Volunteers Combine Fitness and Community Service in London

LONDON — A unique initiative in London pairs exercise with community service, creating an engaging way for residents to stay fit while improving their neighborhoods. Volunteers from GoodGym gather weekly to participate in activities that range from clearing weeds in community gardens to delivering food and prescriptions to those in need.

Participants like Jason Kurtis, 42, find motivation in the collaborative spirit. “It’s really fun and it forces me to get out, especially on a Monday night when it’s cold and in the middle of winter,” he explained while working in a south London garden. The organization, founded in 2007 by Ivo Gormley, has grown to over 26,600 members in 67 locations across England and Wales, with plans to expand into Northern Ireland and Scotland.

GoodGym’s Approach to Fitness and Volunteering

GoodGym’s model eliminates traditional gym fees and equipment. Instead, it invites individuals to run, walk, or cycle to various volunteer projects, integrating physical activity with meaningful contributions to the community. Recent sessions have included clearing sidewalks of discarded Christmas trees and planting fruit trees.

The group’s diverse activities foster a sense of camaraderie among participants. According to Gormley, the concept originated from his desire to combine exercise with purposeful action, saying, “I thought I could do something more useful in my exercise.” The first group focused on small community projects, such as removing outdated posters in his neighborhood. The idea rapidly gained popularity, leading to GoodGym being registered as a charity in 2015.

While the COVID-19 pandemic halted group activities, it highlighted the need for support among isolated older adults. Volunteers adapted by focusing on delivering essential items, maintaining connections despite physical distancing.

Community Impact and Mental Wellbeing

Research conducted by Christian Krekel, an assistant professor at the London School of Economics, evaluated the mental health benefits of combining volunteering with physical activity. Surveying 3,600 participants, the study revealed significant improvements in mental wellbeing, including decreased feelings of loneliness and increased life satisfaction. Krekel noted, “Because of this unique combination of volunteering or pro-social activity and physical activity, we do find stronger well-being impacts than what the literature suggests for volunteering and for physical activity alone.”

Local leaders like Anastasia Hancock emphasize the safe and supportive environment that GoodGym creates, particularly for women running outdoors in the evening. Hancock coordinates various projects, ensuring members of her group have opportunities to contribute effectively while enjoying their workouts.

“I really love coming. I think it’s just a boost of positivity in the week,” said Sophie Humphrey, 33, reflecting on the community spirit fostered through these activities. The blend of fitness and volunteer work helps cultivate not only physical health but also social connections, a crucial aspect in today’s increasingly digital world.

Gormley believes that the simplicity of the concept is what makes it effective. “You don’t have to come back if you don’t like it. It’s a really easy way to get involved,” he said. This approach invites people to engage without the pressure often associated with traditional fitness regimes, reinforcing the idea that staying active can also mean making a difference.

GoodGym continues to thrive, encouraging individuals to embrace both fitness and community service, proving that impactful change can stem from a simple act of kindness paired with a commitment to health.