September Newsletter 2023
UPDATE FROM OUR GENERAL MANAGER
Dear Hills Members,
We are scheduled to have our Lap Pool heater replaced beginning Monday, October 2. This will require the Lap Pool to be closed for at least 4-5 days. I will share more information in the weeks leading up to this project but wanted to give everyone plenty of advance notice. I understand that this will affect many members that swim on a daily basis, but it is inevitable as our current Lap Pool heater is outdated and on its last legs. The good news is that this new heater will be more gas efficient, heat on a more consistent basis and will be installed before the cold weather arrives.
Mark your calendars for our annual Halloween party on Friday, October 20. There will be music, games, raffle, and of course our ever-popular costume contests. Costume contests are for both children and adults so please come dressed to impress. This is a members-only event. I'll have more details in next month's newsletter.
Please be sure to cancel any reservations or registrations that you know you will not be attending. This includes Cabanas, Lap Lane reservations, Group Fitness classes, Pilates classes, Tennis court reservations, and Basketball/Pickleball court reservations. This helps ensure that all club amenities are used as much as possible amongst your fellow members.
Lastly, the parking spots in The Hills lots are adequately sized to allow for vehicles to occupy each spot without risking damage to other vehicles. Nevertheless, we had had recent incidents of door
dings and poor parking by some members. When parking, please enter the parking slot so that your
vehicle is centered between the painted stripes. Please do not park at any angles within the marked spots. Parents with children: please warn them about excitedly flinging car doors open upon parking at the club or when returning to your vehicle. A bit of attention to parking etiquette can help
ensure that no members have to deal with a dented side panel after spending time at The Hills.
I hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable Labor Day weekend!
-Nick
This Month's Lobby Art: Lively, Colorful Abstracts
Beginning Sunday, September 3rd, we are displaying the artwork of our own Birgitte Juhl Rohrbach. As well as being a favorite Hills class instructor, Birgitte is a talented artist! Sally had a chance to chat with Birgitte to learn more about when and where her art journey began.
"I have been an artist all my life, just as we are all artists! As a dancer earlier in life, I had an outlet of physical expression and then in my twenties started painting. I took a 30-year break but started up again in 2021. I sometimes have a title in mind and want to create an image around that title, but often my paintings are 'just what's happening.' Beyond painting, I find expressions in many forms—it could be sewing a piece of clothing, knitting a blanket, or sculpting a bowl out of clay. The final visual product, no matter what shape it takes, is inspiring, and it makes an experience somewhat permanent and easy to share."
We welcome you to take a moment to stop by and admire Birgitte's lively, colorful abstracts, many floral influenced.
Would you like to show your art in The Hills Lobby? If so, please email [email protected].
Guest Passes
Following Labor Day (September 5th), members will be allowed to use their free guest passes any day of the week. If you have redeemed your 15 free guest passes for the year, 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.
New Group Ex Classes Added This Month
Vacationing member, welcome home! We have a few schedule changes this month. Beginning September 8th we are adding 2 new classes to the Friday morning schedule: a Dance Fitness class taught by Angelique at 10:15am followed by an Intro Mat Pilates class taught by Therese at 11:15am. Dance Fitness combines fun, easy dance combinations; everything from Disco to Salsa, with sections of compound weight training. The time flies by, and it's a great way to kick off the weekend. The Intro to Pilates class will combine slow, controlled movements to lengthen and sculpt your body as well as boost your flexibility and strengthen your core. Mat Pilates is a safe method to help increase agility in your everyday movements.
A few of our other changes include shortening Sunday's spin time.Our previous Spin & Sculpt will now be a Spin & Stretch class beginning at 9:05am, so start your Sunday with a 40-minute spin session followed by Static Stretch exercises. We have also ended World Dance for now, but hope to bring it back to a new time slot in the future. We have added several new yoga classes, including 8am on both Saturday and Sunday. For additional changes, please check the schedule. Lastly, below find the holiday group exercise schedule for Labor Day.
DOWNLOAD THE SEPT GROUP EX SCHEDULE HERE
Special Labor Day Class Schedule
Monday, September 4th
6am Master Swim w/ Evgenii
7-7:30am Stroke Technique w/ Evgenii
7:30-8:30am Spin w/ Bill
8am Tai Chi w/ Robin (Diablo Court)
9am Yoga w/ Amie
9am Aqua Fit w/ Elaine
10:15am Bosu Pilates w/ Therese
7pm Yoga w/ Robert
All other "regular" Monday classes are canceled
Have a very Happy Labor Day and I look forward to seeing you in class!
- Angelique Pine, Group Exercise Director, [email protected]
New TRX Class in Peak Fit Studio
Join Tori in our new TRX class: TRX for Functional Movement
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:September 6th
Day/Time: Wednesdays at 8 am
Cost: 4 class package (9/6, 6/13, 6/20, 6/27) for $80
REGISTER HERE!
The remainder of our class will stay the same. Some classes will be paused as I'm off to get married. Please check the online schedule for confirmation on the upcoming classes.
Monday 11am All About Strength with Sara
Monday 3 pm Kettlebell class with Jenn
Thursday 12 pm Summer Gains 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]
Make Time for Your Workout
As another summer comes to an end, many of us head back to reality, routine, whatever you want to call it. Some of us are much busier this time of year, but regular and busier schedules can give us structure and allow us to plan out our days and actually squeeze in some workouts. If you're having a hard time exercising, try to move away from the "all or nothing" mentality and move into the "something's better than nothing" one. If you know you have a crazy week, aim for faster workouts, even 15 minutes can allow you to increase your heart rate; a brisk walk, a quick HIIT session, whatever you love. Even a small workout will leave you feeling better than doing nothing at all.
If you rushed out of the house and didn't have time to pack your lunch and that meal ends up being a less than optimal choice, make the effort to have a healthier dinner. It's not all or nothing and one workout or one meal won't determine your long term health and/or goals. Think healthy, be healthy. Get out there and do something!
-Jenn Nasab, Hills Fitness Coordinator, [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
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]
Happy Fall From The Hills Pilates Studio!
A Note from The Pilates Director
Welcome back from Summer! Here are some fun and exciting things going on this Fall in The Hills Pilates studio:
- Ballet is starting on September 6 with our new Ballet Master, Lawrence Chen!
- Learn more about our different reformer classes, offered 6 days a week in our studio
- Save the date for Reiki I, II and III training
Enjoy Fall with Pilates!
In health,
-Therese, Anne, Barbara, Colleen, Lawrence and Elizabeth
Attention All Young Dancers
We want to welcome new and returning dancers to our popular ballet program led by Ballet Teacher Lawrence Chen. Meet Lawrence Chen:
Lawrence Chen (he/him) grew up in Southern California, studying ballet under the care of Victor and Tatiana Kasatsky from the age of thirteen. He went on to compete in the YAGP, placing in the Top 12 Pas De Deux in the New York Finals of 2014 as well as in the Top 3 soloist at regional venues for several years. At Pomona College, Lawrence obtained a BA in chemistry with mathematics, took on collegiate ballroom, and performed as a principal dancer for the Inland Pacific Ballet under the watchful eye of Victoria Koenig. Lawrence currently works at a biotech company, tutors high school STEM subjects, and performs with Oakland Ballet Company. At OBC, he has performed in Graham Lustig's Luna Mexicana as the deer and The Nutcracker in the title role. Lawrence has also been featured in various works created by several choreographers, including Caili Quan, Megan and Shannon Kurashige, and Phil Chan, a co-founder of Final Bow for Yellowface. This is Lawrence's second season with the Oakland Ballet.
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:
Members $308, Non-members $340
One-time trial class $27
Sibling discounts available
Register Here for Pre-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.
We look forward to seeing our new and returning dancers!
Reformer - Which class is right for you?
Reformer Pilates is the perfect full body workout with 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. Here is brief guide to our classes:
Mixed Level Reformer
This is an advanced beginner to intermediate level reformer class. A fun and safe workout addressing the whole body.
Gentle Reformer
Perfect for beginners and for students who enjoy a slower pace on the reformer. Lots of focus on safe movements on the reformer addressing core, flexibility, and balance.
Reformer Level II
Intermediate to Advanced level reformer class. Previous reformer experience required to attend this class. Fun repertoire, full body, a challenging workout.
Better Back Reformer
Perfect class for students with lower back injuries and other musculoskeletal problems. Deep core work and stabilization. Please note that this is not a beginner class.
Men's Reformer
No, you don't have to be a 'guy' to take this class, however, this class is ideal for men. We address core strength and flexibility as well as upper body conditioning. A really fun group!
Sign up for reformer class online or on the Hills app: https://cachstc.clubautomation.com/
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]
September Pilates Studio class schedule:
PILATES STUDIO SCHEDULE AUGUST 2023
PILATES STUDIO POLICIES
Our Pilates studio policies are developed with everyone's safety and benefit in mind:
PILATES STUDIO POLICIES.docx
Reiki Training Returns 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
Our popular youth and adult tennis clinics continue through the end of the year. We are offering multiple ways to register: one clinic per week at the club rate or receive a discount if you register for multiple clinics per week, or register for the entire season (Sept-Dec) for an even greater discount! Please contact Coach Sydney, [email protected], for more information. Non-members are welcome to join our tennis program for an additional $20 non-member registration fee per session. Check out our offerings below.
Session Dates
September: 9/10-9/28 (3 weeks)
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. Cost = $120 (October = $160, December = $80)
Rising Stars age 8-11:
Mondays or Wednesdays @ 4:30-6pm. Cost = $150 (October = $200, December = $100).
2x/Week M & W Cost by Session = $275 (October = $375, December = $175)
Supernovas age 12-17
Tuesdays or Thursdays @ 4:30-6pm. Cost = $150 (October = $200, December = $100).
2x/Week T & Th Cost by Session = $275 (October = $375, December = $175).
Adult Clinics (4 players per class)
Adult Beginning
Tuesdays @ 6-7:30pm. Cost = $180 (October = $240, December = $120)
Adult Intermediate
Thursdays @ 6-7:30pm. Cost = $180 (October = $240, December = $120)
Adult Advanced (upon request)
The Adult Advanced Clinic will run on a "by request" basis, where Coach Sydney will help coordinate advanced clinics for those who are interested. The cost will be dependent on how many players will be in the group.
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 Set for Sept 11
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 September 11. 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 Teaches Kids Respect
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 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.
Keep Fit with Aqua Fitness
New to the club and wondering about group exercise offerings? Our aqua fitness 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. 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
We plan to keep lifeguards on staff on weekends through September. Please take the time to read and review the pool rules and protocols.
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
Non-member swim lessons return September 1. Members should secure your lessons now before the spots are gone. 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.
An Outdoor Family Fun Trifecta
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.
Memories of Summer Camp
Another year of summer camp has come to a close. This was my 13th consecutive year as the Summer Camp Director and similar to previous years, I am amazed at how quickly 11 weeks came and went. I want to give a huge shout out to this summer's counselors: Audrey, Conner, Luc, Primo, Riley, Sadie and Tyler for all of their hard work. Together we designed a memorable summer camp that hopefully your kids enjoyed as much as we did.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for entrusting your kid(s) to our care. Week in and week out, we made sure all of the campers were protected and had a positive experience. Having the kids here all summer brought a happy energy to the club. Seeing the excitement on their faces each morning as they walked through the gate and into the camp area made the experience enjoyable for not only myself and the counselors, but for many members as well.
Campers participated in a variety of activities each day including swimming, other outdoor sports, hikes, games, arts and crafts and theater. Speaking of arts and crafts, hopefully you had a chance to admire some of the camper's artwork that brightened up our lobby wall last month.
One of the highlights of this summer's camp was teaching the kids how to play the actual game of Pokémon, but their favorite part was simply trading cards. It was interesting to see which Pokémon character was the favorite, as many campers liked different characters. We intertwined the concept of teamwork and fun to an otherwise intricate trading card game. Campers learned communication skills as well as the power of negotiation. Pokémon was kind of an "unofficial" theme of this summer's camp and was a big hit. What I loved about it was that not one camper was left out, making every camper feel special.
We hope your kids came home from camp happy and exhausted. But more importantly, we hope they accomplished the following:
- Met a new friend, maybe even made a best friend
- Learned from a positive role model
- Got creative through various art projects
- Became part of a group
- Explored nature on hikes
- Swam, played games
- Unplugged, giggled and had fun!
I cannot wait to start planning for 2024. Thank you again for registering your kids for the 2023 Summer Camp!
-Anthony (or as the kids nicknamed me: Athey and/or Mathphoby)
Relax in a Cabana
It's now September, the time for the summer after summer in the Bay Area. We can expect a few days, maybe even a few weeks of hot weather, clear skies, and stillness before the fall chill sets in. Thankfully, our cabanas are a great place to escape from the Indian summer and socialize with friends for a casual lunch or dinner.
Our gas grills have been fired up quite a bit this barbecue season, so book a cabana, load the cooler and take advantage of this great perk of your membership! .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 September Employee Birthdays
Please join us in wishing each of them a happy birthday and thanking them for all of their hard work!
Koung Chaiyasane, 09/05
Amie Garcia, 09/05
Colleen McLarnon, 09/20
Lizbeth Gomez-Soto, 09/24
Bill Fanning, 09/27
