Paul’s report

From Tacos to Tins: My Food Bank Adventure I hopped on my bike and pedaled for 20 minutes from home to reach the Food Bank hub at the Lido retail park in Finchley. Fun fact: this spot used to be a Mexican restaurant! Now, it’s the bustling delivery point for supermarkets supplying mini food banks all over North London. As I arrived, I was greeted by a team of friendly folks, all working diligently to sort through deliveries. We unboxed items and carefully stacked them into crates. Sometimes, we even went eight crates high (shh, don’t tell anyone—it’s technically frowned upon, but desperate times call for creative stacking!). Tammy, another first-timer like me, joined the mission. Let’s give her a shout-out! Together, we tackled our first task: unwrapping tins and neatly arranging them in the crates. The teamwork was heartwarming. I wielded a special box cutter—a trusty sidekick in our food-saving adventure. As we worked, there were drinks and snacks to keep us fueled. The hours flew by, thanks to the camaraderie and shared purpose. This isn’t a one-time thing. GoodGym community missions like this happen regularly. I encourage everyone to give it a go! Not only do you help others, but you also get a dose of exercise. After my rewarding day, I hopped back on my bike, cycling 20 minutes home. It’s a win-win—I’m doing good while doing myself some good

Tammys report. Great. The event organiser in me got a system going for the unboxing 50 boxes full of mixed veg, oil, canned goods and fruit. We all managed to pull together to finish all deliveries by 5pm….so efficient that i could leave early. Met some lovely people including Paul…my Barnet team leader!

GoodGym Barnet gathered at the iconic Phoenix Cinema for an evening of running and community service at Highgate Woods.

We began with a warm-up under the golden hues of a beautiful summer evening, right outside the cinema. The run took us through the picturesque Cherry Tree Woods and up to the enchanting Highgate Woods, a remnant of the ancient woodlands that once covered this area, where traces of Roman activity have been discovered.

Upon arrival, we met Cindy, the enthusiastic Highgate Woods Ranger, at the Pavilion Café in the heart of the woods. Our task was to dismantle den structures and repurpose the wood to fence off areas for regrowth. Cindy, with her deep knowledge of the local wildlife, enriched our understanding of the woodland ecosystem. She shared exciting news about a nesting hobby, a small bird of prey, that had relocated to Highgate Woods from Queenwood. To protect the chicks, the area beneath their nesting tree was cordoned off.

Cindy also spoke about her recent experience with a wildlife hospital in Rickmansworth, which cared for a pair of orphaned hedgehogs. This highlighted the growing pressures on wildlife due to human encroachment.

Working beneath the canopy of ancient trees, we dismantled the wooden dens and fenced off an area being used as a shortcut by passersby. The serene surroundings, filled with bird calls and fresh, clean air, made the task a joy. To our delight, we completed the job swiftly and took a moment to enjoy some yoga under the trees.

As the evening drew to a close, we headed home, feeling accomplished and a bit more knowledgeable about our local woodland. It was a perfect way to spend a beautiful summer evening, blending fitness, nature, and community service. Join us next time at GoodGym Barnet to experience these magical moments and make a positive impact on our environment.

A few GoodGym people came to do online yoga. Thanks for coming any feedback would be welcome.

Yoga Benefits with Static Holds Incorporating static holds like planks and wall chair squats into your yoga practice offers several benefits: 1. Enhanced Muscle Strength and Endurance: Continuous muscle engagement builds strength and endurance. 2. Improved Vascular Health: Better blood vessel elasticity aids in lower blood pressure. 3. Lower Heart Rate: Regular practice can reduce your resting heart rate. 4. Stress Reduction: Deep breathing and mindfulness lower stress levels. 5. Better Circulation: Enhanced blood flow supports cardiovascular health. Tips for Balance * Alternate Days: Combine static holds with dynamic exercises like fast walking running or cycling. * Combine in One Session: Warm-up with dynamic exercises, incorporate static holds, and cool down with stretches. * Weekly Schedule: Mix 3 days of dynamic exercises, 2 days of static holds, and 2 rest days. Stay consistent and listen to your body for the best results.

People from all over Barnet, who are helping make it a more sustainable borough, gathered at the RAF museum on Monday. After grabbing some refreshments, we heard a climate action song from young singer songwriter Riya and speeches from Middlesex university and the action groups formed of community members and our very own GoodGym member, Penny Salman. It was a great opportunity to connect with members of the community and talk all things sustainability! Thanks to Barnet Council and their sponsors for organising the night.

On that blustery wet summer day, I joined George and Valeria for a GoodGym mission from the Phoenix Cinema to Martin Primary School in East Finchley. Despite the unusual weather conditions, we tackled the large pile of woodchip for the school path. The Orchard looked promising, with plenty of apples on the trees. Armed with a wheelbarrow, two wheelie bins, shovels, and a rake, we patched up holes in the forest paths and improved areas under the trees. During our efforts, we also had a chat with John, who facilitates after-hours use of the school. keep running walking or cycling and doing good.