February Newsletter 2021

UPDATE FROM OUR GENERAL MANAGER

Dear Hills Members,

February is amongst us and typically this month is when we do our "share the love" notes from members to staff. Due to the pandemic, we will not be doing that this year. Still, feel free to give the staff some verbal love as they deserve it for the amazing job they do each and everyday to keep our club safe and clean.

More and more members continue to share that they've received one or both of the Covid-19 vaccine shots. This is fantastic news and we are very thankful for the front line workers administering these vaccine shots as quickly as possible. Please remember that even if you've received one or both of the shots, it is still mandatory to wear a mask as much as physically possible. Short of being in the pools, hot tubs or showers, masks should be worn all other times at the club. And a big credit to those who have elected to continue to wear their masks in the hot tubs!

Whether you've been to the club recently or within the past few years you may have noticed that the artwork in the lobby changes from time to time. If any members have interest in displaying their artwork or photography in our lobby, please reach out to club member and superb artist Sally Landis [email protected]. Thank you Sally for spearheading this project for The Hills this year!

Although the Covid numbers still remain high, and our County is still in the purple tier, I do feel a sense at the club that progress is being made and momentum is starting to swing in our favor. We'll continue to offer as much outdoors as possible so that you'll always have an outlet to get your exercise in on a daily basis.

Keep the faith and I wish everyone a healthy and safe February!

-Nick

Available: *Current Contra Costa County Guidelines continue to apply
Lap Lane Swimming by reservation (reserve through the front desk, online, or on our app) Family/Recreational Pool by reservation (reserve through the front desk, online, or on our app)
Diving Well/Deep End of Lap Pool by reservation (reserve through the front desk, online, or on our app)
Hot Tubs 15-minute increments by reservation (reserve through the front desk, online, or on our app)
Indoor/Outdoor Showers please only 1 person or a family unit. Please practice physical distancing of at least six feet.
Locker Rooms Available for toilet and sink use as well as garment changing. Maximum of 4 people.
Outdoor Gym in the six Cabanas 30-min or 60-min reservation (reserve through the front desk, online, or on our app)
Tennis Courts by reservation (reserve through the front desk, online, or on our app)
Pickleball/Basketball by reservation (reserve through the front desk, online, or on our app)
Kids Afternoon Camps contact Camp Director Anthony Lum for more information [email protected]
Tennis Lessons contact Eddie Pasternak [email protected] or Maaria Husain [email protected]
Outdoor Tae Kwon Do Classes contact Jeff Allen for more information [email protected]
Hills Hurricane Swim Team contact Aquatics Director Shad Wojtala for information [email protected]
Outdoor Group Exercise Classes (Virtual Zoom classes continue to be provided as well)
Outdoor/Virtual Peak Fit Class Contact Peak Fit Coordinator Jennie Votel [email protected]
Private Pilates Training contact Pilates Director Therese Brewitz for more info [email protected]
Indoor or Outdoor Personal Training contact Nick [email protected] or Jeff Allen [email protected]
Swim Lessons private and semi private, contact Aquatics Director Shad Wojtala for information [email protected]
Manta Rays and Tidal Waves Swim Classes contact Aquatics Director Shad Wojtala for information [email protected]

Unavailable: *County is yet to lift restrictions

Indoor Gym (Fitness Center)
Peak Fit Studio
Saunas
Cafe
Child Care
Ping Pong
Guests
Back Deck

Billing Department is Now Paperless

Member Portal, Click "View My Statement" in left hand column

If for some reason you did not receive a monthly statement via email on February 3, you can access it (or any previous months) by logging in to your member portal.

Instructions to access your member portal.

Go to cachstc.clubautomation.com and click "Member Login" at the top
Click "Access My Account" on the bottom of the screen
Provide your name and email address. It must be the same email address as the club has for you.
Go to your email on your phone or computer and click the link it sent
Provide a password (Note: you may also have to provide an emergency contact or missing info)
Install "The Hills Swim & Tennis Club" App on your phone (Note: before accessing the app on your phone, you MUST set up your online member portal!)
Log in with your email and password (same one you created for your member portal)

As we continue to operate with a no show fee policy ($20 per reservation that is not cancelled in the system prior to the reservation time), it is now more important than ever to have online access to your member portal, whether it be for billing issues or reservations!

Happy Valentine's Day!

- Stefani McDermott, Administrative & Accounting Manager

Rain or Shine, Hills Campers Have Fun

Camp Director Anthony Lum and Camp Counselor Mitch Curtis have been busy each week with The Hills campers. Whether it's a hike, craft or game, the kids are loving their time away from their screens. It's a great way for them to get some fresh air. And when the temperature drops, we've got heat lamps to keep them warm! There are three more weekly sessions left in February: Week 9 (02/08-02/12) and Week 10 (02/15-02/19) and Week 11 (02/22-02/26). The cost is $200 per child (Monday through Friday, 2-6pm). March dates will be announced in a couple of weeks.

NOTE: There are currently 8 campers registered. We can handle up to 24 campers, two groups consisting of 12 kids each, so plenty of space is still available for February camps!

If you are interested in registering your kids for any upcoming Winter Camp, please go log into your online member portal. In the left hand column, click on the button "Register for Programs" and it is there where you will find Winter Camp Week 9-11 registration.

Please direct any camp questions to Anthony Lum, Camp Director, [email protected]

Hills Members Love Their Pool Time

The demand for the pool is still going strong into the winter months. The Aquatics Staff appreciates your support for our programs and your compliance with our current safety guidelines.

Lap Lane Swimming Rules:

Children ages 10+ can share a lane with a parent or household guardian for a 30-min reservation
If you arrive early for your reservation and a lane is free, feel free to start swimming early. Similarly, if your reservation ends and a lane is still available, feel free to swim a little longer. Both occurrences need to be cleared by the pool monitor before beginning.
Making a reservation and then not showing up and/or failure to cancel the reservation could be subject to a penalty fee on the account if it continues to happen.

Please Note: Hills Hurricane Swim Team will be using no more than 4 lanes from 4-8pm, Monday-Friday.

Family Rec Pool Rules:

30-minute maximum per day per person/family
All children under 14 years old needs a parent or guardian present and attentive to them
Please show courtesy and respect to whomever has the opposite side reservation
Swim toys, floaties, noodles are allowed, so long as they are used appropriately and are not shared with others

Diving Well (Deep End) Pool Rules:

Reservations can be made by an individual or by a family.
No children under the age of 10 can be in the Diving Well. Children ages 10-13 must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian. Anyone 14 years and older is allowed to be in the Diving Well alone, but we do advise to rent or bring your own float belt.
For information regarding renting a float belt please contact the front desk or Group Exercise Director Angelique Pine ([email protected]).

Hot Tub Rules:

15-minute time slots available to be reserved by one member or "Family Only" members
Members can make one pool reservation (lap lane pool, family pool or diving well) as well as one hot tub reservation per day
No one under the age of 18 is allowed in the Adult Hot Tub

Book a 15-minute reservation in one of our hot tubs before or after a workout!

Private Lessons Offered Throughout Winter

We are still regularly booking swim lessons during this time of the year. It is a great time to take advantage of our warm family pool or even have your swim lane pre-booked for your convenience. From basic learning to swim, to adult stroke mechanics, to advanced competitive swimming, our instructors are available to improve your swim experience at The Hills.

Learn more about our offerings here!

Aqua Aerobics Classes Going Strong

Many members have enjoyed the return of aqua aerobics. We now offer 9am AND 10am classes Tuesdays with Bz; Thursdays with Sandra. Members will need an aqua belt to take these classes; if you do not have one, The Hills will provide a long term rental for a nominal fee. See the front desk for details. As with all of our outdoor classes, we need at least three members signed up in order to offer the class, so please register if you're interested in participating. Registration opens 5 days in advance and class size is limited to 6 participants.

Hills Hurricane Swim Team

Our youth competitive swim team is fully subscribed at this time. We are currently running seven cohort swim team camps and only have room in our pre-comp levels, age 4-10.

Pre-Comp for Younger Swimmers

Session 2: FEB 3-26 (Open for registration)
Session 3: MAR 3-31 (no classes on 3/26) (Registration opens Feb 8, 8am)
Session 4: APR 7-30 (Registration opens Feb 8, 8am)

Manta Rays (Pre-Swim Team) AGE 4-8 W/F 4-4:30pm Pre Requisite: Swimmers must be able to tread in deep water for 30 seconds. Swimmers must be able to swim unassisted for 10 yards. Swimmers will learn basic swimming skills of all four strokes. Team activity skills and group swim safety is introduced. Due to the pandemic, instruction will be conducted out of the water.

Tidal Waves (Novice Swim Team) AGE 6-10 W/F 4:30-5pm
Swimmers must pass the prerequisite for swim team: *50yards of freestyle with side breathing *25 yards of back swimming *Treading water for 30 seconds *Streamline off wall for 5 yards. Led by on-deck coaches, this group will prepare swimmers for the swim team.

Full info and registration link here!

Tennis is One Sport Making a "Racket" During Pandemic

Just like the bounce of a tennis ball, tennis participation has "bounced" up here at The Hills. The sport "serves" up a way to stay both physically and socially active while still adhering to social distancing. Reminder that under the current county guidelines, singles play can be done with members of different households, but doubles play remains only available to people of the same household. Members can book a 1-hour court reservation per day.

For those members who are looking for some tennis instruction, please feel free to reach out to Hills Tennis Instructors, Eddie Pasternak, [email protected] or Maaria Husain, [email protected] Lessons are available for both kids and adults.

Make Pickleball a Fun Family Outing

Similar to tennis, pickleball is another fun way to workout outdoors. For those of you who have not yet given it a try, it is best described as a combination of tennis, badminton and table tennis (or ping pong). The rules are pretty simple and the game is for all ages and skill levels and is easy for beginners to learn. If you are comfortable playing any of the aforementioned paddle sports, the game will most likely become a fast-paced competitive game. It's really up to you; make it fun and social or highly competitive. Bottom line: it's a great excuse to come up to the club and get some exercise. And don't be surprised if you give it a try and find it to be your new favorite sport!

Reminder that just like tennis, under the current county guidelines, singles play can be done with members of different households, but doubles play remains only available to people of the same household. Members can make a 1-hour reservation for pickleball per day.

Reserve the Court for Some Hoop Time

Members can book the court for basketball OR pickleball for either 30- or 60-minute reservations. The county is still only allowing households or individuals to play basketball, so grab the family and come shoot some hoops! Please remember to bring your own basketball, as we currently are not loaning out balls as we had done in the past.

Pilates Studio Emphasizes Matters of the Heart

Happy Valentine's Day from Therese and the Hills Pilates and Wellness Studio!

During this Valentine's month we would like to emphasize matters of the heart: Heart health and the heart chakra in our yoga and Reiki systems. Read more below. We also want to recognize February as Black History Month and the importance of supporting black businesses in our community, especially during this time of Covid and economic downturn. Here is a list of local businesses: https://sfist.com/2020/06/04/you-can-find-black-owned-businesses-to-support-with-these-apps-and-online-lists/

Pilates Barre+Jams is a blackowned Pilates studio in Oakland and owner Teresa R Ellis was featured in Pilates Style Magazine last year highlighting how the Pilates world - unfortunately, is predominantly white and sometimes covertly racist:
https://www.pilatesbarreandjams.com/about
Teresa's perspective and unflappable spirit points to how Pilates is and should be for every - body, just as Joseph Pilates intended it to be!

Much love and good health to you,
Therese and the Hills Pilates and Wellness Studio Team
Contact our studio: [email protected]

Pilates Training and Heart Health

Pilates training offers great benefits for our heart health. The focused breath work and full body movement of Pilates can improve our cardiovascular capacity while at the same time calm down our nervous system and reduce the effects of stress.
Try one of our classes or contact our studio to schedule a private session: [email protected]

Zoom Reformer on Mondays at 12:45pm and on Wednesdays at 6:15pm

Our new online Reformer class is a hit. Do you have access to a Pilates reformer at home? If so, you can try one of our Reformer classes, offered on Mondays at 12:45pm with Therese and Wednesdays at 6:15pm with Colleen. All levels welcome!

Cost: $25
60 min class, 6 student max

Chair Pilates with Barbara on Zoom, Tuesdays at 5pm

With great wit and creativity Pilates Instructor Barbara Hoffer is showing us how to get super fit using just a chair and our own core muscles. Don't be fooled, this is a real workout!

Cost: $15
45 min class, 15 student max

Keep it Moving with Therese on Zoom, Wednesdays at 5pm

We do it all in 60 min: Pilates, strength training, cardio, stretching and yoga and promise great results and lots of fun.
Kicking off Pilates class with jumping jacks and a great soundtrack is nothing new. Here is a class with Joseph Pilates from the 1930s:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ToDPZnRpgeM

Cost: $15, 60 min class, 15 student max

Barre with Bruce at The Hills, Tuesdays at 9am

Come rain or shine Barre/Pilates Instructor Bruce Arana and his dedicated "core" group are braving the weather outside on the ballet barre. We now offer the class under a tarp and with added heat.
Please wear a mask and bring your own light weights, mini ball, and small loop band.

Cost: $30
60 min class, 6 student max

Shoulder and Core with Anne on Zoom, Mondays at 5pm

This class dedicates 20 minutes to careful shoulder rehab, plus core strengthening to support correct alignment. Great for improving posture and upper body strength.

Cost $20
55 min class, 10 student max

Sign up for our Pilates classes online: cachstc.clubautomation.com
or contact our studio to learn more: [email protected]

Thoughts from the Reiki Master - Connecting to our Heart during Covid

Eastern Medicine identifies an energy system in and around our body with 7 main energy centers or chakras that control and represent different body parts and spiritual connections. The heart chakra, the 4th chakra is located in the heart/chest area and represents universal love, compassion, safety, healing, giving and receiving.

Connecting to our heart chakra is important and we often do this automatically: When we feel a deep emotion of caring, sadness, love, or even shock, we tend to move our hand to our heart to calm down, to protect and to express love.

During times of great stress and turmoil like Covid, we may close our heart centre as a defense mechanism. This can lead to health problems, sadness and feelings of loneliness and disconnect. Below is a heart healing meditation that can be done at any time to fortify our heart health and bolster positive feelings.

Heart Healing Meditation
Sit quietly in a way that is comfortable for you, with your legs crossed or feet on the floor. Close your eyes, and take deep, long breaths in and out through your nose. Place one of both hands on your heart (breast bone). Feel your chest rise and fall with your breath. Repeat these heart centre affirmations quietly to yourself:

I am open and receptive to Love
I feel compassion and empathy for the pain and struggling of others
I allow Love to fill me up and guide me in all my actions

Reiki Online Therapy for health and peace of mind
Read more about Reiki and its many benefits: /services/massage
Reiki sessions are now available on Zoom. To book a Reiki appointment, please contact: [email protected]

Safety
Your health and safety is our number one priority and we take every precaution to keep our clients, our staff and our club protected at all times. Please read our COVD-19 safety guidelines here:

PILATES_STUDIO_COVID-19_GUIDELINES

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hillspilatesandwellness/

Members Take Advantage of Outdoor Classes

Members have options when it comes to outdoor group exercise classes

Last month brought us low temperatures and full classes! It's so great to see our members braving the cold in order to stay fit. We will be adding more outdoor classes as the month progresses. Due to the inclement weather, we are sticking to cardio classes for the winter, however, we look forward to scheduling outdoor yoga and pilates classes once the weather improves. Stay tuned!

More good news - you can now put yourself on the waitlist through the app. You may need to update your application, but once you do you will be able to click the waitlist button.

On another note, due to the popularity of the group exercise classes we will be strictly enforcing late/ no show charges. We ask that you contact the club a minimum of 12 hours before the class if you believe you cannot make it. That way the next person on the waitlist can plan to attend. Anything under 8 hours may incur a late fee of $10.00 and No shows (either not showing up, or calling within the hour of the class) is a $20.00 fee.

See you in class,
- Angelique Pine, Group Exercise Director

One-on-One Personal Training: Indoors or Out

Members still have the option of heading indoors for personal training sessions

If you feel you need a little extra push to get motivated to workout, consider booking a personal training session. Both indoor and outdoor personal training sessions are still available. If you book an indoor session, you can rest assured that you and your Hills personal trainer will be the only people in the gym as we are following guidance from recent communication with the county. Masks are mandatory whether you are indoors or outdoors. Feel free to reach out to Nick, [email protected] or Jeff Allen, [email protected] for rates or to set up an appointment.

PeakFit Offers Winter Outdoor TRX & Zoom Classes

Friday morning's outdoor TRX class is very popular with Hills members

Peak Fit classes have been going really well! Our Friday TRX class at 8am has one spot available if you would like to join. Cost is $15 per class. We want participants to join for the whole month, so while it is a per class charge, you are committing to the month. Saturday Zoom classes are free, fun and challenging. It's an 8:30am start time on Saturday mornings. Please get in touch if you would like to join us for a sweaty Saturday!!

Whether it's in person or via Zoom, we are here to help you keep moving in February!

- Jennie Votel, Peak Fit Director
510-316-3529
[email protected]

Celebrate February Employee Birthdays

Please join us in wishing each of them a happy birthday and thanking them for all of their hard work!
Noemi Arias, 02/17
Mat Lacounte, 02/18
Stephanie Murray, 02/19
Anthony Lum, 02/23
Rich Sanchez, 02/27