UPDATE FROM OUR GENERAL MANAGER

Dear Hills Members, 

April will be a busy month here as we prepare for summer and work on various club improvements. Tentatively, we plan to use the week of April 22-26 to repave the lower and upper parking lots. During this week, parking will be limited and carpooling, rideshare, and/or walking to the club are highly encouraged. The company that will be repaving both lots will also be painting new stripes and symbols on the surface, as well as replacing any broken parking blocks. Once this project is completed, the lots will look, feel, and drive much smoother, which is something I know we have all been anticipating.

In addition to the parking lot project, we plan to continue working on the Group Fitness Room, also known as "The Clubhouse." For those of you that might not utilize this space, we are adding more storage space and maximizing the usable wall space. The work will likely happen some time later in April, but please be prepared as this may disrupt the normal schedule of GX classes. We will be sure to give all members advance notice prior to the start of this job.

On Wednesday, 4/17, the club will be closing early (at 7pm), for a company-wide meeting. This is something we try to do as a staff once or twice a year. We apologize for the inconvenience of an early closure, but find it necessary due to our large number of employees working varying schedules. Since the club is only closed 3 days out of the year, it's difficult to find a time for us all to gather together.

Last but not least, and worthy of mentioning, we had an awesome and rare sighting at the club on Friday, 3/15. A majestic bald eagle circled overhead a few times—something that I have never witnessed while I've been working here. Bald eagles have been associated with good luck and positive energy; I like to think of it as a good omen for our club. Keep your eyes peeled, many sightings of bald eagles have been reported throughout the East Bay recently!

-Nick

April 8, 6-7pm: Free Beginner/Novice Tennis Clinic, register here!
April 8, 7-8pm: Free Intermediate/Advanced Tennis Clinic, register here!
Weekdays 11am-1pm: Pickleball on the basketball court (no experience required, all are welcome!)

Artist Spotlight: Hawaiian Quilt Watercolors by Sally Landis

Sally Landis' artwork currently featured on The Hills lobby walls is original watercolors based on traditional designs of Hawaiian quilts. The quilts' strong simplicity, often created in one solid color, belie the complexity of the designs. Based in nature, each quilt represents a stylization of a plant, a flower, or sometimes a fish or animal.

Back on August 8, 2023, when wildfires destroyed Lahaina in just a few hours, Sally was devastated. "Memories of the Oakland Hills Fire were strong. I felt compelled to create some art based on traditional Hawaiian quilt designs. Using watercolor, I have worked to bring the spirit of the quilts to these works. Some are traditional patterns, and some I have designed myself.

100% of the profits from sales of this artwork will be donated to the Maui Strong Fund to support the continuing efforts to assist victims of the Lahaina wildfires. More information can be found in the lobby.

If you would like to display your artwork in The Hills lobby, please email [email protected].

Group Exercise Classes for Mental Clarity & Physical Fitness

One more reason to join a group fitness class!  Not only does regular physical activity improve your overall fitness, but studies show it also has a positive effect on mental health. At The Hills, we offer more than 50 complimentary classes every week, with something for everyone. So why participate in Dance Fit you ask? Rhythm classes, in particular, improve cardiovascular health, flexibility, mood, and mental clarity. Adults participating in a moderate dance class showed a demonstrable boost in cognitive performance. Furthermore, subjects who chose a more vigorous class showed improved performance in the hippocampus with regular participation. The hippocampus is the part of your brain associated with learning and memory. 

Have no rhythm, or two left feet? No problem! Most of our classes are designed for newcomers. During the month of April we will be offering Dance Fitness on Fridays at 9am. See the schedule for updates. In addition, we will be offering some "Basics" classes on Saturdays. These classes are intended to show basic patterns, and answer questions. So please sign up! Classes are free classes, however, sessions with zero registered members are subject to cancellation.

Saturday Basic Classes on the schedule for April:
April 6: Basic Dance Fitness 11:45am 
April  27: Basic Strength Training 11:30am 

Looking forward to seeing you in one (or many) of our classes!

- Angelique Pine, Group Exercise Director, [email protected]

Small Group Training Has Benefits

It's that time of year again, longer hours of daylight and warmer weather is coming!  Many of us go into a 'hibernation mode' of sorts during the dark winter months, and getting back into a more consistent fitness routine this time of year can be a little challenging. Sometimes trying a new class style or even a new class time can help enhance interest and excitement in your fitness routine. One of our Peak Fit classes or a few personal training sessions might be just the thing to jumpstart your fitness journey!

Monday, 11am All About Strength with Sara
This beginner class focuses on strength building, using your body weight, the TRX and other equipment we have in the Peak Fit studio.

Wednesday, 9am Spring TRX Conditioning with Tori (3-Week Program)
This class is great for beginners or experienced members on TRX who are looking to improve their muscle imbalances, mobility and overall endurance. 

** This class is sold as a program and must be purchased as a whole i.e. 3 classes, (4/10, 4/17, 4/24) for $60.  REGISTER HERE!
Questions/concerns, email Danielle at [email protected]. 

Thursday, 12pm Strength and Stability with Danielle
This class integrates strength, balance and flexibility movements utilizing TRX straps, kettlebells and other fun pieces of equipment. Getting you stronger for whatever you're looking to achieve.

Our small group training classes are constantly changing and evolving—and they're fun! They all take place in our Peak Fit studio. Keeping the group to an 8-person max allows the certified instructor to build a connection with each member while also giving proper attention to each participant's safety, form, and alignment. Small group training has been shown to increase camaraderie, accountability, and success for individuals in the group. 

PLEASE NOTE: You must register for our classes in order to participate. We require a minimum of 3-4 participants per class. You can unregister online, up to 24 hours prior to the start of class. We're offering a 10 class package at $180 and your drop in fee is $20 per class. Please reach out to me with any questions. We look forward to seeing you in our classes! 

-Danielle Marchetti, Hills Interim Fitness Coordinator, [email protected]

Personal Trainers Hold You Accountable

To freshen up your workout with a personal training session or to book your complimentary fitness orientation, email any of our certified personal trainers. We're here for you: 
Jeff Allen, [email protected]
Danielle Marchetti, [email protected]
Angelique Pine, [email protected]

Aqua Fit: Easy on the Body, Good for the Mind

Our aqua fitness classes are a great way to socialize, build connections, find support, increase accountability and stay motivated to continue exercising. Socialization plays an important role in your mental health, which ultimately impacts your physical health, so why not take a class with a friend or make some new friends while doing something great for your health! We offer aqua fitness 4 days a week from 9-10am, and the workouts vary, and best of all they are included with your membership.

These "water" workouts are for all levels of physical ability. Participants will use flotation belts, noodles, styrofoam barbells and more to perform a variety of motions including water walking/running, abdominal work and toning exercises. Our aqua fitness classes are well attended and therefore we kindly ask that you register in advance if you plan on participating.

Happy Spring—Move, Enjoy & Live Well!

Health clubs, studios, speakers, and vendors from all over the world gathered in Los Angeles March 6-8 for the annual IHRSA or the Health and Fitness Association convention and trade show. Here are a couple of takeaways from this leading world health organization:

The latest exercise and medical science is in agreement that 

• Exercise is medicine and can and should be prescribed as medicine, just like we get a prescription for a medication. The merger of the medical field and the exercise industry is still in its early stages, but it is happening and it will benefit us all.

Many of the benefits of exercise are well known; it can lower blood pressure, change body chemistry, improve triglycerides, lower the harmful effects of stress, etc. What may be less known is just how effective it is in preventing and reversing disease and how beneficial it is for longevity and mental health. Here are a couple of examples:

• A 10-lb increased grip strength (grip strength is the ability to grab and make a fist) equals a 17% reduction in mortality
• Type II diabetes can be reversed and prevented with exercise 
• People who exercise regularly have bigger brains (yay!), less depression, less anxiety, and lower incidences of Alzheimer's disease.

A note on mental health that was new to me but very helpful: 

• Vigorous exercise is a good remedy for depression. 
• Mindful movement such as yoga are good for anxiety

Ultimately, any exercise that we enjoy and can stick with is going to serve us now and in the future. I hope you go out and enjoy Spring and that you come to Pilates to get your fix of vigorous and mindful movement.

In Good Health,
Therese, Barbara, Lawrence, Anne, Colleen, Elizabeth and Carolyn

Popularity Continues for Hills Reformer Pilates Program 

The Hills Pilates Studio reformer classes are very popular, in fact many of our classes are waitlisted. We are thrilled that so many members have discovered Pilates and its benefits.

Are you interested in trying Pilates on the reformer? 
Contact our studio to get started today: [email protected]

Book classes here and on the Hills app:https://cachstc.clubautomation.com/

Pilates Studio Policies 

Our Pilates studio policies are developed with everyone's safety and benefit in mind:
PILATES STUDIO POLICIES

Get news, updates, and inspiration for Pilates through our Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/hillspilatesandwellness/

Hills Hurricane Swimmers Just Keep Swimming

Taylor and Tom Rolefson, Hills lifeguards/swim instructors/swim team members, have committed to college next year. The sister/brother duo swim for both Piedmont High and Hills Hurricane Swimming and have been Hills members since 2010. Taylor specializes in the 200 Freestyle and 100 Butterfly while Tom's best races are the 50 and 100 Freestyle. We wish both of these future college swimmers great success as they head to the East Coast this fall!

Taylor: I'm proud to announce my commitment to swim and study at Bates College as part of the class of 2028! Thank you so much to my coaches, friends, and family who supported me along the way, and Go Bobcats!  

Tom: I am excited to announce my commitment to Hamilton College! I want to thank my friends, family, and swim coach for helping me to get to this point in my swimming career.

Learn to Swim with Private/Semi-Private Lessons 

If you are interested in swim lessons for yourself or for your child(ren), we offer both private and semi-private lessons for all ages. To request a swim lesson, please email an instructor directly. Be sure to include the age and skill level of the swimmer and the times/dates that work best for you. The more flexible you are the more likely an instructor will have a spot available. Please be aware that instructors may only respond if they have availability. Learn more about our offerings here! 

Register Now for Summer Group Swim Lessons

We are excited to be offering afternoon group swim lessons this summer for intermediate swimmers. Each session will be one week in length and meet five days a week.  Members: $95/week  Non-Members $115/week (New Non-Hills Members must complete this non-member agreement form prior to enrolling). Registration OPEN.

Minnows Learn freestyle stroke technique with side breathing. Introduction to swimming on back, deep water swimming and kneeling dives. Requirements: Must be able to swim 15 yards unassisted and tread water for 30 seconds.  Children 4–7 years.  3-3:30pm

Guppies Focus on freestyle side breathing and backstroke technique. Breaststroke and butterfly kick is introduced.  Requirements: Must be able to swim 25 yards unassisted and tread water for 45 seconds.  Children 5–8.  3:30-4pm

Junior Lifeguard Camp Offered in June & July 

Our Junior Lifeguard Training Program is designed as a community-based water safety program for youths 10–15 years old. Along with water safety activities the junior guards engage in CPR and First Aid training. The program sets a foundation for good work skills, responsibilities, skill development, competition, and leadership skills.

The weeklong camp includes 30-minute daily fitness/workouts, lectures, demonstrations, and team building activities. An additional two hours per week of volunteering may be required by each Jr. guard. Course Prerequisite: 50 yards of freestyle or breaststroke. Retrieve a 10-lb. brick from a depth of 12 feet. Swim underwater 15 feet.

Lunch/Snacks are not currently provided.
Time: 9am-2pm daily
Sessions Available: June 10-14 & July 15-19
Members $405 Non-Hills Members $445
Registration OPEN.

Summer Tennis Program Announcement

Hey Tennis Players, 

Dive into the excitement of summer with our highly anticipated 2024 Summer Tennis Program! As the warm rays of the sun beckon outdoor activities, we're thrilled to announce the return of our dynamic tennis program, promising an unforgettable season filled with skill development, friendly competition, and endless fun on the courts. Whether you're a seasoned player or just picking up a racket for the first time, our program offers something for everyone, from energetic juniors to enthusiastic adults. Get ready to elevate your game, make lasting memories, and soak in the summer vibes at the Hills Swim and Tennis Club!

Cheers, 
Coach Sydney
[email protected]

Notable Summer Tennis Dates:
5/3  Tennis Night at The Hills
5/28 Summer Tennis Season begins
6/15 Summer In-House Match-Play begins

Non-members are welcome to join our clinic program for an additional $20 non-member registration fee per session, please email Coach Sydney to register as a non-member. 

Members who are concurrently registered for Kids Camp at The Hills and Tennis Camp will receive a 10% discount on tennis registration BY REQUEST - send an email to Coach Sydney.

Summer Session Dates 2024:

Weekly Schedule at a glance:

* prices listed below

Junior Clinics (6 players per class)
Little Stars ages 6&7: Monday-Thursday, 12:30-1:30pm for $160 per week
Rising Stars ages 8-11: Monday-Thursday, 10am - 12pm for $250 per week
Supernovas ages 12-17: Monday-Thursday, 2-4pm for $250 per week

Adult Clinics (6 players per class)
Adult Beginning: Sundays, 12:15-1:15pm for $50 per session
Adult Intermediate: Sundays, 1:30-3pm for $60 per session

Free Clinic for MEMBERS ONLY - Parent/Child activity session
Mini Stars: Sundays, 11:30am-12pm

All Summer Package
The 'All Summer' package is available for all clinics and is a chance to sign up for the entire 10-week summer session at a 10% discount! 

Private Lessons Available with Coach Sydney
Private lessons are available by request. Non-members must attend at least 1 clinic session to be eligible to book private lessons. Contact Coach Sydney to schedule [email protected]
Private (1 player): $100/hour
Semi-Private (2 players): $70/hour/player
Small Group (3+ players): $50/hour/player
*non-members will be charged an additional $10 for private, semi, and small group lessons

In-House Match Play
If you are looking to meet new players and spend more time on court, Sign-up for The Hills In-House Match Play League! This program gives members an opportunity to have coordinated match play at The Hills Club. While this program is competition based, each match is meant to be friendly and played in good-spirit. Sportsmanship and courtesy are regarded above all else in this league.

Springtime Means Pickleball Time!

Spring brings warmer weather, more daylight, more reasons to get outside and play! Our sport court is reserved exclusively for pickleball from 11am to 1pm on weekdays. Games during these "open" weekday hours are friendly, social games with some accommodations made for beginning players. Pickleball is fun for people of all ages and athletic ability and it's good for you, improving your cardiovascular condition, working memory and reaction time. The best way to learn the rules of play and scoring and the order of serving is if you play with someone who already knows them, so mark your calendar and/or book a reservation and head up to the club to join in on the fun!

Whether it's pickleball or basketball (or maybe even both!) members can book an hour "block" of time to use the court. In other words, if our "open" weekday pickleball hours don't fit into your schedule, you have no excuses!

Your reservation does not mean that the court has to be used solely by one family unit during the hour; feel free to welcome and/or challenge other members to a friendly pickleball or basketball game. Pickleball paddles and balls are available in the Pickleball Bag at the front desk, as well as basketballs. All we ask is that you kindly return any borrowed equipment to the front desk when you are finished playing.

Just outside of our enclosed court, we have 2 ping pong (or table tennis) tables. The front desk also has paddles and balls for members to borrow. All three of these activities are a great excuse to come up to the club, get some exercise and maybe even make new friends! All we ask is that you kindly return any borrowed equipment to the front desk when you are finished playing. 

Kids Benefit Both Physically & Mentally in Tae Kwon Do

Our Tae Kwon Do program, led by Sensei Jeff, is where kids learn the Korean style of martial arts. Tae Kwon Do is a great sport for school-aged kids, as it provides a wide range of physical, mental, and social benefits. Physically, it helps kids improve their coordination, balance, flexibility, and overall fitness, while also teaching them self-defense skills. There are currently 12 students enrolled, ranging in age from 5-13. Register your child/children today!

Tuesdays & Thursdays
3:30–4:45pm Beginner
6–7:15pm Advanced

Members: $95 per month
Non-members: $110 per month

For more information or to register your child for Tae Kwon Do, please contact Jeff directly via email or by calling 510-339-0234 x118.

Summer Camp Weeks Filling Up Fast  

Weeks 1, 2 and 9 are sold out for our 2024 Summer Camp! We offer FULL day summer camp, 8:30am-5:30pm, for kids ages 5-12. Campers participate in a variety of activities each day including (but not limited to) swimming, other outdoor sports, hikes, games, arts and crafts and theater. All pool activities will be supervised by a certified lifeguard.

• Week 1: May 28 to May 31 (*no camp on Monday, May 27, Memorial Day*) SOLD OUT
• Week 2: June 3 to June 7 SOLD OUT
• Week 3: June 10 to June 14
• Week 4: June 17 to June 21
• Week 5: June 24 to June 28
• Week 6: July 1 to July 5
• Week 7: July 8 to July 12
• Week 8: July 15 to July 19
• Week 9: July 22 to July 26 SOLD OUT
• Week 10: July 29 to August 2
• Week 11: August 5 to August 9

Cost: $510 per week* per camper
*$410 for Week 1 since it will only be a 4-day camp

Non-members are welcome to register for all but Weeks 1 & 10. Cost for non-members is an additional $100/week. 

PLEASE NOTE The 2024 Hills Summer Camp Refund Policy:

• Cancellation by May 15th: 50% refundable
• Cancellation after May 15th: non-refundable
• As long as space allows there is no fee to switch camp weeks

Please email Camp Director Anthony Lum, [email protected] with any questions/concerns.

Celebrate April Employee Birthdays  

Please join us in wishing each of them a happy birthday and thanking them for all of their hard work!

Lawrence Chen, 04/02
Stefani McDermott, 04/03
Michelle Panganiban, 04/11
Hendrik Van Niekerk, 04/25
Barbara Hoffer, 04/26
Angelique Pine, 04/27
Bex Carpio-Ortiz, 04/28