June Newsletter 2023

UPDATE FROM OUR GENERAL MANAGER

Dear Hills Members,

With June now in full swing, summer is definitely here. Warmer weather and the end of a school year means more families around and in the pools and hot tubs. Please be sure to keep an eye on your children at all times. Our lifeguards are on duty to keep everyone safe, but they are not responsible for watching the behaviors and actions of children. Safety in and around the pools and hot tubs is the number one priority. Below you will find our Club Water Watchers Card; these cards are available at the front desk and are valuable guidelines to practice each time you bring your kids to the pool.

Please be mindful of the policies in place, especially for pool/hot tub usage. Many of these policies exist to keep everyone safe, which is the number one priority here.

MAIN POOL AND ACTIVITY RECREATION POOL RULES

All swimmers must shower, using the Club's shower facilities, before entering the pool or spa.
Babies/toddlers must wear leak proof plastic/rubber panties and or swim diapers when using the pools.
Swimmers and hot-tub users must wear proper swimming attire (swimsuits, no cut-off shorts).
Circle swimming is required in the lap lanes.
Starting blocks may only be used under instructor supervision.
When a Lifeguard is on duty: the lifeguard reserves the right to deem any activity unsafe within different situations including use of objects. If a lifeguard is not on duty, the pool monitor/front desk/office staff is the enforcer.

No riding on shoulders.
No sliding on rails.
No hard throwing objects allowed in the pool. Includes tennis balls, basket balls, water polo balls. Unless under direct supervision of a certified instructor.
No hanging/crossing under or over the lane lines.
No diving.
No jumping in backwards.
No oversized toys, floats or boards.
No using kickboards for play. They are for lap swimming only.
No glass in pool deck area.
No squirt guns or devices that squirt water.

For those members that frequent the tennis courts, I hope you are as happy with the court resurfacings as I am. The crew did a fantastic job and the courts have never looked better since I have been here.

Here's to a fun, safe, enjoyable summer at The Hills!

-Nick

Artist Corner: Ruth Halpern

Ruth is a painter, a writer, and a professional spoken-word storyteller. She has been making art and telling stories since she was a child, and began to paint and draw seriously in 2018.

Her watercolor series hanging in the lobby portrays Fanghetto, an ancient village in Northern Italy, using only yellow ochre, indigo, and burnt sienna.

Ruth has been a member of The Hills for more than 20 years, and she is grateful for the warm, supportive community and the solace of swimming at dawn.

Next time you head up to the club, take a moment to stop and enjoy Ruth's beautiful artwork that will be featured this month in our lobby!

Would you like to show your art in The Hills Lobby? If so, please email [email protected].

Summer Tennis Clinics & FREE Programs

Supernovas serving it up!

Summer is the season of sunshine, vacations, friends, family and TENNIS! Join us on our freshly resurfaced tennis courts for some fun in the sun. We have Group Clinics running throughout the week and a FREE Serving Clinic and Mini Stars class on Mondays. See our Summer Tennis Program Brochure for more information.

Little Stars (ages 6 & 7): M-Th 3:30-4:30pm
Rising Stars (ages 8-11): M-Th 4:30-6pm
Supernovas (ages 12-17): M-W 1-3pm
Adult Beginning: Sun 11:30-1pm
Adult Intermediate: Sun 1:15-2:45pm
Adult Advanced: Sun 3-5pm

Eddie's Free Adult Tennis Clinics

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 clinic will be held on June 12. 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. We are asking that members register for advance (through your online portal, the app or by calling the front desk).

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.

Summer Schedule for Group Ex

June has arrived and with it lots of travel plans for both members and instructors. As a result, the summer months always see an increase in class substitutes and occasionally a cancellation. Please continue to check online for the latest news. Of course, the best way to stay informed is to register! It's free, you can register for the whole month in advance, and with our complimentary group exercise classes, there is no fee if you have to cancel. Speaking of cancellations, we have a class cancellation and a few changes this month so please be sure to check the calendar below.

Wednesday 11:30am yoga is suspended for the summer. Instead, we are offering an alternative Tone and Stretch class with Jenn from 12-12:45 pm. First class is June 7th. Stephanie's yoga class has moved from Zoom to "in person" on Saturday mornings. Join her for an invigorating Vinyasa Yoga workout at 8am beginning June 3rd. Also, by popular demand we will continue to offer Total Body Challenge at 11:30am on Tuesdays. Click here Class Schedule to register in advance.

Hope to see you in class!
- Angelique Pine, Group Exercise Director, [email protected]

Healthy Habits for a Healthy Life

Make a commitment to yourself!

Summer keeps us busy and sometimes so busy that we make less time for our health. A great way to keep yourself accountable is to make an appointment. Whether it be with a personal trainer for an individualized workout or planning to take a group exercise class, mark your calendar and commit to yourself. You'll never regret making time for your health.

Healthy habits start at a young age and it's so important to learn proper form to avoid injury. We have a Summer Teen Program which will teach your teens how to maximize their cardio workouts and how to strength train safely.

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

Summer Teen Fitness Program

Age: 13-17
Cost: $120 ($30 per class)
When: Monday & Wednesday 3-3:55 pm (July 17, 19, 24 & 27 2023)
You can register online at REGISTER HERE FOR SUMMER TEEN FITNESS PROGRAM.
If you have any questions, reach out to me at [email protected].

In addition to the summer teen fitness program, Master Trainer and TKD Instructor Jeff Allen is offering health and fitness sessions for 1-on-1, semi-private and small group training. The completion of a 10-session program is highly encouraged for ages 12-14. Teens 15 and older can benefit from this training as well. Kids 12-14 years old are allowed access to the gym with adult supervision upon completion of one training session. This program will help kids build muscle, lose weight, increase endurance and be more functional. Jeff specializes in youth fitness as well as senior fitness. Contact Jeff Allen, [email protected] for more information or to book your sessions. Scheduling of these training appointments is flexible.

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

To set up a PT session or to book your complimentary fitness orientation, reach out to any of our certified personal trainers:
Jeff Allen, [email protected]
Jenn Nasab, [email protected]
Angelique Pine, [email protected]

What are Peak Fit classes?

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. We use a variety of equipment to change up the training stimulus and keep improving fitness. The equipment we use varies and includes, but is not limited to TRX, kettlebells, boxes, battle ropes and dumbbells. It's a fun time and I hope we'll see some new faces this summer. If you're curious about any of our current or upcoming classes, reach out to me at [email protected].

Our current Peak Fit schedule:

Monday 11am All About Strength with Sara
Thursday 12 pm Summer Gains with Jenn

Upcoming in July

6am: Workout of the MonDay

You must register for our classes in order to participate. We require a minimum of 4 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.

We hope to see you in class!

Reach out to me at [email protected] with any questions or to register for Peak Fit classes.

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

Happy Summer from The Hills Pilates & Wellness Studio

And just like that, it is summer! We hope that you have a great summer ahead of you with time to enjoy family, travel, good weather and hopefully some rest. And perhaps a Pilates class or session? The Pilates studio feels especially warm and cozy on those cool, foggy days we tend to have in June and July.

Why Pilates?

People often ask why they "should" do Pilates, and how they can benefit. Pilates has numerous benefits, but I am going to mention just one. This is something I have observed in my 20+ years of teaching Pilates in various forms: Pilates training makes you feel good, it makes you happy! Why is that? There is the obvious answer - like any form of exercise, Pilates training changes your body chemistry, it releases endorphins and promotes good health. But I believe that there is something special about Pilates. A lot happens in an hour of Pilates; our posture changes, we become more aware of our bodies, we focus on breathing and on intricate muscles and on alignment. It feels great to work out on the Pilates equipment and move with and against the spring resistance. As we stretch, strengthen, and breathe, we start to feel differently about things and about ourselves. We connect to our own inner core, both literally and figuratively. Every week clients walk out of the Pilates studio saying: " I feel so much better, I feel good!" I believe that THAT is the #1 benefit of this work.

Happy Summer from all of us in the studio!
-Therese, Anne, Barbara, Colleen, Elizabeth, Hadley and Isabelle

Contact our studio to learn more: [email protected]

Don't miss out! Ballet Summer Intensive Camp June 12-16 Ages 5-10

There is still room in our Summer Intensive during the week of June 12-16, ages 5-10 years old. No previous dance experience required. More information here:

Sunday Reformer Classes Continue!

Our Sunday reformer classes are a big hit and we are thrilled to announce that the classes will continue over the summer and beyond with instructor Elizabeth Howe sharing the schedule with Colleen McLarnon.

While all levels are welcome and accommodated in both classes, the 10am class will be a fast paced full body workout, while the 11am will be slower paced and geared towards flexibility, mobility and balance. Please note our policy for new students below.

New Client Protocol for Reformer and Private Training:

Based on previous Pilates experience and/or injuries, new Pilates clients may be asked to begin their Pilates training with a private intake session where we assess movement and posture and discuss any injuries and exercise history to better assist and progress your Pilates goals.

All clients with previous Pilates experience, but with no reformer or Pilates apparatus/equipment experience need to have an introduction to the equipment in order to join a group class. This may involve a full Pilates session. Please contact our studio for more info and to get ready for your reformer class: [email protected]

June Pilates Studio Class Schedule:

PILATES STUDIO SCHEDULE JUNE 2023

Our Pilates studio policies are developed with everyone's safety and benefit in mind. Here are a couple of important updates to our policy:

All clients are required to wear sticky socks while on the Pilates equipment. Socks are available for sale in the studio. Sticky socks provide safety for all clients, prevent falls and accidents, improves movement and muscle recruitment, and create a barrier against the spread of fungal disease and other foot problems. We offer sticky socks for sale for any client who shows up to the studio without them.

We now offer a Permanent Enrollment Package for our students:
You can be permanently enrolled in a class with high demand. A permanent enrollment guarantees a space in the class whenever that class is in session. All permanent enrollments have to be prepaid, no enrollment is valid without payment. The studio manages permanent enrollment, however, it is the student's responsibility to ensure that he/she is enrolled. Single permanent class enrollments cannot be canceled, however, the class can be transferred to another student. The student(s) are responsible for handling payment for any transfers of a permanent enrollment class.

Please see our complete updated studio policies here:
PILATES STUDIO POLICIES.docx

Pilates Coaches Available for Private Sessions

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]

Get news, updates, and inspiration for Pilates through our Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/hillspilatesandwellness/

Kick Off the Summer with Tae Kwon Do

Come join our exciting Tae Kwon Do class where kids learn the Korean style of martial arts. Build
confidence, self esteem and learn the art of self defense. Sensei Jeff teaches courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self control and indomitable spirit as a building block to help create productive citizens.

Tuesdays & Thursdays
3:30–4:45pm Beginner
6–7:15pm Advance

Members: $95 per month
Non-members: $110 per month

There has been some interest expressed about a women's Self Defense class. Please email Jeff at [email protected] if you think this is a program we should offer Hills members.

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.

Keep Cool with Aqua Fitness

Our aqua classes are included in your membership and open to all ages and abilities. We supply any flotation devices such as flotation belts, noodles, styrofoam barbells and more. The workouts are easy on the joints and include water walking/running, abdominal work and toning exercises.

We offer these aqua fitness 4 days a week from 9-10am and are taught by the following instructors: Tuesdays w/ Bz, Thursdays w/ Sandra, Fridays w/ Ellen and Sundays w/ various instructors. NOTE: if any of the instructors are sick or on vacation, one will be sure to step in. Classes are well attended and therefore we kindly ask that you register in advance if you plan on participating.

Lifeguards on Duty, Diving Board Open

Lifeguards have returned for the summer
Weekends starting June 3: 12-7pm
Weekdays starting June 5: 10am-7pm

Please take the time to review the pool rules here. Lifeguards will be enforcing all 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.

Members Only Swim Lessons in Summer

Swim lessons are for Hills members only until September 1, and we have added a few instructors to help accommodate the high demand. Refer to the link below with our current offerings. 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!

Young Swimmers Benefit from Our Pre-Comp Program

Our groups have been selected through Spring. We may, if needed, add another tryout if we have space for summer. Information is always updated here.

Jr. Lifeguard Camps This Month

Our popular Junior Lifeguard Camp will be offered again this June. 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.

The camp 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 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
A few spots are still available June 12-16 Sign up online!

Outdoor Family Friendly Activities

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.

Members can reserve an hour "block" of time 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.

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.

Escape the Sun, Relax in a Cabana

June 21st marks the official first day of summer, the time of year when cabana reservations are in high demand! Our cabanas are a great place to escape from the sun and socialize with friends. Reservations for our cabanas open at 8am 3 days in advance. For example, on Tuesday morning at 8am, members can log in and book a cabana reservation for Friday. Please be aware that families can only make one 2-hour reservation per day. We kindly ask that members tidy up the cabana at the end of each use.

Celebrate June Employee Birthdays

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

Jenn Nasab, 06/03
Tyler Johnson, 06/09
Tito Solorzano, 06/13
Ellen Klima, 06/14
Jovanni Rodriguez-Cardenas, 06/21
Kathleen Ostler, 06/24
Kyle Johnson, 06/28