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.

A brave gaggle of Goodgymmers gathered for our latest group run to Northway Gardens, where we were helping Brian clear the banks of the brook. A somewhat failed attempt at a conversation starter in 'What would you use AI for?', mostly leading to the answer 'To solve the need to ever have to use AI'. So we appointed Rachel to come up with a better prompt for next week!

We set off in good time, Beattie marking the rear, jogging through the back alleys of East Finchley. At Lyttleton Playing Field, we stopped briefly for squat kicks and some core strengthening - the braver among us doing one-armed planks.

Meeting Brian on Northway, he produced two pairs of trusty loppers and set us off in groups either side of the stream, cutting back the overgrowth. Daniel emerged from the undergrowth, having run straight to site - great to see him back again on his second group run in the past month.

Then to work! We cut back self-seeding trees, mostly elder, some figs, and our extra hands ran back and forth, like mobile trees (hence the Macbeth reference!) across the road to the dumping pile. It was hot and careful work, making sure no one took a swan dive into the drink while trimming saplings. We made it as far as the bridge, and made a big difference to the garden's view along the way.

Jogging back, Lucinda took up backmarking duties, and guess what? She's completed her 25th good deed! Well done!

With all the heat, we agreed we needed some refreshments, so we returned to the White Lion for a quencher and chitchat and a promise to be back next week, when we'll be helping Roger and the Friends of Cherry Tree Wood.

It's a very short run, so you can expect https://www.goodgym.org/v3/profile/paul-salman to lead a work out circuit or maybe even some yoga. See you there!

On a glorious evening, five Goodgymmers gathered at the Phoenix for our group session. We welcomed Sarah, who is on her second good deed ever - and this week! - as well as regulars Beattie (who is really close to her 100th good deed!), Rachel and Lucinda. After a quick warm up in the sunshine down the side of the cinema, we trotted off through East Finchley tube station and into the alleys and quiet roads toward Northway Gardens.

We were met by the indefatigable Brian, custodian of the gardens, with litter pickers. First order of business was a quick photoshoot with us waving our ploggers around, so Brian could show the council what we're all up to, keeping the space clean for the public. Then the real first task: deadheading daffodils! We wandered like clouds - not lonely, but in pairs and threes - along the banks of the Mutton Brook, flicking the heads off the flowered daffodils, so the plants put more energy into the bulbs for next year, and less into creating seeds. This will keep the bulbs healthier and able to flower for more years ahead.

After we'd cleared the banks and beds, we then took up our trusty litter sticks and crossed into the smaller part of the gardens toward Lyttleton Playing Fields. It was relatively clear - or so we thought, but as we were gathering with our stashes of trashes to take to the bins, we found Sarah dragging a HUGE pile of waste from under an evergreen! She'd found so much rubbish she'd had to fish out a bin bag of her own (note: always come prepared for a plog!) to store it all in. We then dutifully dragged the waste back to the bins and said our farewells to Brian.

As always, Brian was incredibly grateful for the support we bring to keeping the space maintained and beautiful for everyone to enjoy. No doubt we'll be back again soon to help however necessary.

Bonus pic: Also, on the way to the Phoenix, I spotted my third red admiral butterfly of the year (two spotted near Brent Cross while I was taking water samples for the Brent Run-Off action). Maybe we should do a butterfly count at some point this summer...?

As all great revolutions begin, this one started outside a cinema. We gathered at the Phoenix Cinema, our traditional launch pad for an evening of good deeds, exercise, and—on this occasion—mildly reckless drinking proposals. Theo, ever the connoisseur of fermented apples, introduced us to his latest home-brewed cider. He assured us it was excellent. We assured him we’d try it after the run, wisely deciding to get going! And so, with Beattie back-marking, we set off. The run itself was delightful—clear skies, crisp air, and a pleasantly quiet route through the streets and the darkened paths of the park. There is something wonderful about running at night: the world feels different, like you’ve stepped into a parallel universe where you can run freely without small dogs, prams, or people staring at you like you’ve lost your way from an athletics meet. Our mission for the evening took us to Northway Gardens, where we met Brian—local park custodian, environmental defender, and the kind of man who could probably hold his own in a debate with a government minister armed only with a clipboard and a well-reasoned argument.

Brian had originally wanted us to tame a hedge, but unfortunately, nature (and the fading daylight) had other plans. Instead, we helped him shift a selection of heavy objects, including a rather large and cumbersome bin—the symbolic weight of which would soon become apparent.

With a little extra time on our hands, Brian took us on an impromptu walking tour of local bureaucracy gone mad. He pointed out a newly installed gate, which—he informed us—cost an alleged £25,000. We all nodded politely, trying to conceal our mild horror. Then came the benches. threeof them. Plus 8 bins. All paid for by the local biodiversity budget, which, in theory, should be spent on things that actively improve biodiversity, rather than—say—providing additional seating for philosophical musings on where all the biodiversity went. To put things in perspective, the total biodiversity budget for the area was £56,000. This meant that nearly half had been spent on one gate. A gate. If this was a biodiversity initiative, then presumably it was designed to allow only the most well-financed badgers through. Brian, ever the committed investigator, was not impressed. And, to be honest, neither were we.

A Movement is Born!

It was at this point that the seeds of revolution were sown. Inspired by Brian’s passionate objections and the rather eye-watering price tag of municipal gates, we began discussing a Party for Parks—a grassroots movement dedicated to ensuring money meant for green spaces is actually spent on green spaces.

Of course, all good political movements need a defining moment, and ours came in the form of the bin relocation. Nothing signals intent quite like a group of people strategically moving a public bin. It was a bold statement—if slightly lacking in the drama of, say, the Boston Tea Party. But still, small steps.

With the revolution officially underway, we jogged back to the Phoenix, where we finished the evening in true revolutionary style—by toasting our efforts with a small, highly alcoholic sample of Theo’s cider.

As all great revolutions should.

GoodGym Barnet: Running Beyond Waste!

A slightly drizzly Tuesday evening didn’t dampen our spirits as GoodGym Barnet gathered for what turned out to be a novel group run experience—one that showcased our flexibility, community spirit, commitment to sustainability and a social drink!

Our original plan to visit Northway Gardens didn’t quite come together, but fate had other ideas! We received an urgent call to action to support local businesses in East Finchley by distributing leaflets for an important Business Beyond Waste webinar, hosted by Barnet Council. This session aims to help small and medium-sized businesses reduce waste, improve sustainability, and even boost profitability—a perfect match for GoodGym’s mission of doing good while getting active.

A Call to Action – Right Up Our Street!

With 200 leaflets printed and ready to go, our base for the evening was the iconic Phoenix Cinema, where we gathered, welcomed new members—including Gabriel, who’s already diving into missions requiring a DBS check—and shared some of our most memorable GoodGym experiences. These included painting the Phoenix Cinema graffiti mural and an epic tale from York GoodGym, where a group rescued a drowning man from a canal!

After a quick warm-up, we split into two teams and hit East Finchley High Street—one group tackling one side, the other covering the opposite. Armed with leaflets and our usual enthusiasm, we introduced the initiative to local business owners, many of whom were genuinely interested in the project and in GoodGym itself. Some were even intrigued by how GoodGym could help their own community initiatives—proof that what we do opens doors (sometimes literally, sometimes via letterboxes!).

We also discovered a key update from Barnet Council—they’re changing the way commercial waste collections operate. For businesses, this makes workshops like Business Beyond Waste even more crucial in navigating new sustainability regulations.

Rebels with a Cause… and a Pint

Once we’d covered the High Street, the teams reunited and made their way toward another local hub—near the Windsor Castle pub. Given the evening’s theme of supporting local businesses, it seemed only right to pause for a well-earned drink, discussing the evening’s work, future sustainability projects, and, as always, swapping GoodGym stories.

As the night wound down, we jogged back to the Phoenix for a proper cool-down and headed off in our separate directions—feeling energised, accomplished, and happy to have supported a positive, sustainable initiative that benefits both the environment and our local businesses.

Can GoodGym Help More Sustainability Initiatives?

This was a great example of how GoodGym can be a powerful partner for local organisations looking to create lasting impact—whether it’s helping businesses go greener, supporting community clean-ups, or promoting active transport.

Got ideas on how we can support sustainability in Barnet? Let us know! Because whether it’s running, cycling, or walking, GoodGym is always ready to go the extra mile for our community.

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.