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Small Group Training Members Spotlight – Chris Rich & Sharon Bucher

Meet Small Group Training members Chris Rich and Sharon Bucher.

The twin sisters have been training with Tracey as a part of their Small Group Training membership and have absolutely smashed their goals! We sat down with Chris and Sharon and asked them to share their thoughts on Small Group Training and their successful health and fitness journey.

Chris Rich

What made you want to start Small Group Training?
I’ve been doing Small Group Training since 2020, continuing through the COVID lockdown to the present. I initially joined to stay consistent and to compliment my own workouts during the week but now its more of a social aspect as I love training with my workout buddies every Thursday morning at 6.30am.

What do you love most about Small Group Training?
Over the years, I’ve made many new friends through Small Group Training. After convincing my twin sister to join PARC, we formed a group that trains together, keeps each other accountable, and works out even on non Small Group Training days.

What is something you are most proud of/goal that you’ve reached?
With Tracey’s long-term support in training and nutrition, I’ve become my strongest while also losing 10kg and returning to running. I recently completed a 15km event with another planned for August.

What is your advice for anyone wanting to be more active but are not sure where to start?
My advice is to choose an activity you enjoy. It not only keeps you active but also helps you build unexpected lasting friendships.

Sharon Bucher

What made you start Small Group Training?
I started Small Group Training with my twin sister Chris as a way to exercise together and as well as for me (with limited previous experience) to learn more about strength and conditioning training using weights and gym equipment. Chris and I, together with Sally, our adopted triplet have been incorporating a weekly Small Group Training session for around 5 years now, even continued during COVID lockdown!

What do I love most about Small Group Training?
I love that I can train with other likeminded women who enjoy a good training session and I have built lifelong friendships through Small Group Training. We have the best crew of amazing women, kicking fitness goals together and always supporting each other with many laughs along the way.

What is something you are most proud of/goal reached?
I am proud that through Small Group Training, I now have the confidence to challenge myself when using gym equipment and weights. Additionally, with the commitment of strength training with Chris three times a week and one weekly Small Group Training guided by Tracey, both Chris and I have been able to overcome some health hurdles relating to menopause. We have also gained knowledge about how important strength training and adequate nutrition is during this time of our lives, and we have significantly improved our overall health & fitness through sustainable fat loss whilst increasing muscle strength.

What is your advice?
Consistency is the key to any change you are wanting from strength training. Small Group Training sets you up to build your confidence, increase knowledge about your own body and what it is capable to perform. Also Small Group Training caters to your abilities, the trainers are always mindful of your starting point, considering what you want to get out of your fitness goals. The bonus is you get to meet new people, be in a supportive community through PARC Small Group Training and most importantly have fun whilst you are working out.

Well done Chris and Sharon on all your hard work and dedication!  We wish the twins well on their continued health and fitness journey. If you would like more information about Small Group training please click the link here or speak with one of our friendly staff.

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PARC’s annual Christmas Giving Tree is back! 🎄

We’re proud to once again partner with Community Support Frankston to help families in need this Christmas. Over the years, our community’s generosity has been amazing - and this year, it’s needed more than ever! 

How you can help: 

🎁 Donate: We welcome non-perishable pantry items that are in-date, and unopened, as new toys that are left unwrapped. 
🎄 Where: Donation box near PARC reception 
🎅 When: Donations cut off on Friday 11 December to allow time to distribute. 

Let’s spread joy and make this Christmas brighter for everyone in our local community!
Help us shape a more active Frankston 🏊🏃

Over the past year, we have been working to improve awareness and understanding of physical activity across the Frankston community. 

We want to hear your story and experience. 

Be part of shaping a healthier Frankston and share your voice by completing our 5-minute follow-up survey. Your feedback will help us understand awareness of the National Physical Activity Guidelines, assess our impact on physical activity participation, and identify opportunities to better support people in leading active, healthy lives. The results will help guide future programs, resources and initiatives across the community. 

Complete the survey via the link in our bio. 

Thank you for taking the time to complete the survey. Your responses are so valuable in helping us supporting the Frankston community 💙
To mark World Diabetes Day, PARC has partnered with the Life! program at Diabetes Victoria to host an information stall with free 2-minute health checks for members.

📅 Date: Monday 9 November
🕖 Time: 9am - 12pm

Drop by and do a quick health check to find out if you may be at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes and how the Life! program can help.

The friendly Life! team will also be available to answer your questions, check if you are eligible for this free, government-funded program and help you get started.

Life! is delivered by dietitians and exercise physiologists and supports you to:
🥗 Improve your nutrition
💪 Increase physical activity
🧠 Manage stress

Learn more via their website.
Try our seated 10 and Done Workout at home! 🪑

Part of our 10 and Done series, a collection of free guided activities available on our 30-20-2 Digital Hub!

Enjoy this 10-minute, equipment-free guided workout. Mostly seated and easy to follow, it’s a great way to get moving at your own pace and add a little more movement to your day!

Head to the link in our bio to visit our 30-20-2 Digital Hub for the full 10 minute video ⭐️
Raft Waterslide closure 🚧
Monday 9 November - Friday 13 November

Please note that both Raft Waterslides will be closed for important maintenance works from Monday 9 November, with planned reopening on Friday 13 November. 

We appreciate your understanding and patience as we complete these important works.
We're open today for Cup Day from 7am - 7pm 🏊

Come down with the family for a swim or get your workout in!
PINES IS A FINALIST!
Pines Forest Aquatic Centre has been named a Finalist in the 2026 Frankston & Mornington Peninsula Business Excellence Awards in the Community Impact & Engagement category!

We’re so proud to be recognised because we know Pines is more than a place to swim. It’s a place where our Frankston community comes together, to be active, happy and connected.

PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARD
As a Finalist, we also have the chance to win the People’s Choice Award – and we need YOUR help!

💙 Love your local pool?
💦 Enjoy our free community events?
☀️ Have special memories of summer at Pines?
We’d love you to show your support and help our much-loved Pines Pool. 

HOW TO VOTE
1️⃣ Head to the link in our bio
2️⃣ Fill in your details.
3️⃣ Select Pines Forest Aquatic Centre (Peninsula Leisure) from the drop-down menu and hit submit!
A huge thank you to our amazing team and our Pines community.
PINES is open for the 2026/2027 season! 🥳

Come on down for a swim, and to celebrate the season open! Can't wait to see you there 🤩

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