GoodGym blends exercise with volunteering to transform communities
A UK fitness group is helping people stay active while supporting their communities. GoodGym combines exercise with volunteering, encouraging members to run, walk, or cycle to tasks like gardening, litter picking, or helping older adults. The organisation now has over 26,600 members across England and Wales—and plans to grow further.
GoodGym began in 2007 when founder Ivo Gormley started running to deliver a newspaper to an elderly neighbour. The idea soon expanded into a structured programme where volunteers pair with retirees for tasks like moving furniture or mowing lawns. Members are encouraged to jog, cycle, or walk to their assignments, turning chores into workouts.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, demand for the group’s services surged, particularly for support to older adults. Beyond one-off tasks, GoodGym also organises larger projects, such as clearing sidewalks, planting trees, and setting up shelters for the homeless. In Bristol, volunteers transformed a derelict car park rooftop into a community garden. A similar project in southwest London involves shifting heavy compost up narrow steps to maintain a rooftop growing space. The group operates in 67 locations, with plans to expand into Northern Ireland and Scotland. Membership is flexible—donations are optional, and there is no pressure to attend regularly. A study by the London School of Economics even found that combining exercise with volunteering boosts mental wellbeing more than either activity alone.
GoodGym’s approach makes fitness accessible while addressing local needs. With thousands of members already involved, the group continues to grow, offering a simple way for people to improve their health and their neighbourhoods at the same time. New locations and projects are expected as interest in the scheme spreads.
