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. 🧘‍♂️🌟

Goodgym Barnet provides online Yoga in support of local charities.

Yoga talk

Strength training one of the most important elements of yoga as we grow older. We lose 3% of our strength from 50 years old per year. ( Dr Chatterjee ) our muscles provide energy production and storage. Acting like sponges for sugars. An important way to fight diabetes and stronger muscles help us burn more calories during the day.

Goodgym Barnet embarked on a mission from the Phoenix cinema with a noble goal: gorilla planting of wild pollinating plants. Armed with seeds and plants generously provided by the Finchley Pollination Project, we set out to transform a neglected side road into a vibrant haven for local wildlife. So much fun!

Despite the challenging weather—a mix of April showers and a brisk wind—the spirit of camaraderie and determination shone through. Led by , Antonio we tackled litter and weeds with gusto, making way for our native wildflowers to thrive. Paul and Caroline guided us with their expertise, ensuring our efforts would leave a lasting impact.

As we planted and persevered, the elements couldn't dampen our enthusiasm. Antonio even led us in various exercises, adding an extra dose of fun to our mission. And just when we needed it most, a stunning sunset graced the horizon, a fitting reward for our hard work and dedication.

But our journey doesn't end there. While the weeds may put up a fight, we're confident that with time and care, our wildflowers will triumph, much like we did on our run back home. So, if you're ready to make a difference while having a blast, join us for our next adventure. Together, we can turn neglected spaces into thriving ecosystems, one run at a time. See you there!

What a turnout! Over 30 GoodGym enthusiasts rallied together for an evening of fitness and goodwill, all in support of the Finchley Food Bank. It was a sight to behold, with both familiar faces and a plethora of new ones joining the cause. Despite the cool breeze, the sun decided to grace us with its presence, making our mission even more delightful. We gathered outside the iconic Phoenix Cinema, eager to embark on our journey but not before a quick snapshot and some words of inspiration about the GoodGym spirit.Who says it's all about running? Not us! Penny and Franky led an equally enthusiastic group of walkers, while Paul and Moya took the reins for the running squad. The runners dashed off first, blazing down the left-hand side of the High Street, while the walkers strolled along the right.In a twist of fate, the walkers and runners reached the Food Bank simultaneously. How's that for timing? Well, it turns out the runners had been making pit stops for some impromptu exercises, from paired squats to synchronized pushes. With Anna, the Food Bank manager, welcoming us with open arms, we wasted no time unloading our bounty of food donations. The Food Bank was in dire need, and we were determined to make a difference. But why stop there? Feeling the adrenaline, the runners voted for an extended route through Coldfall Woods. Picture this: a breathtaking sunset peeking through the trees as we conquered hills and valleys, our spirits soaring higher with each step. Homeward bound, we weaved through the backstreets, pausing only to push our limits with three sets of sprints and well-deserved recoveries. As the night drew to a close, we reconvened at the Phoenix for some much-needed stretches, basking in the warmth of camaraderie and accomplishment. Until next time, Finchley Food Bank - you can count on us! Keep on running, walking, and spreading the GoodGym love!

Great to meet Tan & Tom on their first group run with Barnet.

Today is was about unpacking kilos and kilos of lentil bags and putting them into crates ready to be delivered to food banks across north London. Another great upper body work out !