We were back supporting Cambridge City Foodbank this evening. It was a lovely late summer evening and perfect for a run.

Meeting Scott and Alice at the pool, we welcomed Sarah (Barnet OG) and George to their first GoodGym Cambridge session 👋 Great to have you along!

After introductions and a warm up (including squats for no-squat Scott and some all important ankle mobility exercises) we were off! All fired up and on our way, I realised after 50m that we hadn't taken our group shot, so we took a very early pause to make sure we captured the moment (and the beautiful light). On our way once more, we navigated through the backstreets and the cemetery, taking the scenic route to the supermarket.

We did a recce to assess what was needed and split off to secure some donations. Being extra prepared, it turns out Alice had impressively been running with a bag full of cans 💪

Not able to join the session, Caroline had beaten us to it earlier in the day, and even had time for a quick (Drosque-esque) picture in front of our poster in store.

With a variety of food and household items donated, we started our run back to the meeting point, taking a slightly different route, this time via the underpass (we like to take in all the best sights). Feeling happy after enjoying movement, good deeds and great company, we cooled down and made plans for our next session before heading our separate ways.

Ten Years of GoodGym Barnet – Back Where It All Began

Ten years ago GoodGym Barnet held its first group run to Long Lane Pasture. Yesterday we went back to where it all began with old friends, new faces and over 30 people joining us to celebrate a decade of doing good in our community.

A big group set off from the Phoenix Cinema after our traditional warm-up but this time we also went around the group remembering some of our favourite GoodGym moments from the last ten years. Gardening, clearing graffiti from the Phoenix, Halloween runs in fancy dress, Tiny Forests, litter picks and countless community missions. It was a lovely reminder of just how varied GoodGym has been.

We ran through the back streets of East Finchley, keeping everyone together with the occasional stop for squats, exercises and a few questionable drop kicks!

At Long Lane Pasture we met Donald, other volunteers, councillors and GoodGymers who had made their own way there. Donald told us a little about this wonderful nature reserve, saved from development and now looked after by volunteers.

After gathering around the Green Flag for a photo, we squeezed in some gentle yoga breathing and mobility before getting down to business , clearing litter from the footpath alongside the reserve.

Then came the important birthday business: cake and beer!

Huge thanks to Donald and everyone at Long Lane Pasture for hosting us and providing plenty of cake, Richard for the vegan cake, Athletic Brewing for the beers and Theo for some additional refreshments with a little more kick!

There was another milestone worth celebrating too: congratulations to Subham on reaching over a 100 good deeds. What better evening to do it.

Most importantly, it was wonderful seeing people who have been part of GoodGym Barnet at different times over the last decade. Some we see every week, others we haven’t seen for years. You’re always welcome back even if it’s only once a year!

One message we received afterwards perhaps summed the evening up best:

“The energy is infectious. You have created a wonderful community, and Barnet is richer for having you in it.”

But GoodGym isn’t really about what we have created. It’s about supporting people like Donald and the volunteers at Long Lane Pasture, and all those people across Barnet who quietly take responsibility for our green spaces, charities and community organisations.

Sometimes a couple of hours of our time gets a job done. Just as importantly, hopefully it reminds those people that they aren’t doing it alone and that what they do is noticed and valued.

And it does something for us too. Getting outside, being active and doing something useful alongside other people is pretty good medicine for life.

We might only make a small difference each time but a small difference is considerably better than no difference at all.

After ten years, we’re still running, walking and cycling into our community, getting our hands dirty and seeing where we can help.

Here’s to the next few years and hopefully plenty more familiar and new faces joining us along the way. ❤️

Happy 10th birthday GoodGym Barnet!

A few of us came together for some gentle exercise and a chat . It was suggested to try a morning or evening session of exercises. Maybe something worth trying in the weeks ahead. The starting point is the commitment to come to your mat - that's all the commitment that is required. Great to hear John has fully recovered from Covid. Sorry we couldnt hear you Abi.

Please check out feb happenings

https://www.goodgym.org/areas/barnet/happenings

best

Great to see everyone doing a short session of circuit training followed by a lovely chat.