News

How getting outside can help you (and your mind) get fit

Embrace the Outdoors: How Nature Nurtures Your Body and Mind.

Being in nature can be one of life’s simple pleasures. Lying in a shaded spot in a park, feeling cool blades of grass against our skin, catching a breeze with the scent of spring. Whether we live in a crowded city or on a remote farm, we all have the ability to experience the great outdoors. And when we do, moving our body can be good for us, too. Studies have shown that simply walking outside (compared to a treadmill inside) can bring us more joy.

Why being outside is good for your health

Many of us can relate to feeling better once we’re able to step outside and take a deep breath. It turns out that breathing in outdoor air can do more for our health than we might realize. Research shows that stress levels can decrease significantly after spending just 15 minutes out and about in green spaces. What’s more, the benefits of green spaces extend all the way to helping us live longer: one study found that participants who lived closest to large amounts of green spaces or areas of vegetation — including in urban green areas — had a 12% lower mortality rate than those who did not.

Bringing a sense of awareness when we’re outside — whether running on a trail in a forest or walking down a bustling city street — is an opportunity to slow our mind and bring our attention to what we’re experiencing in the moment. Outside, we’re able to decreased stress and gain a better ability to focus. 

When we’re mindful, we’re not walking around lost in thought; we are present, observing our surroundings, in terms of the sights, sounds, and smells around us and how they make us feel. We are, in short, more connected to the world around us. 

The benefits of outdoor activities

While spending time outside is beneficial on its own, these physical activities can help both body and mind thrive:

  • Walking.

One study found that people who walk have lower stress levels. And when we focus our attention through a walking meditation, we’re able to take it one step further, literally — bringing body and mind in sync to train our mind in awareness while we move.

  • Running.

Research shows that when we run outside, we flex our ankles more, vary our movements, and use different muscles than we would on a treadmill. Running outside doesn’t only have benefits for our body, but for our mind, too. Unlike a treadmill where we run in place, running outside forces us to focus on our next steps and obstacles in our way to get us to the finish.

  • Gardening.

Exercise isn’t the only option for reaping the health benefits of spending time outside. Gardening is another way to focus our attention on what we’re experiencing outdoors, specifically the beauty, change, and growth that a garden shows us. Caring for a garden can also be an exercise in gratitude, a practice that can lead us to an overall sense of happiness and well-being.

In a world filled with hustle and bustle, reconnecting with nature is our chance to slow down, breathe deeply, and savor the simple joys of the great outdoors. Whether it’s a leisurely walk in the park, a refreshing run along a forest trail, or the therapeutic act of gardening, nature offers us more than just scenery. It’s a natural remedy for stress, a path to heightened awareness, and a gateway to a healthier, happier life. So, step outside, embrace the green spaces, and let the wonders of nature nurture your body and soul. Your well-being will thank you for it, one step at a time.

Share this article

⚡️Supercharge your day with our new Superfood Salad ⚡️

Exclusive for the month of February, energise your body with our nutritious yet delicious superfood salad! Packed with a selection of roast veggies mixed with Arugula, Feta & topped with Pomegranates, it will fuel your day the right way.

Be sure to stop by the Cafe on you next visit and grab your Superfood Salad

#PARCFrankston #PARCCafe #Monthlyspecial #Superfoodsalad #delicious
🚨 DON'T MISS OUT 🚨

The Infant Can Swim, expression of interests close soon

Participate together with your child, and learn the fundamentals of water familiarisation. This program equips parents with the skills and knowledge to practise in their own time and build essential, foundational skills with their little loved ones. 

WHERE & WHEN: 3 day program 24, 26, 28 February at PARC

COST: Fully subsidised, thanks to the support of our partner Frankston City Council.

Expressions of Interest close on Wednesday 12 February. Dont miss out, complete an Expressions of Interest on our website here. Link in bio 

#PARCFrankston #CanSwim #Infantcanswim #Watersafety #watersafe
Extended hours at PINES this February 🎉

We are very excited to announce that in partnership with Frankston City Council, PINES opening hours will be extended for the month of February. 
 
The updated hours are: 
- Monday – Friday, 6am – 8pm 
- Weekends and public holidays, 8am – 7pm 
 
This change in hours has been made for February 2025 only.
 
For more information on our extended hours, please visit our blog via the link in bio.

We look forward to seeing our PINES passionates in the pool soon!

#PARCFrankston #PINESFrankston
Frankston’s Iconic Waterfront Festival returns on Friday 7 and Saturday 8 February. 🎉
 
Enjoy two jam-packed days of entertainment for the entire family. 
 
- Live Music from Sneaky Sound System, Peirce Brothers and more 
- Rides and Amusements 
- Global Eats 
- Rotary Duck race 
- Basketball with Hoop city 
- Glitter Gypsy’s 
- Fireworks and more... 
 
The Peninsula Leisure and PARC team will be there with the Frankston Skate Park crew on Saturday 8 February from 12pm - 7pm, for free learn to skate sessions. Keep your eyes peeled for the Peninsula Leisure team! 
 
Learn more via link in bio

#PARCFrankston #WaterfrontFestival #Frankston #FamilyFun #LiveMusic
ITS GIVEAWAY TIME 🙌 🏊

We have two complimentary entries into the Frankston Swim Classic on Saturday 8 February. Tell us why you want to join the Classic in the comments, and go into the draw to receive a one of these complimentary entries. 

Winners will be drawn Monday 3 February.

About the Frankston Swim Classic 
When: Saturday 8 February 2025
What: Three events - 400m, 1.2km and 2.5km swims

Registrations via the Frankston Swim Classic website - Link in bio

#PARCFrankston #FrankstonSwimClassic #Frankston #Giveaway #Prize #Openwaterswim
Bookings are open for PARC Fit Outdoor Term 1! 

Don't miss out on the ultimate outdoor fitness adventure 🏃☀️ 
 
PARC Fit Outdoor is back for 2025, offering a bootcamp-style program in the beautiful surrounds of Frankston. Join now and reserve your spot for 8 weeks of energising sessions with experienced trainers. 
 
Limited spots available – secure your spot today via the website, link in bio
 
#PARCFrankston #PARCFitOutdoor #SummerFitness #OutdoorWorkout #ParcFrankston
PARC Swim term 1 starts today 🎉

We hope you're ready to SNAP back into action after a relaxing yet fun holiday period. Our swimming teachers are ready to PUFF up your child's confidence, giving them the skills to FLY through the water 🏊

Its time to watch your TADpoles grow into swimming champions! We can't wait to see you all back in the pool for PARC Swim term 1. 

To learn more about our PARC Swim membership, speak to our friendly team in Centre or email membership.parc@peninsulaleisure.com.au 

#PARCFrankston #PARCSwim #Swimmingclassforkids #Learntoswim

Recent articles

Gym & classes

PARC Fit Outdoor is back

Enrol for PARC Fit Outdoor Term 1   Get ready for a fun, outdoor fitness experience as PARC Fit Outdoor makes its return for 2025. It’s

Read More »