0 Month Streak
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14 Month Streak
Block or report Rachel Melinek
Tue 4th Feb at 6:45pm
Barnet Report written by Paul Salman
GoodGym Barnet: Running Beyond Waste!
A slightly drizzly Tuesday evening didn’t dampen our spirits as GoodGym Barnet gathered for what turned out to be a novel group run experience—one that showcased our flexibility, community spirit, commitment to sustainability and a social drink!
Our original plan to visit Northway Gardens didn’t quite come together, but fate had other ideas! We received an urgent call to action to support local businesses in East Finchley by distributing leaflets for an important Business Beyond Waste webinar, hosted by Barnet Council. This session aims to help small and medium-sized businesses reduce waste, improve sustainability, and even boost profitability—a perfect match for GoodGym’s mission of doing good while getting active.
A Call to Action – Right Up Our Street!
With 200 leaflets printed and ready to go, our base for the evening was the iconic Phoenix Cinema, where we gathered, welcomed new members—including Gabriel, who’s already diving into missions requiring a DBS check—and shared some of our most memorable GoodGym experiences. These included painting the Phoenix Cinema graffiti mural and an epic tale from York GoodGym, where a group rescued a drowning man from a canal!
After a quick warm-up, we split into two teams and hit East Finchley High Street—one group tackling one side, the other covering the opposite. Armed with leaflets and our usual enthusiasm, we introduced the initiative to local business owners, many of whom were genuinely interested in the project and in GoodGym itself. Some were even intrigued by how GoodGym could help their own community initiatives—proof that what we do opens doors (sometimes literally, sometimes via letterboxes!).
We also discovered a key update from Barnet Council—they’re changing the way commercial waste collections operate. For businesses, this makes workshops like Business Beyond Waste even more crucial in navigating new sustainability regulations.
Rebels with a Cause… and a Pint
Once we’d covered the High Street, the teams reunited and made their way toward another local hub—near the Windsor Castle pub. Given the evening’s theme of supporting local businesses, it seemed only right to pause for a well-earned drink, discussing the evening’s work, future sustainability projects, and, as always, swapping GoodGym stories.
As the night wound down, we jogged back to the Phoenix for a proper cool-down and headed off in our separate directions—feeling energised, accomplished, and happy to have supported a positive, sustainable initiative that benefits both the environment and our local businesses.
Can GoodGym Help More Sustainability Initiatives?
This was a great example of how GoodGym can be a powerful partner for local organisations looking to create lasting impact—whether it’s helping businesses go greener, supporting community clean-ups, or promoting active transport.
Got ideas on how we can support sustainability in Barnet? Let us know! Because whether it’s running, cycling, or walking, GoodGym is always ready to go the extra mile for our community.
Wed 5th Feb at 7:40am
Here is the bonus mission for today only. Very fun event we must go back to that Turkish restaurant sometime soon! https://www.goodgym.org/happenings/goodgym-barnet-bonus-leaflet-drop-for-sustainability?legacy=true
Tue 4th Feb at 6:45pm
Maintaining this beautiful open space for the local community
Read moreTue 4th Feb at 9:55am
Barnet Report written by Paul Salman
A few GoodGym people came online to do yoga.
Yoga talk
Don’t take your health for granted. Don’t take your body for granted. Do something today that communicates to your body that you desire to care for it. Tomorrow is not promised.” — Jada Pinkett Smith
Tue 28th Jan at 6:45pm
Barnet Report written by George Ttoouli (he/him)
After closing for a month to create a new screen and refurbish the existing screen, the Phoenix Cinema has been on a post-renovation drive to get bums on seats. This evening's group run was about helping this wonderful charity and local cultural centre spread the word locally about what's on.
With a well-attended screening of The Brutalist starting, the foyer cleared and our five Goodgymmers began warming up. Prompted by Rachel, we shared our most-used apps on our phones, which ranged from the George and Subham using work and chat apps to language learning. Some of us hardly use phones, which is a nice thought!
Then off we set with a box of leaflets into the post-storm damp, wind buoying us on a 2km loop around local houses, leapfrogging from door to door, squinting in the dark to check for NO JUNK MAIL stickers, and waving excitedly to anyone out on their driveway - all of whom said, "Oh, the Phoenix? Yes please!" at our offered leaflets. And we were done in record time, which meant we could decant to a nearby pub for a well-earned rest, chat and a cheeky half.
There was talk of a future social at the Phoenix to see a film - for which, hopefully, we'll get our kindly 10% discount. Watch this space about watching that space, maybe? More next week when we're visiting Northway Community Gardens to help keep the garden clean, tidy and healthy for everyone to enjoy.
Tue 28th Jan at 9:55am
Barnet Report written by Paul Salman
A few GoodGym members came together for online yoga.
Yoga talk
static holds in yoga benefits the cardiovascular system by: 1. Enhancing Circulation – Holding poses increases blood flow and vascular function, improving oxygen delivery to muscles. 2. Reducing Blood Pressure – Slow, controlled breathing and sustained postures activate the parasympathetic nervous system, leading to lower blood pressure and heart rate. 3. Building Vascular Strength – Isometric holds strengthen blood vessels and improve endothelial function, aiding in better cardiovascular health. 4. Improving Heart Rate Variability (HRV) – Static yoga poses combined with deep breathing enhance HRV, a key marker of heart health and stress resilience. 5. Increasing Nitric Oxide Production – Yoga stimulates nitric oxide release, which helps dilate blood vessels and improve circulation.
Tue 21st Jan at 6:45pm
Barnet Report written by Paul Salman
GoodGym Barnet: Helping a Forest School in East Finchley
On a crisp January evening, five dedicated GoodGym members gathered at the Phoenix Cinema for a group run with a mission: helping a forest school in East Finchley. Despite some last-minute dropouts, this hardy team of volunteers was ready to make a difference.
As we assembled, we shared stories of our favourite childhood books, setting a light-hearted tone before the evening’s work. A special mention to Susanna , who joined her first nighttime group run after attending our weekend intro session—she took it all in her stride.
We started with a gentle jog down East Finchley High Street to warm up, stopping midway for some dynamic exercises, including three-step punches, kick-ups, stick strides, and twists. With our heart rates up, we continued to the school, ready for the task ahead.
The Good Deed
At the school, we were greeted by wheelbarrows, shovels, and rakes, with instructions from our host, Jon, to spread fresh woodchip over worn and muddy areas. The chilly night air mixed with the dust from the woodchip, creating an almost magical, eerie atmosphere.
Anthony Mak-Fan showed great commitment and determination, tackling the heavy woodchip with focus. Meanwhile, Susanna on her first group run, worked effortlessly, making a strong first impression. Rachel Melinek was her usual reliable self, leading the group back to the Phoenix with energy and enthusiasm. Beattie, always dependable, was an excellent back marker, ensuring everyone stayed together and safe.
Mid-task, I took a moment to show Susanna and Anthony around the rest of the forest school, giving them a sense of the space we were helping to maintain.
After completing the work, we returned via a slightly different route to include a sprint workout. We tackled three sets of sprints with gentle jogs in between, adding an extra fitness boost to the evening. Along the way, we also did press-ups against walls before finishing back at the Phoenix Cinema.
A Bonus Good Deed
While warming down with gentle stretches, an elderly lady approached and asked for assistance retrieving personal items from her car. She needed her credit cards to pay for a film. Without hesitation, we stepped in to help, completing an unexpected but rewarding second good deed to end our session.
A big thank you to everyone who came along and worked hard to help the forest school. Your dedication and teamwork continue to make a difference in our community!
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