As the leaves began to fall, GoodGym Barnet gathered at the Phoenix Cinema to warm up ahead of tonight's task in East Finchley. Rachel brought this week's icebreaker, asking what childhood books had shaped us. We followed George's lead, and skipped and jogged along the High Road up to the Fuel Land Allotments, discussing all things Roald Dahl to Tolkien.

Once we reached the imposing metal gates, our GoodGym crew grew again. Great to see Simone, alongside our regulars, and special shout out to Will who joined us for the first time and hopefully not the last. The staff and volunteers from Finchley Charities led us through the gates into the allotments, a green oasis hidden away from the busy street and even sheltered from the autumnal winds blowing beyond.

Once gloved up, we got to work. Beattie wielded a mattock and no bramble stood a chance. Lucy and Simone helped fill in gaps around the pond, taking care to leave the logs undisturbed that served as a bridge for amphibious friends. George got his steps in while ferrying a wheelbarrow along the length of the allotment. Rachel and Will made fast work of building a new compost heap, keeping an eye out for nesting slow worms.

As evening descended, we dug through the soil (and agreed it's officially time to dig out the head torches). Once we were satisfied with what we could still see of our handiwork, we were thanked for our efforts and could leave the allotments knowing we've helped both Finchley Charities and Finchley Food Bank. The leaves may be turning golden and the days getting shorter, but that won't stop GoodGym Barnet from lending a helping hand and digging deep where we're needed.

Leaflets, Locals & A Sprint Finish

This week we gathered once again at the Phoenix Cinema, rallying to support our much-loved local gem as it faces financial difficulties. Just last week we enjoyed a social there watching The Materialist, and this time our mission was more practical: helping spread the word about the Phoenix’s upcoming French Cinema Season (and a few other cultural treats) by delivering leaflets.

We kicked things off in the Phoenix foyer with a chat about unusual places to stay — suggestions ranged from ice hotels to cliffside camping, with even a prison-themed hotel thrown in for good measure. After a warm-up, we set out into the streets, navigating the heavy traffic caused by the tube strike and keeping an eye out as we ran.

Our leaflet drop took us through Brim Hill, a leafy and well-to-do area perfectly suited for Phoenix patrons. It was heartening to hear the positive responses when locals learned of the cinema’s financial struggles — a reminder of just how valued the Phoenix is in our community. Between us, we managed to deliver around 200–300 leaflets before heading towards Mutton Brook, where the air was fresher and the streamside paths gave us a welcome cooling breeze. Places like this are a vital part of city life, just as much as the Phoenix itself.

To round things off, George put us through our paces with a sprint finish, before we cooled down with some stretches. It was lovely to welcome back Lucy and Scarlett — we hope to see you both again soon!

GoodGym is all about supporting the people, places, and spaces that matter most in our communities, and this week felt like a perfect example.

A few GG members came online to do yoga

Yoga talk

Its good for you!

GoodGym Barnet – Use It or Lose It!

Barnet gathered once more at the Phoenix Cinema, and what a turnout it was – boosted by a bumper crop of first-timers. A big cheer to Keith, Natasha, Billy and Lucie for joining us for the first time. Great to have you with us!

We couldn’t have picked a better meeting point. The Phoenix has been in the local news recently – one of the oldest continuously operating cinemas in the country, but sadly struggling to turn a profit. The trust’s message is clear: use it or lose it. ( just like our fitness ) So, while we meet outside for our runs, why not pop back another night for a classic film, an indie gem, and of course, copious amounts of popcorn?

After a gentle warm-up and a quick bank-holiday-weekend debrief (sunshine featured heavily), we set off through Cherry Tree Woods and on to Highgate Woods, where we met Cindy the Ranger. While waiting, we even managed a bit of gentle yoga in the evening light ( who says GoodGym doesn’t stretch you in every sense!)

Cindy led us to a rather large wooden construction. Picturesque, yes. Useful for biodiversity? Not so much. She explained how deadwood plays a vital role in the woodland ecosystem, supporting fungi, insects, and all sorts of wriggly life. Our task: dismantle the wooden tower and repurpose the material into protective fencing to help new undergrowth regenerate.

Armed with determination (and a limited number of gloves…), we attacked the structure with gusto, soon reducing it to neat piles ready for its next life as woodland fencing. Satisfying work – though possibly more splinter-prone than popcorn-eating!

Shout-outs and Top Tips • Huge welcome again to our new recruits – you smashed your first GoodGym mission. • A little plea: future tasks often involve logs, nettles, or other prickly characters. Treat yourself to a pair of lightweight gardening gloves – they’ll make you look the part and save you some splinters. • With darker evenings on the horizon, a head torch is also a worthy sidekick. You’ll thank yourself when you can see both the path and the nettle patch.

As ever, GoodGym is about more than running – it’s about supporting our local community, green spaces, and charities, many of whom are short of volunteers. By showing up, you remind them that what they do matters. Plus, winter training with GoodGym is secretly brilliant – it’s invigorating, you’ll stay motivated, and honestly… it hardly ever rains (and if it does, you’ll hardly notice!).

So keep coming, keep running, and keep helping. Barnet needs you and so do the trees!

GoodGym Barnet – Joyful Hydration & Time-Travelling Conversations

Six of us gathered outside the Phoenix Cinema and, before even breaking sweat, launched into a surprisingly philosophical warm-up: “If you could observe any period in history, where & when would you go?” Answers ranged from Aztec civilisation to Victorian London – the kind of discussion that might get us expelled from most running clubs but is positively encouraged at GoodGym.( well Barnett anyway.)

With our time-machine firmly parked, we jogged off towards Lyttelton Playing Fields to give the planters and orchard some much-needed love. Sadly, our host Steven was ill – but, being seasoned water-warriors, we knew the drill.

We gently built up the pace downhill, tracing the buried course of Mutton Brook (underground river, very on-trend). A quick on-the-spot exercise stop – complete with skipping – reminded us that fitness can (and should) still feel playful. One of our newer recruits Emilysummed it up perfectly as “joyful movement”.

On arrival, we uncoiled a hose of comedic length which, inevitably, didn’t reach all the planters. Enter: Buckets. Suddenly we were running relays across the field, racing to deliver precious water before any of it escaped. Orchard next – further, heavier, and definitely sweatier – but the teamwork was brilliant and spirits remained high. Honestly, the Aztecs would have been proud.

Buckets emptied and hose recoiled (no small feat), we still had a few minutes left – so naturally, yoga and star jumps. The latter required several “just one more!” photographs, which definitely qualified as bonus cardio.

We jogged back into the darkening evening, happy, hydrated (us and the trees), and reminded that community + exercise + a bit of silliness = exactly what GoodGym is all about.

Come and join next time – time travel optional, skipping encouraged.