GoodGym Barnet run: A Cinematic Detour and a Compost Carry!

Last night’s GoodGym Barnet group run had a bit of a twist! With the Phoenix Cinema temporarily closed for refurbishment (exciting news—it’s getting a second screen!), we found ourselves without our usual starting point. But fear not! The fabulous Old White Lion pub has stepped in to host us for the next few weeks. A huge thanks to them for saving the day!

With our warm-ups complete and our route planned, we set off into the cool November mist, heading towards Northway Gardens. Our route followed the winding path of Mutton Brook, sneaking behind East Finchley tube station and through suburban streets before opening up into the lush greenery of Littleton Open Space. It’s always a treat to run alongside the brook, even if it’s more of a hidden gem in its early stretches.

At the community garden, we were greeted by our ever-enthusiastic host, Brian, who had plenty of jobs and even more local gossip to share. Armed with head torches and red lights, we got to work moving bags of compost to pots that needed emptying and refilling—a classic GoodGym task, perfect for a chilly evening.

Brian, ever the storyteller, entertained us with his thoughts on the new wooden posts designed to encourage pollinators (spoiler: he’s not a fan of the costs involved). Between shoveling compost and hearing his tales, it felt like a true community moment—lending a hand, catching up, and learning a thing or two about what’s happening in the neighborhood.

Once the task was done, we headed back to our new base at the Old White Lion for a well-deserved drink and some post-run chats.

It was a night of change, teamwork, and a touch of local history—classic GoodGym Barnet! We’ll be back next week, ready to make more of a difference (and maybe hear a few more of local stories). See you there!

If you missed this one, don’t worry—there’s plenty more to come! Join us next time for fitness, fun, and doing good in Barnet.

Blustery Adventures at the Finchley Charities Allotment!

Yesterday, two hardy GoodGymers and local volunteers braved the blustery winds of Storm Burt to lend a hand at the Finchley Charities allotment. While much of the country was drenched, Finchley somehow escaped the downpour, though it was certainly soggy enough!

In a moment of questionable brilliance, I decided to cycle to the mission—possibly not the wisest choice with gale-force winds trying to send me back home! Still, I made it in one piece and was joined Peps ,other Finchley Charities folks, and an enthusiastic team ready to roll up their sleeves for a good cause.

The mission? To support the Food Bank in East Finchley by planting and harvesting fresh vegetables. Armed with tools (mercifully supplied by the organisers), we set about preparing the allotment for the winter season like seasoned pros—well, mostly. Clearing weeds and laying down plastic to keep the weeds at bay through the winter ready for planting in the spring.

Big thanks to the Finchley Charities and the Friends group for organising this brilliant day. It’s not every day you can combine battling a storm, getting muddy, and doing good for the community in one go.

Fancy joining next time? Keep an eye out for updates—weather permitting, of course!

The snow hadn't settled, but the air was knife chill. Wet leaves everywhere like they thought they were back in fashion. Still, four well-wrapped Goodgymmers rocked up to Stephens House and Gardens for a hard boiled night of raking leaves outside Inky's Stables Cafe.

The yard was covered, but we leafed no stone unturned. We swept, raked and bagged until the yard was safe as houses. Helen, our host, normally does this job by herself. She was grateful, that much was clear. And the café staff? They'd bawl their eyes out to see the yard swept so clean. We stacked four sacks out the back and high-tailed it to a classy joint on the High Road for something to chase the ice out of our lungs.

This was Kirsten's second time out with us and Ben's third. They brought the energy of a dozen Goodgymmers with them. Great to have them at our backs. Ben even wanted to run back, which means some of us clocked up a full 5km round trip. Not bad for a cold, wet, dark and cold November evening.

There'll be other nights and other runs, but this one took more than a few leaves out of the old Goodgym playbook.

Spreading wings out to West Barnet, two game Goodgymmers made their way to Hendon's nature reserve and reservoir, the Welsh Harp, for a plogging session organised by the Friends of the Welsh Harp. There, they were joined by around 30 others on a lovely late autumn sunny Sunday, to help clean up this beautiful green space and the only Site of Special Scientific Interest in Barnet and Brent combined.

It was great to see Cherian at the event, her first mission in a while, and one that took place almost on her doorstep. We're hoping to do more for Friends of Green Spaces in Colindale and Hendon in future.

Between everyone, the event gathered around 90 bags of rubbish, making the Harp cleaner and healthier for everyone, including the birds, to enjoy.

A few GoodGym people came together to do online yoga.. Thanks for coming happy for any feedback or comments..

yoga talk.. Yoga teaches us to find ease in effort, comfort in discomfort, and resilience in every breath. This idea is beautifully mirrored in a concept called hormesis—the practice of facing small, manageable challenges to grow stronger and more adaptable. Whether it’s holding a pose longer than feels easy or stepping onto your mat when it’s cold outside, these moments of deliberate effort cultivate resilience. Let’s use this season to deepen our practice, on and off the mat.

On November 14th, GoodGym Barnet joined forces with Tiny Forest at Middlesex University’s Eco Show and Tell, held in the quad under the impressive glass roof at The Burroughs. It was a perfect opportunity to promote our mission of volunteering, active travel, and environmental stewardship in Barnet.

Representing GoodGym were George, Hamid, and Paul—each with a passion for getting others involved in community-driven activities. The event was buzzing with groups looking to recruit new volunteers, and GoodGym Barnet was there to show we’re in the perfect position to help people dive into a range of meaningful tasks, collaborating with other fantastic local charities and causes.

The energy was high, and even the Mayor took the time to stop by for a chat! We shared insights about GoodGym’s goals and the benefits of volunteering for fitness, community impact, and a deeper connection to the local area. With Mitzvah Day’s theme of “Stronger Together,” the event emphasized collective strength in community action—something GoodGym fully supports.

We had fantastic conversations with students and locals, highlighting our weekly Tuesday evening group runs and other events. For students, it’s a winning combo: get to know the area, make new friends, support the community, and get fit—all in one go!

If you missed it, don’t worry! You can still check out our latest updates and find a GoodGym event that speaks to you. Every session with GoodGym makes a difference, so whether you’re into helping green spaces, active travel, or community resilience, there’s a spot for you.

Ready to make a change? Join us, get involved, and let’s grow together! Check out our latest reports here! https://www.goodgym.org/v3/reports