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Run, Sweat, Save: Fitness Meets Community Service
24 Jan
Summary
- GoodGym combines running with volunteer work.
- Organization has 26,600 members in 67 UK locations.
- Study shows GoodGym boosts mental wellbeing significantly.
GoodGym empowers UK residents to combine fitness with community service, offering an alternative to traditional gyms. Participants jog or cycle to volunteer locations, undertaking tasks such as litter collection, garden maintenance, or assisting elderly neighbors. The organization boasts over 26,600 members spread across 67 sites in England and Wales, with plans for expansion into Northern Ireland and Scotland.
Founded in 2007 by Ivo Gormley, GoodGym initially focused on group runs for community projects. The COVID-19 pandemic saw a shift towards essential services like prescription and food delivery for isolated individuals. While many activities involve group exercise, some one-on-one tasks for older adults, like moving furniture, are also supported.
Recent research from the London School of Economics, involving 3,600 participants, has highlighted significant mental health benefits. The study found that the unique combination of physical activity and pro-social behavior led to improved wellbeing, decreased feelings of loneliness, and increased life satisfaction and belongingness.
GoodGym aims to minimize barriers to participation, allowing individuals to join sessions easily without pressure. The social aspect is a key draw, offering in-person interactions that many, especially younger members, seek as an escape from screen time. Some groups even continue socializing at local pubs after their volunteer work concludes.
