eNews from The Hills January 2025 |
UPDATE FROM OUR GENERAL MANAGER |
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Dear Hills Members,
Welcome to 2025! Hoping everyone enjoyed the holiday season with good health, good times, and loved ones surrounding you. We’ve been busy here at the club, particularly with the pool deck resurfacing project. The plan is to conclude the project by the end of Thursday, 1/2. As has been the case in years past, we felt this first week of January is a golden opportunity to execute projects that shut down key attractions at the club, simply because of the fact that the club is closed for 40 consecutive hours between 4pm on 12/31 and 8am on 1/2. As I write this, it is New Year’s Day, the club is closed, and the workers are out there on schedule. By the end of tomorrow, the pool deck will look brand new and better than ever 🙌
We also have plans to continue maintenance in both the Women’s and Men’s locker rooms throughout this month. There will be times when we may need to close those locker rooms a little earlier than the club closes due to the required access and time needed for repairs to dry. In particular, any jobs consisting of tile, grout, and/or paint.
A huge shoutout to all who participated in our first ever Hills Holiday Market on 12/13; it turned out to be a great event that showcased some of the hidden talents of both our employees and members! We had 15 vendor tables set up throughout various locations, all with authentic, handmade crafts that included everything from foods to artwork to makeup products. Thanks to the staff who prepped, executed, cleaned—with their help it was a huge success. And a noteworthy shout out to front desk staffer Kat So who organized this holiday fair. We look forward to hosting another event like this in the new year.
See you all very soon and here’s to another amazing year here at The Hills! -Nick |
Artist Spotlight: Hills Member Rick Goodwin |
The watercolors in this collection were done over the past 20 years and reflect Rick and his family’s love of the Northern California coastline. Rick found a passion for painting in young adulthood and ever since, he has been fascinated–and perplexed–by the capricious nature of the medium of watercolor and its possibilities for spontaneous expression.
Many of these paintings were done on location at Point Reyes and Sea Ranch, though more recently, Rick has been working in the studio, referencing his own sketches and photographs for inspiration.
Rick was born and raised in New England, but has lived in the Bay Area most of his adult life. He received his undergraduate degree in Fine Arts and then spent a year at the Maryland Institute College of Art before starting his theatrical career at Baltimore’s Center Stage. A job at the American Conservatory Theater brought him to California, where he later transitioned to designing environments and staging for corporate events and exhibitions, for clients such as Cisco Systems, Apple, and Boeing.
If you would like to exhibit your work on the walls of The Hills lobby in 2025, please email Sally Landis at [email protected]. |
New Years Wishes from The Hills Pilates & Wellness Studio! |
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Let’s take a moment and reflect on our New Year's wishes and goals. That’s right. Instead of listing the pesky New Year’s resolutions, aka, “Do this, or else!” I gently suggest a different approach: New Year’s goals instead of resolutions. What kind of health, fitness and wellness goals do you have and what do you wish for in 2025?
Joseph Pilates, the founder of the Pilates Method, said, “It is the mind that controls the body,” and he was right. Our thoughts not only control our central nervous system and our muscles, but they also set off immediate reactions in our cells that have an impact on our emotions, our endocrine system, and even our immune system. That’s why using the more gentle terms like ‘goal’ and ‘wish’ rather than ‘resolution’ to kick off the new year can yield more profound results.
Another argument for the New Year's goal comes from modern exercise science. Athletic performance research is honing in on the effects of self compassion on performance and wellbeing among elite athletes and the results are fascinating. It turns out that self compassion, patience, and self kindness can boost recovery, improve performance, and strengthen mental wellness and resilience. We tend to think that we get stronger by toughening up and elite athletes are of course already a driven bunch, but research shows that both they and we are better served by sprinkling in rest, meditation, and positive self talk. When it comes to goals, athletes want to dream big, but also set small, achievable daily goals, while backing off on overtraining, overachieving and self punishment. How does this translate to New Year goals and wishes for us mere mortals? Here are a few suggestions that address both physical, mental, and emotional health: -
If you tend to work long hours, take a 5-10 minute screen break every hour and stretch.
- Buy your favorite, healthy snacks and stock up at home, in your purse, car, gym bag, etc.
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Of course we will pitch Pilates training here, but really, pick a workout or class that you look forward to, be it yoga, strength training, a group exercise class, or a run in the woods. And don’t berate yourself for missing a workout. Self Compassion. Tomorrow is another day!
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You have probably heard about the importance of having strong social support for our overall health and longevity; that means spending more time with people and in situations that really support and sustain us.
- Ask yourself, what do you wish for when it comes to health and wellbeing? It can be something as simple as going to the gym, sleeping better, or maybe you’re dreaming about climbing the Himalayas. Honor your wishes, one step at a time–with compassion.
- Perhaps the most powerful thing we can do for our overall health is to listen to our thoughts, catch any negative self-talk, and reframe it before the negativity turns into a physical manifestation that may impact our health. Easier said than done, but when we do, we truly become the Olympians in our own lives.
Best wishes for a Happy and Healthy 2025! Therese Brewitz, M.S. Psychology Pilates Director Certified Mental Wellness Coach
We welcome you to come see us in the Pilates Studio! Barbara, Colleen, Anne, Carolyn, and Therese |
Our popular ballet program continues, led by talented dancers and teachers from the Oakland Ballet Company. New and returning dancers are welcome to join and learn simple steps, choreography, and the foundations of classical ballet. The Spring Semester will start on Monday, January 27 Pre-ballet (4-6 year olds), 4:00-4:40 pm Ballet (7 years old and up), 4:45-5:30 pm For information and to register for our spring semester, please contact [email protected] |
Pilates Circuit Class on Wednesdays at 5:15pm! |
The reformer is not the only apparatus in our studio and we now offer a Pilates Circuit class on Wednesdays at 5:15pm. This class involves using both Cadillac, the Wunda Chair, the Barrels, the Reformers and small props (all the toys we have stacked around the studio) in a fun, energizing and challenging class. This class is suited for level II Pilates students with avid reformer and mat experience who can safely work out independently on the apparatus. This class is offered Wednesdays, 5:15-6:15pm.
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Partner Up with Your Own Pilates Coach |
Are you new to Pilates or recovering from an injury or surgery? Are you looking for a fun and engaging way to train? The Hills Pilates Studio offers Pilates training with a holistic approach and our highly trained Pilates Instructors have decades of experience in Pilates, fitness and wellness, specializing in injury rehab and “prehab”, athletic conditioning, energy medicine, cancer treatment, and recovery. Contact our studio to learn more and to sign up: [email protected]
You can find our studio class schedule here: PILATES STUDIO SCHEDULE JANUARY 2025
Book classes here and on the Hills app: https://cachstc.clubautomation.com/ Pilates Studio Policies We continually strive to improve our best practices and SAFETY is our top priority. Before visiting the studio, please take a moment to familiarize yourself with our
Pilates studio policy created with your safety and enjoyment in mind: PILATES STUDIO POLICIES.docx Get news, updates, and inspiration for Pilates through our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hillspilatesandwellness/ |
New Group Ex Classes to Kick Off a New Year |
Happy New Year to all of you! I hope you had a wonderful holiday season and are feeling ready for the year ahead. Now is a great time to set some new goals for yourself and revisit the goals you set last year. I dare you to try something different this year using these 4 steps: 1) set specific goals, 2) set goals in different aspects of your life, 3) set realistic goals, 4) don’t set goals that will make you miserable for the better part of the year. Cheers to a year filled with love, laughter and exercise!
. Speaking of exercise, our group fitness schedule has exciting new classes, new instructors as well as returning instructors so make sure you take a look at the schedule, but here’s a sneak peak.
Wednesdays, 7:10am Functional Movement with Tori “Fun"ctional Movement, a full body, low impact workout to improve overall strength, balance and coordination. Utilizing different equipment like stretch bands, Bosu, rollers, stability ball to challenge your body in various planes of motions, this class is adaptable to all fitness levels. Wednesdays, 11:30am Align and Flow with Kristin This class will focus on balance, enhancing flexibility and focusing the mind through movement. We will start with breathwork then gently move through asana, strengthening the body while also calming the nervous system. With any luck we will also share a few laughs. Yoga doesn’t have to be so serious. Thursdays, 5:05pm Pilates Matwork Flow with Therese Pilates Mat Flow takes the precision, vigor and core power of Pilates and brings it into a fun and challenging workout with dance-like flow, using your own bodyweight and gravity as resistance.
Previous Pilates experience is recommended, although we offer safe modifications for any injuries and limitations. |
Kickstart the New Year with a Personal Trainer |
Our personal training and Peak Fit rates have increased but they are still competitive in the Bay Area. Please see new rates below and reach out to me if you have any questions or if you’re interested in getting started with some personal training or Peak Fit classes. The Hills Personal Trainer Team:
Jeff Allen, [email protected] Ilene Grossman, [email protected]
Danielle Marchetti, [email protected] Jenn Sanchez [email protected]
New Personal Training Rates for 2025 Adult (single session/10 session package) Private Session: $125/$1200 Semi Private: $80/person/$750 Groups ≥3: $70/person/$650
Senior ≥65 years of age (single session/10 session package) Private Session: $105/$1000 Semi Private: $70/person/$650 Groups ≥3: $60/person/$550 Youth ≤17 years of age (single session/10 session package)
Private Session: $105/$1000 Semi Private: $70/person/$650 Groups ≥3: $60/person/$550
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Get Stronger with Our Peak Fit Classes |
To ensure that your Peak Fit classes aren’t canceled, you must register online at least 12 hours in advance. We require a minimum of 4 participants per class. If something comes up and you can’t make it, you can unregister online, up to 24 hours prior to the start of class. Please reach out to me with any questions at [email protected]. We hope to see you there!
New Peak Fit Class Rates for 2025 Member drop-in fee: $22 Member 10-class package: $200 $20 per class Nonmember drop-in fee: $25 Nonmember guest fee per session: $3 10-class package: $230 (does not include guest fee; $30 for 10 classes) $23 per class 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. Let’s have a great start to our year!
- Jenn Sanchez, [email protected] Group Fitness Director Fitness Coordinator |
Tennis Clinics in January & February |
Join us this winter for an exciting lineup of tennis clinics designed for players of all ages and skill levels! Our junior sessions cater to Little Stars (ages 6-7), Rising Stars (ages 8-11), and Supernovas (ages 12-17), while adults can join our beginning and intermediate clinics. Parent-child sessions are also available for some fun bonding time on the court. Each session is tailored to maximize skill-building and enjoyment, with small group sizes ensuring individualized coaching. Secure your spot today and elevate your game this season!
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 (e.g. Winter 1 Supernovas session dates are 1/20 & 1/27).
A la carte week: 1/12 Winter 1: 1/19-1/26 Winter 2: 2/2-2/9 Winter 3: 2/16-2/23 Junior Clinics (max of 8 players per class)
Little Stars age 6&7: Sundays, 12:15-1:15pm for $85/session Rising Stars age 8-11: Sundays, 1:30-3pm for $105/session
Supernovas age 12-17: Mondays, 4:30-6pm for $105/session Adult Clinics (max of 6 players per class)
Adult Beginning: Sundays, 5:30-6:30pm for $105/session Adult Intermediate: Sundays, 4-5:30pm for $125/session Parent & Child activity session (max of 4 players per class) Mini Stars: Sundays, 3:15-3:45pm for $25/week
Non-members are welcome to join our clinic program for an additional $20 registration fee per 2 week session ($10 for a la carte week). Use links above to check pricing for A La Carte week clinics. Please be aware that ALL players will need to resubmit a tennis waiver for January 2025 before their first clinic or lesson. Contact Coach Sydney for the updated form. Catch you on court, Coach Sydney Tennis Coordinator and Instructor [email protected] |
Pool Schedule & Pool Policies |
Our pools are a popular place to be even in the cold winter months. Our regular programming rarely slows down. We have numerous times throughout each day that the lap pool and surrounding pools are very busy. We encourage everyone to understand our swim policies and follow our programming to ensure the safest and most enjoyable member experience.
View our Pool Policies here View the General Pool Schedule here |
Pre-Competitive groups
Winter session begins JANUARY 15 Winter Season: Jan 15-March 21 (10 weeks) For returning FALL swimmers only. Spring Tryouts: March 25/26. (Sign-ups coming early 2025) Spring Season: April 2-June 20 (8 weeks) Summer Tryouts: May 27/28 (Sign-ups mid April) Summer Season: June 4-Aug 8 (10 weeks) Full info about the pre-competitive groups can be found here. Hills Hurricane Swimming Interested in what's going on on the swim team? View our Monthly Newsletters here! Hills Hurricane Swimming is a year-round USS youth team. It is highly competitive and at this time is fully subscribed. We encourage swimmers to complete our pre-comp groups at a young age to prepare for this team. The Importance of Continuity with Swim Lessons Taking a break from swim lessons, even for a few months, can cause regression and increase the time it’ll take when you (or your kids) return to swim lessons to get back on track. Luckily we offer swim lessons all year, even in the winter months.
Our swim instructors want to thank the members for wonderful swim memories this year. They have enjoyed watching the progress of so many kids and adults. And speaking of swim lessons, we have updated our procedures, pricing, and policies for 2025. We look forward to continuing to give everyone a great swim experience.
Private and semi private lessons are available throughout the winter. Schedule lessons directly with an instructor. |
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Start the New Year Off with Aqua Fitness and S'WET™ DEEP |
If you’re looking to mix up your fitness routine in 2025, you might want to think about adding aqua fitness classes. A water workout is a great way to break up the monotony of your daily gym routine, so why not give it a try!
Our regular aqua fitness classes are typically a fun and social atmosphere and are free with your membership. We offer these classes 4 days a week from 9-10am. We supply any/all equipment for the class such as flotation belts, noodles, styrofoam barbells and more. Please be aware that these classes are typically well attended so we kindly ask that you register in advance if you plan on participating.
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Members looking for a more intense water workout should try our S'WET™ DEEP class–a great cross-training workout without any impact. The early January mornings might be cold, but Bz gets participants warmed up in no time! The class is at a faster pace than the 9am classes with lots of interval training.
S'WET™ DEEP is ideal for swimmers, athletes and fitness enthusiasts seeking a serious full-body workout, as it is designed to incorporate blocks of activity focused on HIIT, strength, and advanced cardio training, with a splash of fun to work your entire body. This deep water class combines steady state conditioning, isolation work, and strategic body angles to effectively strengthen your core and provide a comprehensive full-body workout.
Class Time: Tuesdays, 7:30-8:15am; please arrive on time. Location: Diving well Maximum of 9 students - register here!
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There are currently 12 students enrolled (boys and girls), ranging in age from 8-14 in our Tae Kwon Do program. Led by Sensei Jeff, 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. This is a year round program that builds confidence, mental toughness and self esteem.
The program is split into two groups based on level and ability. The younger kids often focus on fundamental movements, basic kicks, and simple forms. As kids progress, the complexity of techniques and training intensifies. Tuesdays & Thursdays 3:30–4:45pm Beginner 6–7:15pm Advanced Members: $95 per month Non-members: $110 per month
Register your kid(s) today! Registration forms can be found here. For more information, please contact Sensei Jeff directly via email or by calling 510-339-0234 x118. |
Resolve to Play More Pickleball in 2025! |
Looking for a New Year’s resolution? Play more pickleball! Pickleball is a fun way to enjoy some family time and spark up some friendly competition. It’s also a great way to meet other members.
Our sport court is reserved exclusively for pickleball from 11am-1pm Monday through Friday. All you need to do is show up! You’ll meet and play with our weekly pickleball group. If your schedule is open during this time, stop by for some friendly competition. All ages and levels are welcome. Members can 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). Or if you prefer a game of hoops, borrow one of our basketballs from the front desk, slide the net out of the way and work on your free throws! |
We love celebrating our employees’ birthdays here at The Hills! Please join us in wishing each of these “January babies” a happy birthday and thanking them for all of their hard work!
Kristin Aldrich, 01/02 Bobbe Skiles, 01/03 Lucas Walker, 01/06 Carolyn Remick, 01/18 Jana Ramirez, 01/20 Nathan Rogers, 01/24 Therese Brewitz, 01/31 |
Thank You For Your Sneaker Donations
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Our sneaker drive was a huge success! Thank you to all who donated. With your help we not only raised money to support the Alameda County Food Bank, we also helped our environment by keeping sneakers out of landfills! GotSneakers will be sending us a detailed payment and impact report soon. This report will provide us with a detailed summary of footwear by category, compensation earned from the sneakers donated, as well as a sustainability breakdown showing environmental impact for landfill diversion, CO2 displacement, and H2O displacement. We’ll be sure to share this information with all of you so that you can see the impact that we made as a community!
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