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Member Spotlight – Bridget Maguire: Finding Balance and Strength at PARC

Hey PARC enthusiasts! Today, we’re shining the spotlight on one of our incredible members, Bridget Maguire. At 30 years young, Bridget has been gracing our facility since 2021, bringing her vibrant energy and determination to every workout session.

Let’s dive into a fun Q&A to discover how PARC helps Bridget maintain her overall health and wellbeing while juggling a busy life as an Occupational Therapist for children and finding time to invest in her friendships, family, and fun.

Q: Bridget, tell us a bit about yourself and why you joined PARC.

A: Well, I’m a local gal from a bustling family of four daughters. I’ve always loved being active, but post COVID I really wanted to boost my fitness and feel stronger. I’d love to get a 6 pack haha! PARC was the perfect fit with its variety of classes and activities, plus being local and indoor facility made it super convenient.

Q: What keeps you coming back to PARC?

A: Oh, the variety for sure! From boxing to swimming, PARC offers something for everyone. Plus, I really appreciate the effort some of the instructors go to, and I’ve made some amazing friends here. It’s like a second home!

Q: We heard about your half marathon achievement! How did PARC support you in reaching that goal?

A: Absolutely. PARC was my go-to for cross-training, helping me build the base fitness I needed. The instructors provided invaluable advice, and the community support kept me motivated until the finish line.

Q: What’s next on your fitness journey?

A: I really want to tone up, strengthening my core, and maintaining my running skills. Oh, and I’m climbing Mount Kilimanjaro later this year! It’s the highest free standing peak in the world, and the tallest peak in Africa. PARC is helping me prep for the altitude by staying strong physically and mentally, and I need a really solid base fitness so I can enjoy the adventure.

  

Q: Lastly, what does PARC mean to you? This year we’re inviting our community to express their aspirations through a few simple sentences with our “My People. My Purpose. My place at PARC campaign”.

The people who motivate me at PARC are… Randel, the boxing instructor, he’s amazing. Plus my boxing partner is Matt. We’ve been boxing together since 2022, and he and the rest of the boxing crew help to keep me accountable. It’s really motivating – the entire class are just so welcoming and wonderful. What I really like is the gym instructors who know my name and we start to know each other. Jesslyn, for example, she’s such a good instructor and she always makes me feel like I’m an important part of Team PARC.

My purpose at PARC is to… get ready for the climb in November. But really, what motivates me to come to PARC is to just enjoy being healthy. Be happy exercising. Protect my body from injuries. Maintain energy levels so that I can be the best version of myself at work, and at home as the world’s best aunty haha!

PARC is my … constant … place. PARC is my sanctuary, my place to disconnect from the challenging aspects of life and recharge. It’s part of my routine, my identity even. The instructors make it personal and enjoyable, catering to diverse needs. It guess it is where my people, purpose, and place come together.

Bridget’s journey exemplifies the spirit of PARC – a community dedicated to helping each other achieve their health and wellbeing goals in a supportive and inclusive environment. So, whether you’re chasing personal records or simply looking to unwind, PARC is here for you every step of the way!

Until next time, keep splashing, sweating, and smiling at PARC! Not yet a member, visit our website to learn more.

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See you next week at Frankston City Council Children's Week Event! 👧👦

We'll be there educating littlies about being safer around water 🏊 🛟

This Children’s Week event is presented by Peninsula Leisure, partnership with the Victorian Government, and Frankston City Council. 

Find out all the details via the link in our bio.
Unplug24
Join us in going off social media for a day on 24 October. 

This Saturday, on 24 October, we are joining Unplug24, a 24-hour break from social media in solidarity with SmackTalk – an organisation founded by local Wayne Holdsworth to honour his son, Mac, and raise awareness around suicide prevention.

Unplug24 encourages us to step away from social media and reconnect offline to:
🔌 Protect mental health
🔌 Raise awareness to prevent suicide
🔌 Support vital education and awareness programs

Let’s join together and unplug from all social media for the day – at work and at home – to show our support for this important cause.

Register to via the link in our bio.
Unleash your inner warrior with Fiona!

After 8 years as a member, and now an instructor for over a year, Fiona is passionate about bringing energy, fun and encouragement to every class. She wants everyone to feel comfortable trying new things, challenging themselves and seeing what they can achieve while enjoying the journey in a supportive, compassionate environment. 

Fiona teaches: 
🧘‍♀️ BodyBalance; For members looking to strengthen the entire body and leave class feeling calm and centred. 
⚡️ BodyCombat; Perfect for members looking to train the whole body, and get fit, fast and strong. A high-energy, non-contact, martial arts inspired workout, suitable for all fitness levels. 

Book into one of Fiona's sessions via our Customer Portal, or Xplor App, and experience the fun for yourself!
The month of October is Walktober! 🚶‍♀️

This is a great opportunity to build more movement into your day, especially coming out of the winter months, and work towards your 30-20-2! Here are five tips from our Health and Fitness Team, on how you can get more steps in this Walktober: 

🛗 Take the stairs - Skip the lift when you can. 
🚗 Park further away - Add a few hundred steps before you've even started your day. 
📞 Walk while you talk - Take phone calls or catch-ups on the move. 
🌯 Do a lap at lunchtime - Even 10 minutes counts. 
🖥️ Step on the spot - Take a minute, and get some steps in at your desk

As always, if you need any help or guidance in getting your 30-20-2, please don’t hesitate to speak with one of our friendly staff members, or visit our Digital Hub for some inspiration.
Last days of our Cafe Special! ☕️

Make sure you pop into the Cafe and grab a scone with cream and jam, and small coffee for $10, before it ends!
Senior's Festival Cafe Special! ☕️

This week only, we're running a special in the cafe to celebrate Senior's Festival! Come down to Centre and enjoy a scone with jam and cream, and small coffee for $10. 

It's the perfect morning or afternoon treat, after a swim, class or workout in the gym!
Today is World Mental Health Day, an important day in the year to remind us to slow down and check in on how we are feeling 🩵

Getting movement in your day is a great way to help support your mental wellbeing 😌

Whether it's doing a workout at home, going for a walk with a friend, or coming into Centre to get in your 30-20-2, it all contributes to supporting your mental health 🧠

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