Nottingham’s first ever Good Gym has launched in the city, where local volunteers come together to do good in the community and get fit at the same time.
A launch event took place last week where volunteers, including councillors Linda Woodings and Devontay Okure from Nottingham City Council, helped the Renewal Trust give new life to some flower beds at Robin Hood Chase by weeding and planting wildflower seeds.
Good Gym are a national registered charity, and have partnered with Nottingham City Council, to help bring the scheme to Nottingham. Volunteers help local community organisations and isolated older people by doing practical tasks like planting trees, cleaning out community centres or sorting items at a food bank. In return, the volunteers get to keep fit, meet new people and do great things that really make a difference to the local community and environment.
It’s free to participate and anybody can join, no matter their fitness level. People who volunteer can attend as often or as little as they like and it’s a great alternative for those who might lack the motivation to stick to traditional running, cycling or using a gym.
Mark, Area Project Lead at Good Gym said: “It was great to have a keen team of new GoodGymers wanting to make a difference in Nottingham, and the Renewal Trust were a perfect partner to work with on this session.
“We were so pleased we could clear the planters of weeds and get some seeds in the ground in this corner of the city, as part of our mission to see more people getting fit by doing good.
“We’re looking forward to seeing the group grow and get lots of exciting sessions planned.”
Cllr Linda Woodings, Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care and Health said: “Good Gym is a great way to help the local community and improve wellbeing at the same time.
“It can benefit those wanting to fit some additional exercise into their normal fitness routine or it can be a great alternative for those who normally find it difficult to take part in traditional forms of exercise like going to the gym.
“It’s also a great way to meet new people which helps to tackle increasing loneliness and isolation, for not only those who the scheme helps, but for those taking part too.
“The more people who take part, the more people it can help. It can make a big difference to the city and local communities by helping to make them greener, less lonely and better connected”.
Volunteering activities are planned to take place in different areas of the city and new events are added all the time, so those wanting to find out more and sign up to take part in a session, can visit: https://www.goodgym.org/v3/areas/nottingham