The Fellow-shop of the Ring(s)

Recently I was getting bored with my usual outdoor gym and was looking into expanding my definition of "local". Miss J, who needed urgent food shopping provided me with a perfect opportunity to check out a new calisthenics park.

On Saturday I was up by dawn. I packed my gym rings and set off to Kilburn Grange Park to do some pushups, dips and static holds. The walk would take well over an hour, so I ran for the part of the route. As ridiculous as it sounds, I often rise up early and run purely out of convenience - to save time and do more cool things!

The morning training session was fantastic. I loved the bars and the scent of blossoming trees in the Kilburn calisthenics park. At 7:30 am it was pretty quiet but I was soon joined by a few fellas doing bodyweight exercises and boxing training. I was done before 9 o'clock and ready for my main workout - the groceries for Miss J!

A very clear shopping list with nineteen items was provided in advance by GoodGym. It was obvious that all the shopping should be done at Sainsbury's, which was pretty convenient. I walked to the big Saino's 10 minutes away from the park and quickly filled two shopping baskets (trolleys are for... hmm, the smart people?). Picking the order was 100% successful although I had to replace a few items' brands with what was available.

Because I took my rings with me, I had no space in my tiny rucksack for any goods. I was ready to carry the bags in my hands though. Here is where the gym gloves came in handy. My palms love the pleasant touch of metal bars but plastic bags are quite a different story!

I planned the logistics for the several hours out of my HQ very roughly and had a very slim hope that I will find a toilet in the big Saino's in Kilburn. I was right about having low expectations and I ended up buying a flat white in a coffee chain that I would never visit if I didn't need to use their facilities. I enjoyed the fact of having my morning coffee nonetheless!

The "shopper's walk" (forget the "farmer's walk"!) to Miss J's took me 30 minutes and I had to stop a few times because the load was killing my triceps. I loved that though because it was my chest and tricep day, so I was sure these muscles will be getting some good rest for the next two days anyway! By the time I reached the destination, I didn't feel my triceps anymore, just the traps and forearms. If you ask me what will give you a killer tricep workout: gym rings or a couple of Saino's bags - I'm telling you: the latter!

Miss J was very grateful for the help and did not mind that I couldn't get those few items exactly up to spec. The sun was out and I was out of fuel, so I took a stroll on my way back. It was the most beautiful day this year so far.

Disclaimer: This shop was sponsored by Notting Hill Genesis - not Sainsbury's!