April Newsletter 2022
Club News
Many things are happening here at the club. We are almost done with our tennis court project as courts 3-8 now are resurfaced and looking great! This month we will install new windscreens on the courts to complete the project. We are having more and more members try Pickleball and it's amazing! I hope everyone gives it a try or at least checks out the courts above the Cafe deck. They are beautiful with one of the best views of the valley!
We will be installing a new tent on the right side of the outdoor fitness area this month. We are sorry for the mess that was made from the previous structure. We hope the tent will add more shade and protection for those wanting to continue their outdoor fitness. We also have a new water filler station ordered for the men's fitness area. Fingers crossed, it will be arriving this month.
We hope everyone is enjoying the club and will take time to come see The Ojai Tennis Tournament this month, April 22-25. It truly is a one of a kind event with some of the best tennis players in the country right here at our club! I hope to see you there!
See Ya at the Club!
Ryan
Cafe New Summer Hours!
The Fox Street Cafe will be changing their hours starting this month. The new hours will be daily 11:00am-6:00pm. Come grab a bite or a shake and enjoy the club!
Extended hours at the club starting May 1st
Starting May 1st, we will be extending our closing hours from 8:00pm to 8:30pm every day of the week. We hope this gives those that like to visit the club in the late evening some more time to enjoy our facility.
Dues Change starting May 1st
Whether you are a brand new member or have been with us since the beginning, we are grateful to each and every one of you for being a member of Ojai Valley Athletic Club. Each year we evaluate the costs of running the club, while trying to keep member's needs in mind. We have not had a dues adjustment in three years but with rising costs across the board there will be a five percent increase starting May 1st. We are working hard to make OVAC the best club possible and will continue with ongoing improvements from fitness, swim, tennis and everything in between. Thanks again for your support!
Core Stability
-Danielle Wommack, Fitness Director
The muscles that attach to our spine and pelvis make up what is known as our "core". Specifically the core consists of the abdominal muscles, the erectors of our back, the psoas, the latissimus dorsi of the back, and the glutes (that one usually surprises people). All of the core muscles must work together to create stability for the spine.
What do we mean by spinal stability? Think of the spine as a flexible rod that needs to be able to create stiffness to handle load. Creating this spinal stability is the responsibility of the core muscles. Without it you are at risk for pain and injury. For example, when we walk the connection between the pelvis and the spine must stiffen or the left hip would fall when we swing the left leg forward to take a step - we simply wouldn't be able to walk. However the contraction of these core muscles generates spinal stiffness.
Surprisingly enough, many who suffer from back pain don't have weak backs. But they do lack spinal stiffness due to inability of the core muscles to fire in a coordinated manner. Rather than doing simply back strengthening exercises to correct low back problems, you should consider training the core to enhance stiffness. Exercises like a Plank (especially a RKC Plank) or a Side Plank are ideal for developing core stability. In the Side Plank for instance, the lateral oblique and quadratus lumborum muscles are working hard to stabilize the spine and pelvis. In planks we are practicing stiffening the torso and limiting motion through this coordinated effort of core muscles. Developing this stiffness can then be carried over to exercises like a Barbell Back Squat where you are now able to stiffen your spine under load and keep it safe.
The personal training staff at OVAC would love to help you develop true core stability (which you now know is much different than having 6-pack abs). Please contact me at [email protected] so that we can create a customized core stability program specific to your body's needs.
Amazing Pilates Results
There is no doubt that you will get the results you are looking for with coming to Pilates 2-3 days a week. This has become a fact to me at this point…it has been shown for myself and for many others. I have here an example of one of my clients who has been working with me privately 2 days a week for full hour sessions. Here are results in their measurements of their entire body after two full packages of sessions, which was in a 3 month span. This client had only been doing Pilates at the time.
| 11/11/21 | 2/11/21 | |
| Chest | 43.50 | 43.50 |
| L. Arm | 15.00 | 14.50 |
| R. Arm | 15.25 | 14.75 |
| Belly button | 45.25 | 43.25 |
| Waist | 43.25 | 43.00 |
| Hips | 48.25 | 45.25 |
| L. Thigh | 26.50 | 26.50 |
| R. Thigh | 27.25 | 26.25 |
| L. Calf | 16.00 | 15.25 |
| R. Calf | 16.00 | 15.25 |
| Total | 296.25 | 287.50 |
This client lost 8.75 inches in their entire body! Absolutely amazing! If you are looking for results like this, or to simply tone up, please sign up for your free Pilates session across from the front desk!
Adding Massage To Your Gym Experience
I have always enjoyed having spa/massage rooms at athletic clubs. A great way to have a well-rounded experience. When I was a member at another club, I really enjoyed getting massages from a therapist there because it was someone I would see often, and so there was already great communication and overall understanding of what I was looking for in my fitness and health. Different experience from when I simply go directly to a spa to work with whoever is available. Both experiences are effective, but I always liked the comfort level and more thorough understanding of my therapist that was at the athletic club I went to. It also encouraged me to work out more due to taking advantage of everything a gym has to offer. Not compartmentalizing things has helped me and other people I have worked with in these environments become more efficient and happy with our health. Book a massage if you have not already and be a part of the full experience!
Summer Group Swim Lessons!
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
$85/Session Members $105/Non-Members
Sessions 1-9 One week sessions Monday – Thursdays
Starts Monday June 13th
Sessions 10-12 Two week sessions on Monday/Wednesday twice a week late afternoon classes.
Class Times:
Monday – Thursday Classes:
10:30 – 11:00: Tadpoles (ages 3-5)
11:00 – 11:30: Baby and Me (6 months – 3 years old)
11:30– 12:00: Minnows (ages 4-6)
12:30 – 1:00: Stroke Development ( 7-12)
1:00 – 1:30: Dolphins (ages 6-11)
1:30 – 2:00: Seals (ages 6 -10)
Afternoon Monday and Wednesday Classes:
3:00pm – 3:30pm: Tadpoles
3:30pm – 4:00pm: Minnows
4:00pm – 4:30pm: Dolphins
4:30pm – 5:00pm: Stroke Development
Session 1: June 13th – June 16th ( 4 lessons)
Session 2: June 20th – June 23rd (4 lessons)
Session 3: June 27th – June 30th (4 lessons)
*Session 4: July 5th – 8th (4 lessons, Class Tues-Fri due to holiday)
Session 5: July 11th – 14th ( 4 lessons)
Break
Session 6: July 25th – July 28th (4 lessons)
Session 7: August 1st – August 4th (4 Lessons)
Session 8: August 8th – August 11th (4 Lessons)
Session 9: August 15th - August 18th (4 lessons)
Twice a week Monday and Wednesday Sessions:
Session 10: June 20th – June 29th
Session 11: July 25th – August 3rd
Session 12: August 22nd – August 31st
Baby and Me (ages 6 months – 3 years old)
Learn the basics and get your baby comfortable in the water. A parent is required to get in the water for this class
Instructor: Bethany
Class capacity: 8
Times: 11:00 – 11:30am
Tadpoles Level 1 (Beginner to Intermediate) – Water Skills and Safety (ages 3-5)
Preschool and Beginners/Intermediate start breath holding, blowing bubbles with arm movements and kicking. Emphasizes water safety while having fun and gaining confidence.
Instructor: Bethany
Class capacity: 4
Times: 10:30am – 11:00am
3:00pm – 3:30pm
Minnows Level 2 (Intermediate to Advanced) – Fundamental Aquatic Skills (ages 4 – 6)
Class requirements: Must be comfortable putting face in the water can swim independently at least a few feet. This is an intermediate/Advanced class.
Focus on front and back glide, breathing, freestyle and backstroke. Swimmers gain endurance and stroke skills
Instructor: Bethany
Class Capacity: 4
Times: 11:30 – 12:00pm
3:30pm – 4:00pm
Seals Level 1– Water Skills and Safety (ages 6 – 10)
Beginners working on feeling comfortable in the water, breath holding, blowing bubbles, floats and arms and leg action.
Instructor: Bethany
Class Capacity: 6
Times: 1:30pm – 2:00pm
Dolphins Level 2 – Fundamental Aquatic Skills (ages 6-11)
Class requirements: comfortable putting face in the water can swim independently 5 feet. Focus on front and back glide, breathing, freestyle and backstroke. Swimmers gain endurance and stroke skills
Focus on front and back glide, breathing, freestyle and backstroke. Swimmers gain endurance and stroke skills.
Instructor: Bethany
Class Capacity: 7
Times: 1:00pm – 1:30pm
4:00pm – 4:30pm
Stroke Development – (ages 7 & up)
*must be able to swim a length of the pool independently
Focus on Stroke techniques and help to prepare for swim team
Instructor: Bethany
Class Capacity: 14
Times: 12:30pm – 1:00pm
4:30pm – 5:00pm
OVAC Is Accepting Applications For 2022 Summer Lifeguards!
Ojai Valley Athletic Club is hiring Lifeguards for the upcoming summer season. This is a temporary seasonal job from June-Sept. in which the employee will be assigned tasks related to water, customer safety, customer service, daily maintenance and other given tasks. A current American Red Cross Lifeguarding Certification is required or willingness to obtain one. The certification class will be offered with commitment to the position. Pick up and application at the front desk and return ATTN: Elin Cheverez
Swim Lane Reservation Cancellations
We hope you are enjoying the swim lane reservation system. Please remember to cancel your reservation if you aren't going to make it to the pool. To cancel you can either use the app and click on "cancel" or call the front desk. This will free up lanes for those who come in for last minute swims. Thank you!
Tennis News
What a great opportunity we have here to see some of the top collegiate players in the nation play right in our own backyard in the coming weeks....
The Ojai: April 19-24
The oldest and one of the largest tournaments in the nation returns April 19-24 2022 after an unprecedented two year hiatus because of the pandemic. The club and entire town for that matter will be transformed into a tennis mecca for those days. There will be tons of outstanding tennis as the tournament features the PAC 12 Mens and Womens Championships which historically have some of the top talent in collegiate tennis such as Cal, UCLA, Stanford and USC. Court use for members will be limited during that time so make sure to check in advance what time matches will be played. Visit the ojaitourney.net website for all the details.
WCC (West Coast College) Conference Championships: April 27-30
Right on the heels of the Ojai and also being hosted partially at the club will be the WCC (West Coast College) Conference Championships from April 27-30th featuring San Diego, Pepperdine, Santa Clara and Gonzaga among others. Again courts will be limited during this time but we get to see some inspired tennis.
Cinco De Mayo Tennis Fiesta: May 5th
Tennis Members and Friends- Thursday May 5th at 4:00pm we'll be having a Cinco De Mayo tennis Fiesta to celebrate our love for the game with Mexican food and drinks. Please bring something spicy to share that isn't chips and salsa. Those will be provided along with adult beverages. RSVP to Steve by April 30 so we can plan ahead and make the best event possible. This is a free event for our tennis members and their tennis playing friends.
VCJTA Series Of Tournaments Continue: April 2 & 3
The Ventura County Junior Tennis Association series of tournaments continues at OVAC with a novice/open tournament slated for April 2 & 3. The VCJTA novice division is perfect for those just beginning the game and learning how to compete. The open division raises the bar a bit and is for players with more experience. Please visit the VCJTA website at vcjta.com to join or contact Tennis Director Steve Beckendorf for more details at [email protected].
Court Resurfacing
Resurfacing has been completed on courts 3,4 & 5 as they were in sore need of some help. Mind your feet the first time you play on them as the extra grit in the courts will be grabby and thank you as always for taking care of the courts at our club.
Tennis Ball Recycler
A reminder to please use our tennis ball recycler near the deck between courts 5&6. We don't want our used balls winding up in landfills when they can be repurposed. Also don't forget the cardboard tennis ball recycling boxes located in the lobby of the club.
Singles Ladder
Looking for mens and womens singles players for participation in a singles ladder at the club. You would challenge others above you on the ladder or be challenged by those below you and complete matches within a designated time frame. Please contact Steve at 805-746-0819 if interested.
Summer Camp Sign Ups Are LIVE
The dates for our summer camps have been set. Online sign ups are available HERE
OVAC Summer Tennis Camps are a great way to learn the basics of the game, make friends and get active. Campers will be separated by age and skill level.
$160 Member/$200 Non-Member
Monday-Thursday
9:30am-12:30pm (last hour in the pool)
Ages 5-16
Dates:
June 20-23
June 27-30
July 11-14
July 18-21
July 25-28
August 1-4
August 8-11
Youth Tennis Clinics
Contact Steve at [email protected] to sign up for any clinic. The weekly JUNIOR tennis clinics will resume after labor day.
JUNIOR CLINICS:
Intermediate Clinic- Invitation Only
Monday & Wednesday 4pm-5:30pm (90 minutes)
Children must be able to rally, serve and play points. Ages 9-14 as a loose rule. Inclusion in the clinic is based on Tennis Directors approval.
Ages 9-14. Cost: $18 member/$21 non-member
Future Stars
Monday & Wednesday 3:45pm-4:30pm, Saturday at 10:30 AM * NEW TIME * (45 minutes)
For our youngest players aged 5-8 who are new to tennis. Fun learning through movement and games.
Ages 5-8. Cost: $12 member/$15 non-member
Bigger Littles Clinic
Monday & Wednesday 4:30pm-5:30pm, Saturday at 9:30 AM *NEW TIME* (60 minutes)
A clinic for our older beginners who have some experience. Physical conditioning, stroke production and drills/games are part of this clinic.
Ages 8-12. Cost: $15 member/$18 non-member
Sunday Morning Advanced Pickleball
Join us on Sunday mornings at 9:30AM for fast and exciting pickleball action led by our very own GM Ryan Gaston. The level of play here is quite advanced so if you're not sure about whether this is for you please contact Ryan or myself to run it past us. Again, members are invited to bring their high caliber guests
free of charge.
Pickleball Clinics-Tuesdays At 10:15am
1st Tuesday of the month: Beginning Pickleball-for those just starting to learn the game/scoring.
2nd Tuesday of the month: Intermediate Pickleball-for those familiar with the game and wanting to learn new skills
3rd Tuesday of the month: Beginning Pickleball-for those just starting to learn the game/scoring.
4th Tuesday of the month: Advanced Pickleball- a high intensity workout, drills and games for high level players
Please contact Steve if interested in other group or private pickleball lessons.
Open Play: Pickleball is open all day, 7 days a week. Paddles and balls are available at the front desk for loan. All membership types may play. Guests are currently free for Sunday morning advanced play sessions.
Group Play- 8:30 AM on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Informal group doubles.
Adult Clinics
Advanced Live Ball- Invitation Only
Mondays 5:30pm-6:30pm. Cost: $15 member/$18 non-member
Ladies Intermediate Live Ball- Invitation Only
Wednesdays 5:30 pm-6:30 pm. Cost: $15 member/$18 non-member
Saturdays 9am-10am. Cost: $15 member/$18 non-member
Adult Beginner/Intermediate Clinic
Saturdays 10-11:30am. Cost: $18 members/$21 non-members. Fun Drills and games Please RSVP to Steve at 805-746-0819 to confirm attendance for any specific Saturday and to get on the email list.
Drop In Tennis
Drop in Doubles: Tuesday/Thursday at 3:30pm. TUESDAY at 4:00- LIVE BALL for 3.5/4.0) players. No Drop in- invitation only as limited to 7 players
Cronies Doubles: Monday/Wednesday/Friday at 7am
