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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.

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Splash Island is almost here. 💦 

Splash Islands returns next Monday 22 September as a part of the PARC County Fair School holiday program. 

Our lifeguards have been training “hard” to ensure that Splash Island meets the minimum excitement and fun levels. We can safely say that is passes with flying colours. 

Bookings open this Friday so make you reserve your spot. 

For more information on our upcoming school holiday program please see our blog via the link in bio.

#PARCFrankston #SplashIsland #Schoolholidays #Family #Fun
From Member to Motivator 🚲 

9 years ago, Laura went from being a dedicated member at PARC to leading from the front as a Group Exercise instructor. 💪 

Every Saturday morning, you’ll find her running The Trip, delivering energy and motivation with a smile that keeps our members coming back week after week. 

Join Laura for Les Mills the Trip at 9.25am every Saturday. We hope to see you there. 

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🎪 Roll up, Roll up! It’s the PARC County Fair 🎪 
 
These school holidays we’ve planned 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 
🎪 Carnival games 
🙌 Prizes and giveaways 
 
Our PARC County Fair school holiday program will run from Monday 22 September – Friday 3 October. Visit our website to learn more about pricing and booking information via the link in bio.

#PARCFrankston #PARCCountyFair #SchoolHolidays #thingstodofrankston #SplashIsland #Games #Fun
Father’s Day Gift Hampers 🎁 

Spoil your dad or special person this Father’s Day with a PARC Hamper. 

Hamper includes a PARC hoodie, towel, drink bottle, cap and resistance band. 

Come in Centre and grab yours today. 

#PARCFrankston #Fathersday #Hamper #spoilt
Delicious and nutritious 🌯🤩 

Refuel and recharge with the new range of food thanks to our friends from @downthestreetfrankston . 

With 5 new baguette flavours, healthy wraps and more, why not grab something to enjoy after your next workout or swim? 

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