February Newsletter 2022

UPDATE FROM OUR GENERAL MANAGER

Dear Hills Members,

February, our official month of love. As tradition here at The Hills, we have paper hearts up at the Front Desk to write a note to any of our staff who you think go above and beyond for you, your kids, your guests, in any type of way. Drop the heart in the box and then we will be taping them to the lobby wall throughout the month. This has been an incredible experience since I've been here, as I know it goes a long way in all staffer eyes when they receive a kind note from a member. I still have a handful of hearts taped to the wall in my office from years past and to this day I enjoy rereading them.

Effective immediately, per a Contra Costa County press release on Friday, 02/04 (https://cchealth.org/press-releases/2022/0204-Vaccine-Verification-Requirement.php), The Hills will no longer be requiring proof of vaccination or a recent negative Covid test to enter the club. We'll continue to monitor and abide by what the County mandates, as we've done since the beginning of this Covid pandemic. And, we're hopeful that this is a sign of the pandemic beginning to ease up on the strain and challenges it has presented to all of us.

We are reactivating reservations this month for the Basketball/Pickleball Court. Reservations are for one hour, every hour on the hour. If you come up to the club to use the court please check with the front desk, even if you just plan on shooting hoops for 10-20 minutes. As a reminder, the court is blocked exclusively for Pickleball on weekdays between 11am-1pm. We will continue to provide community Basketballs and Pickleball paddles and balls if ever needed. If/when you do decide to use the court for Pickleball, unless it is known that the next members also plan to play Pickleball, please move the net back to its appropriate location along the fence.

Lastly, we're very happy to announce that we now have a Tennis Ball Machine available for members to use! It is located on the Manzanita Court, in the corner near the stairs. For those who would like to use it, simply reserve the court for an hour as usual. The brand of machine is Spinshot and the instructions can be found with the machine inside the storage container. So far I have received very positive comments from some of the members who have had a chance to try it out. They recommend downloading the app and using it to control the settings of the machine, which does have it's own wifi signal. Please, please, please, handle the ball machine with care and always remember to plug the battery charging cord back into it when done using so that it charges for the next member.

Happy Black History Month, Happy Valentines Day, Happy President's Day, Happy Lunar New Year! I'd say Happy Groundhog Day, but I'm sick of them populating on the lawn of The Hills LOL!

-Nick

Upcoming Events

February 14: Free Beginner/Novice Tennis Clinic 6-7pm
February 14: Intermediate/Advanced Tennis Clinic 7-8pm
Weekdays 11am-1pm: Pickleball on the basketball court

Kids Summer Camp Registration Opens This Month

We are excited to announce that this summer we will be offering a FULL day camp, 8:30am-5:30pm. Campers will 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 31 to June 3 (*no camp on Monday, May 30, Memorial Day*)
Week 2: June 6 to June 10
Week 3: June 13 to June 17
Week 4: June 20 to June 24
Week 5: June 27 to July 1
Week 6: July 4 to July 8
Week 7: July 11 to July 15
Week 8: July 18 to July 22
Week 9: July 25 to July 29
Week 10: August 1 to August 5
Week 11: August 8 to August 12

Registration will open Monday, February 7th. Cost: $500 per week* per camper
*$400 for Week 1 since it will only be a 4-day camp

To register via your member portal, log onto your Club Automation account (cachstc.clubautomation.com)

Click on "Register for Programs" from list on left and it will bring you to "Programs" page
Click on either "Kids Camp" or "View"
Click "Sign Up" and you will be prompted to "add family member"
Click "Add to Cart"

To register via The Hills Swim & Tennis Club app:

Select "Programs"
Under Category select "Kids Camp"
Click on "Show Programs" and it is there where you will find the list of available weeks

If for some reason you are having difficulty trying to register, you can always reach me via email at [email protected] for any questions you may have regarding Summer Camp 2022. I look forward to seeing your children this coming summer!

- Anthony Lum, Summer Camp Director

The Magic Of Strength Training

Here is an activity you can do that will vastly improve your balance, decrease risk of osteoporosis and injury, improve your cognitive abilities and manage weight gain. Are you in? How about if I said it only took 30 minutes three times a week? Sounds great? Then this is the time to start strength training.

Strength training is any kind of resistance exercise that creates a muscle contraction. The higher the resistance, the more muscle recruitment and greater benefit. Regular training also has a dramatic effect on bone density, and it's never too late to start. So while cardio classes and yoga may be challenging given the current mask mandates, classes that include an element of sculpting can be done either indoors or outdoors. Our group exercise program has several classes that can help you reach your weekly weightlifting goals. Strength and Balance, Total Body Conditioning, Power Hour and Pilates Sculpt are a few of the many classes we offer which include an element of sculpt. We look forward to the end of the mask mandate someday, but in the meantime - let's lift some weights!

See you in class!
- Angelique Pine, Group Exercise Director, [email protected]

Peak Fit Promo Continues in February

For the month of February, we will be keeping the same Peak Fit schedule. I appreciate all of you who took the time to respond to my "time preference survey," it's so very helpful. Keep your eyes open for some changes and hopefully some additions in the Spring. We will continue offering our $120 unlimited promotion through the month of February. This unlimited promotion can be used for all Peak Fit classes, including TRX. Hopefully you can take advantage of our offer this month. If you haven't tried our classes yet, come on up; your first class is free!

Peak Fit Studio February Schedule:

Mondays: 6:30am (Mixed Format)
Tuesdays: 7:30am (TRX)
Wednesdays: 6:30am (Mixed Format)
Thursdays: 7:30am & 8:30am (Back-to-Back TRX classes)
Saturdays: 9:15am (TRX)

A note about registration for our small group training classes. Please use the app or website to register for class. Classes are cancelled if no one has registered 12 hours prior to the start of class. Class sizes are limited*, so please sign up if you plan to come. The drop-in rate per class is $18; 10-pack is $150.

*Maximum capacity is 8 per mixed format class/6 per TRX class

Let's have a great month!
- Jenn Nasab, Hills Fitness Coordinator, [email protected]

Treat Yourself to Personal Training

Are you trying to reach the goals you've set for yourself with little success? Do you want to learn more about fitness? Do you want to be held accountable? Do you want to learn how the machines work? We're here to help you reach your health and fitness goals! Our personal training team designs personalized training programs for each and every client, depending on his/her needs, goals and preferences.

If you haven't yet received your complimentary fitness orientation, please reach out to me so we can set that up. During your orientation, one of our personal trainers will take you on a tour of the facility and guide you through how our machines work and answer any fitness-related questions/concerns you might have.

Lastly, I am excited to introduce you to my tip of the month, where I will share valuable information related to nutrition, fitness or lifestyle. Check your inbox on the first of every month for tips to help you achieve your health and fitness goals.

- Jenn Nasab, Hills Fitness Coordinator, [email protected]

Rev Up Your Fitness in February with Pilates

CARDIO PILATES AND MORE Wednesdays at 9:30am starting Feb 16

Check out our new Wednesday morning Cardio Pilates class with Pilates Instructor Elizabeth Howe. Reformer training is fun and Cardio trampoline and jumpboard training on the reformer is even more fun! This is a safe workout for beginners and experienced Pilates students.

Elizabeth Howe will be teaching this class. Devoted to health and wellness since 2012, she holds certifications and degrees in Pilates, Reiki, fitness and Chinese Medicine and runs her own Acupuncture clinic on Piedmont Avenue: https://www.redbirdacuclinic.com/

The class will start with a low intensity format to accommodate current safety and mask requirements.
Sign up online: https://cachstc.clubautomation.com/

Are you feeling stressed and overwhelmed?!?!
Um, yeah, aren't we all?

Living and thriving during a pandemic is hard. Many of us are dealing directly or indirectly with the effects of Covid while still showing up in our lives and handling the normal day-to-day stress. Most of us have learned how to FUNCTION, but we may feel rotten and our bodies are taking a toll.

In this "Strong & Centered" class we use somatic therapy techniques, meditation, martial arts, Pilates, breath work, and other methods to combat the damaging effects of chronic stress and to improve our health and wellbeing.

You will learn how to:

Get unstuck physically and emotionally
Support and regulate your nervous system
Release the fight or flight response
Preserve your energy and your calm
Reduce muscle tension

4 Wednesdays, 6:30-7:30pm starting February 16, cost $25 per class
This class is offered in person and over Zoom. Contact our studio for more info: [email protected]

Therese Brewitz, STOTT PILATES instructor, holds an MS in Psychology with speciality in Health Studies and Prevention. She has taught Pilates and movement for over 20 years to clients ages 3 to 98. She leads the Hills Pilates and Wellness Program and with the core conviction that - Movement is Medicine.

REFORMER CLASSES

Beginner to expert, there is a class for everyone. Reformer Pilates is a great way to build core and full body strength and muscle tone. And it is fun! New to Pilates and the reformer? Contact our studio for an introduction to this training: [email protected]
You find our updated class schedule here:
PILATES STUDIO SCHEDULE FEBRUARY 2022

STAY SAFE ON ZOOM! Keep it Moving on Zoom is a small group training class with big ambitions!
Connect on Zoom and improve your fitness with music, dance, strength training, and lots of Pilates!
Wednesdays at 5:15pm. Sign up online at: https://cachstc.clubautomation.com/

PARTNER UP WITH YOUR OWN PILATES COACH!

Our Pilates instructors have decades of experience in Pilates, wellness, fitness, and exercise science. We offer Pilates training for injury rehab and "prehab", athletic conditioning, cancer treatment recovery and more. You can train with us over Zoom too. Contact our studio to learn more and to sign up: [email protected]

Be well and take care,
-Therese, Anne, Barbara,Yulia, Colleen and Elizabeth

Follow us on Instagram and get inspired to do Pilates:
https://www.instagram.com/hillspilatesandwellness/

Hills Aqua Fitness Classes: Low Impact, High Participation

Aqua fitness classes are a great low-impact group exercise class included with your membership. Join the class for a fun workout that will help you get stronger. Plus, it's a great cross training exercise. Using the natural resistance of water, our aqua fitness classes allow you to build muscle and increase cardiovascular fitness without putting extra stress on your joints.

Our aqua fitness classes are typically a fun and social atmosphere, so grab a friend and come up to the club for a morning aqua fitness class! Our aqua fitness classes are offered 3 days a week from 9-10am: Tuesdays with Bz; Thursdays with Sandra; Sundays with various instructors (please refer to the online schedule for the specific instructor for each Sun class). Our aqua fitness classes are popular and therefore we kindly ask that you register in advance if you plan on participating.

It's February & Tennis Starts With Love

For those adults new to tennis or looking to improve your backhand, join us on the second Monday of each month for our complimentary Adult Tennis Clinics! No sign-up necessary. 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.

And for those members wanting to meet up for a friendly match or even a competitive doubles, you can book a 1-hour court reservation per day either on our Manzanita Court or Diablo Court. If you are interested in nighttime tennis, you can reserve Diablo Court after dark as this court has lights.

Tae Kwon Do Teaches Respect

Looking for a new activity for your child that will focus on both body and mind? Sign him/her up for our popular Tae Kwon Do classes! This is a year-round program for kids ages 5-17. Each session involves kicking, punching and self defense, but most of all, we encourage the kids to have fun. Students will learn the five tenets which include Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self-Control and Indomitable Spirit. The goal of the program is to instill confidence, teach respect, and focus on raising self esteem.

Days/Times: Tuesdays & Thursdays 3:30–4:45pm (Beginner)
Tuesdays & Thursdays 6–7:15pm (Advanced)
Member cost: $85 per month
Non-member: $100 per month

For more information or to register your child, please contact:
Jeff Allen - [email protected]
510-339-0234 x18

Aquatics

Hills Aquatics Policies

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

Hot Tub Rules:

Adult hot tub is for ages 18 years and up
Only 9 people allowed in adult hot tub as well as family hot tub at any time
Children younger than 14 years old must have an adult guardian within arm's reach
Flotation devices, toys, kickboards and horseplay are not allowed
No food or drinks in or near the hot tubs

Registration Open for Summer Junior Lifeguard Camp

This program is designed as a community-based water safety program for 10–15 year olds. The Junior Lifeguard Training Program has been developed to serve many purposes where water safety is our primary goal. Along with water safety activities, we engage in CPR and First Aid training. A secondary benefit is the unique combination of establishing the foundation for good work skills, responsibilities, skill development, competition, and leadership skills. Throughout the week we provide a well-rounded training experience that includes 30 minutes of daily fitness, lectures, demonstrations, and team building activities. An additional two hours per week of volunteering may be required by each Junior guard. Course prerequisite: 50 yards of freestyle or breaststroke. Retrieve a 10-lb. brick from a depth of 12 feet. Swim underwater 15 feet.

Summer 2022 Sessions: June 13-17 & June 27-July 1
Lunch/Snacks are not currently provided. Time: 9am-2pm daily. Cost: $390 per member per session.

Non-members must submit this form prior to registration and email or deliver it to the Aquatics office. An email notification will then be sent with directions how to register online.

REGISTER NOW!

Swim Lessons for All Ages & Abilities

Swim lessons continue year round. With less distractions on the pool deck and more space in the pool this is the best time of year to learn to swim better! It is important to note that there was a slight price increase in 2022 for our swim lessons and the new rates can be found on our website.

Instructors book their own lessons.
Learn more about our offerings here!

Hills Hurricane Swim Team

The competitive team is currently fully subscribed. Full information such as practice times, and season dates is located here on the team website. We are not holding tryouts at this time.

Manta Rays & Tidal Waves Pre-Comp Program

WINTER SESSION DATES & TIMES
Session 2: WED/FRI Feb 2-25
Session 3: WED/FRI Mar 2-25
SATURDAYS Mar 5-26

Register Here!
Non-Members must submit this form prior to registration and email or deliver it to the Aquatics office. An email notification will then be sent with directions how to register online.

Cost Member: W/F $115, SAT $90 Cost Non-Member: W/F $155, SAT $120

Due to high demand, there are NO REFUNDS or PRO-RATING for these classes for any reason. Swimmers are expected to meet the prerequisite on day one of the class. Classes meet near the diving well. Classes meet month to month. Sign ups for each session will open a few weeks prior to the beginning of each session. Instructions on how to register online or App here.

Manta Rays (Pre-Swim Team) AGE 4 - 8 W/F 4-4:30pm or Sat 9:30-10:15am
Prerequisite: 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 for all four strokes. Team activity skills and group swim safety are introduced. Instruction will be conducted in and out of the water.

Tidal Waves (Novice Swim Team) AGE 6 - 10 W/F 4:30-5pm or Sat 10:15-11am
Swimmers must pass the prerequisite for swim team: *50 yards of freestyle with side breathing *25 yards of back swimming *Treading water for 30 seconds *Streamline off the wall for 5 yards. This group will prepare swimmers for the swim team. This class will incorporate on-deck coaching with minimal in water instruction.

Reservations Return for Pickleball/Basketball Court

Reservations for our pickleball/basketball court have returned. Members can book an hour "block" of time to use the court. 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 pickleball or basketball 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. Please remember to return any borrowed equipment to the front desk when you are finished playing.

Our 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. If you are not familiar with pickleball, it's easiest to learn the rules of play and scoring and the order of serving 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!

In addition to pickleball and basketball, we have 2 ping pong (or table tennis) tables just outside of our enclosed court. Both young and old can improve eye-hand coordination and fine motor skills by playing ping pong.Just like pickleball and basketball, the front desk has paddles and balls for members to borrow. Either way, you're bound to have fun and maybe even start some friendly competition! Again, all we ask is that you return any borrowed equipment to the front desk when you are finished playing.

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
Deb Pulver, 02/19
Stephanie Murray, 02/19
Anthony Lum, 02/23
Rich Sanchez, 02/27