GoodGym Barnet – Joyful Hydration & Time-Travelling Conversations

Six of us gathered outside the Phoenix Cinema and, before even breaking sweat, launched into a surprisingly philosophical warm-up: “If you could observe any period in history, where & when would you go?” Answers ranged from Aztec civilisation to Victorian London – the kind of discussion that might get us expelled from most running clubs but is positively encouraged at GoodGym.( well Barnett anyway.)

With our time-machine firmly parked, we jogged off towards Lyttelton Playing Fields to give the planters and orchard some much-needed love. Sadly, our host Steven was ill – but, being seasoned water-warriors, we knew the drill.

We gently built up the pace downhill, tracing the buried course of Mutton Brook (underground river, very on-trend). A quick on-the-spot exercise stop – complete with skipping – reminded us that fitness can (and should) still feel playful. One of our newer recruits Emilysummed it up perfectly as “joyful movement”.

On arrival, we uncoiled a hose of comedic length which, inevitably, didn’t reach all the planters. Enter: Buckets. Suddenly we were running relays across the field, racing to deliver precious water before any of it escaped. Orchard next – further, heavier, and definitely sweatier – but the teamwork was brilliant and spirits remained high. Honestly, the Aztecs would have been proud.

Buckets emptied and hose recoiled (no small feat), we still had a few minutes left – so naturally, yoga and star jumps. The latter required several “just one more!” photographs, which definitely qualified as bonus cardio.

We jogged back into the darkening evening, happy, hydrated (us and the trees), and reminded that community + exercise + a bit of silliness = exactly what GoodGym is all about.

Come and join next time – time travel optional, skipping encouraged.

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.

GoodGym Barnet: Sprinting Through Spring for Lyttelton Park!

Despite an April forecast that couldn’t make up its mind — one minute torrential downpour, the next bursts of spring sunshine — luck was on our side this Tuesday evening. The skies held off just long enough for our GoodGym mission to go ahead rain-free, giving us the perfect excuse to lace up, head out, and do some good.

We gathered, as ever, at the Phoenix Cinema, where the evening kicked off with a celebration: George’s 50th good deed! (Well, technically his 51st — but who’s counting?) A big shoutout to George for reaching this milestone. Your commitment is legendary!

There was also a warm welcome to new runner Sonya joining us for her very first GoodGym mission — we hope it’s the first of many. And it was lovely to see Jackie and Sally back with us again after a bit of a break — it felt like the crew was reuniting in full spring spirit.

We squeezed into the cinema vestibule for a quick briefing — the usual safety chat, a bit of numbering up, and some fun exchanges about the weirdest jobs we’ve ever had (which definitely sparked some laughter and kept the chat flowing well into the run).

Our mission: to help the Friends of Lyttelton Playing Fields spread the word about their brilliant plans for an accessible, all-weather 1km path in the park — complete with rewilding spaces and better access for all. Our job? Delivering 600 leaflets to encourage locals to take part in the public consultation.

We warmed up with a gentle run to meet Dominic, our contact from the Friends group — although he was running a little late (in true GoodGym fashion, we turned that into an opportunity for some bonus warm-up exercises). Once leaflets were in hand, we hit the streets.

Brim Hill was our battleground — split into teams of three, we worked both sides of the road, ducking down side streets and hitting letterboxes with near-professional efficiency. Leaflets flew, steps racked up, and the evening unfolded in that golden way only spring evenings can — streets lined with blossoming cherry trees, birdsong in the air, and a sunset that made the whole run feel like something from a film set.

With the job done ahead of time, we turned the journey back into a mini training session — sprint drills along the way, followed by a gentle warm-down as we made our way back to Phoenix.

And, of course, no mission is complete without the post-run social. A well-earned drink at the local pub gave us time to chat, laugh, and reflect on the evening’s work.

There’s something magical about springtime volunteering: the sense of community, the rhythm of your feet on the pavement, and the knowledge that every leaflet dropped might help make Lyttelton Park just a little greener, more accessible, and more loved.

Why not join us next time? The sunsets are free, the laughs are plenty, and you might just find yourself doing your 50th good deed before you know it.