November Newsletter 2023
UPDATE FROM OUR GENERAL MANAGER
Dear Hills Members,
First off, thank you to all of the staff and volunteers who assisted in preparation, execution, and cleanup of everything that went into hosting our traditional Halloween Party last month. It was a pretty magical night and, if by chance you weren't able to attend, here is a link to the highlight video that was masterfully captured by Maximize Video Productions.
https://vimeo.com/maximize/review/879948406/e492aa61b1
This is something I typically bring up every November, but due to recent interactions, it is definitely necessary to mention again with a little more emphasis. Historically, the fall and winter bring sporadic wind gusts, rain storms, power outages, and increased vegetation debris in all areas of our club. Please be aware that we are cleaning and clearing as much of the debris as quickly as possible. This includes, but is not limited to, pools, hot tubs, courts, and parking lots, amongst other areas of the club. There will be times when the cabana covers and cushions are removed to avoid them being destroyed by inclement weather. There might also be days when we lose power spontaneously or via a planned PSPS shutdown from PG&E. If/when this happens, our phone lines are compromised so we will send a message via email ASAP. Please be patient and understand that in many of these scenarios, we are at the mercy of PG&E and/or Mother Nature.
Keep an eye out for the Alameda County Food Bank barrels that will soon be placed in our lobby. Last year's food drive was a huge success, but unfortunately we received some donated items that had drastically expired, including one item from 2003! Please be aware that the food bank will not accept expired food.
I hope you all enjoy the undeniably remarkable weather the Bay Area produces during this month. Thank you to all the veterans who served as we celebrate Veterans Day soon. And, of course, Happy Thanksgiving to all of you and your loved ones. Any day that brings us together with friends, family, food and football is perfection in my eyes. 🙂
-Nick
Holiday Schedule
Wednesday, November 22, club closes at 4pm
Thursday, November 23, club closed (Thanksgiving Day)
Friday, November 24, club reopens at 8am
Sunday, December 24, club closes at 2pm
Monday, December 25, club closed (Christmas Day)
Tuesday, December 26, club reopens at 8am
Sunday, December 31, club closes at 4pm
Monday, January 1, club closed (New Years Day)
Tuesday, January 2, club reopens at 8am
Artist Spotlight: John Bartkowiak
Hills member John Bartkowiak is a self-trained artist, who did not begin painting until his late twenties. "Most recently, I have worked on simplifying the subject, whether it be a figure, landscape or still-life, focusing less on the details and more on the subject's essence – something that is more akin to painting a poem on the canvas." The one constant running throughout his work, from his very early pieces to the present, is the vibrant color palette. John's bright and lively artwork will be featured after November 9th in our lobby.
You can find more of John's work at www.jbart.com. If you are interested in showing your work in The Hills lobby, please email [email protected].
Hills Holiday Food Drive
We're kicking off a food drive this month and we hope you all can join us by helping feed less fortunate families during this holiday season. Please help out by donating healthy, non-perishable food. Some examples include canned entrees such as ravioli or chili, canned meat and tuna, boxed Mac & Cheese, and low-sodium canned soups. Another popular food item that the Food Bank recommends is peanut butter. They CANNOT accept donations of food in glass jars/containers, perishable items, frozen food, fresh produce, alcohol, soda and/or baby food or formula. These barrels are 3-feet tall, and when full, weigh up to 200lbs. Our goal is to fill 3 barrels by December 30th!
The Food Bank serves 1 in 4 Alameda County residents. Together, let's do our part to help end hunger!
Special Group Exercise Schedule This Month
This month our Group Exercise room will be getting some much-needed TLC. The room will be closed from November 20-24 while the floors get refinished. We planned for the week of Thanksgiving to minimize disruption in the Group Exercise Schedule. Without access to our studio, we are offering an abbreviated schedule beginning Monday, November 20th. The most important thing is to REGISTER for classes. Some classes will be held upstairs in the Peak Fit room which can only accommodate 9 members. There is no charge for registering, however, please be courteous and cancel your enrollment if your plans change. Also, please be aware that classes outside may be canceled due to inclement weather.
November Group Ex Class Schedule
Without access to our studio, we are offering an abbreviated schedule beginning Monday, November 20th. The most important thing is to REGISTER for classes.
Happy Thanksgiving! Hope to see you in class!
- Angelique Pine, Group Exercise Director, [email protected]
More Peak Fit Classes This Month
Our Peak Fit program has a lot to offer this month. We currently have 4 classes on the schedule including a new class Monday mornings at 6:15am Rise & Grind for this month only. Tori's Functional Movement is also returning this month, with some progressions and increased intensity.
Rise & Grind REGISTER HERE!
Get fitter, faster and stronger with this weekly workout. We'll focus on agility, power and strength exercise intervals to get you moving more efficiently.
Equipment: TRX - Kettlebells - Boxes - Skill Mill - Slam Balls - Battle ropes - Dumbbells and more.
Functional Movement REGISTER HERE!
This class utilizes Total Body Resistance Exercises (TRX) and weights to build strength, balance, range of motion and coordination through low impact exercises. Each movement is selected to replicate and enhance your everyday activities. Progressive exercises will safely challenge you in a full body workout. This class is great for beginners or experienced members on TRX who are looking to improve their muscle imbalances, mobility and overall endurance.
Current Peak Fit Class Schedule
Monday 6:15am Rise & Grind 6:15am with Jenn (NEW CLASS)
Monday 11am All About Strength with Sara
Wednesday 9am Functional Movement with Tori
Thursday 12pm Strength and Stability with Jenn
You must register for our classes in order to participate. We require a minimum of 3 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.
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. If you're curious about any of our current or upcoming classes, reach out to me at [email protected].
I hope we'll see some new faces this month!
- Jenn Nasab, Hills Fitness Coordinator, [email protected]
Take Time for Self-Care During the Holidays
The holidays are a great time for gatherings with friends and family. Although this time is enjoyable and exciting, it can also be stressful and overwhelming. Don't commit to more than you can handle and make sure you still have time to take care of yourself. When you are busiest is when you need self-care most. Part of self-care is exercise, don't skip it. It will keep you feeling good and energized to take on the holidays. Be okay with a "good enough" workout. Movement is movement whether it be a brisk walk or a 15-minute HIIT workout, do you and enjoy this time of year!
Happy Thanksgiving!
-Jenn Nasab, Hills Fitness Coordinator, [email protected]
To freshen up your workout with a PT session or to book your complimentary fitness orientation, email any of our certified personal trainers. We're here for you:
Jeff Allen, [email protected]
Jenn Nasab, [email protected]
Angelique Pine, [email protected]
"Biggest Loser Contest" with Host/Trainer Jeff Allen Returns in January
The holidays are approaching and we all know that it's typically the time to eat, drink and be merry. Come January, it's often time we "hit the reset button" and work on our resolutions. What better time than to join Jeff Allen's biggest loser program and shed some unwanted weight. All ages are welcome. Get ready for fun, strength training, muscle toning and a motivating approach to weight loss. This 12-week program will include nutritional tips, bi-monthly progress checks, group training workouts and prizes. Spread the word and stay tuned for more information.
Jeff Allen 510-339-0234 x118 or [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
Happy November From The Hills Pilates Studio!
A note from our Wellness Studio!
As I am writing this I am wondering: how did we get to November already? Do you also feel that we have less and less time to simply catch our breaths? Somehow the holiday season is here and I thought it would be good to offer a little wellness coaching on how to not only survive, but to also enjoy the holidays. In November and December when holiday prep and end-of-year tasks abound, we tend to experience stress, we often forget to take care of ourselves, and we may even get sick.
Here is a short list of strategies that may help us have a fun holiday season while keeping us sane and on track into the new year.
- Highlight the absolutely non-negotiable activities and events on your calendar that cannot be missed. Recitals, parties, and fun things.
- Enter appointments and deadlines for important tasks, health insurance renewals, meetings, dental visits, etc.
- Block out time for exercise, a yoga class, a run, gym time, etc. This is where we make an appointment with ourselves. I know how easy it is to let this one slip, however, it is critical to our health. Connect with a workout buddy. Take the family on a winter hike. If an hour is not achievable, make it 30 minutes. Even a 10-minute walk can save us during times of high stress.
- Practice deep breathing. When you get into traffic, get upset, or just feel overwhelmed, take a few deep breaths. Breathing is, as Joseph Pilates used to say, the "internal shower".
- Add some padding or empty slots in your day! Most of us live in 15-minute increments with every waking hour accounted for. It may seem like a necessity, but it is not healthy. Constantly being "on" may lead to exhaustion and to stress eating and other behaviors that we may resort to just to take the pressure off. Try buffering your day by also giving yourself a little extra time to drive to an event. Try to avoid countless hours spent on social media. Take a coffee break. I am from Sweden, where coffee breaks are more or less mandatory and written into the workday!
- Set boundaries. Practice saying no! This one is hard, but important. Have you noticed how an overfilled calendar can make fun events not so fun? Go back to the calendar and look to see if there are events that you can opt out of for your own peace of mind. Use your gut feeling here. If something gives you an uneasy feeling, or just the abundance of obligations make you feel unenthusiastic, take something off the calendar. Please note, this does not refer to immediate family. Instead, try opting out of events/people/places that tend to drain you. Send a nice card or gift instead and show up for the important people in your life. If you cannot opt out, make a shorter appearance. The holidays are about making each other happy and it feels good to bring joy to others, too. Find a balance.
Please know that this list is something that I do my best to aspire to, as I find myself overscheduling from November to New Years, even though I promise myself every year to cut back. It is the most wonderful time of the year - and the busiest! Have fun with it! And when in doubt, breathe!
Happy Thanksgiving and In Good Health,
Therese Brewitz, M.S. Psychology/Pilates Director
Therese, Anne, Barbara, Colleen, Lawrence, and Elizabeth
Lunchtime Reformer!
Before you head out of town for the weekend, come to Pilates! Our Mixed level Reformer class with Colleen is now offered on Fridays at noon. This energizing class hits all the high notes of Pilates training: core strength, upper and lower body conditioning, stretching, balance and mobility - all worked into an hour. Colleen teaches fun and invigorating classes, using the jumpboard for great cardio, and the Pilates circle and other props for supreme core conditioning and tone.
We offer Reformer Pilates classes 6 days a week in our studio and each class is uniquely formatted to fit the needs of our students.
Sign up for reformer class online or on The Hills app: https://cachstc.clubautomation.com/
PILATES STUDIO SCHEDULE NOVEMBER 2023
PILATES STUDIO POLICIES
Our Pilates studio policies are developed with everyone's safety and benefit in mind:
PILATES STUDIO POLICIES.docx
Get news, updates, and inspiration for Pilates through our Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/hillspilatesandwellness/
Tennis Clinics Continue Through December
Join our popular youth and adult tennis clinics, continuing through the end of the year. Check out the session info below. Private lessons are available upon request and don't forget to sign up for in-house match play!
Please contact Coach Sydney for more information. Non-members are welcome to join our clinic program for an additional $20 non-member registration fee per session.
REGISTER NOW!
Session Dates: Register today and start right away!
November: 10/29-11/16 (3 weeks)
December: 12/3-12/14 (2 weeks)
Youth Clinics (6 players per class)
Little Stars age 6&7: Sundays @ 1-2pm
Rising Stars age 8-11: Mondays and/or Wednesdays @ 4:30-6pm
*Discount for registering both days
Supernovas age 12-17: Tuesdays and/or Thursdays @ 4:30-6pm
*Discount for registering both days
Adult Clinics (4 players per class)
Adult Beginning: Tuesdays @ 6-7:30pm
Adult Intermediate: Thursdays @ 6-7:30pm
Adult Advanced (upon request)
Private Tennis Lessons:
Private lessons are available by request. Contact Coach Sydney to schedule a lesson at [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
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.
Free Adult Tennis Clinics Nov 13
For those adults new to the club, new to tennis or looking to improve your backhand, we welcome you to join Eddie Pasternak on the second Monday of each month for our complimentary Adult Tennis Clinics! This month's clinic will be held on November 13. 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 leads these clinics each month for adults with all skill levels. We are asking that members register in advance here for the beginner clinic or here for the advanced clinic.
Tae Kwon Do Empowers Kids
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 11 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.
Aqua Fitness: Take the Plunge
Our aqua fitness classes are typically a fun and social atmosphere. Just like walking is a great form of exercise, same goes for aqua fitness! The impact on your joints is next to nothing as your resistance is the water. For those of you thinking about it, aqua fitness is a great way to break up the monotony of your daily gym routine, so why not give it a try!
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. Classes are designed to burn fat, increase cardiovascular fitness, and range of motion and muscle tone. Another benefit is that it's a great cross training exercise.
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.
Pool 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.
Swim Lessons for All Ages
If you are interested in swim lessons, please reach out to any one of our swim instructors; click on their name for a full bio.
Koung Chaiyasane >> (no availability)
Mat Borawski >> (a lot of availability)
Erin Lucas >> (limited availability)
Taylor Rolefson >> (limited availability)
To request a private swim lesson, please email an instructor with 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.
NOTE: We only allow instruction by Hills employees. Outside instructors are not allowed. The Hills swim instructors are trained to uphold the club policies and proper guidelines.
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. Please 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!
Swim Team: Competitive & Pre-Comp
The Hills Hurricane Swim Team as well Manta Rays and Tidal Waves, our pre-comp groups, are currently full. Stay tuned for Winter/Spring offerings and availability. We will post here about any openings.
Play Pickleball!
In addition to the pools, tennis courts and cabanas, don't forget about our other outdoor amenities: pickleball, basketball and ping pong.
Members can book a 1-hour reservation 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.
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.
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.
Relax in a Cabana
Even in the cooler months, our cabanas are a great place to relax and practice self-care. Just stepping away from something stressful for a few minutes or taking time away from your normal routine can give you enough space and distance to feel calmer during the holidays. Reserve a cabana, pack a blanket, a good book and enjoy a couple of hours. Your 2-hour reservation is complimentary and comes with a breathtaking backdrop.
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 November Employee Birthdays
Please join us in wishing each of them a happy birthday and thanking them for all of their hard work!
Shad Wojtala, 11/07
Virginia Dare, 11/13
Amber Hogue, 11/15
Anne-Sophie Mills, 11/17
Jhunehl Fortaleza, 11/17
Jose Jimenez, 11/29
November Nutrition Tip Correction
There was an error in the gluten-free section in Jenn's "Nutrition Tip of the Month: What does it mean to eat healthy?" The sentence stating that people might lose weight if they try this fad diet due to malabsorption is incorrect. What should have been stated is that people with celiac disease lose weight because of malabsorption not because of the gluten-free diet. We apologize for any confusion.
