After warming up, we numbered up (Goodgym got five on it) and talked about the first album that we bought, which inspired this song lyrics-filled run report.

All the leaves were brown and the sky was grey. We went leafleting on an autumn day - for the Phoenix Cinema. Winding our way down East Finchley streets, leaflets in hand and light on our feet.

Braving doorways and letterboxes, we heard the occasional barking, but fortunately no-one let the dogs out to send us scrambling. Afterwards, we went to the pub and we’re drinking my friend to the end of a brief episode.

Shout out to our new member Anthony and our regulars for making our very own flyerworks night for this lovely charity cinema! We can give ourselves a pat on the back and know that we’re simply the best.

GoodGym Adventure to Barnwood Community Garden – A Night of Fun, Fitness, and Forest Paths

Last night, GoodGym Barnet hit the streets for a session unlike any other! The goal? Make a difference at Barnwood Community Garden, a beautiful green space devoted to connecting people through woodland crafts and Forest Schools. This hidden gem offers people of all ages a place to hone craft skills, enjoy nature, and grow as a community. For us, it was a chance to get outside, work up a sweat, and make some real impact!

We kicked things off with our usual meetup at the Phoenix Cinema, where all but one of us gathered. It was inspiring to see new faces and many others opting to walk, showing GoodGym’s inclusivity in action! To mix things up, we played a quick round of “Two Truths and a Lie” in the cinema foyer, sparking hilarious debates that lasted the whole evening. Rachael’s detective skills were truly tested, especially with the help of her trusty head torch!

After a challenging warm-up, with hill sprints, heel kicks, and crossovers to get our blood pumping, we divided into running and walking groups. George led the runners, taking them on a longer, scenic route, while Paul led the walkers. Along the way, Paul’s group stopped for static squats, building quad strength and some friendly competition. At one point, the walkers challenged the runners to try their squats, which kept spirits high and added some laughs as they raced ahead.

When we finally arrived at the garden, Leo greeted us with a quick briefing on the amazing work Barnwood does, including an inspiring project pairing community mentors over 60 with young people. The night’s task? Laying down fresh woodchip on paths to keep them safe and mud-free for Barnwood’s upcoming Halloween event, complete with pumpkin soup cooked over the open fire!

Jack met us at the venue, despite being on the injured list, as he trains for his marathon. We all pitched in, shoveling and spreading woodchip until the garden looked ready for its Halloween debut. The walkers made an early exit and reached Phoenix just in time to meet up with the runners for a warm-down. Almost everyone stayed afterward to relax, share laughs, and continue the debate over who told the best lies!

This week’s squad of GoodGym heroes:

• Francesco Ruvolo: Braving the autumn heat in a T-shirt!
• Tom: Fast becoming a GoodGym regular and proving his runner’s endurance.
• Jack Da Silva: Cheering us on from the sidelines as he heals for his marathon. Good luck, Jack!
• Rachael Melinek: Walking group back-marker and social media wizard, helping GoodGym spread the word.
• Beattie: Star woodchip shoveler and part of the running crew.
• George Ttoouli: Our fearless running leader!
• Paul Salman: Leading the walkers with strength and skill.
• Lucinda: Opted to walk this time but no stranger to running.
• Hamid: Taking every chance to practice his English and join in.
• Kirsten: First-timer, who we hope will join us again—perhaps in the running group next time?
• Anthony: Another newcomer. Looking forward to having him back for more adventures!

Reflecting on the night, it’s these quirky conversations and shared moments that make GoodGym so unique. Imagine telling your coworkers how you ran through East Finchley, laid woodland paths by night, and debated lies over tea in a cinema lobby. Only at GoodGym! Join us next week for more fun, fitness, and community spirit—walking or running, everyone’s welcome!

Once upon a time, in the ever-changing weather of East Finchley, our brave GoodGym Barnet heroes assembled at the Phoenix Cinema, ready to embark on a noble mission. Their task? To distribute leaflets promoting the cinema’s latest films. But alas, the leaflets were nowhere to be found! Undeterred, they shifted to Plan B—an epic litter-pick along the High Street.

The skies raged with downpours, but our heroes sought refuge in the Phoenix foyer, where they prepped for the battle ahead. Armed with litter pickers, they set out, rain or shine, to rid the streets of unsightly rubbish.

Beattie, with her keen scientific eye, analyzed every scrap with precision, leaving no piece of trash behind. Tom, the swift and strong, raced ahead, gathering the heaviest bag of rubbish, proving that speed and strength win the day. Lucinda, the finder of strange artifacts, unearthed a rare floral arrangement made from litter, earning her the “most unusual find” prize. Paul, the ever-wise strategist, coordinated equipment and worked alongside Tom to pack up a hefty load of debris. George, the rising star, quickly honed his litter-picking skills, and Rachel, the social glue, ensured teamwork was flawless, quietly filling bags without seeking glory.

In an unexpected twist, our heroes stumbled upon a car key—mysteriously abandoned, left safely for its owner. They cleared blocked drains, freed cycle lanes, and even unearthed a massive trash pile at a building site. Meanwhile, Gus, the superhero dog, sniffed out a ball, triumphantly adding it to his collection.

With their mission complete, the team returned to the Phoenix Cinema, where they tied up the Barnet Council bags and basked in the satisfaction of a job well done. Another victory for the GoodGym crew, leaving the streets cleaner and the community stronger!

It was the best of tasks, and it was the worst of tasks. We arrived at the location and were told about the exciting environs of Friary Park with its centre for the community, including the elderly Zimmer frame-wielding Bollywood dancers and other members of the community who needed support.

We then found out that we had only forks and spades: it is a truth universally acknowledged that a good gymer requested to trim trees must be in want of Secateurs.

We unrooted various nettles and weeds (and so it goes…).

Time is the longest distance between two places. Can you imagine the site as we finished cleared and beautiful ready for planting?