Happiful April 2018

Page 54

The Power of Movement

GoodGym has 5,500 members

79,880

good deeds done so far!

GoodGym members also run in groups to local organisations that need help, completing tasks like shovelling earth for community gardens, planting trees or clearing derelict land, and then run back, all within 90 minutes. Group runs are led by qualified running coaches who help members with their running technique, and support them to achieve their fitness goals. Members get fit, while doing good. Ellie Fry first joined GoodGym in London, and continued her membership when she moved to Bristol earlier this year. What was your first experience of GoodGym? I turned up to Battersea Arts Centre not knowing what to expect and was greeted by such a warm welcome, it felt like I’d been part of the running club for ages! The first task was leaflet dropping for a local community gardens project (running to and from all the destinations).

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Tell us about some of the community work you’ve done? The “missions” are so varied – from leaflet dropping to helping clean a hospice. Since moving to GoodGym Bristol, I’ve been involved in litter collecting down at the Avon Gorge and helping a community garden project (Haven), which offers support to local communities. How has being part of GoodGym helped you? I love the whole ethos. Run. Volunteer. Meet like-minded people. There’s something so rewarding about doing activities that help the local community, rather than just running on a treadmill or pumping iron in the gym.

There’s something so rewarding about doing activities that help the local community, rather than just running on a treadmill or pumping iron in the gym

What would you say to someone thinking of joining? Go for it! It’s amazing how many groups there are now all across the country. GoodGym is always open to new members, whatever their fitness level. For more information, visit www.goodgym.org


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