Wood you like us to chip in?

It was an epic showdown last night, when GoodGym Hounslow came up against (possibly) the world's biggest pile of woodchip...

But first it was a run down on the week's news, including an update on our fabulous new GG Hounslow flag (thank you clever Amanda!) and our invitation by the Red Cross for reduced entry to the Royal Parks Half in October - let me know if you want to enter as part of a team and get a bargain deal on your place.

Our warm up last night was as public as always, and involved high skips, lunges, the ever-popular grapevine, high knees and heel flicks. With our muscles primed and ready to go, we headed off for our task, which was just over a mile away.

It was all going so well and we were running at a nice pace when those pesky trains conspired against us again, and we were held up at the red lights while not one but two trains took their sweet time to pass. We made the most of it though, as, much to our fellow pedestrians amusement, we knocked out a few wall sits and one legged squats.

Chippin' away at it

Soon we arrived at our task, which was for the amazing Cultivate London. This organisation is an innovative urban farm and social enterprise based across multiple derelict sites in West London. They train unemployed young people in landscaping and horticulture, and work to engage the community in food growing. They also aim to have a long term impact on the lives of young people and change the way Londoners think about their fresh produce and where it comes from. So we're only too happy to help with any jobs they have for us!

And last night's was a biggie. There stood before us the biggest pile of woodchip that ever was, and our task was to bag as much of it up ready to be spread as we possibly could in half an hour. Pairing up with one bagger and one spader per team, we got stuck straight in after taking our prerequisite 'before' shot.

Half an hour of furious shoveling, shifting and one hell of an upper body workout later, we had managed to fill a colossal 120 bags of woodchip! Nice one team. We'll be back later in July to finish the job.

Short circuits

Back to Turnham Green, we were again help up by the train, but after an intense task, we were ready for a little breather. But not for long! For tonight's fitness was circuits with a difference. The length of time for each station was determined by the control group, who had to knock out 40 jumping jacks and a sprint before we could all move on. Each station did have three options based on growing intensity though, so there was a choice on how hard to work. Great to see you guys giving it your all with the harder options!

All that was left was a good old stretch, and of course a trip to the pub for the arts and craft section of the evening. Next week we have a fabulous new task for the Rhythms of Life charity, which provides healthy and nutritious meals, as well as toiletries, clothing and sleeping bags to London’s homeless. We'll be working in their local foodbank, sorting out supplies - this is a task that we can make a real difference with, so sign up here for more doing good and getting fit!

ps This week's excellent punspiration comes courtesy of Jennifer!