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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Sylvia Hui

Combining exercise with volunteering works out for members of a UK alternative to gyms

Be Well Fit Volunteers - (Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

Shoveling piles of compost and clearing weeds on a cold, damp evening in London might not be most people’s idea of fun.

But it’s smiles and chatter all around as a group of people in running gear put on headlamps and get to work in a community garden located on a derelict parking lot rooftop. The volunteers warmed up by jogging a mile to get to the site, and the digging, squatting and lifting they are doing is part of a weekly workout session.

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