February Newsletter 2023
UPDATE FROM OUR GENERAL MANAGER
Dear Hills Members,
Our tradition in February is to "spread the love" by sharing notes of appreciation to any/all staff members here at The Hills. We welcome you all to grab a "Valentine" heart (or two or three) when you check in, jot down a note of gratitude and then drop the heart in the box at the front desk. There are employees both behind the scenes and on the "front lines" that work tirelessly each day to make this club the best it can be. Why not thank them with a special Valentine? As the month progresses the wall behind the front desk will (hopefully) be filled with these hearts. Then, at the end of the month your heartfelt notes will be distributed to those staff members. It might not seem like much and only takes a minute or two of your time, but your thoughtful notes go a long way in making someone feel important and/or appreciated.
In an effort to combat the effects of the winter storms, we purchased additional equipment to help clear the tennis courts of debris and dry off rain water. Please be mindful that even with these new "tools" it still takes some time from the staff, as well as some assistance from mother nature, for the courts to completely dry.
Happy Valentine's Day, everyone!
-Nick
Locker Audit Time!
If you have entered our locker rooms over the past week or two, then you might be wondering what the notices are that are taped on the doors of the lockers. This is our way of auditing our locker rental system. If you currently rent a locker, please be sure to share your name and email address on the form and then drop it off at the front desk. This locker audit not only ensures that our master list is accurate, this process also alerts us to any lockers that have been either abandoned without our knowledge or are vacant and available for rent. We also do this from time to time to make sure that all of the lockers are working properly. Please be aware that after March 10, 2023, we will clean out any lockers that have not been "claimed" by a member. We appreciate your cooperation in helping us keep our locker rental system organized!
Upcoming Events
February 13: Free Adult Beginner/Novice Tennis Clinic 6-7pm (weather permitting)
February 13: Free Adult Intermediate/Advanced Tennis Clinic 7-8pm (weather permitting)
Weekdays 11am-1pm: Pickleball on the Basketball Court
"Intro" Classes Added to Group Ex Schedule
Our Group Exercise Department had a great January. We wanted to thank all of the members who kicked off the new year by taking new classes, and giving our newest instructors, Juhnehl and Danielle, a warm welcome. We launched our series of "Intro" classes with Introduction To Spin and had a nice turn out. Jenn worked with each member, teaching them how to properly adjust a spin bike. Proper fit and correct form on a spin bike will not only minimize injury, it will ensure the most efficient and powerful workout. If you have ever felt intimidated to try a specific type of exercise in a group setting, then these classes are a great way to try something new! This month we are offering Introduction to Yoga on Feb.11 and Introduction to TRX on Feb.18. Space may be limited, so please register. If you need help registering for classes, feel free to call the front desk.
Also, due to the cold weather, some of our outdoor spin, bootcamp and HIIT classes have ventured indoors. In most cases, members who prefer to stay outdoors have the option of taking the class from the tent area. Our goal is to have options for everyone!
Hope to see you in class -
- Angelique Pine, Group Exercise Director, [email protected]
Our Personal Trainers Are Here to Help
This month is a great month. Hopefully by now you have recovered from the busyness of holidays and are back to the daily grind. It feels good to settle back into a routine and find some time for self care. I hope you've been enjoying these beautiful sunny days and that you've found a way to move your body in a sustainable way that makes you happy. Many of you have been taking advantage of our personal training services these past few months. If you're interested in exploring this club amenity feel free to request a fitness orientation with one of our certified Personal Trainers.
Jeff Allen, [email protected]
Jenn Nasab, [email protected]
Angelique Pine, [email protected]
-Jenn Nasab, Hills Fitness Coordinator, [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
Peak Fit's Small Group Programs
To everyone who joined our Winter Legs program in January, thank you for your energy, determination and presence. It was great to work with you and I'm looking forward to doing it again soon. Keep your eyes open for announcements of next month's programs, including early Monday mornings to kickstart your work week (Workout of the MonDay) as well as another Thursday midday program (Summer Shape Up)!
Our Peak Fit rates increased on February 1, 2023. Even with this increase, our rates are still competitive in the Bay Area. If you're planning on attending some Peak Fit classes or if you know you're running out of passes and want to continue your fitness journey, reach out to me to purchase a package.
New Peak Fit Class Rates
Member Drop-in fee: $20
Member 10-class package: $180
$18 per class
Non-member drop-in fee: $22
Non-member guest fee per session: $3
10-class package: $210 (does not include guest fee; $30 for 10 classes)
- Jenn Nasab, Hills Fitness Coordinator, [email protected]
Heart Healthy News from The Hills Pilates & Wellness Studio
Happy Valentine's Day from the Hills Pilates Studio! We wish you a Happy and Heart Healthy February!
Did you know that Pilates can be good for heart health?
- Regular Pilates training, both mat Pilates and studio work focuses on deep breathing, or posterior lateral breathing that expands our lungs and increases our lung capacity and cardiorespiratory fitness.*
- Pilates training is a mindful practice that can aid in reducing blood pressure in a safe manner. Furthermore, the isometric training technique used in Pilates is shown to help reduce blood pressure.*
- Pilates improves fitness and can change body composition, reduce body fat and build muscle.*
Looking for a heart healthy workout? Check with your doctor if Pilates is a good training option for you.
Sources: International Journal of Cardiology, National Library of Medicine, Pilates Anytime
- Therese Brewitz Pilates Director
A Few Openings Remain in Spring Semester Ballet
Our popular Ballet classes are in session and we have a couple of openings left.
Do you have a young dancer at home who might be interested in joining our program?
Email us for more information and to register:
[email protected]
Pre-ballet 4-6 year olds, Wednesdays, 3:45-4:30 pm
Ballet 7-11 year olds, Wednesdays, 4:30-5:15 pm
Spring Session (16 classes total): *fee will be deducted for Jan & Early Feb missed sessions
Member: $352, Sibling discount $299/student
Nonmember: $380, Sibling discount $323/student
One time drop-in for new students: $27 to be deducted from full session fee
Session Dates: January 18-May 3 (one session per week each Wednesday)
Our Reformer Program
Many of our reformer classes sell out and become waitlisted. We are thrilled to have such great interest in our program and we hate turning anyone away. Are you looking for a class but can't get in? Let us know and we'll try to create a new class at a convenient time.
Sign up for reformer class online or on the Hills app: https://cachstc.clubautomation.com/
Are you new to Pilates and/or the reformer? Please note that all students new to Pilates need to have an intake session and assessment and all new students to reformer need an introduction to the equipment before attending class.
Contact our studio today to learn more and to schedule your introduction: [email protected]
February Pilates Studio class schedule:
PILATES STUDIO SCHEDULE FEBRUARY 2023
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]
Follow us on Instagram and get inspired to do Pilates:
https://www.instagram.com/hillspilatesandwellness/
Kids Unplug & Focus with Tae Kwon Do
Sensei Jeff Allen has been teaching both members and non-members Tae Kwon Do here at The Hills for years. Our program introduces kids to this ancient Korean art of self defense and teaches courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control, and indomitable spirit! Tae Kwon Do can help kids ease emotional problems such as stress and depression, while promoting physical fitness. This popular year-round program is for kids ages 5-17. Each session involves kicking, punching and self defense, but most of all, we encourage the kids to have fun. 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
Aqua Fitness is Easy on The Body
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.
The instructors for this popular group exercise class are as follows: Tuesdays w/ Bz, Thursdays w/ Sandra, Fridays w/ Ellen and Sundays w/ various instructors. NOTE: if any of these instructors are sick or on vacation, one will be sure to step in. These classes are well attended and therefore we kindly ask that you register in advance if you plan on participating.
Just Keep Swimming
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.
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
Never Too Old to Learn to Swim
Our swim instructors have openings for private and semi-private lessons. Refer to the link below on how to book swim lessons. 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. We kindly ask that you 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!
New pricing starting March 1
Swim lesson rates will be increasing in March. We have also modified our guest/non-member pricing to reflect other offerings at the club.
Private Lessons (30 min)
Members $55
Non-Members $60
(Swimmers currently enrolled in swim team receive the 10th lesson free)
Semi-Private Lessons (30 min) (2-3 people max, we do not organize semi-private lessons)
Members $30/each swimmer
Non-Members $35/each swimmer
Swim Team & Pre-Comp Program
Our pre-competitive Manta Rays and Tidal Waves groups continue through the winter. Full info is always posted here online.
TRYOUTS for the SPRING/SUMMER (Session "season" April 12-Aug 4; exact days/times to be announced soon)
TUESDAY Tryouts: March 28, 4pm & 4:40pm
WEDNESDAY Tryouts: March 29, 5pm & 5:40pm
We will offer the four tryout sessions listed above. Pre-registration is required to attend a tryout session. Swimmers will be graded and scored by the coaches. On April 3, the class rosters will be posted online, and sign up links will be emailed out to selected swimmers. Swimmers currently enrolled are automatically on the team. REGISTRATION OPENS MARCH 1 HERE.
Registration Open for Jr. Lifeguard Camp
This program is designed as a community-based water safety program for youths 10–15 years old. 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.
In providing a well-rounded training experience, we include 30 minute daily fitness, 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 provided.
Time: 9am-2pm daily
Sessions Available: June 12-16 & June 26-30
Sign up online!
Hurricane Swimmers Commit to Swim in College
Congratulations to our Seniors who have committed to College. Lucien Regnier has committed to swim at Oberlin University in Ohio and Nathan Rogers has committed to swim at Fordham University in New York. Both have been swimming at The Hills for most of their life. Lucien specializes in the 200 Butterfly and Nathan specializes in mid-distance Freestyle. Both of these swimmers are also Hills employees as year round swim coaches and summer lifeguards. Please congratulate them when you see them on the pool deck. We wish them great success!
Tennis Clinics in Full "Swing"
Our Junior and Adult clinics continue through April. Follow the link below to view the flyers which include session dates, descriptions, cost and more. /tennis-1
Email Coach Sydney at [email protected] with questions.
Feb 13: Free Adult Tennis Clinic
For those adults new to the club, new to tennis or looking to improve your backhand, we welcome you to join us on the second Monday of each month* for our complimentary Adult Tennis Clinics! This month's clinics will be held on February 13. 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. Eddie Pasternak leads these clinics each month for adults with all skill levels. If rain is in the forecast, the clinic will be held the following week.
Pickleball Trend Continues
Pickleball is still tracking as the fastest growing sport in America, so the question is: have you tried it?
It's 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 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. 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.
A "Room" with a View
The view of the hills from our cabanas is spectacular this time of year. On clear days you can see the snow on the Sierras! So pack a blanket, because even on chilly days, our cabanas are a great place for members to gather with family and friends to socialize. We kindly ask that members tidy up the cabana at the end of each use.
Our reservations open at 8am 3 days in advance. For example, on Wednesday morning at 8am, members can log in and book a cabana reservation for Saturday. Please be respectful of our club policy which states that each membership (family or single) is allowed one 2-hour reservation per day.
Hills Kids Love Our Summer Camp
Similar to last year we will be offering 11 weeks of FULL day summer 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 30 to June 2 (*no camp on Monday, May 29, Memorial Day*)
- Week 2: June 5 to June 9
- Week 3: June 12 to June 16
- Week 4: June 19 to June 23
- Week 5: June 26 to June 30
- Week 6: July 3 to July 7
- Week 7: July 10 to July 14
- Week 8: July 17 to July 21
- Week 9: July 24 to July 28
- Week 10: July 31 to August 4
- Week 11: August 7 to August 11
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
Any questions related to Summer Camp 2023 or if you are having difficulty trying to register, please contact Summer Camp Director Anthony Lum, [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
Glenda Larios, 02/18
Stephanie Murray, 02/19
Anthony Lum, 02/23
Sydney Williams, 02/28
