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Member Success Story

Julie Hooper

If ever there were a member story to hit you right in the feels then this is it! This is the incredible true story of one of our amazing PARC members Julie Hooper, written to us herself… ‘On the 5th July 2017, I left for work like any other day on my bike. At about 8:30am, I got crushed side on by a 30 tonne sweeper truck. I saw my ribs and clavicle come up in front of my eyes, heard lots of bone crushing and a loud crack that was my pelvis breaking in 4.   Eight days later I woke up in ICU from an induced coma with a body I didn’t recognise. The injuries I sustained were 17 broken ribs, fractures, displacement and broken pieces in the thoracic, lumbar vertebrae, clavicle and pelvis, a large muscle tear in my left quadricep, 2 collapsed lungs where one was punctured, bruising to the heart, head injuries and bleeds in both retinas and extensive nerve damage.  The paramedics who visited me were amazed that I was still alive – they nearly lost me en route. They were traumatized as they couldn’t believe that my body was the way it was – there wasn’t anything in my body where it should be!   The accident has significantly changed my life. I had once been an elite cyclist winning Welsh and British titles and numerous tours, I had also run for Australia at the World 100km Ultramarathon Championships. For 4 months of my recovery I was in a wheelchair in hospital and only able to use my right arm. I have permanent nerve damage which has left me with a limp and no longer can run, hop or skip. There’s no sensation in my toes, back of leg or my butt cheek, a loss of feeling in both sides of my chest and constant chronic pain all over my body. My balance on right side isn’t that good either.  My life is full of appreciation now and I put more thought in my day on how I do everyday life activities, as it takes so much longer to do things now. It’s very frustrating when I lose balance, fall over and even just the inability to put on a sock makes me look at things that I once took for granted like shopping, cleaning, walking, jumping or just getting out of a chair – getting a good night sleep and being pain free especially. But these are small prices to pay to still be here with my loved ones and friends. I have been overwhelmed by messages of support a love from people all over the world – it’s like having a snapshot of your funeral!  My rehabilitation is a mixture of strength, cardio and hydro. I wish to get back to as much of the athlete I used to be. I ride 100km every day on my bike but a much slower pace. This is what gets me through the day and helps me with my pain management.   I was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress disorder and my psychologist Sue from Personal Best Psychology works on that with me. The guidance of my Personal Trainer Chris Rich and group cycle instructors Louise and Pru have all helped me to be able to box again, leg press, do pull-ups and gain muscle.   Things I thought were impossible are possible with a few modifications, and I now have confidence and self-belief. You just have to believe it. Believe in yourself and have a strength the survive, ignore the pain and just keep trying.   Every morning I say, “Pick yourself up, dust it off, start all over again and never say never”. I will be going in for my 14th surgery late December and 60th X ray to remove a plate and 6 screws in my seat bone which will hopefully get me back in the New year to sprint classes with the inspirational Louise and Pru’s awesome cycle classes. I am hoping to work again with the very knowledgeable, motivating and professional Chris Rich with PT as well. PARC has an amazing team and amazing facilities.’ Since Julie sent her story to us, her 14th surgery in December was a success. She is currently waiting to see if she can be classified as a para-cyclist due to her nerve damage. Her goal is to enter selection for the Australian para-cycling team, and ride in the Tokyo Olympics, 2020, and Commonwealth Games in 2022.  
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Farewell Julie Jansz 🩵

After 20 dedicated years developing young athletes and nurturing their passion for swimming Julie prepares to step away from her role as Head Coach with Flyers swim team to begin her well-earned retirement.

We wish Julie all the best as she enters this next exciting chapter of life and thank her for the contribution to swimming within our community.

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Farewell Julie Jansz 🩵 After 20 dedicated years developing young athletes and nurturing their passion for swimming Julie prepares to step away from her role as Head Coach with Flyers swim team to begin her well-earned retirement. We wish Julie all the best as she enters this next exciting chapter of life and thank her for the contribution to swimming within our community.

Have you done your AMRAP yet?! 💪

Pru and Giorgia took on the challenge this week, and are here to show you how to do it! To qualify for an extra entry, you must complete the AMRAP in both Week 1 and week 4, so if you haven`t already, make sure you do it by Sunday!

We can`t wait to see how you go! 🤩

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Have you done your AMRAP yet?! 💪 Pru and Giorgia took on the challenge this week, and are here to show you how to do it! To qualify for an extra entry, you must complete the AMRAP in both Week 1 and week 4, so if you haven't already, make sure you do it by Sunday! We can't wait to see how you go! 🤩

🌟 Member Spotlight: Ken Mckeon 🌟

Meet Ken! At 80 years old, he proves that age is just a number when it comes to strength and fitness. Seen here absolutely crushing powertucks on the outrace at Powerzone, he has been a beloved member of the PARC Health Club community since 2022.

Members like Ken are who make our PARC community so special 🩵

Keep crushing it Ken! 🤩

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Open post by parcfrankston with ID 17875927632665291
🌟 Member Spotlight: Ken Mckeon 🌟 Meet Ken! At 80 years old, he proves that age is just a number when it comes to strength and fitness. Seen here absolutely crushing powertucks on the outrace at Powerzone, he has been a beloved member of the PARC Health Club community since 2022. Members like Ken are who make our PARC community so special 🩵 Keep crushing it Ken! 🤩

Our 30-20-2 Movement Challenge kicks off today! 🤩💪

Join the 30-20-2 Challenge and build healthy habits for winter! Attend 12 times in 4 weeks between Monday 18 May – Sunday 14 June and go into the draw to win 1 of 50 limited edition PARC winter scarves.

The challenge is open to all members and guests, just grab your Challenge card from Recepetion or the Gym desk.

We can`t wait to see you in Centre! 🎉

#PARC #PARCFrankston #PARCMovementchallenge #active #activefrankston #frankston

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Our 30-20-2 Movement Challenge kicks off today! 🤩💪 Join the 30-20-2 Challenge and build healthy habits for winter! Attend 12 times in 4 weeks between Monday 18 May – Sunday 14 June and go into the draw to win 1 of 50 limited edition PARC winter scarves. The challenge is open to all members and guests, just grab your Challenge card from Recepetion or the Gym desk. We can't wait to see you in Centre! 🎉 #PARC #PARCFrankston #PARCMovementchallenge #active #activefrankston #frankston

Our 30-20-2 Winter Movement Challenge starts tomorrow! 🥳

Make sure to grab a card from Reception or at the Gym desk, and don`t forget to get it stamped everytime you visit!

#PARC #PARCFrankston #Movementchallenge #winterchallenge #frankston

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Our 30-20-2 Winter Movement Challenge starts tomorrow! 🥳 Make sure to grab a card from Reception or at the Gym desk, and don't forget to get it stamped everytime you visit! #PARC #PARCFrankston #Movementchallenge #winterchallenge #frankston

Get your dancing shoes on! 💃

It’s nearly time for our Sweat & Smile Zumba Party! Get ready for the ultimate dance-fitness celebration, on Sunday 17 May from 5pm – 6pm. It’s going to be a night full of fun, smiles and energising, international beats sure to get you moving and grooving.

The event is free, and open to both casual visitors and PARC members. Bookings are open, so get your spot before they run out!

#frankston #southsidefestival #zumba #PARC #dance

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Open post by parcfrankston with ID 17859812634634094
Get your dancing shoes on! 💃 It’s nearly time for our Sweat & Smile Zumba Party! Get ready for the ultimate dance-fitness celebration, on Sunday 17 May from 5pm – 6pm. It’s going to be a night full of fun, smiles and energising, international beats sure to get you moving and grooving. The event is free, and open to both casual visitors and PARC members. Bookings are open, so get your spot before they run out! #frankston #southsidefestival #zumba #PARC #dance

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