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Five ways to build healthier habits for your ‘Year of Health’

Our philosophy at PARC is to support our members long-term to live healthier and happier lifestyles. So often we start the year with enthusiasm and motivation to get healthy and exercise regularly, but by around March/April time it all starts to fade.  

So where do you start? Firstly, decide exactly what ‘health’ means to you and what outcomes you want. Which is why this year we’re asking our community to commit to a Year of Health and rather than set unrealistic goals for quick fixes to your exercise regime, let’s build healthier habits and momentum for long-term success.  

Sounds simple right? But often we struggle to implement new healthy habits as we start changing our routine too much. We are creatures of habit and our day is structured around a routine we’ve already formed. What’s interesting is that we’ve all been forced to challenge this routine over the last two years with the pandemic, so we know it is possible to change!  

Here are five ways in which you can work to build healthier habits into your lifestyle: 

  1. Take baby steps 

Too often we make bold statements about how we are going to change our lives, but in order to form a long-term habit its best to take small steps forward. For example, with exercise start with trying to increase your incidental activity each day, by always choosing the stairs, parking further away from your destination, get off public transport a stop early etc.  

When it comes to going to the gym or pool, rather than trying to commit yourself to a daily visit, we recommend starting with two to three sessions a week when you know it is easiest to fit into your routine and start to increase from there. You can book a PARC check-in appointment with one of our trainers to help build a program, stay on track and help reduce the chance of injury.  

With food intake the best start you can make is not completely overhauling everything you eat, just start to bring in healthier choices. Eat at least 1 piece of fruit a day, start to make the vegetable portion on your plate, swap the evening sweet treat to a couple of squares of dark chocolate.  

By slowly making changes you will find you keep up the new habits for much longer! 

  1. Be organised 

The best way to form a habit is to fit it into your routine with organisation. Planning is key, particularly when it comes to eating healthier. Planning your meals for the week ahead in advance is a great way to avoid slipping into convenience eating and grab and go food, which isn’t always the best.  

When it comes to changing your exercise routine and incorporating going to the gym or pool, try and think of how to make it as easy as possible, such as packing your bag the night before. Remove any obstacles that you can foresee that would potentially stop you from going to the gym in advance so it’s more likely you will get there! Again, planning is key, you can check the group exercise classes that fit into your routine best in advance.  

  1. Recognise your cues 

Habits form based on the cues we currently experience, things like tiredness, hunger, wake up and evening routines. Our minds get comfortable with providing easy solutions to our cues, for example; ‘I’m tired, I need a sugary hit to wake me up’, or ‘I’m home from a busy day at work, I’ll just sit down and watch TV for a few hours’.  

Once we become aware of our cues we can start to make changes and instil behaviour that builds healthier lifestyles. For example, ‘I’m tired, I’ll have a black coffee and a piece of fruit for a snack’ or ‘I’m home and will go for a stroll around the block with the dog to decompress my mind before I settle at home.’  

  1. Incorporate your tribe 

Like every change we want to make in life its easier with other people! If your new habits can also involve others you’re all more likely to stick with them. So, get your friends, family or work mates  involved in taking steps towards a healthier lifestyle with you.  

Keep each other accountable with new routines you can both follow together, such as a lunch time meditation at work or choosing a Group Exercise class you both love and can attend every week. Book in advance with the MyPARC app or online to keep you both accountable to attend. Making it social helps!  

  1. Reward yourself 

Finally, rewarding yourself for making small changes is so important as it gives us a focal point for continuing. Think about treating yourself with non-food rewards. Schedule some time out to indulge in your favourite magazine, get a massage or book a pamper session, buy that gadget or outfit you’ve been holding off on. Whilst reward is good motivation remember you’re building momentum, once you’ve taken the reward for forming a certain habit, think about how you build upon this for further improvement.    

We’d love to hear about the simple habits you’ve chosen to change this year and how its going.  

Take the pledge today to Make 2022 Your Year of Health and tell us what habits you want to commit to and here at PARC we’ll help you get there! 

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Meet Aaron 👋 

Aaron has more than 17 years of Physio experience across a wide variety of clinical settings, including private practice and elite sports, spending 6 seasons at the Melbourne Storm Rugby League Club. 
 
Aaron also works part-time as a local distance running coach and loves to assist people in achieving their long-term functional goals. 

You can learn more about Aaron and the Davenport Physiotherapy team, located at PARC Allied Health Suites, through our website - Link in bio
 

#PARCfrankston #DavenportPhysiotherapy
Daylight Savings Reminder ☀️⏰

Daylight savings start tomorrow!

Remember to set your clocks forward and to plan ahead if you've booked a class or plan on attending our centre tomorrow.

We hope to see you in centre soon.

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🚨 Waterslide closure 🚨

Please note that both Raft Waterslides will be closed for important structural works from Thursday 9 October until early December. 

The works will be completed on both waterslides, as well as the waterslide tower. 

We apologise for any inconvenience and thank you for your understanding. 

#PARCFrankston #Centreupdates #Slideclosure
Anywhere, anytime with PARC Plus. 📱

We've just added more content to our extensive PARC Plus library, giving you the power to work out when and where you want. Access your favourite new Les Mills classes whether your going away or spending time at home. 

Perfect for keeping pace with your workout routine! 

You can access PARC Plus through the TechnoGym app or via the link in bio

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Happy International Coffee Day! ☕️

Here’s to the brews that get us through. Whether it’s an espresso shot at sunrise or a slow pour in the afternoon, today we raise our mugs to our amazing cafe team who keep us all caffeinated

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Have you registered for PARC Fit Outdoor yet? ☀️

Join us on Mondays & Fridays at 5:45am for a bootcamp style work out and Wednesdays at 6am for an all-abilities PARC Fit Run club. 🏃‍♀️
 
Reserve your spot for 8 weeks of energising sessions with experienced trainers and enjoy the beautiful surrounds of Frankston. 
 
See you next week as PARC Fit Outdoors makes its return for Spring. Limited spots available – secure your spot today via the website, link in bio
 
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Todays forecast - 100% chance of fun! 🌧🤣

It's the last week of the PARC County Fair and the it's perfect conditions for Splash Island. Enjoy the best party on the Peninsula, with hours of activities and entertainment kids of all ages will enjoy.

🤩 Our inflatable obstacle course, Splash Island
(bookings essential)
☀️ Rafter waterslides
💦 Aquatic Playground
😎 Scavenger hunt
🎈 Balloon entertainment and face painting
🙌 Prizes and giveaways

Our PARC County Fair school holiday program will run until Friday 3 October. Visit our website to learn more about pricing and booking information via the link in bio.

#PARCFrankston #PARCCountyFair #Schoolholidays #Family #Fun
🎪 1 week left of the PARC County Fair 🎪 

Don't miss the best party on the Peninsula, with hours of activities and entertainment kids of all ages will enjoy. 

🤩 Our inflatable obstacle course, Splash Island (bookings essential) 
☀️ Rafter waterslides 
💦 Aquatic Playground 
😎 Scavenger hunt 
🎈 Balloon entertainment and face painting 
🙌 Prizes and giveaways 

Our PARC County Fair school holiday program will run until Friday 3 October. Visit our website to learn more about pricing and booking information via the link in bio. 

#PARCFrankston #PARCCountyFair #Schoolholidays #Family #Fun

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