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The Benefits of ‘Social Exercising’

The Benefits of Social Exercising

We all have different preferences when it comes to exercise, some prefer to workout solo in a gym or lap swimming, whereas others enjoy the social interaction of group exercise or small group training 

Whether you joined a gym with a friend or have made friends along the way, the benefits of working out with other people can be really important. It’s proven to be great for your mental health as well as your physical health, here are just some of the benefits that working out with others can bring:  

1. Accountability 

Exercising with your friend helps to keep you on track if you’re working towards a goal as you support each other to push further and make sure you keep to training schedules. We don’t like letting others down and therefore we’re more likely to do exercise even when we’re feeling like we can’t be bothered. We find that members who train with friends reach goals quicker and maintain momentum with their exercise. On those cold mornings it can be hard to get out of bed, but when you’ve committed to meeting a friend or workout buddy – then you make the effort to be there!  

2. Community  

As humans we love to feel like we belong and meeting like-minded people provides us with a sense of connection. At PARC many of our members love to meet new people and find casual friendships from the familiar faces they see each time they visit. Many friendships have formed from conversation during a group exercise class! When you join PARC you join our community and the PARC Fam!     

3. Motivation 

Training with a friend is a great motivator to keep going and to push yourself just that little bit harder, particularly with their encouragement. A positive training partner can completely shift your mindset by supporting you through the exercise and get your endorphins flowing quicker! You can also get even more out of your exercise with a bit of friendly competition between you.  

4. Enjoyment 

We thrive on social connection and exercising with a friend can make the whole experience just more enjoyable. Spending time together at the gym or in a group exercise class can be the perfect opportunity to catch up, particularly if you extend your session with a coffee at our Café, sometimes it’s just as much about the reward afterwards. Connecting with friends is great for our mood and energy levels ensuring we get the most out of every training session.  

At PARC, we’re about to launch our next 8 Week Challenge, which is part of our small group training membership. This membership was created due to the feedback we had about the social enjoyment of the challenges. Working out in a small group together our members formed friendships and attributed most of their successes to the community support they received throughout the challenge and wanted to continue this all year around.  

It’s not too late to reinvigorate your commitment to a Year of Health with our next 8 Week Challenge, which starts on Monday 2 May and is included for FREE as part of our Small Group Training Membership, available to PARC Full Access members at $28 per week.  

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Complete the form on our website and one of our team will be in touch, or send us an email at sgpt@peninsulaleisure.com.au.

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More People Can Swim summer programs are back - and it’s FREE! 

This summer, Peninsula Leisure and Frankston City Council are helping more people in Frankston learn to swim and stay safe around water. 

Our More People Can Swim initiative offers fully subsidised programs for teens, kids, and families this January, who would otherwise not have access to water safety education or swimming lessons. 

💦 Build confidence in and around the water 
💦 Learn vital life-saving water skills 
💦 Join a fun, supportive community who is safer for summer 

Simply complete an Expression of Interest form for your preferred program on our website here: https://peninsulaleisure.com.au/can-swim/ 

☀️ Expressions of Interest are open throughout November 2025, for programs running in January 2026. 

💙 For questions, contact our friendly Can Swim team at can.swim@peninsulaleisure.com.au 

 #pinesfrankston #parcfrankston #frankstoncity
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: Gifts and non-perishable items. Brand new toys and festive foods! 
📍 Where: Donation box near PARC reception 
📆 When: Donations cut off on Friday 12 December to allow time to distribute. 

Let’s spread joy and make this Christmas brighter for everyone in our local community! 

#PARCFrankston #ChristmasGivingTree #Christmasgiftdonations #christmasappeal
New! Instantly suspend your membership online via the Customer Portal

We’ve made managing your membership easier! From today, Tuesday 11 November, Full Access, Aquatic Access, and Active Life members can now suspend your memberships instantly through your Customer Portal - no forms, no waiting!

☑️ Instantly suspend your membership online
☑️ Manage your own suspension dates
☑️ Start your suspension immediately – no three-day wait

Want to learn how it works? We’ve put together a blog with step-by-step instructions and FAQs to guide you through. Read the full guide here: https://parc.peninsulaleisure.com.au/news/introducing-self-serve-suspensions/

We’re excited to bring you this new feature and hope it makes managing your membership even easier
VICSWIM Summer intensives are back for 2026 🏊

Give your kids a fun, intensive swim program this January at PARC or Pines! Perfect for ages 4–12, these lessons focus on swimming skills and water safety. 

🟢 PINES
Week 1:  1: 5–9 January, 8.00am - 3.00pm
Week 2: 12 - 16 January, 8.30am - 1.00pm

🔵 PARC
 Week 3: 19–23 January, 8:30am–1pm 
 
Cost: $43 per week (5 lessons included) 
Bookings open from 10am this Wednesday 12 November. These spots won’t last! 

Visit VICSWIM's website to secure your child's spot - www.vicswim.com.au 

#PARCfrankston #vicswim #swimminglessons #watersafetyskills #watersafety
Let’s talk about women’s health!

Join us for an evening of conversation, expert advice, and empowerment at our Women’s Health Seminar: Perimenopause & Menopause Wellbeing.

Wednesday 12 November, 7:30pm
Chisolm, next to PARC
Free for PARC members

Hear from Nutritionist Ali Tehan and GP Dr Shaminder Kaur, who’ll share practical insights on how to navigate perimenopause and menopause with confidence - from nutrition and energy to medical support and treatment options.

Whether you’re experiencing changes yourself or want to better understand and support the women in your life, this is a must-attend event. 

Seats are limited, so secure your spot today! Register and learn more in our blog: https://parc.peninsulaleisure.com.au/events/womens-health-seminar-perimenopause-and-menopause-wellbeing-at-parc/

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