0 Month Streak
0 Month Streak
20 Month Streak
Block or report Rachel Melinek
Tue 19th Aug at 6:45pm
Barnet Report written by Paul Salman
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.
Wed 20th Aug at 8:18am
Sorry not to have been with you last night and thanks so much for all your efforts!
Wed 20th Aug at 8:53am
Thanks Steven!
Wed 20th Aug at 9:48am
Another great way to spend a lovely evening.
Tue 19th Aug at 6:45pm
Maintaining this beautiful open space for the local community
Read moreTue 12th Aug at 6:45pm
Barnet Report written by Paul Salman
GoodGym’s Hottest Role Model Run
On what felt like one of the hottest days of the year, a hardy crew of GoodGym Barnet gathered outside the Phoenix Cinema While the sun still blazed, the time of day meant it was a pleasant temperature for a light jog.We welcomed a new Runner Isabella Talbot
Before setting off, Rachael threw in a fun idea for our warm-up chat: who were our role models growing up? Answers ranged from Arnold Schwarzenegger (flex appeal) to David Attenborough (nature appeal) — so we were clearly aiming for a blend of strength and wisdom.
Just as we were limbering up, the Phoenix Cinema manager popped out with a request: could we deliver leaflets for their upcoming classic film screenings? Naturally, we were happy to help our hosts — it’s not every day your run gets a prequel.
With leaflets in hand, we jogged gently to The Finchley Charities allotment, making a few deliveries along the way. There we met Peps, our host, plus two more new faces — Oliver and Amanda who joined Isabella on her very first GoodGym outing. Three new starters in one evening!
The allotment, which supports the local food bank and residents of nearby almshouses, had a buffet of tasks for us: • Watering thirsty plants • Bramble bashing (a GoodGym classic) • Harvesting thanks, rhubarb, courgettes,apples and plums
We worked in the warm, golden light until the sun dipped below the trees, Those of us running headed back then gathered for a well-earned stretch and cool-down.
It ended up being a double good deed: helping both the Phoenix Cinema and The Finchley Charities in one evening. And who knows? Maybe our childhood role models really would have been proud of us — though Arnold might have suggested a few more reps, and Attenborough would probably have narrated the bramble-bashing in hushed tones.
Here’s to the next GoodGym adventure whatever the weather throws at us!
Tue 22nd Jul at 6:45pm
Barnet Report written by George Ttoouli (he/him)
The Phoenix was swarming with film-goers eager for the world premiere of a new documentary about dogs, Dog$piracy. Given the threatening clouds, the cinema seemed like a great place to be, but, never to be put off, our three indomitable Goodgymmers had a mission!
We set off for Coldfall Wood - and into a cold downpour - jogging our way through backstreets. At an opportune clearing in the woods, we stopped for a bit of stretching and, by the time we were back out on Muswell Hill Playing Fields, the rain had cleared up. Crossing the fields, we spied Simone, who met us at the site, and Linda from the Friends of Cold Fall Woods, chatting away around trusty - ploggers and sacks. Great to Simone her back after a hiatus!
After a quick intro, we fanned out across the north field, clearing rubbish and catching up. Beattie got stuck into the brambles, where a few people were out gathering berries. Rachel and the others skirted the perimeter, clearing dog poo bags tossed into the undergrowth because the bin was buried in brambles and nettles. Not a job for us, fortunately - Linda reported that, and a pile of fly-tipping by the gate to the flats north of the fields.
And then, with our work done, we piled the rubbish sacks ready for collection, waved a cheery goodbye to Simone and jogged our way back to the Phoenix. The cinema-goers had only just gone in for the screening by then, so we snuck a quick refreshment in to celebrate a job well done, before trekking home.
Hope to see people next week when we've been asked to help with an emergency watering job for the new planters at Lyttleton Playing Fields.
Tue 22nd Jul at 6:45pm
Improve the Environment in this area
Read moreTue 22nd Jul at 9:55am
Barnet Report written by Paul Salman
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.
Tue 15th Jul at 9:55am
Barnet Report written by Paul Salman
A few GoodGym members came together to do online yoga.
yoga talk
As mentioned in class yesterday, yoga is a great way to activate the parasympathetic nervous system — our “rest and repair” mode. By calming the breath and focusing the mind, we help the body shift out of stress and into a state that supports healing, recovery, and overall well-being. It’s one of the reasons a regular practice can feel so deeply relaxing. https://www.sciencefocus.com/science/can-yoga-decrease-stress-and-anxiety
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