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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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GIVEAWAY 🙌🏊‍♀️

Attention PARC Members! 
We have two complimentary entry into the Frankston Swim Classic on Saturday 7 February. Tell us why you want to join the Classic in the comments, and go into the draw to receive 1 of these complimentary entries. We will draw the winners on Friday 16 January.

About the Frankston Swim Classic:
When: Saturday 7 February 2026
What: Three events - 400m, 1.2km and 2.5km swims

👉 Registrations via the Frankston Swim Classic website https://www.frankstonswimclassic.com.au/ 

#PARCfrankston #frankstonswimclassic #bayswim #oceanswim
A tropical adventure awaits you on Splash Island! 🌺🏝️ 

Book your spot on our giant, inflatable obstacle course, Splash Island! Slip and slide your way down its slopes, and tiptoe across balance beams – it’s the perfect aquatic challenge for adults and kids alike! 

📅 Dates: Monday 5 January – Friday 23 January 
🕒 Time: Weekdays 11am – 3pm
🤩 Cost: $6.50 per person (for Splash Island, plus pool entry) 
🎟️ Bookings: Required for Splash Island—reserve your spot through PARC’s Customer Portal. 

 

#splashisland  #PARCFrankston #schoolholidays #frankston
Our sister Centre, PINES, are extending their opening hours! 🥳

PINES' opening hours will be extended for the months of January and February 2026.

The updated hours for January and February are:
– Monday – Friday, 6am – 8pm 
– Weekends and public holidays, 8am – 7pm 

By extending the our opening hours into the evening, we are able to provide more access to the public so you can get your laps in, or just enjoy a dip in the pool later in the summer evening.

The change in hours are adjusted for January and February 2026 only.

Can't wait to see you all there!
Move more in 2026 with 30-20-2 💙

Life is busy, and finding time to exercise can feel overwhelming. Being active isn’t about pushing yourself to the limit — it’s about moving consistently and finding a balance that works for you. And you don’t have to do it alone.

Introducing 30-20-2, our simple movement guide based on the Australian Physical Activity Guidelines, designed to make movement achievable and part of everyday life.

Here’s what it means. 

Adults in Australia should aim for: 

30 mins moderate activity daily 🚶‍♂️🏊‍♂️
Moderate activity means you’re moving, breathing comfortably, and able to speak in full sentences. Think swimming, a brisk walk, or joining a PARC class. 

OR 

20 mins vigorous activity daily 🏃‍♂️🚴‍♂️
Vigorous activity gets your heart pumping—you’re breathing hard and speaking in short bursts. Try a cycle class, HIIT session, or a gym workout. 

AND 

2 strength sessions per week 💪🏋‍♂️
Build strength with resistance training. Try lifting weights the gym, or a Reformer Pilates class. 

Throughout 2026, we’ll support you with the right mix of classes, programs, and expert guidance to help you move more, your way.

Come and talk to our friendly team about becoming a member today.
Today is National Personal Trainer Day! 🏋️

At PARC we have an incredible team of Personal Trainers, ready to help you achieve your goals in 2026. 

Come on down, and speak with one of our fabulous trainers about achieving your goals today!

#nationalpersonaltrainerday #personaltraining #PARCFrankston
Bookings are now open for Splash Island! 🏝️

Slip and slide your way into adventure. Book your spot through our Customer Portal today!

📅 Dates: Monday 5 January – Friday 23 January 
🕒 Time: Weekdays 11am – 3pm
🤩 Cost: $6.50 per person (for Splash Island, plus pool entry) 

#PARCFrankston #SplashIsland #SchoolHolidays #Frankston #Melbourne

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