GoodGym Barnet: Buckets of Fun at Lyttelton!

You just can’t beat GoodGym in the summer – running in T-shirts and shorts, soaking up the evening warmth, and doing something good for the local community. This week, we took on a brand-new task: watering pollinator planters and fruit trees in Lyttelton Playing Fields – a leafy patch of green tucked into Hampstead Garden Suburb.

As always, we gathered outside the trusty Phoenix Cinema, where the pre-run chatter somehow turned to interesting relatives – the kind of chat that’s ripe for a bit of gentle teasing and a guaranteed follow-up during the task. Classic GoodGym: social fitness at its finest.

It was a short jog downhill through quiet streets – just over 2km – with the summer air feeling fresh and just right. This week was extra special as we welcomed back Phil, returning from a long hiatus due to a back injury. We kept the pace relaxed and let him guide the warm-up. No pressure, no race – just people moving together and supporting each other.

At Lyttelton Playing Fields, we were met by Stephen from the local Friends group, who gave us the lowdown on the ongoing community projects in the area. Our task? Give the planters of pollinator-friendly flowers and young fruit trees a solid soaking.

Armed with a very long yellow hose and a battalion of buckets, we set to work. Of course, the hosepipe couldn’t quite reach every corner, so teamwork came into play – some walked, some ran with buckets (some impressively carried two!), while others filled and ferried water back and forth. There was a steady rhythm to it: fill, carry, water, swap. And before long, the trees and planters were all looking perkier.

After wrapping up, most of us jogged back up to the Phoenix for a gentle warm-down – and a well-earned drink at the local pub.

Thanks to everyone who came along, helped out, and made it such a warm and welcoming evening. Check out next week’s run – you can join us at the Phoenix or meet us at the task. See you there for more running and more doing good!

A few Goodgym members came online to do yoga.

Yoga talk

Regular yoga practice increases GABA levels in the brain, which are associated with reduced anxiety and improved mood.

A study using MRI scans at Boston University School of Medicine found that after just 12 weeks of yoga, participants had significantly increased levels of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), a neurotransmitter that helps calm the nervous system.

12 Goodgym members separately went out in the month of May to litter pick local streets and green spaces!

Phil said One full bag and 4 thank yous

some people came online to do yoga