A few GoodGym members came together to do online yoga.

Yoga talk Yoga is great for runners because it improves flexibility, strength, and balance, helping to prevent injuries. The focused breathing and mindfulness in yoga also aid in recovery and reduce stress, supporting better endurance and performance. Plus, it helps strengthen key muscle groups that support running, like the core, glutes, and legs, enhancing overall stability and efficiency.

A few GoodGym members came online to do yoga.

Yoga talk

Yoga benefits blood pressure and circulation by activating the parasympathetic nervous system, which reduces stress-induced hypertension. The practice involves deep breathing and specific postures that enhance vascular function, improve endothelial health, and promote efficient blood flow and oxygen delivery throughout the body.

A few GoodGym members decided to do some litter picking in their local area. I joined up with fellow Goodgym Member Daniel to do some paired litter picking in a particularly bad area of Barnet. Check out some of the other photos and messages.

With GoodGym we litter pick fast, Clearing rubbish that’s left or amassed, It’s good for the mind, And the planet combined, Leaving us fit and refreshed at last!

Hi Paul. Sally and I did this month's paired plogging yesterday. Didn't take long as lots of plastic bottles containing dubious liquids soon filled up our bags. Ugh! We jogged into Regent's park afterwards to see the Frieze sculptures.

Have tagged Goodgymbarnetactive in our Insta stories😎

Back to the bee roads of Blackheath this month and a mile loop round one of the larger fields that I often use for intervals, it it bordered by the A2 and a couple of other less busy roads. There was a lot more than last time I did it, around three bin bags full, mainly takeaway rubbish, presumably thrown out of car windows. On a positive note there were still far more wild flowers and mushrooms than rubbish.

Paul Browning

Hello everyone,

I just wanted to say well done on dedicating that hour yesterday purely to yourselves through yoga—connecting to your body through breath and movement. In a world full of distractions, taking this time isn’t just a break; it’s a powerful practice for your health and well-being, both physically and mentally.

Science increasingly backs what yoga has known for centuries: regular, focused time for ourselves enhances mental clarity, reduces stress, and even strengthens our immune response. Studies show that practicing mindfulness through breathwork and poses can lower levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) and increase the brain’s grey matter, which supports memory, emotional regulation, and resilience against stress.

It’s no small thing to give yourself this gift of presence, and it’s especially meaningful in today’s world. By simply being there, focusing on your breath, and staying connected to each movement, you’re cultivating a healthier mind and body.

Thank you for your energy and dedication! Let’s keep showing up for ourselves in this way.

Warmly, Paul