What is GoodGym and how does it work?

GoodGym is an organization that encourages people to get fit by doing good, combining exercise like running with community volunteer work such as litter collection or assisting the elderly.

How many people are part of GoodGym?

GoodGym has over 26,600 members and operates in 67 locations across England and Wales.

What are the mental health benefits of GoodGym?

A study found that GoodGym participation significantly improves mental wellbeing, reducing loneliness and increasing life satisfaction and a sense of belonging.

Home / Lifestyle / Run, Sweat, Save: Fitness Meets Community Service

Run, Sweat, Save: Fitness Meets Community Service

24 Jan

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Summary

GoodGym combines running with volunteer work.
Organization has 26,600 members in 67 UK locations.
Study shows GoodGym boosts mental wellbeing significantly.

Run, Sweat, Save: Fitness Meets Community Service

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.