19 runners cleared weeds from 40m of raised beds, spread 9 bags of compost and potted up over 50 begonias to keep them safe for replanting

Having wanted to come to a Good Gym session for months, but feeling too unfit, the starter session was an opportunity not to miss! Mark warmly welcomed us, told us the standard format then got us going with some stretches.

Lesson in Horticulture

A short jog, skip and jump down the road and we reached the flower beds of an estate which needed our help. Half our team of 19 loaded up compost, the other half dug up dead plants. A quick lesson in horticulture was necessary to make sure we spotted the geraniums and hung on to them - to be stored and planted out next year.

Hoes, Spades and Geraniums

The compost arrived at the flower bed, all hands on deck to turn the soil and mix the compost in. Then wheelbarrows, hoes, spades and geraniums taken back to the start and we jogged on for fitness tests.

Wow - the slow fast run in the dark mud of the park got pulses going! Then back to the Arches for balance and flexibility tests, a warm-down, and great encouragement to join in a 'proper' session next time. See you again soon...

Emily Darko