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!

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

On a brisk November evening, GoodGym Barnet gathered at the Phoenix Cinema, ready for a run. My trusty computer assured me the skies were cloudy, but the rain on my face hinted otherwise. Clearly, technology and I had a bit of a misunderstanding — maybe the computer was right, and I was simply too human to grasp its wisdom?

The Phoenix was buzzing with a private event, but we still managed to crowd together, number up, and chat. Naturally, the big topic was cinema. Each of us threw in a film recommendation, and, honestly, we’ve got some eclectic taste here at GoodGym Barnet. Here’s what made the list:

🎬 GoodGym Barnet’s Film Picks • The Educators • Howl’s Moving Castle • Once Upon a Time in Anatolia • Round Midnight • Lost Highway • 12 Chairs (Russian comedy!) • Blood Simple (aka: “If you’re into misunderstandings and murder…”)

So, next time you’re scrolling through streaming platforms, consider one of our picks — and if you think we missed a must-watch, add it in the comments!

As we set off, the cold wasn’t quite “recreational ground weather,” so we took an alternate path that felt like stepping into an enchanted forest. With the glow of street lamps filtering through the trees, we ran through a tunnel of golden-brown leaves, looking every bit like we were sprinting through a woodland fairytale. Just one of those rare, perfect little moments that makes GoodGym so special.

Mission Accomplished… with Style! Upon arriving, we met Vicci from the Friends Group who helps care for this hidden gem of a park. We threw on our head torches, which transformed the damp grass and shadowy paths into a scene from a sci-fi movie — an alien planet expedition, complete with litter bags as our “research specimens.” We worked in pairs (perfect for some bonus conversation!) and ended up with a respectable stash of litter, enough to give the area a fresh start.

On our way back, we even caught a glimpse of foxes in the woodland. Their eyes glinted like jewels as they peeked out, a little audience for our ragtag team of trash-collectors.

New Faces and Noteworthy Moments Special shoutout to Ben, joining us for his first GoodGym run, and to Kirsten, returning from a brief break. And kudos to Kubilay, who’s volunteered for an upcoming mission to build a table for a gentleman in Barnet. We also had Anthony, who received a surprise in the form of a small women’s GoodGym shirt (yes, the admin strikes again!). And let’s not forget BT and Rachel, heading off to Norway to catch the Northern Lights—safe travels, and bring back stories!

We ended the night with a warm-down, mutual applause, and some well-deserved refreshments back at the Phoenix Cinema. Yet again, we’d proven that GoodGym is about more than just fitness or service—it’s a way to get out of our heads, connect with our community, and have a blast together, rain or shine.

Ready to join the fun? Come along next Tuesday, and who knows—you might discover a new favorite film and get a glimpse of the foxes yourself!