Altruistic workouts are coming to Wandsworth, courtesy of GoodGym.

Wandsworth Council has teamed with the fitness collective to help residents "contribute to their communities whilst getting fitter".

The group, which has branches across London, is based on the notion that your excursions in the gym could be put to better use by charities or community groups.

The first meeting of the Wandsworth branch of GoodGym is on August 1 with a 5k run from Battersea Arts Centre to the Katherine Low Settlement, an organisation that tackles poverty and supports stronger communities.

The weekly sessions are free and combine a short run with a physical task on behalf of a community group. Common activities include packing clothes parcels for the homeless, community gardening and weeding allotments.

A popular initiative has been the pairing of runners with isolated elderly people.

The GoodGym member commits to visit them every week, and in return, the elderly person, known as their ‘coach’, spurs them on to keep running.

Barry Dryer 65, who is referred to as Coach Barry, said: "The introduction of a young fit and healthy person into my life has had a remarkably beneficial effect on my own self-esteem and confidence.

"A regular change of views, coupled with my runner's progress give me an interest I was lacking."

The new Wandsworth GoodGym is funded by the Help for Carers Development Grant with support from the council’s public health department, and local sports network Active Wandsworth.

It will be led by running coach Ana Hancock who has been working with local organisations and individuals to get GoodGym Wandsworth up and running.

She said: “Wandsworth is a brilliant borough with so much to offer, and I'm really excited about launching GoodGym here so we can start contributing to our communities whilst getting fitter.

"We're off to a cracking start with some fantastic committed members and I can't wait to see it grow."

Wandsworth Council’s director of public health, Houda Al-Sharifi has urged "anyone who wants to get a bit of exercise, meet new people and do some good" to sign up.

GoodGym will meet every Monday evening at Battersea Arts Centre and is open to everyone, whatever their fitness level.

For more information on the first run and to get involved, visit: https://www.goodgym.org/happenings/first-ever-run-in-wonderful-wandsworth