Today, I cycled to Miss G’s home as part of a GoodGym Barnet mission. Miss G, a spirited 96-year-old, cares for her 98-year-old sister. They’ve faced life’s challenges together, but recently, they needed help. I picked up groceries—a lifeline for them with restricted movement and no family around. Chicken legs, sugar, pears—the essentials. Miss G’s gratitude was heartwarming. As we chatted, she shared memories of Barnet’s changes over the years. This simple act of kindness is worth so much and is so simple for me as part of my bike ride. And so, I encourage others to join this cycle of goodwill. Be someone’s lifeline—it matters more than we realize.

Greetings, GoodGym enthusiasts! Last night's escapade was nothing short of a woodland wonderland adventure at Martin Primary School's enchanted forest paths. Our mission? To spruce up those trails so the kiddos can frolic freely amidst nature's embrace.

We rendezvoused at the bustling Phoenix Cinema, amidst the buzz of a new NHS film echoing through the halls. But fear not, for our hearts were set on a different kind of rescue mission: to save Martin Primary's forest paths from the clutches of neglect.

As the cool evening ended, we kicked off with a vigorous warm-up routine - lifting knees, back kicks, and even a spot of skipping (a skill I've yet to master, I must confess). Alas, a pesky injury confined me to two wheels, but fear not, I pedaled alongside, cheering on our gallant runners.

Under the adept leadership of Beattie ,and with Rachel as our trusty rear guard, our spirited squad embarked on our woodland odyssey. And lo and behold, we welcomed Asia our newest recruit, who bravely tackled the trails with aplomb, proving that running prowess knows no bounds.

Upon meeting John, our woodland wizard, we delved into the task at hand - excavating woodchip, ferrying it in wheelbarrows and wheelie bins, and sprinkling it like forest fairy dust over the paths. With every scoop and rake, we carved out paths fit for the wildest of adventures.

But our work was not done yet! With the cool evening air invigorating our spirits, we indulged in a brief but exhilarating HIIT session - press-ups, squats, and Kubilay sprints, oh my! Great effort from Tom and Two sets later, our muscles tingling with satisfaction, we bid adieu to our woodland haven and made a beeline for the Phoenix.

With weary limbs and contented hearts, we gathered in the foyer for a final stretch, the echoes of cinema-goers' laughter fading into the night. And as we toasted to another successful mission, I couldn't help but marvel at the magic we conjured amidst the trees, and the camaraderie that binds us together in our noble quest.

Until next time, dear comrades, keep on running, keep on giving, and keep on spreading the GoodGym love!

goodGym members came together to do online yoga.

Yoga talk

Fascia plays a crucial role in both injury protection and recovery. Let’s dive deeper into how it relates to injury: Initial Protection: When you experience an injury (such as a muscle strain or tear), the fascia surrounding the affected area acts as a protective barrier. It helps contain inflammation, prevents further damage, and provides stability. Think of it as a natural splint that immobilizes the injured tissue to allow healing to begin. Restriction and Adhesions: However, if the injury heals without proper attention, the fascia can become restricted. Scar tissue forms within the fascial layers, creating adhesions. These adhesions can limit movement, reduce flexibility, and cause discomfort. Imagine a web of interconnected fibers becoming tangled or stuck together. Chronic Pain and Reduced Mobility: Over time, untreated fascial restrictions can lead to chronic pain and decreased mobility. The fascia loses its elasticity, affecting joint function and overall movement. You might notice stiffness, reduced range of motion, or discomfort during certain activities. Myofascial Release: To address this, techniques like myofascial release are used. Myofascial release involves applying gentle pressure to specific points along the fascia to release adhesions and restore mobility. Yoga, as mentioned earlier, also contributes to myofascial health by promoting hydration, flexibility, and mindful movement. Preventing Permanent Restriction: It’s essential to work on fascial health even after an injury has healed. Regular movement, stretching, and targeted exercises help prevent permanent restriction. Yoga, with its emphasis on dynamic stretching and mindful awareness, can be particularly effective in maintaining healthy fascia. In summary, while fascia initially protects injured areas, neglecting its care can lead to long-term restrictions. By incorporating practices like yoga and myofascial release, we can promote fascial health, prevent chronic issues, and maintain mobility as we age. 🧘‍♂️🌟