Last night’s GoodGym group run was a love letter to one of Finchley’s finest: the Phoenix Cinema. This unique, purpose-built 1930s cinema has been showing films continuously for nearly a century and remains a treasured cornerstone of the local community. Supporting it isn’t just a good deed—it’s a privilege.

We gathered outside the cinema in the early evening sun, collected our film programs for delivery, and had a cheerful catch-up before jogging off to Cherry Tree Wood for a warm-up. A few dynamic leg and arm movements (and a respectable group plank!) got our bodies moving and ready for action.

We then split into pairs and hit the streets, posting Phoenix programs through letterboxes along the route. It was a real pleasure to welcome Sarah, who joined us for her first-ever GoodGym activity in support of the Phoenix. She did brilliantly, especially as she delivered a leaflet to one of Finchley’s most famous popstars. We’re sworn to secrecy—but if you want the inside scoop, join us on the next Phoenix delivery run!

With our rounds complete, we took the scenic route to Highgate Woods for a forest fitness finish. We enjoyed a shaded loop through the trees, ending at a bench for some leg and upper-body strengthening. Think single-leg squats, press-ups, and bench dips—two tough circuits in total.

The evening ended back at the Phoenix with a well-deserved tea and hot chocolate break, made even better by Rachel’s delicious homemade vegan cake—healthy, nutritious, and gratefully devoured.

Thanks to everyone who came along and gave their energy to a cause worth running for. Same time next week.

A few GoodGym people came online to do yoga.

Yoga talk

One of the reasons yoga feels so different from other forms of exercise is the way it blends static postures with deep relaxation — often in a rhythmic flow between effort and ease.

Holding a posture engages the muscles, fascia, and nervous system, stimulating mild stress that builds strength and stability. But unlike many workouts, yoga follows this with a deliberate release — a moment to soften, breathe, and recalibrate.

This alternation between gentle stress and conscious relaxation helps train the parasympathetic nervous system — the part of us that governs rest, recovery, and digestion. Research shows that practices like yoga can reduce levels of cortisol (the stress hormone), slow the heart rate, and activate brain regions linked to calm and emotional regulation (Harvard Health, 2021; National Institutes of Health).

Over time, this practice creates a kind of inner intelligence: the body learns how to let go, not just in stillness, but in life. The breath leads the way, the body follows, and the mind is invited to settle.

That’s what makes yoga unique — it’s not just a workout, it’s a training in how to return to balance.

I made it to the Finchley Memorial Hospital for the second time this week.

The first time was to learn how Goodgymmers can help water the garden over the coming months, when volunteers are away. I found out where the tap was and what to do if the water tank was empty and the outdoor tap not even dripping. So I met security who let volunteers in through a fire exit to a cleaning cupboard with a tap, where we can fill watering cans.

All prepped, I was ready this session to then train up Subham, who jogged along to help - but there was no need! The outdoor tap was running fine, so we hooked up the hose and ran around under Lisa's supervision, making sure everything was watered and happy. The friendly robin bounced around as usual, and we spotted many pollinators.

All in, it was a good test to make sure the volunteers have cover over the coming months. They're continuing with their normal Friday morning sessions, and will need some help putting woodchip on the beds soon, to help retain moisture and heat. Keep an eye out for more listings!

With the temperature dropping suddenly (even though it was the hottest start to May ever recorded) and a few Goodgymmers taken ill, just three of us managed the group run to Shepherds Hill Gardens. Anthony and I both rocked up a little early to the Phoenix, while Sonya gamely offered to meet us at the gardens, so we set off promptly at a gentle pace. We arrived early and did a decent stretch, before heading over to meet Pat, one of the amazing custodians of the green space.

We gathered tools, sacks and snacks - yes, one of the lovely perks of visiting, but not the reason we go! - and set to the laborious maintenance tasks that are a challenge for the older volunteers at the space. We swept the path and steps at the public-facing end of the woodland patch while Pat litter-picked and pruned hedges, then ferried the waste down to the compost pile in the wood. That alone was enough work for the four of us, so we decamped to a bench for some hot hibiscus berry tea and apple juice, to natter about the various volunteers and the jobs they have ahead of them.

Like many green spaces around Barnet, they're looking ahead to the extra work spring and summer brings and trying to build capacity for pruning and maintaining new growth. Keep an eye out for a dedicated Community Mission to help them at their regular sessions in May and June.

The play street on Windermere avenue was the first of four this summer and Goodgym helped to make this local event a success. Nearly a hundred local residents converged on the street, closed to local traffic for two hours, to play games and socialise. There were street chalks, bubbles, giant Jenga, various home-baked cakes, as well as a book swap and an amazing spot where people could plant a pot with pollinator-friendly herbs and take it home with them. Goodgymers groomed with the set-up and staffed the street barriers, as well as helping with the clear up at the end. We look forward to the next ones!

Goodgym joined a flotilla of Barnet's volunteer organisations to promote opportunities for participation to around 140 asylum seekers and refugees.

Ukrainian, Palestinian, Middle Eastern and people from many African countries represented the many lovely, lively communities that gathered at Hendon Leisure Centre, as well as interpreters to help those with limited English. The event was organised by Barnet Together, which supports volunteering in the borough.

Goodgymmers come from all walks of life, and the same is true of the people who I connected with. I met people of all ages, backgrounds and professions, with different fitness goals and interests - weightlifters, runners, cyclists and martial artists. I ended up playing badminton with a man I think was Afghani, and then backgammon with an Iranian gentleman of advanced years. (He beat me on the last throw with a double-six!)

Many of the attendees barely have spare money for bus travel, so finding ways for Goodgym to connect with them safely is a challenge. Some are based in hotels across Barnet, so I talked with some of the other organisations about the possibility of us visiting them to lead group walks and runs for fitness and maybe to clean up nearby green spaces, to help people feel more connected to where they live and more confident about getting around.