January Newsletter 2021

UPDATE FROM OUR GENERAL MANAGER

Dear Hills Members,

Happy New Year...2021 please be kind to us! After all that was thrown our way in 2020 I have a lot of faith that 2021 will take the proper steps forward toward better days to come here at The Hills. Much is and will remain based on where the current Covid numbers are. What is awesome is the amount of outdoor space we are utilizing to still provide programming and exercise options. I sure hope everyone had a chance to read my "State of The Hills" letter for 2021. But I also realize everyone is swamped these days so if you did not have a chance, here is a link to view it.

The Hills continues to explore as many options as possible in terms of outdoor Group Fitness classes. Thanks to the hard work of Group Fitness Director, Angelique Pine, and Aqua Aerobics instructors BZ & Sandra, we were able to reintroduce four weekly classes in January. BZ leads classes on Tuesday mornings, Sandra on Thursdays. More information can be found below under "Aqua Aerobics Classes Return to The Hills" or feel free to email Angelique ([email protected]).

I hope everyone had a healthy and peaceful New Year's celebration! Be well and see you soon,

-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 Going Paperless in 2021

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

As Nick stated in his letter sent out to all members last month, we are switching to fully paperless statements in 2021. We will make the changes to all member accounts effective February, meaning all monthly statements will be emailed going forward. If you don't want to wait for a statement or are curious about any charges that post to your account, you have the option of logging in to your member profile to view your current balance.

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 New Year,
- Stefani McDermott, Administrative & Accounting Manager

Kids Camp Extends Into Winter as Remote Learning Continues

Campers LOVE all of the outdoor activities!

Our afternoon camp is a great way to get your kids off their screens and out of the house. There are two more weekly sessions left in January: Week 6 (01/18-01/22) and Week 7 (01/25-01/29). The cost is $200 per child (Monday through Friday, 2-6pm). February dates will be announced in a couple of weeks.

NOTE: There are currently 12 campers registered. We can handle up to 24 campers, two groups consisting of 12 kids each, so plenty of space is still available for next week's camp!

If you are interested in registering your kids either of the 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 6 as well as Winter Camp Week 7 registration.

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

Pool/Swim Continues as Most Popular Outdoor Activity

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

Private lessons are continuing throughout the year. The Winter session is a great time to sign up for weekly private lessons to keep your kids water safe as well as continuing to improve. Here is more information on how to book a lesson as well as our COVID-19 response.

Aqua Aerobics Classes Held in Diving Well

Aqua aerobics is back! 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.

Pre-Comp Manta Rays & Tidal Waves for Young Swimmers

Limited spots still available for Session 2: FEB 3 - 26

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. Instruction will be conducted in and out of the water.

Tidal Waves (Novice Swim Team) AGE 6 - 10 W/F 4:30pm-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. This group will prepare swimmers for the swim team. This class will incorporate on-deck coaching with minimal in water instruction.

Full info and registration link here!

Tennis Offers Members an Active Outdoor Workout

Tennis continues to be one of the safest activities to engage in during the pandemic. Tennis is fun, social and an all around good workout, and since it's an outdoor sport, it's gained popularity among members during COVID. 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 make 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]

Enjoy an Hour Outdoors Playing Pickleball

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.

Basketball: One More Hills Outdoor Activity

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 Offers a Wide Variety of Wellness Programs

Happy 2021 from Therese and the Hills Pilates and Wellness Studio!

Wow, we made it to a new year - a new year filled with hope and health!
2020 was incredibly challenging in so many ways and some of these challenges are following us into the new year. I am sure that many of us feel the urge to find meaning and have the desire to live, thrive, feel good and to do good this year.

On a personal note for me as an instructor and a teacher, I found that my clients and my fellow instructors became the teachers for me. Watching them/you staying positive and working on your fitness and wellness goals amid stressful times and isolation filled me with hope and meaning. I was once again reminded that Movement is Medicine - now and always.
Thank you for teaching me this valuable lesson!

I also got the opportunity to explore new ways of doing things. Being the sceptical scientist, I never thought that offering virtual healing in the form of Reiki would actually work. It was my clients who showed me that a peaceful mind, true intentions and awareness are the keys to healing. We are now offering Reiki remotely until it is safe to meet up again and will then continue to do online Reiki, as well. I am sharing the "Reiki precepts" here with you - simple lessons to live by in 2021 to improve life and health for us all, especially during difficult times:

Just for today, do not anger
Just for today, do not worry and be filled with gratitude
Just for today, devote yourself to your work and be kind to all living beings

Below are some of our new and returning wellness programs kicking off 2021! See you in class!

- Therese and the Hills Pilates and Wellness Studio Team
Contact our studio: [email protected]

Keep it Moving - get Pilates Fit on Zoom

If you have one hour to spare for fitness, how do you want to spend that hour? All of us want more strength, flexibility, mobility, tone, cardiovascular health and peace of mind. Although a tall order, we try to hit all these goals every Wednesday at 5pm. We get there using cardio moves, Pilates, Ballet Barre training, functional fitness, yoga, and a great soundtrack.

Please stream on a laptop or desktop for best viewing. You need light weights, a resistance band, a mat and a small towel.

Wednesdays at 5pm on Zoom with Therese Brewitz
Cost: $15 per class
Sign up online to get the link: cachstc.clubautomation.com

The Barre is Still Open!

This is the only mind/body class currently available outside at the Hills! Come rain or shine, Barre/Pilates Instructor Bruce Arana and his dedicated "core" group have braved the weather and trained outside on the ballet barre. Starting in January we now offer the class under a tarp and with added heat.

Barre training was developed from rigorous ballet exercises at the barre, creating a strong body with a supple core and glutes, great posture and balance. Come and be social and be safe, while getting fit! 6 people maximum per class.

Please wear a mask and bring your own light weights, mini ball, and small loop band. Contact our studio for more information:
[email protected]

Tuesdays at 9am at the Hills with Bruce
Cost: $30/class
Register online: https://cachstc.clubautomation.com/

Shoulder and Core

We are almost a year into Zooming, sheltering in place, scrolling (and binge watching!) and our postures bear witness to this lifestyle. If you have new or returning shoulder, neck, or back problems, or just wish to improve your posture this year, check out our Shoulder and Core class with Pilates Instructor Anne Mawdsley. This class dedicates 20 minutes to careful shoulder rehab, plus core strengthening to support correct alignment.

Mondays at 5pm on Zoom with Anne
55 minutes
Cost: $20/class

Please stream on a laptop or desktop for best viewing. You need 1-2 lb hand weights, flex band, and a foam roller

Barbara is Back...and Her Chair Pilates on Zoom is on!

"You can't keep a good woman down" is Barbara's signature expression and after rehabbing her broken wrist, Pilates Instructor Barbara Hoffer is back 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!

Here is a snippet from a Chair Pilates class this fall with Barbara:
https://youtu.be/EwyF04m8_C8

Tuesdays at 5pm on Zoom with Barbara starting January 19
Cost : $15 45-min class

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

Reiki Online Therapy for Health and Peace of Mind

Did you know that Reiki Healing Therapy can be done online? Reiki is a form of ancient Japanese healing bodywork. A Reiki treatment feels like a wonderful glowing radiance that flows through and around you. Reiki treats the whole person including body, emotions, mind and spirit creating many beneficial effects that include relaxation and feelings of peace, security and wellbeing. Read more about Reiki and its many benefits: /services/massage

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/

New Year = New Fitness Goals

A variety of outdoor group exercise classes are now under the tent!

2021 has arrived! As we exit a stressful 2020, I am hearing members express a desire to prioritizing fitness again. As a team, the Group Exercise department remains committed to bringing back classes as quickly and safely as possible. While we await our county's return to a less restrictive tier, I encourage you to try our Zoom classes. Between the participating clubs, we offer a wide variety of classes, and it's great to see our fellow members and friends.

As a safety precaution, we have had to reduce the size of Outdoor Group Exercise classes for the winter months. In order to accommodate those changes, we have added back-to-back classes to help meet the need. Tuesday and Thursday Aqua classes are now at 9am and 10am, Saturday Bootcamp is now at 9am and 10:15am, and we continue to monitor the waitlist to see if any other additions are needed. We hope to return to bigger class sizes when it is safe to do so.

I look forward to seeing you in class. Happy New Year!
- 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

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

We began offering our outdoor TRX class back in September and it's been steady going ever since. Classes are Fridays at 8am. Cost is $15 per class. Space is limited and spots fill up quickly.
If you would prefer to workout at home and have some extra time on Saturday mornings, join us for our Peakfit Zoom class at 8:30am. It's open to all fitness levels, it's FREE, and you'll get a great sweat in at home to kick off your weekend!

Reach out to me if you'd like to join us! I am looking forward to more fitness fun in 2021. Whether it's in person or via Zoom, let's keep moving!

Happy New Year!

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

Celebrate January Employee Birthdays

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

Luci McNulty, 01/12
Jana Ramirez, 01/20
Jena Allison, 01/22
Juan Carlos Munoz, 01/26
Lindsay Dombrowski, 01/29
Bing Yu Lu, 01/30
Therese Brewitz, 01/31