December Newsletter 2023
UPDATE FROM OUR GENERAL MANAGER
Dear Hills Members,
Soooo this is it. 2023's final month…as crazy as that sounds! It's been an amazing year here at The Hills Swim & Tennis Club; one where we had to shut down the lap pool for a week in early October to execute the installation of a gas efficient heater. I'm happy to report that the upgraded heater seems to be enjoying itself here at its new home. Similarly, I have received a multitude of positive comments and feedback from many members regarding the efficiency and consistency of the water temperature in the lap pool.
A little later this month, I'll be sending my annual "State of The Hills" email to you all which will include information regarding important projects, policy changes, dues increases, etc. in 2024. Additionally, there will be emails sent from Accounting Manager, Stefani McDermott, explaining options for paying dues annually versus monthly. If you choose to not do anything, your account will revert to what you chose in 2023.
We plan to replace the Adult Hot Tub heater sometime early this month. The good news is that it should be a quick installation, likely all done in the same day.
If you haven't already done so, purchase your tickets to the music event we are hosting this Friday! Therese (yes, our Pilates Director) and her band…aka TC & her band, will be performing for a few hours in the Clubhouse. Last time I checked there were only a handful of tickets remaining. It's going to be a phenomenal night of music, food, and ambiance.
I hope this holiday season brings much happiness, healthiness, and fun to you and your loved ones.
-Nick
Sunday, December 24, club closes at 2pm
Monday, December 25, club closed (Christmas Day)
Tuesday, December 26, club reopens at 8am
Sunday, December 31, club closes at 4pm
Monday, January 1, club closed (New Years Day)
Tuesday, January 2, club reopens at 8am
December Cafe Menu
We hope you've been enjoying the variety of cafe menu options offered by Chef Andrea. In addition to her Sunday brunch specials, Andrea is cooking a variety of meals, both lunch and dinner, Friday through Sunday. Items can be ordered for dine in or to go. The cafe cannot be a success without your orders, so please think of us next time you are deciding on weekend dining options!
Tis the Season for Giving
Our bins have been in the lobby since mid-November and they are starting to fill up with lots of food donations, but we still need more to make it a success! Please help out by donating healthy, non-perishable food. Some examples include canned entrees such as ravioli or chili, canned meat and tuna, boxed Mac & Cheese, and low-sodium canned soups. Another popular food item that the Food Bank recommends is peanut butter. They CANNOT accept donations of food in glass jars/containers, perishable items, frozen food, fresh produce, alcohol, soda and/or baby food or formula. These barrels are 3-feet tall, and when full, weigh up to 200lbs. Our goal is to fill 3 barrels by December 30th!
The Food Bank serves 1 in 4 Alameda County residents. Together, let's do our part to help feed the less fortunate this holiday season!
Stay Accountable this Holiday with Group Exercise
As we head into the holidays, many schools and preschools will be closing for the season. With that in mind, I wanted to take a moment to review our policy regarding children in classes.
Young members 12-17 years old are welcome to participate in group exercise classes with a parent or guardian. Children under the age of 12, however, are not allowed in the Group Fitness Room during class. I realize that we have not reopened childcare, so I certainly sympathize with parents hoping to attend. However, for the safety of the children and the tranquility of the class, we must enforce this rule. Hopefully, we will have good news soon regarding childcare reopening.
The holiday week schedule will be posted soon. We are doing our best to cover classes for traveling instructors, however, there will be some cancellations. The best way to stay informed is to register for the classes that interest you. Attached please find our current schedule.
Happy Holidays to you all! Hope to see you in class!
- Angelique Pine, Group Exercise Director, [email protected]
More Peak Fit Classes This Month
Our classes are going strong and we hope that you will join us during the holiday season. We currently have 3 classes on schedule and are looking to increase that number in the new year, so keep your eyes open.
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
TRX Conditioning with Tori Register here!
This class utilizes Total Body Resistance Exercises (TRX) and weights to build strength, balance, range of motion and coordination through low impact exercises. Each movement is selected to replicate and enhance your everyday activities. Progressive exercises will safely challenge you in a full body workout. 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. 4 classes for $80. The program can be prorated if you know that you'll be missing some classes. Email me at [email protected].
Thursday 12pm
Strength and Stability with Jenn
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.
You must register for our classes in order to participate. We require a minimum of 3 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.
Our Peak Fit program offers small group classes designed to improve your strength, stability and cardiovascular health.The attendance is limited to 6-8, depending on the class format, which allows us to offer participants more individualized attention and coaching to maximize the benefits of the workout. If you're curious about any of our current or upcoming classes, reach out to me at [email protected].
I hope we'll see some new faces this month!
- Jenn Nasab, Hills Fitness Coordinator, [email protected]
Take Time for Self-Care During the Holidays
Hoping you had a good Thanksgiving, spent with people you love and eating good food. It's the perfect time to talk about accountability. There's nothing easy about staying dedicated to a workout routine, especially at this time of year. It can be difficult to start and definitely difficult to maintain. Accountability helps more than we may think, whether it be reporting back to a friend, keeping a calendar or making an appointment with a gym buddy. If you need extra guidance or support to keep going during the holiday season, we can help! We offer partner training as well as small group training. See prices below and reach out for more information or any questions that you may have. Don't wait until January, health is a lifestyle not a yearly resolution.
-Jenn Nasab, Hills Fitness Coordinator, [email protected]
To freshen up your workout with a PT session or to book your complimentary fitness orientation, email any of our certified personal trainers. We're here for you:
Jeff Allen, [email protected]
Jenn Nasab, [email protected]
Angelique Pine, [email protected]
"Biggest Loser Contest" with Host/Trainer Jeff Allen Returns Next Month
The holidays are here and we all know that it's typically the time to eat, drink and be merry. Come January, it's often time we "hit the reset button" and work on our resolutions. What better time than to join Jeff Allen's biggest loser program and shed some unwanted weight. All ages are welcome. Get ready for fun, strength training, muscle toning and a motivating approach to weight loss. This 12-week program will include nutritional tips, bi-monthly progress checks, group training workouts and prizes. Spread the word and stay tuned for more information.
Jeff Allen 510-339-0234 x118 or [email protected]
2023 Personal Training Rates
Adult (single session/10 session package)
Private Session: $120/$1100
Semi Private: $75/person/$700
Groups ≥3: $65/person/$600
Senior ≥65 years of age (single session/10 session package)
Private Session: $100/$950
Semi Private: $65/person/$600
Groups ≥3: $55/person/$500
Youth ≤17 years of age (single session/10 session package)
Private Session: $100/$950
Semi Private: $65/person/$600
Groups ≥3: $55/person/$500
Happy Holidays From The Hills Pilates Studio!
This is the time of year when many of us find ourselves juggling work, events, kids' holiday schedules, lunches, dinners, parties and more. We hope that you take some time to catch your breath - and to perhaps catch some of the upcoming events that our Pilates department is involved in:
- Our Hills Ballet Program is ending the semester with a recital on Wednesday, December 6 at 4:30pm.
- Hills Dance Teacher Lawrence Chen is also dancing in the Nutcracker at the Oakland Ballet Company, December 16-17, more information and links to discounted tickets below.
- Pilates Director Therese Brewitz is performing with her band at the Hills on Friday, December 8 in the Hills clubhouse. There are a few tickets available at this time. Buy tickets here!
2023 has also been a great year of Pilates and we want to THANK YOU, our dedicated students for joining us in the Pilates studio every week - for training, enjoying, and furthering the incredible movement practice that Joseph Pilates invented more than a 100 years ago.
Warm wishes for a Happy Holiday Season and for a Happy and Healthy Start of 2023!
-Barbara, Colleen, Anne, Elizabeth, Lawrence, and Therese
Ballet - Ballet - Ballet!
Catch Hills Ballet Teacher Lawrence Chen performing in Oakland Ballet's production of the Nutcracker on December 16th and 17th!"
Hills members enjoy a 15% discount.
Buy tickets here: OaklandBalletNutcracker/performances
- Enter the promotion code OBC15 before selecting your seats.
- Click the seat(s) of your choice – use the legend below the map to help identify seating for ADA/Wheelchair accessibility, Limited Mobility seats, etc.
- ADA Accessible seating is only available in the Orchestra area. The Mezzanine and Balcony seating are only accessible by stairs. - Below the seating map, your choices will appear – click the drop down menu to select the desired ticket (Adult, Senior/Junior, discount codes)
- Click "Buy" to be prompted through the rest of the process
Hills Ballet Recital
The young dancers of the Hills Ballet program have been hard at work this fall and they will end the semester with a recital on Wednesday, December 6 at 4:30pm in the Hills Clubhouse.
Limited seating is available for families and friends. Members are welcome to peek in and watch the performance as well.
The Spring Semester will start on Monday January 22
Pre-ballet (4-6 year olds), 4:10-4:50pm
Ballet (7 years old and up), 4:50-5:35pm
For information and to register for our spring semester, please contact [email protected]
Hills Reformer Pilates Program
Pilates continues to be one of the most popular forms of exercise, both nationally and worldwide. Many of our reformer and small group classes in the Hills Pilates Studio fill up and we hope to continue adding classes and programs that meet the needs of new and returning Pilates students.
Please note that Hills members can also enjoy the free group fitness Pilates classes offered in the clubhouse. A well rounded Pilates practice involves doing both reformer/studio exercises as well as working out on the mat.
PILATES STUDIO SCHEDULE DECEMBER 2023
Please note that some of our regular classes are canceled over the holidays.
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.docx
Get news, updates, and inspiration for Pilates through our Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/hillspilatesandwellness/
2024 Tennis Clinics Available for Signup!
Tennis at The Hills is gearing up for a new year filled with fun opportunities to learn and explore new ways to achieve a healthy lifestyle. Tennis is a low-impact full-body sport -- exercising your legs, strengthening your core, and toning your arms -- and a great way to meet new people or enjoy time with family and friends!
This Winter and Spring, The Hills will offer continued clinics along with new time slots to participate in and enjoy! Non-members are welcome to join our clinic program for an additional $20 non-member registration fee per session.
Youth Clinics (6 players per class)
Little Stars age 6&7: Sundays, 2:30-3:30pm
Rising Stars age 8-11: Mondays or Wednesdays, 4:30-6pm
Supernovas age 12-17: Tuesdays or Thursdays, 4:30-6pm
Adult Clinics (4 players per class)
Adult Beginning: Tuesdays, 6-7:30pm
Adult Intermediate: Sundays or Thursdays, 6-7:30pm
Adult Advanced: Mondays, 6-7:30pm (select dates)
All Spring
The 'All Spring' package is available for all clinics and is a chance to sign up for all sessions from January to May at a discounted rate!
Private Tennis Lessons:
Private lessons are available by request. Contact Coach Sydney to schedule a lesson at [email protected]
Private (1 player): $100/hour
Semi Private (2 players): $70/hour/player
Small Group (3+ players): $50/hour/player
In-House Match Play
Are you 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.
Free Adult Tennis Clinics Dec 11
For those adults new to the club, new to tennis or looking to improve your backhand, we welcome you to join Eddie Pasternak on the second Monday of each month for our complimentary Adult Tennis Clinics! This month's clinic will be held on December 11. This monthly event is free, and open to members only. From 6-7pm, beginners get an hour of instruction; 7-8pm is for intermediate/advanced players. Eddie leads these clinics each month for adults with all skill levels. We are asking that members register in advance here for the beginner clinic or here for the advanced clinic.
Give Your Kids the Gift of 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.
Pool Rules
Lap Lane Swimming Rules:
- Lap Lane reservations remain weekdays from 9am-2pm in lanes 4, 5, & 6. All other lanes and times are available for shared member swimming. Our reservations open at 8am 3 days in advance. For example, on Friday morning at 8am, members can log in and book a lap lane for Monday.
- Please Note: Hills Hurricane Swim Team will be using no more than 4 lanes from 4-8pm, Monday-Friday.
Learn to Swim Any Time of Year
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 with 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.
Koung Chaiyasane >> (no availability)
Mat Borawski >> (a lot of availability)
Erin Lucas >> (limited availability)
Taylor Rolefson >> (limited availability)
NOTE: We only allow instruction by Hills employees. Outside instructors are not allowed. The Hills swim instructors are trained to uphold the club policies and proper guidelines.
Please be mindful that our priority is for the membership and their time in the pool, so we are only allowing a certain number of lessons at one time. Please follow the directions when requesting a lesson and have a high level of flexibility as peak times are generally full and we do not offer a wait list. Instructors may not respond if directions are not followed properly. Learn more about our offerings here!
Swim Team: Competitive & Pre-Comp
The tryout period for our Hills Hurricane Swim Team has ended. Next tryout dates tbd. Congrats to our newest team members! Manta Rays and Tidal Waves, our pre-comp groups, are currently on a holiday break from November 18 through January 9. The winter session will run from January 10 through March 1. These groups are currently full. We will post here about any openings.
It's Pickleball, Y'all!
Pickleball is the buzz in many social conversations these days. People are having fun learning something new and it's an excuse to get together with friends.
In addition to the pools, tennis courts and cabanas, don't forget about our other outdoor amenities: pickleball, basketball and ping pong.
Members can book a 1-hour reservation for either pickleball, basketball, or both! This 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 game. If you don't have your own equipment, you can ask the front desk staff for the pickleball bag (complete with paddles and balls) and/or basketballs.
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. You'll see people of all ages and athletic ability having fun on our court.
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.
Celebrate December Employee Birthdays
Please join us in wishing each of them a happy birthday and thanking them for all of their hard work!
Elizabeth Howe, 12/02
Emma Swinney, 12/05
Shannon Coskran, 12/13
Robert Mooring, 12/29
