UPDATE FROM OUR GENERAL MANAGER

Dear Hills Members, 

First off, I'd like to introduce everyone to Benji, our resident Red Shouldered Hawk, who's been keeping a watchful eye around the club over the last few weeks. If you frequent the club, you've probably seen Benji either in flight or looming from a perched position atop one of our lights or pine trees. Just hoping he can help keep the gopher population from destroying our lawn!

We purchased two brand new Precor Stair Climbers to replace the Versa Climbers in the Peak Fit Studio. The addition of these stair climbers is a long time coming, as they have been in high demand and suggested/requested by a good number of you. We hope that all who've been hoping for them will enjoy "climbing" while enjoying the beautiful view! 

Speaking of the Peak Fit Studio, we have been working tirelessly to get the MacroAir ceiling fan operational again. Our team was able to get it moving, but it was spinning with obvious audible resistance. After further inspection, it appears we need to replace the transformer on it so that it can function correctly. We're hopeful it will be fixed in early March, well ahead of the warmer weather. We understand the importance of a fan during high intensity Peak Fit classes and thank you for your patience while we complete the necessary repairs.

I wanted to let everyone know that beginning Friday, 3/1, we are downsizing our lap lane reservations. Lanes 4 & 5 will still be available to reserve for 30-minute slots, Monday through Friday, from 9am to noon. I understand this will impact some members' daily/weekly routines; our decision was made following a lot of thought, consideration and discussion. The main point I would like to make is that members can still swim in the lanes that previously were reservable. You are welcome to continue to come to the club and swim at the time you normally would have done in the past.  The reservation system was created in 2020 out of necessity while we adapted to the changing guidelines ordered by the county. Prior to the pandemic, there were no lap lane reservations. I believe we have a strong, civil, understanding community here at The Hills, and while change is not always easy, I'm confident we can (and will) all "survive" this lap lane reservation transition.

A reminder that Daylight Saving Time begins on Sunday, 3/10. Happy St. Patrick's Day, 3/17 and Happy Easter, 3/31, everyone!

-Nick

March 11, 6-7pm: Free Beginner/Novice Tennis Clinic, register here!
March 11, 7-8pm: Free Intermediate/Advanced Tennis Clinic, register here!
Weekdays 11am-1pm: Pickleball on the basketball court (no experience required, all are welcome!)

Daylight saving time starts at 2am on Sunday, March, 10th. Don't forget to move your clocks an hour ahead! 

Baby & Me Aqua Class This Month

Thank you from the entire group ex team for the inspiring notes during February's Valentine's Month. I hope you know how much they were appreciated! 

We have had some personnel changes this month. Jenn began her maternity leave and Virginia stepped down after many years with The Hills. We miss them both and wish them well. I appreciate your continued patience while we conduct our search for replacements for their early morning classes. Please continue to check the schedule as I hope to have updates and additions soon. 

Also, registration is now open for the Baby and Me Aqua class!  This gentle introductory class will acclimate children 6 to 24 months to water safety. Participants explore the water while safely handling their child in a fun environment. The first  50-minute class is scheduled for March 20th at 11am, weather permitting. We plan to offer the class for 6 weeks, and while it is free for members, registration is required for each class. So sign up soon!

Looking forward to seeing you in one (or many) of our classes!

March Prenatal Yoga Series

Prenatal Yoga with Amber starting Friday, March 1st
Class time: 12:30-1:30pm
5-Class Series: 3/1, 3/8, 3/15, 3/22, 3/29
Location: Group exercise studio
Cost: $100 for the entire series
Register here!

Embrace the journey of motherhood with our Prenatal Yoga Series, an exploration designed to support and empower you through each stage of pregnancy. Delve into addressing common aches and pains, discovering optimal baby positioning, and building strength while finding space in your growing body. Each session is crafted to guide you through the physical and emotional changes of pregnancy, providing a nurturing space for both you and your baby. Beyond the asanas, we'll introduce tools such as mantra and breath, equipping you with valuable techniques for labor and delivery. Join us on this transformative path, connecting with your body, your baby, and a community of expectant mothers as you navigate the incredible journey of pregnancy.

Monday, 11am All About Strength with Sara
This beginner class focuses on strength building, using your body weight, the TRX and other equipment we have in the Peak Fit studio.

Wednesday, 9am Spring TRX Conditioning with Tori
This class is great for beginners or experienced members on TRX who are looking to improve their muscle imbalances, mobility and overall endurance. 
** This class is sold as a program and must be purchased as a whole i.e. 4 classes for $80.  REGISTER HERE!
The program can be prorated if you know that you'll be missing some classes. Email Danielle at [email protected]. 

Thursday, 12pm Strength and Stability with Danielle
This class integrates strength, balance and flexibility movements utilizing TRX straps, kettlebells and other fun pieces of equipment. Getting you stronger for whatever you're looking to achieve.

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. Please reach out to Danielle Marchetti with any questions at [email protected]. We hope to see you there!

We Wish Jenn Well, Welcome Danielle

 
Jenn (pic 1) teaching one of her final classes before heading out for maternity leave; Danielle (pic 2) is ready to fill Jenn's shoes!

I think most of us are ready for sunny spring days and to get outside a little bit more. Let the sun be your motivator and get moving! While I'm on maternity leave please email Danielle Marchetti, [email protected], as your contact for scheduling fitness orientation and requesting personal training, she can direct you in the right direction. Have a wonderful month!

Our personal trainers are ready to assist you!

-Jenn Sanchez, Hills Fitness Coordinator

Jeff Allen, [email protected]
Danielle Marchetti, [email protected]
Angelique Pine, [email protected]

Danielle Marchetti is a NASM Certified Personal Trainer and AFAA certified Group Fitness Instructor. She has always led an active life, playing on softball teams, running a few half marathons and doing pilates in her living room. After her first daughter was born in 2008, she decided to join a gym to find time for herself and get stronger for both her and her daughter. After her first group fitness class, she was hooked. Within the first year, she knew she wanted to eventually be an instructor herself. In 2016, four years after the birth of her second daughter she decided to get certified as a group fitness instructor. But it wasn't until 2020 and the "shelter in place" order that she finally had the time to really focus on her goal. She began teaching online to help other people deal with stress and self care during this trying time, and knew right away she had found her purpose. Once things began to open, she decided to make the leap into personal training. She has never looked back, and never felt as fulfilled as she does now. Danielle looks forward to continued learning and growth in the fitness industry and is thrilled to be a part of The Hills team.

Happy March MATness Month!

Back in 2013 an enthusiastic Pilates instructor by the name of Benjamin Degenhardt decided to start documenting images and videos of himself doing classical mat Pilates exercises while on vacation, which he then shared online during the month of March. Soon Pilates aficionados all over the world were inspired by his images, chimed in with their own movements, and it became so popular that it is now a global movement in the Pilates community called March MATness. The movements are decided according to the order of the classical mat Pilates routine - we do The Hundred on March 1, The Rollup on March 2, etc.

Don't be surprised if your Pilates Instructor pulls up one of the exercises of the classical mat this month in recognition of March MATness. And whether this includes sharing images online or not, it is a great way to celebrate Joseph Pilates, the founder of Pilates and his original work, the classical Pilates mat repertoire.

In Good Health,
Therese, Barbara, Lawrence, Anne, Colleen and Elizabeth

A Successful Weekend of Reiki at The Hills

On Saturday, February 24 and Sunday, February 25, seven Hills members, both new and returning students, gathered in the Hills Pilates studio and outside in the beautiful, sunny weather to relearn and/or become certified in Reiki. It was an intense weekend of learning, sharing, and practicing the unique art of Reiki. We are so proud of and excited for our certified Reiki practitioners. Congratulations! 

What IS Reiki? Reiki is a Japanese healing technique involving light touch and working with energy, or Ki. Imagine an acupuncture treatment, but without the needles. Reiki can be a very helpful tool used along with conventional medicine. A good example is Reiki being used at many hospitals and cancer centers to reduce the side effects of chemotherapy and other treatments. Just like meditation and acupuncture, Reiki is a stress buster that helps us drop into our parasympathetic nervous system. During and after a Reiki session we can move into a more relaxed state where our body and mind can rest, heal, and recover. To learn more, try a Reiki session, or to register for our upcoming training(s), please contact our studio: [email protected]

Learn more about Reiki here: /services/massage

Hills Reformer Pilates Program More Popular Than Ever

The Hills Pilates Studio reformer classes are very popular, in fact many of our classes are waitlisted. We are thrilled that so many members have discovered Pilates and its benefits. You find our schedule here:
PILATES STUDIO SCHEDULE MARCH 2024
Are you interested in trying Pilates on the reformer? 
Contact our studio to get started today: [email protected]

Book classes here and on the Hills app:https://cachstc.clubautomation.com/

Pilates Studio Policies 

Our Pilates studio policies are developed with everyone's safety and benefit in mind:
PILATES STUDIO POLICIES

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

Swim Lessons for All Ages

If you are interested in swim lessons for yourself or for your child(ren), we offer both private and semi-private lessons for all ages. To request a swim lesson, please email an instructor directly. Be sure to include the age and skill level of the swimmer and the times/dates that work best for you. The more flexible you are the more likely an instructor will have a spot available. Please be aware that instructors may only respond if they have availability. Learn more about our offerings here! 

Summer Group Swim Lessons

We are offering afternoon group swim lessons this summer for intermediate swimmers. Each session will be one week in length and meet five days a week.  Members: $95/week  Non-Members $115/week (New Non-Hills Members must complete this non-member agreement form prior to enrolling). Registration OPEN.

Minnows Learn freestyle stroke technique with side breathing. Introduction to swimming on back, deep water swimming and kneeling dives. Requirements: Must be able to swim 15 yards unassisted and tread water for 30 seconds.  Children 4–7 years.  3-3:30pm

Guppies Focus on freestyle side breathing and backstroke technique. Breaststroke and butterfly kick is introduced.  Requirements: Must be able to swim 25 yards unassisted and tread water for 45 seconds.  Children 5–8.  3:30-4pm

Junior Lifeguard Camp This Summer

Our 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/workouts, 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 currently provided.
Time: 9am-2pm daily
Sessions Available: June 10-14 & July 15-19
Members $405 Non-Hills Members $445
Registration OPEN.

Time Change Brings More Daylight, More Tennis

Spring Session Dates 2024:
March: 3/3 - 3/28 (4 weeks)
April: 4/7 - 5/2 (4 weeks)
May: 5/5 - 5/16 (2 weeks)

Youth Clinics (6 players per class)
Little Stars age 6&7: Sundays @2-3pm
Rising Stars age 8-11: Sundays @3-4:30pm and/or Mondays @4:30-6pm
Supernovas age 12-17: Tuesdays @4:30-6pm

Adult Clinics (6 players per class)
Adult Intermediate: Tuesdays @6-7:30pm

All Spring (including Winter)
The 'All Spring' package is available for all clinics and is a chance to sign up for all sessions from January to May at a discounted rate! If you are late to join, the price can be prorated. Contact Coach Sydney to make an arrangement. 

Contact Coach Sydney for pricing. Non-members are welcome to join our clinic program for an additional $20 non-member registration fee per session. Private lessons are currently available to members only. 

Private Lessons Available with Coach Sydney
Private lessons are available by request. Contact Coach Sydney to schedule [email protected]
Private (1 player): $100/hour
Semi-Private (2 players): $70/hour/player
Small Group (3+ players): $50/hour/player

In-House Match Play
If you are looking to meet new players and spend more time on court, Sign-up for The Hills In-House Match Play League. This program runs from February through November annually and 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.

Less Rain = More Pickleball

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. Pickleball is 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 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.

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.

Kids Get a Kick out of Tae Kwon Do

Our Tae Kwon Do program, led by Sensei Jeff, is where kids learn the Korean style of martial arts. Tae Kwon Do is a great sport for school-aged kids, as it provides a wide range of physical, mental, and social benefits. Physically, it helps kids improve their coordination, balance, flexibility, and overall fitness, while also teaching them self-defense skills. There are currently 12 students enrolled, ranging in age from 5-13. Register your child/children today!

Tuesdays & Thursdays
3:30–4:45pm Beginner

6–7:15pm Advanced

Members: $95 per month

Non-members: $110 per month
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.

Kids Love Our Summer Camp

Some of the weeks for our 2024 Summer Camp are filling up fast! Non-members are welcome to register for all but Weeks 1 & 10. Kids ages 5-12 years old welcome.

We offer 11 weeks of FULL day summer camp, 8:30am-5:30pm. Campers 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 28 to May 31 (*no camp on Monday, May 27, Memorial Day*)
• Week 2: June 3 to June 7
• Week 3: June 10 to June 14
• Week 4: June 17 to June 21
• Week 5: June 24 to June 28
• Week 6: July 1 to July 5
• Week 7: July 8 to July 12
• Week 8: July 15 to July 19
• Week 9: July 22 to July 26
• Week 10: July 29 to August 2
• Week 11: August 5 to August 9

Cost: $510 per week* per camper
*$410 for Week 1 since it will only be a 4-day camp

Cost for non-members is an additional $100/week 

PLEASE NOTE The 2024 Hills Summer Camp Refund Policy:

• Cancellation by April 1st: 100% refundable
• Cancellation by May 15th: 50% refundable
• Cancellation after May 15th: non-refundable
• As long as space allows there is no fee to switch camp weeks

Celebrate March Employee Birthdays  

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

Jeff Allen, 03/07
Rosalinda Mendoza, 03/07
Annemarie Rajala, 03/08
Dea Velazquez, 03/19
Nick Beach, 03/23
Danielle Marchetti, 03/24
Erin Lucas, 03/30