News

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.  

Share this article

We're halfway through our 30-20-2 Movement Challenge! 🥳💪

If you want to go in the draw to win on of our PARC winter scarves (the perfect pairing to last year's beanie 👀), make sure to you get your card stamped everytime you vist PARC. 

Good luck!
Annual Studio Floor Upgrade 🚧

Studios 1 and 2 will be closed over the King's Birthday long weekend, from Friday 5 June – Monday 8 June while we upgrade and resurface the floors. 

Classes in both the Cycle Studio and Reformer Studio will run as normal, as well as our gym floor classes. You can also check out PARC Plus, our on-demand platform, or our 30-20-2 Digital Hub, for some home workout inspiration. 

Please view your Customer Portal for the updated class timetable and details. 

Thanks for your understanding, and we can’t wait for you to check out the new floor surface when we’re done!
Have you seen our new Hydro Snack Packs in the cafe? 👀🍟

Available Monday - Friday (excluding school holidays) from 4pm - 6:30pm.

Choose from three yummy options:
🌭 1/2 Hotdogs and chips
🍗 Small nuggets and chips
🍟 Sausage roll and chips

All Snack Packs come with a Pop Top drink and your choice of either a cupcake or pack of Tiny Teddies! 

Hydro Snack Packs are $13 each and available for under 12s only.
Just another friendly reminder for our King's Birthday Public Holiday Opening Hours.

We'll be open Monday 8 June, so come on down for a splash with the family. 

Centre: 7am – 7pm 
Waterslides – 10am – 6pm 
Café - 8am – 5pm 
PARC Swim – No Lessons 
Group Exercise – Studio 1 & 2 will be closed for maintenance works on Monday 8 June. You can view the updated class timetable and details on the Customer Portal. 

Group Exercise:
Classes will run in our Cycle Studio, Reformer Studio and Gym floor on a reduced timetable for the long weekend.  Visit our Xplor Customer Portal or Peninsula Leisure App for details.
Join PARC Fit Run! 🏃

Start your day right and join two of our fabulous trainers, Nic and Emmeline, for a scenic run through the surrounds of Frankston. 

📆 When: Wednesdays at 6am 
📍 Where: Meet outside PARC and enjoy a scenic run through the surrounds of Frankston 
🕞 Duration: 60 minutes 
👟 Fitness Level: PARC Fit Run caters to a variety of run speeds 

Book your spot via our Customer Portal or Xplor App.
Get strong and move your way with our Small Group Training membership 💪

If you’re looking for personalised support, to get strong, and work out with a supportive group of like-minded people, then our Small Group Training may be the perfect fit for you! 

Included in the Small Group Training Membership is: 
🌟 1 x 60 minute Small Group Training session per week with our qualified trainers 
🌟 Tailored training for your individual sessions � 
🌟 Accountability from your PT and group � 
🌟 Goal setting and training schedule with your trainer � 
🌟 Education to help technique and progression � 
🌟 A fun way to get active with a supportive community!

Visit our website to learn more about our Small Group Training membership option today, or come into Centre and speak to a member of our friendly Health and Fitness team.

Join our community for news

Recent articles