Last night’s GoodGym group run was a love letter to one of Finchley’s finest: the Phoenix Cinema. This unique, purpose-built 1930s cinema has been showing films continuously for nearly a century and remains a treasured cornerstone of the local community. Supporting it isn’t just a good deed—it’s a privilege.

We gathered outside the cinema in the early evening sun, collected our film programs for delivery, and had a cheerful catch-up before jogging off to Cherry Tree Wood for a warm-up. A few dynamic leg and arm movements (and a respectable group plank!) got our bodies moving and ready for action.

We then split into pairs and hit the streets, posting Phoenix programs through letterboxes along the route. It was a real pleasure to welcome Sarah, who joined us for her first-ever GoodGym activity in support of the Phoenix. She did brilliantly, especially as she delivered a leaflet to one of Finchley’s most famous popstars. We’re sworn to secrecy—but if you want the inside scoop, join us on the next Phoenix delivery run!

With our rounds complete, we took the scenic route to Highgate Woods for a forest fitness finish. We enjoyed a shaded loop through the trees, ending at a bench for some leg and upper-body strengthening. Think single-leg squats, press-ups, and bench dips—two tough circuits in total.

The evening ended back at the Phoenix with a well-deserved tea and hot chocolate break, made even better by Rachel’s delicious homemade vegan cake—healthy, nutritious, and gratefully devoured.

Thanks to everyone who came along and gave their energy to a cause worth running for. Same time next week.

Tonight's group session was a gentle push around East Finchley, fundraising for a local school. The Archer Academy's Raise the Roof Campaign aims to build a new performing arts studio for their lower school students to rehearse in. It's an ambitious project and one our Goodgymmers wholeheartedly support!

Lucinda, Anthony and George set out into a light drizzle, with our usual warm up outside the Phoenix and then a gentle trek through side streets. We leapfrogged up Fortis Green to the 'shires', chatting as we went. Our ambitious plan to clear the small-looking stack of flyers in half an hour soon gave way to the very thin paper they were printed on. Like nuclear fission, they seemed to multiply in our pockets!

We covered a fair few streets before making our way back to the Phoenix, a thin stash remaining, where we were welcomed by the staff with gratitude. They'd promised to deliver loads themselves, so the small pile will sit for cinema goers to pick up.

If you can help the Archer Academy's campaign, please do!

After closing for a month to create a new screen and refurbish the existing screen, the Phoenix Cinema has been on a post-renovation drive to get bums on seats. This evening's group run was about helping this wonderful charity and local cultural centre spread the word locally about what's on.

With a well-attended screening of The Brutalist starting, the foyer cleared and our five Goodgymmers began warming up. Prompted by Rachel, we shared our most-used apps on our phones, which ranged from the George and Subham using work and chat apps to language learning. Some of us hardly use phones, which is a nice thought!

Then off we set with a box of leaflets into the post-storm damp, wind buoying us on a 2km loop around local houses, leapfrogging from door to door, squinting in the dark to check for NO JUNK MAIL stickers, and waving excitedly to anyone out on their driveway - all of whom said, "Oh, the Phoenix? Yes please!" at our offered leaflets. And we were done in record time, which meant we could decant to a nearby pub for a well-earned rest, chat and a cheeky half.

There was talk of a future social at the Phoenix to see a film - for which, hopefully, we'll get our kindly 10% discount. Watch this space about watching that space, maybe? More next week when we're visiting Northway Community Gardens to help keep the garden clean, tidy and healthy for everyone to enjoy.

After warming up, we numbered up (Goodgym got five on it) and talked about the first album that we bought, which inspired this song lyrics-filled run report.

All the leaves were brown and the sky was grey. We went leafleting on an autumn day - for the Phoenix Cinema. Winding our way down East Finchley streets, leaflets in hand and light on our feet.

Braving doorways and letterboxes, we heard the occasional barking, but fortunately no-one let the dogs out to send us scrambling. Afterwards, we went to the pub and we’re drinking my friend to the end of a brief episode.

Shout out to our new member Anthony and our regulars for making our very own flyerworks night for this lovely charity cinema! We can give ourselves a pat on the back and know that we’re simply the best.

Once upon a time, in the ever-changing weather of East Finchley, our brave GoodGym Barnet heroes assembled at the Phoenix Cinema, ready to embark on a noble mission. Their task? To distribute leaflets promoting the cinema’s latest films. But alas, the leaflets were nowhere to be found! Undeterred, they shifted to Plan B—an epic litter-pick along the High Street.

The skies raged with downpours, but our heroes sought refuge in the Phoenix foyer, where they prepped for the battle ahead. Armed with litter pickers, they set out, rain or shine, to rid the streets of unsightly rubbish.

Beattie, with her keen scientific eye, analyzed every scrap with precision, leaving no piece of trash behind. Tom, the swift and strong, raced ahead, gathering the heaviest bag of rubbish, proving that speed and strength win the day. Lucinda, the finder of strange artifacts, unearthed a rare floral arrangement made from litter, earning her the “most unusual find” prize. Paul, the ever-wise strategist, coordinated equipment and worked alongside Tom to pack up a hefty load of debris. George, the rising star, quickly honed his litter-picking skills, and Rachel, the social glue, ensured teamwork was flawless, quietly filling bags without seeking glory.

In an unexpected twist, our heroes stumbled upon a car key—mysteriously abandoned, left safely for its owner. They cleared blocked drains, freed cycle lanes, and even unearthed a massive trash pile at a building site. Meanwhile, Gus, the superhero dog, sniffed out a ball, triumphantly adding it to his collection.

With their mission complete, the team returned to the Phoenix Cinema, where they tied up the Barnet Council bags and basked in the satisfaction of a job well done. Another victory for the GoodGym crew, leaving the streets cleaner and the community stronger!

Rachel and Moya were the dashing duo this week tasked with leafleting for a special fundraiser Directors Cut screening of Donnie Darko, with all proceeds from ticket sales going towards helping a woman get urgent treatment for EDS, a rare genetic condition which affects connective tissue.

After a quick warm up we trotted off, and decided to strategically target the local neighbourhood, knowing there is much community pride in the Phoenix Cinema. One person even asked for a leaflet as we dashed by. The screening is Sunday 12th May at 2pm for anyone interested (and it's a movie classic).

Having made good work of our leaflets, we decided to extend our run with a detour to local nature reserve Coldfall Woods, doing a full loop before making our way back to the Phoenix, and clocking in a very respectable 5km.