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 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!

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.

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.

4 GoodGymers Rachel, Yesika, Kubilay and Moya braved the drizzling rain to run 3km to our local Tiny Forest, providing a haven of carbon capture growth and wildlife habitat next to the north circular road. This was the first run after the clocks had gone forwards, giving some welcome evening light on the way there, and to explore the forest. It was lovely to see the young green leaves starting to cover the trees. We decided to tackle some of the weeds starting to take over the lower areas (which I remember from experience get very big after a summer's growth!) - pulling out thistles, dandelions and some dock, especially around the base of the young trees, and to give other plants a chance to establish themselves. Kubilay definitely won the award for the most impressive roots extraction - all without implements!

We then all made our way back to the Phoenix cinema, running through puddles and getting a lot wetter in the process, clocking up a respectable 6km in total. We're looking forward to checking up on the Tiny Forest to see how it develops over the next few months.

On a rainy Tuesday evening, the intrepid members of GoodGym gathered for their group run, undeterred by the weather's damp embrace. Brimming with the can-do spirit that defines them, they set out to support the Phoenix Cinema, their destination for the evening.

As the heavens opened, thwarting their usual route plans, the resilient group improvised, opting for a warm-up session within the cozy confines of the cinema itself. Remarkably, their enthusiasm proved infectious, drawing in even a curious cinema patron to join in the pre-run arm movements.

Undeterred by the inclement weather, the group then ventured to the tube station, determined to make a positive impact. Armed with leaflets, they greeted commuters with smiles, spreading leaflets for the Cinema as people disembarked from trains.

With their good deeds done, the rain-soaked streets beckoned them for a jog, embracing the elements with each stride. Despite the darkness and the downpour, laughter echoed through the wet streets, as they discovered the joy of a workout amidst the raindrops.

And as the evening drew to a close, they traded soggy sneakers for warmth and comfort, gathering for hot chocolate and lively conversation in the café upstairs. Through rain or shine, their indomitable spirit shines bright, a testament to the power of community and the joy of giving back.

GoodGym Group run in on a rainy Tuesday, looking to support the Phoenix Cinema. The conditions were too difficult to do our usual Indian running to each house, so we decided to Warm up in the cinema even one of the patrons decided she would like to join us! with some gentle arm movements. We then head to the tube station to distribute leaflets as people exited the train station. Once we had done our good deed, we decided to go for a run to exercise ourselves in the dark wet Streets, but it was a good workout and good fun. Embracing the rain and it’s negative irons is supposed to be good for your well-being an early finish for a hot chocolate and a chat upstairs in the café.