October Newsletter 2023
UPDATE FROM OUR GENERAL MANAGER
Dear Hills Members,
I want to thank you all for your patience and understanding while we work to complete the installation of our new Lap Pool heater. It was a necessity to get this done before the beginning of winter and I'm hopeful it will be the last heater the Lap Pool needs for decades to come.The heater was delivered early Monday morning and currently the crew is re-plumbing the pump room to accommodate this new gas-efficient heater. While the Lap Pool is closed we are also working diligently on various maintenance projects throughout the club.
On Friday, 10/20, we will be hosting our annual Halloween Party. The club will close at 4pm that day in order to set up. We will reopen at 6pm and the party concludes at 9pm. This is a MEMBERS ONLY EVENT. Please understand that this party is always highly attended and therefore we cannot accommodate guests/non-members.
For those planning to attend, we highly encourage walking, carpooling, or taking rideshare as a means to come and go. Similar to our most recent Halloween parties, we will have a valet service for those who elect to drive. Be prepared to pull into the lower lot and a valet attendant will give you a ticket and park your car in the upper lot.
We will be providing slices of pizza for $3/slice and you can charge to your account or pay by credit card or cash. Our club is different from many others in regards to our open policy of allowing outside food and beverages. Should you decide to bring your own food or drinks, we strongly enforce the no glass policy, so please bring beverages in cans or insulated cups/tumblers. Broken glass anywhere near the pools would put a big damper on the party.
Speaking of the pools, they will be closed during the party in addition to the hot tubs and the splash pad. The focus will shift to carnival games, a photo booth, popcorn machine, music, dancing and much more so plan on a fun-filled night!
One of the biggest highlights of the party is our costume contest for both children and adults. I'd say a good 80% of members attending last year were in costume. Let's outdo that this year; I'll be in full costume myself. 🙂
Unfortunately, we have had a few vehicle break-ins in our parking lots this year. The uptick in crime is out of control in the city of Oakland and surrounding Bay Area, so please be sure to never leave anything out in plain sight in your car while you are parked here at The Hills.
There will be continued maintenance, remodeling, refurbishing, and cleaning done in both the women's and men's locker rooms. It is difficult to get work done without closing the locker rooms, so we have been trying to close them later in the evenings. If it becomes necessary, we may have to close them for a full or half day, but I will be sure to keep you posted if that becomes the case. The men's sauna is almost reopened. We had to completely replace the sauna heater because someone poured an abundance of water into the heater which destroyed the heating coils. I cannot stress this enough, please DO NOT EVER POUR WATER ON THE SAUNA HEATERS.
I look forward to seeing many of you at the Halloween Party. Let's make sure it is a safe and very fun evening for all who attend!
-Nick
Upcoming Events:
Free Guest Passes & Online Guest Waiver
Members are now allowed to use their free guest passes any day of the week through the end of the year. If you have redeemed your 15 free guest passes, you can still bring guests but you will be subject to the following guest fees: Adults (Age 18 & older), $25; Children (Age 2-17), $15; Under 2 years of age, free. Members are allowed to bring 4 guests per membership per day. All guests are required to have a waiver on file. To expedite the check-in process please click here for the Online Guest Waiver.
What Kind of Yoga is Right for You?
No matter your fitness level, yoga is great for the body and mind. But which class is right for you? This month I asked our instructors to define our yoga offerings. With their help, I have updated the Group Exercise class schedule, linked to this newsletter. Our instructors are eager to assist you, so please let them know if you are new or need guidance.
Yoga Classes offered at The Hills
Vinyasa Flow Yoga - from Anne-Sophie
Links breathe and movement. This class emphasizes the sequential movement between postures, coordinated with and guided by deliberate breath. Anne-Sophie's classes are intermediate, however, all are welcome.
Hatha Yoga - from Robert
This class is anatomically driven with just the right amount of breathwork and meditation. Hatha Yoga places special emphasis on controlled breathing and posture. Building core strength, which is key to good posture, is another important aspect of this type of yoga.
Gentle Yoga - from Anne Marie
Gentle Yoga class moves very slowly and is accessible to any level of practitioner. We utilize the available props and while the class might include standing poses, most of the time is spent closer to the ground exploring gentle movement or in stillness in supported restorative postures. A great class for anyone wanting to move slowly and simply. All levels are welcome!
Align and Flow Yoga - from Amie and Deborah
Align and Flow yoga is a harmonious blend of two distinct yoga styles that emphasizes precise alignment and seamless movement. This practice combines the meticulous attention to posture and body mechanics found in alignment-based yoga with the fluidity and graceful transitions of Vinyasa Flow, offering practitioners a balanced experience that enhances strength, flexibility, and mindfulness in every pose and transition.
Hatha Flow - from Amber
Hatha-based flow yoga class focuses on healthy alignment of the body to practice proper form, build strength, increase flexibility, and develop more functional movement patterns. The class will emphasize the marriage of breath and movement to encourage focus and increase ease throughout the body and mind. This class explores breaking down the different components of traditional yoga poses and using props to experiment with variations of these poses.
What else is new with Group Exercise?
We are now offering Strength and Balance twice a week! Come join this popular class on Tuesdays and Thursdays. See the attached schedule for exact times
OCT GROUP EX SCHEDULE
I look forward to seeing you in class!
- Angelique Pine, Group Exercise Director, [email protected]
TRX for Functional Movement
Our TRX for Functional Movement class with Tori was delayed to October at a new 9am time and starts on October 4th. We hope you were able to join our demo class that was held on Wednesday 9/27.This class utilizes Total Body Resistance Exercises (TRX) 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. Taught by Tori Sovocool, TRX, Schwinn Cycling Certified ACE Fitness Group Exercise Instructor, this class is great for beginners or experienced members on TRX who are looking to improve their muscle imbalances, mobility and overall endurance.
Start Date:October 4th
Day/Time: Wednesdays at 9am
Cost: 4 class package (10/4, 10/11, 10/18, 10/25) for $80
REGISTER HERE!
October Peak Fit Class Schedule
Monday 11am All About Strength with Sara
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. 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. If you're curious about any of our current or upcoming classes, reach out to me at [email protected].
It's a fun time and I hope we'll see some new faces this month!
- Jenn Nasab, Hills Fitness Coordinator, [email protected]
Boost Your Energy Level with Exercise
Mornings are darker and it's going to get colder as we head into the next few months. This makes it a little more challenging for some to fit in some exercise or daily movement. We may feel that we don't have as much energy, but movement helps us feel more energized. When you finish a workout and you're high on endorphins; make a conscious effort to take in that feeling and revisit that feeling when you need a little "push" to get moving.
If you need to freshen up your workout, we're here for you.
-Jenn Nasab, Hills Fitness Coordinator, [email protected]
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]
Tailor Your Training Program with Master Trainer Jeff Allen
Athletic Conditioning
Weight management
Rehabilitation
One on One
Small Groups
Seniors, Men, Women, Boys and Girls (minimum age: 12 yrs old)
Start a new program today, feel better tomorrow!
Jeff Allen 510-339-0234 x18 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 October From The Hills Pilates Studio!
We wish you a fun and spooky Fall! Below are some programs you don't want to miss:
- DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY - Ballroom lessons two Fridays in October
- Explore our popular reformer program, offered 6 days a week in our studio
- Save the date for Reiki I, II and III training - learn and enjoy the benefits of this
famous Japanese healing technique
Enjoy Fall with Pilates!
In health,
-Therese, Anne, Barbara, Colleen, Lawrence and Elizabeth
Dance the Night Away: An Evening of Ballroom Dance
Do you want to learn ballroom dance? Looking for a fun night out with your partner? Join us for two exciting Friday evenings filled with music and dances such as waltz, foxtrot, rumba and salsa. Beginners, singles and couples welcome!
Friday, October 6 and October 13, 5:30-7pm
Cost: $75 for 2 nights
Meet Your Ballroom Instructor
Lawrence Chen is a principal dancer with the Oakland Ballet Company and is currently leading The Hills Ballet Program. Lawrence has extensive experience with and loves teaching ballroom and ballet to all ages. His impressive resume also includes working in biotech, Pilates training, and a BA degree in Chemistry.
Hills Ballet Still Enrolling
There are still a few spaces open in our ballet program with Lawrence! Our young dancers are hard at work learning the basics of ballet and preparing for their recital in December, however, it is not too late to join the group.
Schedule:
Weekly on Wednesdays, Sept 6-Dec 6
Pre-ballet (4-6 year olds): 4-4:40pm
Ballet (7-11 year olds): 4:40-5.25pm
Cost: $22 per class when signing up for the remaining semester. One time trial class $27
Sibling discounts available.
Register Here for Pre-Ballet!
Register Here for Ballet!
If you register online, please bring a completed registration form to the first class:
Hills Ballet Registration Fall 2023 .pdf
Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns.
Reform with Pilates During Lunch!
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.
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 SEPTEMBER 2023
PILATES STUDIO POLICIES
Our Pilates studio policies are developed with everyone's safety and benefit in mind:
PILATES STUDIO POLICIES.docx
Reiki Training is Back This Fall
New and returning Reiki students and practitioners are welcome to take our Reiki Certification courses.
Tentative Fall dates:
Reiki I Nov 18, 2023, 9am-6pm
Reiki II Nov 19, 2023, 9am-6pm
Master Level Reiki III Feb 16, 17, 18, 2024, 9am-6pm
Learn more about Reiki here:
/services/massage
Partner with a Pilates Coach for a Private or Duet
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/
Time to Register for Fall & Winter Tennis Clinics
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
October: 10/1-10/26 (4 weeks)
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 Oct 9
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 October 9. 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.
Kids Get a Kick out of Tae Kwon Do
Come join our exciting Tae Kwon Do class where kids learn the Korean style of martial arts. Buildconfidence, 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 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: A Great Water Workout
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.
Learn to Swim This Fall
Members should secure lessons sooner than later as non-members are welcome to take lessons at The Hills September 1 through May. We have instructors with availability; their bios are below:
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 full through the Fall. Stay tuned for Winter/Spring offerings and availability. We will post here about any openings.
Pickleball in the Fall
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.
Our Cabanas are a Great Spot to Socialize
According to the weather forecast, we can expect at least one more heat wave this year. Take advantage of a warm mid-week night by reserving a cabana and packing a picnic dinner for the family. Our cabanas are a great place to socialize with friends after a busy school/work day.
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.
Congrats, Jenn!
For those of you that take Jenn's classes and wondered where she was last month, she and Rich flew to the British Virgin Islands for their intimate wedding on St. Thomas. All of us here at The Hills wish them a lifetime of health and happiness!
Celebrate October Employee Birthdays
Please join us in wishing each of them a happy birthday and thanking them for all of their hard work!
Anne Mawdsley, 10/04
Tom Rolefson, 10/12
Taylor Rolefson, 10/12
Tori Sovocol, 10/17
Mike Walker, 10/20
Bz Churchman, 10/22
Ying Yan Chen, 10/30
