It was a LoT to give back! this week as we teamed up with Library of Things to spread the word about borrowing rather than buying. 🌱

We were joined by Charlotte, Library of Things’ Lead Marketeer, who also used to work at the Corporate Centre — so it was brilliant to have you back with us! We were also very happy to welcome Kash, a GoodGym familiar face. 👋

Jalal arrived on his bike and led us over to Library of Things in the Livat to start the evening. We got a proper look at how it all works, including their real-life lockers, before heading out into the local community with a stack of flyers - 1000 to be exact!

We found a nearby residential area and set off on a flyer-filled trail, working our way along three big roads as a team. And just when we thought the evening couldn't get more exciting, we had a very rare summer solar eclipse to enjoy! 🌞 With our trusty protective glasses at the ready, we took a little time to admire the spectacle and catch up.

Then it was back into town, where Jalal was waiting for us, happily handing out flyers to anyone who looked like they might be interested. 📣 After spreading the Library of Things love far and wide, we made our way back to Shepherd’s Bush station.

A big thank you to everyone for making it such a fun one — and to everyone who helped get the word out. Borrow more, buy less, and give things a second life! 💚

What do you get when you mix 32°C heat ☀️, Google Maps having an absolute mare 🤦, a community garden, cake 🍰 and a brilliant bunch of GoodGymers? Last night's adventure, of course!

We met outside Shepherd's Bush Station before setting off into the evening sunshine. On the way we spotted Maria, who thankfully recognised us as the red-shirted crew just as we were setting off. Good job she did, because what happened next was... less "elite navigation" and more "mystery tour of Hammersmith."

Google Maps completely lost the plot. I had a go. Matthew had a go. Google continued to insist we were apparently somewhere else entirely. In the end, Maria took charge and heroically guided us safely to the task. We officially nominate her as GoodGym's new Head of Navigation- ¡Muchas gracias, María! 🧭👏

When we arrived, Beverly was there to welcome us and point us in the right direction, where Lillie, joining her very first GoodGym session 🎉, and Jalal had already got stuck into transforming the community garden. A huge welcome to Lillie—we hope this is the first of many good deeds in red! ❤️

This lovely shared green space is enjoyed by local residents, so we wasted no time getting to work. Leaves were raked, weeds were pulled, bags were filled, and before long the garden was looking fresh, tidy and ready for everyone to enjoy again. 🌱🍂💪

Just when the heat was starting to catch up with us, local resident Linda appeared with the ultimate surprise: cake and juice! 🍰🧃 Safe to say they disappeared pretty quickly and were exactly what we needed after working in 32-degree heat. Thank you so much, Linda—you were an absolute star! ⭐

With the garden looking fantastic, we headed home... this time taking the correct route! Somehow the journey back was much smoother than the outward leg (funny that), and we made it back with no unexpected sightseeing required.

Huge thanks to everyone who came along and survived the heat, the horticulture and the hilarious navigation. Another brilliant evening of doing good, getting fit and proving that sometimes the scenic route just gives you a better story to tell. ❤️🌿

This week we headed back to the beautiful grounds of Chiswick House, where we visit regularly to keep this historic green space looking its best. It helps keep the gardens and grounds free for everyone to enjoy, and it is always rewarding to know that an hour or so of work has a lasting impact on a community space.

A special welcome to Emma, who joined us for her very first GoodGym Hounslow session! Great to have you join us.

After a warm up and a quick run, we met up with the rest of the group, grabbed our tools and got straight to work on two important conservation tasks.

Our first job was tackling epicormic growth—the shoots that sprout from the trunks and lower branches of trees. While these shoots are a natural response to stress, they divert energy away from the healthy canopy and can affect the tree's long-term health. Removing them helps put energy where it's needed most.

Our second task was trimming back the browse line—the lower branches that create a neat line beneath the tree canopy. The name comes from the height at which deer naturally browse leaves in woodland. Maintaining this browse line improves visibility and allows more light to reach the ground, supporting a greater variety of plants and wildlife.

As always, there was plenty of conversation while we worked. Topics ranged from upcoming races and ambitious cycling adventures to remarkable hospital coincidences and plenty of plans for future events. Time flies when you're catching up with good company!

With an impressive number of trees tended to, we headed over to the estate yard for fitness. Tonight it was Tabata - a high-intensity interval workout consisting of short bursts of hard work followed by brief recovery periods. It's fast, energetic and efficient. There were plenty of laughs, lots of determination, and some truly impressive squats on display!

Next week we're off to help at a local school. Hope to see lots of you there! Sign up here for all the details