A local group is inviting members of the public to get involved as it hopes to grow its support for older people and charities in York. GoodGym is a community of people who get fit by doing good, they organise weekly sessions in which they do practical tasks for community organisations and isolated older people in the city. Members are encouraged to run, walk or cycle as part of these sessions, ploughing their energy into doing social good.  

GoodGym is a unique and innovative fitness movement. Rather than running nowhere on treadmills and lifting weights that don't need lifting, GoodGym harnesses this energy and uses it for good. Led by a trained run leader, members meet in groups to do physical tasks such as weeding allotments, painting classrooms or moving furniture for isolated older people. All sessions are free to attend and open to everyone of all abilities. 

The group have recently increased their capacity to do social visits - a befriending service where they make visits to isolated older people in their own homes for a cup of tea and a chat. They are specifically interested in hearing from people who might be interested in this type of activity.

Throughout the pandemic GoodGym York member Leanne regularly did shopping for an older person called Sharon. Sharon had this to say:

“Leanne is a godsend. She is absolutely lovely. It’s helped so much. I have chronic asthma, have been in and out of hospital my whole life. GoodGym is absolutely fantastic. I do not know what I would do without you. Seriously.”

GoodGym York meet every Monday evening, with additional sessions at other times throughout the week. It’s fun, social and you’ll get free fitness support. Sign up at the GoodGym website.