GoodGym Run Report – Phoenix Cinema to Stephens House & Gardens

Tuesday’s GoodGym run was not just about getting our steps in, but about supporting the incredible volunteers who dedicate their time to making our local spaces better. While we might selfishly enjoy the exercise and social time, we also hope that our efforts show how much we appreciate those who welcome us and give us tasks to do.

Most of the group set off from the Phoenix Cinema, taking a scenic but hilly route through the back streets of East Finchley, while a few met us directly at Stephens House & Gardens. Excitingly, Stephens House is set to host the BBC’s Antiques Roadshow in June! So, if you’ve got a dusty heirloom lying around, check out their website for details and enjoy a visit to the Stables Café while you’re there.

Getting Stuck In at Stephens House & Gardens

On arrival, we were ushered to the back area where we met Helen, Warwick and Alison, who had already set up tools and made a start on the evening’s tasks. With limited time and plenty to do, we threw ourselves into: ✅ Weeding ✅ Brushing & sweeping ✅ Pulling up moss from the terrace ✅ Improving the grass verge

It was great to see Scarlett again, who braved the cool evening to join us for a run. Her enthusiasm, along with the efforts of all the volunteers, helps to boost the morale of those who work tirelessly to keep these community spaces thriving.

Ending with Energy & Gratitude

Before heading home, we finished the session with a Hakra breathing exercise—a way to re-energize before we wrapped up for the night. A huge thank you to all the volunteers who make spaces like Stephens House & Gardens a true jewel in the crown of Finchley.

Most of the group then ran back to the Phoenix Cinema, completing a solid 5K run. And, in a rare stroke of luck, the rain held off just long enough for us to finish.

Thanks to everyone who joined in—see you next time for more running, volunteering, and GoodGym camaraderie!

As all great revolutions begin, this one started outside a cinema. We gathered at the Phoenix Cinema, our traditional launch pad for an evening of good deeds, exercise, and—on this occasion—mildly reckless drinking proposals. Theo, ever the connoisseur of fermented apples, introduced us to his latest home-brewed cider. He assured us it was excellent. We assured him we’d try it after the run, wisely deciding to get going! And so, with Beattie back-marking, we set off. The run itself was delightful—clear skies, crisp air, and a pleasantly quiet route through the streets and the darkened paths of the park. There is something wonderful about running at night: the world feels different, like you’ve stepped into a parallel universe where you can run freely without small dogs, prams, or people staring at you like you’ve lost your way from an athletics meet. Our mission for the evening took us to Northway Gardens, where we met Brian—local park custodian, environmental defender, and the kind of man who could probably hold his own in a debate with a government minister armed only with a clipboard and a well-reasoned argument.

Brian had originally wanted us to tame a hedge, but unfortunately, nature (and the fading daylight) had other plans. Instead, we helped him shift a selection of heavy objects, including a rather large and cumbersome bin—the symbolic weight of which would soon become apparent.

With a little extra time on our hands, Brian took us on an impromptu walking tour of local bureaucracy gone mad. He pointed out a newly installed gate, which—he informed us—cost an alleged £25,000. We all nodded politely, trying to conceal our mild horror. Then came the benches. threeof them. Plus 8 bins. All paid for by the local biodiversity budget, which, in theory, should be spent on things that actively improve biodiversity, rather than—say—providing additional seating for philosophical musings on where all the biodiversity went. To put things in perspective, the total biodiversity budget for the area was £56,000. This meant that nearly half had been spent on one gate. A gate. If this was a biodiversity initiative, then presumably it was designed to allow only the most well-financed badgers through. Brian, ever the committed investigator, was not impressed. And, to be honest, neither were we.

A Movement is Born!

It was at this point that the seeds of revolution were sown. Inspired by Brian’s passionate objections and the rather eye-watering price tag of municipal gates, we began discussing a Party for Parks—a grassroots movement dedicated to ensuring money meant for green spaces is actually spent on green spaces.

Of course, all good political movements need a defining moment, and ours came in the form of the bin relocation. Nothing signals intent quite like a group of people strategically moving a public bin. It was a bold statement—if slightly lacking in the drama of, say, the Boston Tea Party. But still, small steps.

With the revolution officially underway, we jogged back to the Phoenix, where we finished the evening in true revolutionary style—by toasting our efforts with a small, highly alcoholic sample of Theo’s cider.

As all great revolutions should.

A few GoodGym members came together to do online yoga.

Yoga talk - why can you feel so relaxed at the end of the yoga session? Here is the science

The profound relaxation you feel after an hour of yoga, particularly while lying on your back in Savasana (dead Pose), comes down to a combination of nervous system regulation, muscular release, and mental state shifts. Here’s the science behind it:

1. Nervous System Shift: Activation of the Parasympathetic Response

Yoga, especially when combined with breath control (pranayama) and mindful movement, actively stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS)—the “rest and digest” mode of your autonomic nervous system. • During yoga, slow, controlled breathing (e.g., deep diaphragmatic breathing) signals to the vagus nerve, which in turn lowers heart rate and blood pressure, reducing overall stress. • The sympathetic nervous system (fight-or-flight) is gradually downregulated, leaving you in a calm, deeply relaxed state. • By the time you reach Savasana, your body has already been primed for a full restorative response.

1. Muscular and Fascial Relaxation: Letting Go of Tension • During yoga, tense muscles are stretched and contracted, allowing them to release stored tension. This results in a rebound effect where, by the end of the session, your muscles are more relaxed than they would be in passive rest alone. • The slow, deliberate movements increase blood flow and lymphatic circulation, helping remove metabolic waste and reduce soreness. • Fascia (the connective tissue surrounding muscles) is also hydrated and loosened, further enhancing your feeling of ease.

2. Brainwave Changes: Entering a Meditative State • Research has shown that meditative movement practices like yoga can increase alpha and theta brainwave activity, which are associated with deep relaxation and a dreamlike, creative state. • By the end of a yoga session, your brain may be in a state similar to light sleep or deep meditation, explaining why lying in Savasana feels more relaxing than simply lying in bed.

3. Sensory Deprivation and Grounding Effect • Unlike a bed, which is soft and may contour to your body, a firm mat on the floor provides deep proprioceptive feedback, making your nervous system feel safe and supported. • Lying flat allows for even distribution of body weight, reducing pressure points and further promoting relaxation. • The lack of distractions (e.g., no pillows, no electronic devices) encourages a deeper connection to the body and breath.

4. Breath and CO₂ Regulation • Yoga breathing techniques help optimize oxygen and CO₂ balance, preventing over-breathing (which can contribute to anxiety). • This efficient gas exchange leads to a greater sense of calm and presence, making Savasana feel profoundly restful.

Why It Feels Even Better Than Your Bed • Unlike in bed, where you might associate the space with sleep, thoughts, or distractions, Savasana is a conscious, intentional relaxation practice. • The contrast effect—going from effort (yoga postures) to complete stillness—amplifies the sense of relief and relaxation. • Body awareness and mindfulness cultivated during yoga allow you to fully appreciate the present moment, reducing mental chatter and creating a state of profound ease.

Conclusion

Yoga’s ability to downregulate stress, relax muscles, shift brainwave activity, and optimize breathing makes post-yoga relaxation feel uniquely deep and satisfying. The experience of Savasana on a firm mat can feel even better than a bed because it offers grounding, sensory simplicity, and a state of complete mental and physical release—a truly “reset” for both body and mind.

The Goodgym Islington crew returned to the lovely Caxton House Community Centre last night, to help with assist with further renovations of this busy hub of activity. 7 Goodgymmers from Islington, Barnet and Camden met with Area Activator Simon and task owner Rose for this ongoing indoors project.

Over 30 charities, groups and workshops operate within Caxton House, alongside activities like archery, cooking lessons, repair shops and sewing studios.

Check out the Caxton House website here: https://caxtonhouse.org/

Our task for the evening involved refurbishing the upstairs bathrooms, ready for a re-fit later this year. Since our Goodgym team were available on Monday evening, we were free to make as much noise as we liked while breaking away old tiles, and giving all of the walls and radiators a fresh lick of paint. We divided our crew into two groups to work on the ladies and the gents restrooms.

As a thank you for our quick efficient work, we were offered hobnobs and donated bakery goods as a treat. Along with a tour of the beautiful sewing room set up for workshops during the week (and weekends soon!). Goodgym Islington had helped with painting the walls of the craft room too, so it was lovely to see that our hard work had really paid off!

Congratulations everyone. We will be running from the Arsenal Community Hub to Rose Bowl Youth Club next Monday. We hope to see you then.

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GOODGYM ISLINGTON NEWS

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SESSIONS IN MARCH

Group Run- Rose Bowl Youth Club 6.45pm, Rose Bowl Youth Club Monday 3rd March

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/group-run-rose-bowl-youth-club-a588639e-e54a-4e59-909f-3bf3c5c44b24

Community Mission- Sunnyside Community Gardens 7.15pm, Sunnyside Community Gardens, Monday 10th March

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/community-mission-sunnyside-community-gardens-composting

Group Run- Lighthouse Community Gardening Project, 6.45pm, Arsenal Community Hub Monday 17th March

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/group-run-lighthouse-community-project-gardening-dc4882e6-87c9-497d-acc5-7c51d4ea92a7

Community Mission- Hornsey Rise Kickabout Playground, 7.15pm, Hornsey Rise Kickabout Playground, Monday 24th March

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/community-mission-hornsey-rise-kickabout-playground

Community Mission- Barnsbury Square Gardens 7.15pm, Barnsbury Square Gardens Monday 7th April

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/community-mission-friends-of-barnsbury-square-gardens

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Achilles International VI Guide Running Sessions

Every Thursday, 6pm, Various London locations

On Thursday evenings, the all abilities sports charity Achilles International holds a group run session at a London location.

Here is a list of our upcoming events and sign up pages. Runners, supporters and guides of all abilities and experiences welcome!

Paddington Rec Track Thursday 27th February https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/come-and-guide-run-with-achilles-international-paddington-rec-track-f84dc6a2-273c-474c-bd46-5e29cc1d7268

Stratford Olympic Park Thursday 7th March https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/come-and-guide-run-with-achilles-international-olympic-park-stratford-route-a6f34119-2ee1-423c-af26-d1ef84572c61

Paddington Rec Track Thursday 14th March https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/come-and-guide-run-with-achilles-international-paddington-rec-track-84f58337-118e-4cd7-93e1-4710a9923494

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Track and Towpath Social Running Sessions

Every Wednesday (fortnightly), 7.30am, Mile End Athletics Track

If you are looking for accessible training sessions that can be included in your schedule, then come and join Area Activator Simon for his fortnightly runs.

Track training is always more fun with others, and these are designed to be sociable and open to all!

Structured training sessions, followed by refreshments at The Yurt Café, Limehouse!

Wednesday 3rd March

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/track-towpath-morning-social-track-session-mile-end-5

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Elizabeth House Food Hub- Lunchtime Sweep Up Task!

Tuesday 25th February, 12.45 - 1.15pm, Elizabeth House

On Tuesday afternoons, during term time, the team at Elizabeth House Food Hub have requested for an extra pair of hands to help with cleaning and tidying up their donation centre.

Expect some satisfying sweeping and surface cleaning to assist this busy team!

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/elizabeth-house-food-hub-lunchtime-sweep-up-task-bcc8694e-8c6c-4f42-b252-c9da94550df6

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Green Guardians Spring Sessions

The Garden Classroom, Newington Green

Wednesday 26th February

Next session:

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/the-garden-classroom-newington-green-green-guardians-volunteer-morning-9ac17bb5-28f2-461f-bf94-6cab02d6f91a

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Market Road Gardens

Tuesday 25th February

Next Session:

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/the-garden-classroom-market-road-gardens-tuesday-volunteer-morning-04f13fcf-7286-44e4-a3a6-d0f3cbfcb6e1

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Compton Terrace Gardens- Volunteer Session

Saturday 8th March, 10am - 1pm, Union Chapel, Islington

A smashing community mission for those partaking in Highbury Fields or Finsbury parkrun on a Saturday morning!

A friendly gardening group started to look after the park about 10 years ago. We are always looking for more help - with planting, mulching, pruning, and all the other things a garden needs.

Everyone welcome, no special skills needed! Lots of fresh air and a nice chance to meet local people. We meet once a month on a Saturday morning near the shed in the middle of the Gardens.

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/compton-terrace-gardens-volunteer-open-morning-march-7d7a97f5-0c8e-42a3-a4db-49704da2d519

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Camino Ultra London- Lea Valley Races Finish Line Party!

Saturday 29th March, 12 midday, Here East, Stratford

The Camino Ultra London 50km and Gratitude 25km returns for 2025, stretching from Welwyn Garden City, to Ware, and then down the Lea Valley to our finishing line in Hackney Wick (Here East).

Race organisers Darren Strachan and David Bone aka DaznBone would love to invite the Goodgym community back to bring excitement and positivity to our runners, as they finish their races.

The theme is: Bring The Party!!!

Cowbells, cheers, noise makers, music and fun!

https://www.goodgym.org/happenings/camino-ultra-london-lea-valley-races-finish-line-party-9b26694e-5382-4354-ad3c-6a73c2656f85

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Hackney Half Aid Station and Marshal Volunteering

Sunday 18th May, 7am onwards, Marion Place, Pritchard's Road (TBC)

The team at Motiv Sport have asked if our Goodgym team would be interested assisting with the 2024 Hackney Half Marathon on one of the 6 water and aid stations.

All volunteers that help in 2025 are offered a free place in any of our running events in 2026 (Hackney Half, London 10K, Oxford Half).

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/hackney-half-aid-station-and-marshal-volunteering

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London 10km with Saucony- Water Station Volunteers!

Sunday 13th July, 7.30am onwards, Carlton House Terrace, SW1Y 5AH

An incredible event that offers runners to opportunity to race through traffic free streets in the Capital!

Motiv Sports (who also operate the Hackney Half and Oxford Half marathons) have requested Goodgym assistance to help at their 2nd aid station on the day.

Food and water provided, and a free entry for any 2026 event on the Motiv Sports roster will be offered to all volunteers!

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/london-10km-with-saucony-water-station-volunteers-7fc3f823-de75-4b32-9ada-ec2e94c7a51a

A few GoodGym members came together to do online yoga

Yoga talk

Check out this study that highlights the connection between mind and body.

https://thehealthsciencesacademy.org/health-tips/strengthen-your-muscles-by-thought-alone/

The connection between mental training and yoga can be seen in how yoga emphasizes mindfulness and intentional muscle engagement. In yoga, visualizing movements and focusing on muscle activation, even in static poses, may lead to physical benefits similar to the mental training studies. The mental focus in yoga helps create a "mind-muscle connection," potentially enhancing strength, flexibility, and muscle control, as seen in research where mental exercises alone improved muscle strength. Yoga’s meditative aspect reinforces this connection, blending physical and mental conditioning.