UPDATE FROM OUR GENERAL MANAGER

Dear Hills Members,

September is one of my favorite months of the year, and we are so fortunate to experience the Bay Area weather here at our beautiful club. Throughout the month, the sunrises will be full of majestic colors and I'm sure some of you will be capturing them via photos/videos. You are welcome to share them with me if you'd like. Amazing sunrise pictures taken here always make me smile and some become worthy of use on our social media pages or in this very newsletter. 

Unfortunately I need to bring up a few disappointing topics. First, we've had a number of members recently staying past closing times. The club closes at 10pm on weekdays and 9pm on the weekends. Please be mindful and respectful of the club hours. If we wanted members leaving at 10:08pm or 10:15pm on weekday nights, then we would set the closing time later. The closing times are meant for all members and guests to have exited the club at or before closing time. The staff needs to do their due diligence of closing up the club and cleaning it for the next day. Be prepared for the staff to enforce more nightly alerts, announcements and countdowns to closing time. Thanks for your understanding and cooperation when it comes to this topic.

Secondly, there have been more and more members trying to sneak non-members into the club.  I'm not sure why this has been happening lately. I feel we do a pretty fair job at distributing free guest passes to each membership throughout the year. For now, this is a warning to not attempt to sneak anyone in, and all members should be aware that the staff is on high alert. If this continues I may have to discipline those members breaking the rules.

Again, looking forward to the sunrises and weather this month. But most of all, very happy to have football back as we approach the Fall season! 🙂

-Nick

September Noteworthy Dates

Weekdays 11am-1pm: Open Pickleball Play (no experience required, all are welcome!)

Sept 9, 6-7pm: Free Beginner/Novice Tennis Clinic, register here!
Sept 9, 7-8pm: Free Intermediate/Advanced Tennis Clinic, register here!

Calling all artists! If you would like to exhibit your work on the walls of The Hills lobby, please email Sally Landis at [email protected].

Group Ex News

                           

There are lots of changes to our group exercise schedule this month, but before we get into that I want to say that I'm happy to be back and excited to take on this new challenge as Group Exercise Director. I have big shoes to fill and I will do my absolute best to serve you, our beautiful community, as best I can. On a different note, I want to remind all class members that no one is entitled to a "spot" in any class. If you like being in a certain space in the studio, plan to arrive early to claim it; if you are late and another member is there, please be respectful and find another spot for class. Make sure you and the members around you have plenty of space to move, at least an arm's length in all directions. Our classes are a safe space, so please be courteous to those around you.

And now for the changes in group exercise this month…

Labor Day Group Ex Schedule

We have a special Labor Day schedule; please refer to the online schedule for classes and times.

More time with Robin!

Robin will continue teaching her introduction to Tai Chi on Tuesday mornings at 8am, so if you've been intimidated to try out Tai Chi, this class is for you. We are also keeping Qigong on Friday mornings at 8am through the end of October.

New Time for Power Hour

Both our Monday and Friday morning Power Hour will now start at 7:30am in the group exercise studio.

Roller/ Stretch is back!

We are bringing our Wednesday 11:30am Roller/Stretch class back. Anne-Sophie will be guiding you through this restorative yet challenging class.

Yoga

There are many changes to our yoga schedule, so please be sure to check our online schedule for class times. Please welcome Kristin Aldrich to our Instructor team. She has been covering many classes as a sub and will be a permanent part of our schedule as of this month. You can catch Kristin teaching our Monday 9:15am Align and Flow as well as our Friday 4pm Gentle Yoga.

Please remember to check the online schedule for any last minute schedule changes, and have a great month of September!

-Jenn Sanchez

Group Exercise Director

Fitness Coordinator

[email protected]

What's Happening in The Hills Pilates and Wellness Studio

We hope that you have had a great and relaxing summer and that you are ready for Fall!

If you feel like you need a break from a hectic Fall schedule, (who doesn't?) try a Pilates class or a Reiki therapy session. Pilates is scientifically proven to reduce the effects of stress while Reiki can help promote relaxation and build a stronger immune system. Contact our Pilates and Wellness Studio today to learn more and/or to schedule an appointment: [email protected]

Our popular ballet program with Oakland Ballet Company dancer Lawrence Chen is starting on September 9. Enroll now to secure your spot!

Happy Fall from the Hills Pilates and Wellness Studio!

-Therese, Barbara, Lawrence, Anne, Colleen, Elizabeth and Carolyn

Ballet is Starting Monday, September 9

We are thrilled to welcome new and returning students to the Hills ballet fall semester. Ballet Master Lawrence Chen will return to teach the Fall semester. It will start on Monday, September 9 and end with a recital on Monday, December 9.

Pre-ballet (4-6 year olds) 4:10-4:50pm

Ballet (7 years old and up) 4:50-5:35pm

You can download and fill out the registration form here:

Hills Ballet Registration Fall 2024  .pdf

For more information, please contact [email protected]

New Reformer Classes Added to the Schedule

Looking to start or return to Pilates training on the reformer? Check out our new classes starting this month! New and returning students are welcome.

1. Mixed Level Reformer on Mondays at 9:30am with Carolyn Remick, starting September 16
2. Reformer II on Wednesdays at 12pm with Therese Brewitz, starting September 18
3. Mixed Level Reformer on Fridays at 9:30am with Colleen McLarnon, starting September 13

New Pilates and reformer students need to have an intake session prior to class. Contact [email protected] to get started today. Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with our studio policy before taking a class or session. Our Pilates studio policies are developed in accordance with Pilates industry standards and with everyone's safety and benefit in mind.

         PILATES STUDIO POLICIES.docx

You will find our schedule here:

PILATES STUDIO SCHEDULE SEPTEMBER 2024

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

We offer packages of reformer classes of either 4 or 10 sessions for a savings of up to $75.

         Get news, updates, and inspiration for Pilates through our Instagram:

         https://www.instagram.com/hillspilatesandwellness/

Refocus Your Workout with One of Our Personal Trainers

September is a month to refocus and rethink our goals and strategies to reach these goals. As we refocus, we want to make sure that our goals are attainable and realistic, and that the way we get there is sustainable. Keep in mind that health and fitness is a way of life. That being said, it isn't a strict lifestyle, it's about taking care of our bodies and our minds. Which means that more often than not our actions are beneficial, whether it be through food, exercise or sleep. Pick three actions that you can do for yourself to help your overall health and start by doing one per day, adding on as it gets easier. If you're having a hard time getting your workouts in or just need a refresh let us know, our team of personal trainers is here to help.

1. Jeff Allen, [email protected]
2. Danielle Marchetti, [email protected]
3. Angelique Pine, [email protected]
4. Jenn Sanchez [email protected]

-Jenn Sanchez

Group Exercise Director

Fitness Coordinator

[email protected]

Tori's Wednesday 9am TRX Class Returns

Join Tori every Wednesday at 9am for some strength, mobility and endurance work.This is a great class if you are new to TRX! In addition to Tori's class, we offer Peak Fit classes on Mondays and Thursdays.

Peak Fit Studio Schedule

Mondays, 11 am 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.

Wednesdays, 9am 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.  

Thursdays, 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.

Peak Fit Class Rates
Member Drop-in fee: $20

Member 10-class package: $180 ($18 per class)

Non-member drop-in fee: $22

Non-member guest fee per session: $3

Non-member 10-class package: $210 (does not include guest fee; $30 for 10 classes)

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.

Please reach out to me with any questions. We hope to see you in one of our Peak Fit classes!

-Jenn Sanchez

Fitness Coordinator

[email protected]

Update from the Aquatics Department

Hello swim families! We had another successful round of tryouts for our swim team and all groups are full. In mid-August more than 40 swimmers tried out for our non-competitive and competitive groups and we were only able to take 13. With our limited space, our teams have become super competitive and therefore we encourage new swim families to prepare their children for the tryouts. This would include multiple swim lessons, proper swim attire, and mental preparedness. Our next tryouts will take place in February 2025 for the Spring season. We will post and email the dates/times in advance so that all have a chance to sign up.

Private swim lessons will ramp up again as we head into Fall. Many spots have already filled up and we ask that members be as flexible as possible with our limited pool space. Weekends and mid-day times are usually the easiest times to book. After school hours are generally booked until 7pm, so being flexible with your schedule is highly encouraged. 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. Please be aware that instructors may only respond if they have availability. Visit our swim lessons link for more info.

As our lifeguards return to school, we would like to remind all members to stay vigilant when managing their children in and around the pool area. We would also like to thank the lifeguards for helping enforce safety throughout the summer, but we all must continue to follow the club policies year round. We ask that all members please review the club policies regularly; these rules are enforced to keep the club a safe environment for everyone.

-Shad Wojtala

Aquatics Director/Head Swim Coach

The Hills Swim and Tennis Club/Hills Hurricane Swimming

Find Joy in Aqua Fitness

If you feel like you're in a fitness rut or describe yourself as one that has never really liked to exercise, then you might want to try exercising in the water. You just might learn that aqua fitness class is your type of workout! The joy and camaraderie many members find in our aqua fitness classes keep them coming back to class and in turn builds a consistent workout routine. The workouts include water walking/running, abdominal work and toning exercises. All of our aqua fitness classes are included in your membership and open to all ages and abilities.

Just like land-based exercise, aqua fitness can improve cardio fitness, build strength, boost your mood, ease joint pain, and help you sleep better. When in the water, your joints experience less impact. Squats that may aggravate arthritic or injured knees on land are often doable in water. Because of the resistance factor, water exercise is a double-duty workout, meaning it combines both cardio and strength training. Plus the resistance offers more of a challenge to the opposing muscle.

Our aqua fitness classes are offered 4 days a week from 9-10am. We supply any/all equipment for the class such as flotation belts, noodles, styrofoam barbells and more. These "water" workouts vary from class to class, but are typically a fun and social atmosphere. Since our aqua fitness classes are well attended we kindly ask that you register in advance if you plan on participating.

Deep Water Workout

 

Looking to mix up your workout routine? Why not jump into a S'WET™ DEEP class! This class is ideal for swimmers, athletes and fitness enthusiasts seeking a serious full-body workout. Designed to incorporate blocks of activity focused on HIIT, strength, and advanced cardio training, with a splash of fun to work your entire body, S'WET™ DEEP combines steady state conditioning, isolation work, and strategic body angles to effectively strengthen your core and provide a comprehensive full-body workout. What could be better than a fun workout in the pool?!?!

Class Time: Tuesdays, 7:30-8:15am; please arrive on time.

Location: Diving well

Maximum of 9 students - register here!

Fall Tennis Season is Here!
                             

See you on the courts!

-Coach Sydney

[email protected]

The Hills Fall Tennis Clinics

Non-members are welcome to join our clinic program for an additional $20 registration fee per session, please email Coach Sydney to register as a non-member.

Session Dates: The dates listed below are the session dates for all clinics except Supernovas, which takes place on the Mondays immediately following each date listed in this section. September Supernovas session dates are (9/9, 9/16, 9/23, 9/30).

September: 9/8, 9/15, 9/22, 9/29

October: 10/6, 10/13, 10/20, 10/27

November: 11/3, 11/10, 11/17, 11/24

Junior Clinics (max of 8 players per class)

Little Stars age 6&7: Sundays, 12:15-1:15pm for $160/session

Rising Stars age 8-11: Sundays, 1:30-3pm for $200/session

Supernovas age 12-17: Mondays, 4:30-6pm for $200/session

Adult Clinics (max of 6 players per class)

Adult Beginning: Sundays, 5:30-6:30pm for $240/session

Adult Intermediate: Sundays, 4-5:30pm for $240/session

Parent & Child activity session (max of 4 players per class)

Mini Stars: Sundays, 3:15-3:45pm for $25/week

Private Lessons Available with Coach Sydney

Private lessons are available by request. Non-members must attend at least 1 clinic session to be eligible to book private lessons. Contact Coach Sydney to schedule [email protected]

Private (1 player): $100/hour

Semi-Private (2 players): $70/hour/player

Private Small Group (3-5 players): $50/hour/player

Private Large Group (6+ players): $40/hour/player

In-House Match Play

We are starting fresh! All players were removed from the in-house match play list in June and will need to re-register on the google doc.

This program gives members an opportunity to have coordinated match play at The Hills. 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. *Non-members may participate in this league for a $25 fee, contact Coach Sydney to coordinate.

Members Form Friendships Over Pickleball                                    

                                                                          
Our weekly Pickleball group has been taking advantage of this beautiful weather we've been having. Interested in some friendly competition? They love it when new members want to join their games. The sport court is reserved exclusively for pickleball from 11am-1pm Monday through Friday. All you need to do is show up!

What's great about pickleball is that it's a game that forces people to socialize. Some people play for mental health, others play because they can no longer play tennis (bad knees). And some see it as a few hours of fun...with the added benefit of a good workout!

Games during the "open" weekday hours are friendly, social games with some accommodations made for beginning players. If this block of time on weekdays doesn't work with your schedule, you are welcome to book a 1-hour reservation per membership per day. 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 if pickleball is not your thing, grab one of our basketballs from the front desk, slide the net out of the way and work on your shot!

The Power of Tae Kwon Do

Many parents consider enrolling their children in Tae Kwon Do classes, drawn by the potential benefits for both physical and mental development. Our Tae Kwon Do program will help with improved fitness, motor skills development, strength and endurance, discipline, confidence building, and stress relief. It's also a great way for kids to make new friends and develop social skills. So if you are looking for a new after school activity for your child, this might be the one!

This year-round program is for kids ages 5-17 (split into two groups based on level and ability). The younger kids often focus on fundamental movements, basic kicks, and simple forms. Sensei Jeff tailors his approach to the developmental stage of the child, ensuring that classes are engaging and age-appropriate. As kids progress, the complexity of techniques and training intensifies.

Sensei Jeff not only teaches self-defense skills but also instills important values such as discipline, respect, and perseverance. Each session involves kicking, punching and self defense, but most of all, he encourages the kids to have fun. This ancient Korean art of self defense can help ease emotional problems such as stress and depression, while promoting physical fitness. The goal of the program is to instill confidence, teach respect, and focus on raising self esteem. There are currently 10 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.

Summer Camp 2024 Recap

I cannot believe another summer camp has come and gone. I have had the privilege of running this camp for the past 14 years, and this summer was a record for attendance. Allowing non-members to join our camp was a plus, as many joined to be with their "member" friends. All I can say is THANK YOU! Thank you for signing your kids up for camp each week. I wanted to share some takeaways from this summers' campers:

1. Patience truly is a virtue. Most of the campers demonstrated good behavior which led to special prizes and snacks being given at the end of the week. Delayed gratification is such an important trait that we all need to practice today more than ever.

2. Your kids love to call me anything but Anthony and their creativity is endless! Here are some of my favorites from this summer: Anthfofo, Anthnei, Shrek, and Uncle Benny.

3. I learned that all of the campers are huge Taylor Swift fans or should I say, Swifties.

4. Week in and week out, the campers worked collectively to find the values of various Pokemon cards and honed their negotiation skills with each trade for desired cards.

5. The campers met new kids each week and formed lasting friendships.

7. The key to running a successful summer camp starts with having a great group of counselors. A huge shout out to Luc, Riley, Audrey, Tyler, Avery, Chloe, and Taylor for making the camp fun for all of the kids.

In closing, I'm already looking forward to Summer Camp 2025. Thank you again from the bottom of my heart for another great summer camp season. I look forward to seeing you and all of your kids around the club!

-Anthony Lum, Hills Summer Camp Director

Grab Some Poolside Shade in a Cabana

It's that period of time—summer after summer. It is very common this time of year for the Bay Area to be hit with a few days or a few weeks of hot dry days and warm air. Expect the demand for cabana reservations to remain high in the afternoon/evening hours as well as on the weekends.

Reservations for our "lounge" 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. We kindly ask that members tidy up the cabana at the end of each use.

Cabanas 2-9 are available daily by reservation. Please be aware of our club policy: one 2-hour reservation per membership per day. 

For those members who enjoy an outdoor workout, Cabana 1 will remain as the designated workout cabana (no reservation required to use the outdoor fitness equipment).

We love celebrating our employees' birthdays here at The Hills! Please join us in wishing each of these "September babies" 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, 09/24
William Fanning, 09/27
Kat So, 09/27
Josh Walker, 09/29