🍿🎥✮⋆˙ See the Insta reel about this session here

☎️ The BAD phone rang (Barking and Dagenham GoodGym – see what I did there?) 15 mins before task time, our host Nassaba was checking in about H&S what with the rain and wind... then 5 mins later an email from a regular GoodGymmer (no names) that it's too wet to travel in.

💥 ...but 3 GoodGymmers persevered and we smashed our 12th task – this time at Gale Street Community Garden.

🌦️ The rain had literally just stopped by the time we arrived; the sun was threatening to come out... Peter, Virginia, Steven and our host Nassaba from Elevate Together didn’t hesitate and got stuck straight in.

♻️ Litter picking was the first task – we were led down a recently formed path between the shrubs into a newly accessible area of the garden. Waist high wild grass, birds singing, apple trees – it really is an urban paradise.

🦊 Peter and Virginia collected 8 bags of litter in total and made some curious discoveries. Half a fox carcass ( 😢 ) and a slow worm (type of snake).

🚿 Steven and Nassaba headed straight to the back of the shed to start emptying the 3rd of 4 huge rainwater tanks (1000 litres each!) in preparation to raise it up – making the taps more accessible.

😏 All felt very smug that we didn’t let Brida down – the local resident who’s been custodian of the garden for over 20 years.

Our mission at Gale Street Organic Community Garden was one to remember.

The energy was uplifting, the teamwork inspiring, and the sense of purpose undeniable.

Having Ivo (GoodGym's CEO) join us brought an extra spark of motivation, while Harry stepped up effortlessly into the skipper’s role, guiding the group with calm confidence and enthusiasm.

With Peter and Virginia coming back for their second session ( 🎉 ), along with Irina and Emdad - our group of 6 GoodGymmers rolled up their sleeves: weeding stubborn patches, watering thirsty plants, clearing paths, filling the water tanks, and even a spot of litter picking to keep the garden looking its best. Every small action added up, leaving the space more welcoming for everyone who visits.

But GoodGym is never just about the tasks.

It’s about why we do what we do. GoodGym connects fitness with kindness, whilst turning energy into positive action for the community. By supporting places like Gale Street Community Garden, we’re caring for our shared spaces and plants; we’re cultivating wellbeing, unity, and a greener, brighter environment for all.

Community gardens are powerful spaces. They bring people together, offer fresh air, encourage sustainable habits, and provide a safe, shared place where friendships can grow alongside the flowers and vegetables. Supporting them means supporting healthier, more connected neighbourhoods. Volunteering adds so much more than physical results. It lifts spirits, strengthens mental health, builds awareness of the challenges around us, and nurtures a sense of responsibility. The feel good factor is undeniable; moving, sweating, and smiling together gives a boost no gym session could match.

A heartfelt thank you to Breda and Nassaba, as always, for guiding us every step of the way. Your encouragement keeps us going, and your presence reminds us of the power of community spirit.

Gale Street Organic Community Garden is proof that when people come together to give their time, even for an hour, change happens.

We left not just with dirt on our gloves, but with lighter hearts, stronger bonds, and the knowledge that together, we made a difference.