As usual, we gathered at the Phoenix Cinema, our cosy launch point, and the pre-run chat was in full swing. Suddenly, in swept Subham, beaming and slightly out of breath, proudly declaring he’d just raced a stranger on the opposite pavement — an unknowing rival in his spontaneous street sprint. Naturally, Subham won (he even decided where the finish line was!).

We also welcomed Peter for his first ever GoodGym Barnet run! Having already played a heavy session of tennis earlier that day, he bravely laced up for a double workout — serious commitment!

Beattie arrived in high spirits too, buzzing with some great work news to share, adding to the positive start to the evening.

Just as we stepped outside for our warm-up, the skies decided to test our spirits with a light drizzle — a rare event for our usually lucky-weather crew. But by the time we set off through the backstreets behind the High Street, the rain had politely stopped.

Our destination: St Martin’s, where John was waiting with wheelbarrows, shovels, and rakes at the ready. This week’s mission — helping prepare the forest school paths by laying down fresh woodchip so the children can enjoy easier access to the woods.

Everyone got stuck in straight away, with Peter showing no sign of slowing down despite his tennis marathon earlier. Wheelbarrows rolled, woodchips flew, and laughter filled the air — another task well and truly smashed by Team Barnet.

After a satisfying session, we headed back through the quiet streets for a quick warm-down and a well-earned stretch.

Well done everyone — for running, working, and smiling through it all. Until next time… keep racing (and winning) against the rain!

A few Goodgym members committed to clean up local green spaces and streets in the month of October well done for your efforts shall we do it again for November. Check out photos and stories

Four goodgymers joined the local community for a day of activities organised by environmental charity Earthwatch at the Mutton Brook Tiny Forest. Adults and children enjoyed a full day of citizen science: measuring trees to calculate carbon capture; counting creepy crawlies to assess the health of the natural area; testing the filtration properties of the soil. The weather was glorious and we collected tons of data that will help the scientific work that Earthwatch is doing at the 300 tiny forests around the country.

Bonfire Barnet: Marshmallows, Moonlight and Community Spirit!

It was our first full-dark Tuesday since the clocks went back, but that didn’t stop the GoodGym Barnet crew from lighting up the night quite literally!

We gathered at the Phoenix Cinema, where the staff had gone all out with their Halloween decorations a suitably spooky backdrop for the evening. After a quick catch-up, we numbered up, chose our back marker, and set off along East Finchley High Street on our short run to the Finchley Charities allotments at Fuel Lands.

Finchley Charities is one of Barnet’s oldest community organisations, supporting local people through almshouses and community initiatives. Their allotment space is now being used to grow food for the local food bank and as a hub for education and wellbeing.

We met Simon on arrival and waited for Scarlett before heading through the gates to our task burning brambles and shifting compost bags. The fire soon crackled to life, feeding on the cuttings, while the ashes were set aside to nourish the fruit trees later.

Then came a surprise treat Bridget produced a bag of marshmallows and some impressively long sticks! Cue laughter, firelight, and toasted sugar under the night sky not your typical Tuesday evening run.

As we reflected the next day, it struck us what an unusual but joyful way it was to spend an evening: running, chatting, laughing, helping out, and toasting marshmallows together.

We cooled down with a gentle walk back to the Phoenix, where a few of us stopped for refreshments and a final chat.

Thanks to everyone who came along, ran, walked, and lent a hand. If you fancy doing something a bit different on a Tuesday night and helping your local community while you’re at it come and join us at GoodGym Barnet!

A few people came online to do yoga.

Yoga talk

If your wrists are hurting, Do think about adapting the position if possible going onto your elbows. (You could also think about going onto your fists as a change) Another technique that might help is to think about pushing your fingers down and gripping the mat more.( something I haven’t mentioned for awhile.) You could also think about using blocks to reduce pressure.