Operation Orchard: GoodGym Barnet in Cherry Tree Woods

GoodGym Barnet assembled once again at our usual HQ—the Phoenix Cinema—thankfully free of last week’s MI5-style bag checks and suited security guards (though a few of us might have missed the VIP treatment).

After a soggy day of drizzle and damp forecasts, the skies cleared just in time for our latest community mission. Clearly, even the weather knows not to mess with a GoodGym evening.

We were thrilled to welcome Memory on her very first outing—though judging by her confident use of a rake and her tales of family farming, you’d never have guessed she was new. Beattie and Rachel brought their usual cheerful energy, and Subham joined us on-site at Cherry Tree Woods, slipping in like a stealth volunteer just as we arrived.

Warming up with the usual blend of light jogging (along the glamorous side pavement of the cinema), we set off on our ‘blink and you’ll miss it’ short run to the park.

Waiting for us were the wonderful Friends of Cherry Tree Woods with a mission: ( thank you Andras and Roger) Operation Orchard. Our task was to weed around the orchard trees and give them a nourishing compost boost—because even trees deserve a bit of pampering.

Armed with rakes, shovels, and occasionally just our bare hands, we dug in—literally. There was something deeply satisfying about restoring a bit of order to the wild growth. In just half an hour, we’d circled the trees, cleared the undergrowth, and emptied a whole bag of compost like eco-minded superheroes.

With the trees now happily mulched, there was just enough time for a spontaneous frisbee session in the fading light. Turns out frisbee + running = a surprising aerobic workout and a lot of laughter.

Thanks to everyone who came out—especially Memory , for making such a strong start! Same time next week, minus (we assume) the secret service.

Last night’s GoodGym adventure started with an unexpected twist: we arrived at the Phoenix Cinema to find ourselves stepping into what looked suspiciously like a low-budget remake of Men in Black. Black suits, earpieces, security checks… we were only missing Will Smith! (but he could’ve been inside)

I paused at the door—slightly concerned that my bum bag (delicate territory) might be subjected to a full MI5-level inspection. Thankfully, Rachel arrived, and we decided to store our high-risk belongings in my car. Enter our two brave new recruits, Freya and Caitlin, just in time for the action. Caitlin needed a quick change, which meant navigating cinema security like a spy on a mission—successfully in and out without blowing our cover. (I was asked to move away on the basis that a car might mount the pavement towards me! ! bizarre! )

Feeling very protected (by men with clipboards and scanning devices), we did our warm-up next to the cinema, no doubt confusing the surveillance team further. We then boldly stepped into the unguarded wilderness of East Finchley, en route to Martin Primary School.

To pass the time, Rachel suggested some icebreakers. We each shared what we once wanted to be as kids (spoiler: none of us are astronauts now) and played “two truths and a lie” as we trotted along. It turns out runners are surprisingly good liars—or very bad detectives.

At the school, we met Scarlett and reintroduced ourselves, along with our crafted childhood aspirations and deception-based fun. Inside the school grounds, Jon welcomed us to the orchard, where the weeds had staged a full-blown coup. Brambles, bindweed and nettles were suffocating young trees like villains in a botanic thriller.

Armed with rakes and sharp tools (yes, we were trusted with these), we tackled the chaos. I warned the group about rake safety—especially after one of my nearest and dearest had an unfortunate rake-meets-face incident that ended in A&E and a lesson in cartoon physics. Fortunately, no repeats here.

After a heroic tree-rescue effort, we rounded off with a strength circuit: squats, triceps dips, sprints, and press-ups, with a side of motivational chat on the importance of strength training for runners. Gritty, glowy, and weedless, we jogged back to the Phoenix.

The security detail was still there—possibly baffled by our return or wondering if we were all part of some elaborate distraction. Either way, we cooled down before the cinema crowd poured out, said our goodbyes, and went home with that warm, weird feeling only a GoodGym mission can deliver.

Another one for the history books! giveCaitlin a shout out on her first GoodGym mission!

A few GoodGym members came together to do online yoga.

yoga talk

Yoga helps initiate nitric oxide (NO) release primarily through deep breathing, static holds, and gentle muscular engagement, which stimulate the endothelium (inner lining of blood vessels) and improve vascular function.

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.

A few GoodGym people came online to do yoga.

Yoga talk

One of the reasons yoga feels so different from other forms of exercise is the way it blends static postures with deep relaxation — often in a rhythmic flow between effort and ease.

Holding a posture engages the muscles, fascia, and nervous system, stimulating mild stress that builds strength and stability. But unlike many workouts, yoga follows this with a deliberate release — a moment to soften, breathe, and recalibrate.

This alternation between gentle stress and conscious relaxation helps train the parasympathetic nervous system — the part of us that governs rest, recovery, and digestion. Research shows that practices like yoga can reduce levels of cortisol (the stress hormone), slow the heart rate, and activate brain regions linked to calm and emotional regulation (Harvard Health, 2021; National Institutes of Health).

Over time, this practice creates a kind of inner intelligence: the body learns how to let go, not just in stillness, but in life. The breath leads the way, the body follows, and the mind is invited to settle.

That’s what makes yoga unique — it’s not just a workout, it’s a training in how to return to balance.