s not just a gym - it’s where I’ve shared numerous belly laughs, made friendships, and felt completely accepted. It truly feels like home! There is no judgment here, and everyone helps each other, no matter your fitness level. If you're looking for a place to get fit, feel inspired, and be part of an amazing community, look no further than Fitness Soul! 💪♥️
Never been a gym person, but last october a friend recommended me Fitness Soul and I decided to give it a go...it was the best decision! I started going to the Social Strenght classes and found exactly what I was looking for! Competent guidance and supervision, in a relaxed and fun environment where everyone is welcome! I never felt embarassed or pressured, and I think that's what put a lot of folk off commercial gyms, especially women.
I feel at ease, motivated and supported by the trainers but also the other people in the group.
There is a good number of classes, but the gym can also be booked and accessed when there is nothing scheduled if you want to squeeze in a training session on your own.
It's my happy place :)
I'll have to thank Celia(my physio) first that recommended me to try Fitness Soul. I had constant pain in my back and neck, a tendinitis in my wrist and very sore knees. It was 3 years ago that I started doing Zumba classes and thought it was fun!! Joanna's energy and smile are always encouraging and contagious. Then I found myself lifting weights attending Lezcec's classes. I always thought this was not for me. Now I've realized it is for everyone, of any fitness shape or age and that we all really need that. And I even like it! I've never been a gym person, I found it boring and struggle to be constant. But I can say now that Fitness Soul has completely changed my perspective. It's a small and nice community here always willing to help. And that also matters. The rest of the team are also very kind and helpful.
So many things learnt in this time. My pains are mainly gone and that is thanks to exercising and the strenght training. I've also used Joanna as PT in the Small Group and she's been great, always cheerful, resourceful and knowledgeable guiding us in different aspect of exercising, nutrition, injuries etc She knows to read the room and adapt to the group and to every individual helping us to progress to reach our own goals. We also share healthy receipts, ideas and some laughs! (Some will say turmeric shots after the sessions too :) )
These guys at Fitness Soul know very well what they do and they do it with a lot of passion for helping people of any kind and age in their own journeys. Whole team will make you feel welcomed. They share everything possible with clients and are always bringing new ideas to improve and keep people interested in doing more. They put their best on it and they care, you can sense that and it is very engaging. So it's just not about working out but also learning and sharing experiences with beautiful humans that want to give you a hand. And sometimes some cute doggies too!
What a journey, one that I never thought I could accomplish! Now I feel I can't stop it and I hope to keep all the good habits for a lifetime and also continue improving. Thanks Fitness Soul. I'd say to anyone to try it, you won't regret it :)
Could not love the fitmamas classes at Fitness Soul more! It's so good to be able to get a work out with the kids in such a friendly environment. They have been great extending classes to online and not just in person during covid helping keep us all motivated and sane. The coaches are all fabulous and great motivators no two classes are the same so there's always something to enjoy!
Thank you so much for your kind words, Eilz! We are so glad to hear that you and your kids are enjoying our classes. We are committed to providing a safe and friendly environment for everyone and we are glad that we could extend our classes online during this time. We appreciate your support!
Dee Stefan2025.03.14
I have been having myofascial pain for many years and I started PT to recover and get stronger. It was scary at first, but Joanna was understanding about where I was coming from with having past injuries and with time, I started feeling confident to exercise again. I was amazed by how much I could accomplish in just 3 months after thinking that 'lifting is not for me'. After strength training, I am now stronger and more active in my life. The gym has a fantastic atmosphere with knowledgeable trainers who also love what they do
I have been coming to FS on/off since 2017. Started doing the first bootcamp that Richard did (killing but loads of fun!!), and continued for over a year doing classes with Joanna, Leszek, Roz & the rest of the gang.
The thing about this gym is that isn't your normal type of gym where you go, exercise and go home having little to 0 interaction with the people in the class or the instructor. This gym is a place where you go and exercise having fun with a great bunch of people that are (and treat you) like a friend/family.
If you're looking for a place to exercise where no-one cares or bothers you, don't come here, but if you're looking for a place where you can exercise, feel happy, feel like you're partying (Zumba & Konga) and....even cure your hungover, FS is your place!!
For the past 12 weeks I've been doing a Small PT group class with Joanna and I have managed to not only achieve my goals (Loss fat/volume + gain muscle strength (my knees are happier now). Develop healthy habits: healthier meals and weekly exercising - gym, hillwalking, cycling, running,... anything that requires a bit of an effort- & Stick to all the above without losing motivation after the 12 weeks)!!! Joanna has managed not only to keep me motivated, but also made it so much fun that even on days that I felt like no motivation/energy or had to "take it easy", I went, exercised, gave it all (got told to remember to take it easy ...haha), had fun and left with a big smile in my face!!
As well as PT, I started going back to Zumba (with Joanna), Social Strength (with Leszek) & Konga (with Roz) and can't recommend this guys enough!! They're the happiest, funniest, inspiring people you can find on your fitness journey!!! I can't recommend enough this bunch!! And the rest of the FS family are as GREAT as this 3!!! They'll inspire you to push your limits and you'll be surprised on how much more of what you think you can do you will do if you join them!!
Thank you so much Estelle. It's great to have you.
Tremaine Bilham2024.12.09
Great place to work out if you like group exercise, especially if you don't normally feel comfortable in gym environments. Everyone is very supportive and friendly. The trainers are fantastic.
I just completed my eighth training session with Joanna from FitnessSoul and the small PT group. These are female-only training sessions, and the atmosphere is fantastic. Joanna is an incredible fitness trainer. She is very supportive and always takes the time to answer any questions. There’s always a lot of fun, and everyone leaves the training with a smile, even if we are sweaty and have sore muscles🤭
The workouts are varied, including everything from warm-ups with muscle rolling to light and intensive cardio, weight exercises, and stretching. In addition to fitness, there are plenty of discussions about the menstrual cycle and how to eat and exercise to support our hormones.
After just four weeks, I've lost 6 cm from my waist and 2 cm from my hips. Under my "couch potato" skin, I can finally feel my abdominal muscles and I love this!
Additionally, I sleep like a log, and I've never been more motivated in my entire life to lose weight.
I've been doing bootcamp 3 times a week for over a year. It's not easy but it's great fun, we all see our progress over time and the bottom line is that unlike any other gym I attended in the past, I keep coming back, 3 times a week, every week. This means something.
I was part of the Bootcamp group for 6 months. I had a wonderful time under Richard and the amazing group of people that he leads, every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday @ 6.30am. Always a cheerful bunch despite the early hours, the program consists in cardio work, HIIT, Strength Training. I was very lucky to find them back then, and I am very grateful that I met them. Fitness Soul, is not only bootcamp, as you might be well aware. Have a look at their social media because they have a lot to offer, from Zumba classes or Kettlebells, to Open Gym Sessions.
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