March Newsletter 2023
Man has this been a true Winter for all of us in Ojai! The mountains look amazing and the lake is getting a well needed refilling. It looks to be the wettest Winter since '69 which is just amazing. It's always interesting when we have these types of storms as I always wonder where the next leak in the building will be. I'm sure some of you feel the same way with your house. I guess that is life in Southern California! Here at OVAC, we are prepping for the Spring and putting together some fun events. Look for some wine and paint socials along with pickleball and tennis. Also, don't forget about The Ojai Tennis Tournament that is just around the corner. Enjoy the snow on the mountains and look forward to seeing you here at OVAC!
See Ya at the Club!
Ryan
CAFE HOURS
Current Cafe Hours:
Wednesday-Sunday 11:00am-5:00pm
(Closed Monday and Tuesday)
Join us Friday, March 31st from 5:30pm-8pm for a fun night painting and socializing. All materials provided and childcare will be available by reservation for an additional charge.
RESERVATIONS REQUIRED.
$45 per person
Sign up HERE
For any questions, please contact Sarah Sidote-Ortiz at 805-218-0874 or [email protected]
KID'S CLUB NEWS
Kid's Club was busy during our President's week with lots of friends! We were busy making fun Valentine's crafts, playing games, and having fun. We are looking forward to spring and all the beautiful spring crafts we can decorate our room with. Come in and help us grow our spring garden with all the blooming flowers you can think of! We also have a rainbow with a pot of gold at the end that will need some four-leaf clovers and gold treasures.
While we are transitioning into a beautiful spring, we still have some unpleasant sicknesses going around. Please take a minute to review our sick policy as our goal is to make sure everyone is staying healthy and happy! We can develop healthy habits like washing our hands when we check into Kid's Club as well as when we leave.
As always, we are happy to be here for you!
RECONSIDER THE CLOSE GRIP SEATED ROW
-Danielle Wommack, Fitness Director
Recently the OVAC personal trainers had a discussion about the most overused exercises we see in the gym when there are better options. One that was mentioned was the Close-Grip Seated Cable Row using the V-shaped handle.
It's no wonder that this common exercise is popular – it allows you to pull more weight and the contraction feels more intense through the shoulder girdle. But if the aim is to train most effectively the Latissimus Dorsi ("Lats") muscles, there is more to consider. In fact, the contraction feels more intense through the shoulder girdle simply because they are in a more internally rotated position, which leads to more involvement of the chest and shoulder muscles to assist the Lats. And this internally rotated position results in a 2-3 reduction in the possible range of motion. Lack of full range of motion equates to a reduced contraction of the Lats/Traps (Trapezius muscles).
Another option is to use the bicycle handle or the double straps while still maintaining a neutral grip to gain greater range of motion and greater engagement of the Mid-Traps and Rhomboids.
PILATES ON THE MAT
Georgia Cotsis, Pilates Director
[email protected] (805)272-5619
I get asked a lot, "Why is mat work so much harder than what we do on the equipment?" It is scientifically known that Mat Pilates is more challenging than Pilates with the equipment. There is a purpose for that.
Pilates on the equipment gives us more support. Yes, I have described that in past newsletters, that the straps of the equipment gives us more support and more range of motion. But, that leads me into my next teaching that the equipment is preparing us to also be able to do exercises on the Mat. This is simply just a reminder to not be put down; or shy away from mat work. Please place more mat work into your training, whether it is with us privately at the studio, or on your own, or both! It will help you understand the point of Pilates more and more. And there is no race! Use that silent time on the mat to remind you of your own body and how the core does EVERYTHING. That is what the mat is showing you and why it is so much more challenging. There is nothing to hold/grab onto on the mat so your core is having to work that much harder.
The private Pilates studio has been busy and amazing! Keep up the good work!
NEW MASSAGE THERAPIST, JAMES!
Please welcome our new Massage Therapist to the OVAC...James Iannessa! He specializes in relieving pain, relaxation, recovery from injury, and body balancing. He has worked with clients in martial arts so he has a very strong understanding of an athletic body and what it needs. Also, has a lot of experience in spas and holistic health.
I have worked with him myself and I could not believe the results. I was having consistent soreness in the left side of my mid back for weeks and it immediately felt better after he worked on body balancing with me. It was a very unique; effective way of massaging.
Please book your massage with James! You can reach him at (619)504-9494, or
[email protected].
PERSONAL TRAINER SPOTLIGHT, SARAH HOUSEMAN
Hi everyone! My name is Sarah Houseman and I am one of the Personal Trainers here at the Ojai Valley Athletic Club. I have been a trainer here for over two years now and a group fitness instructor at the club for 8 years.
I offer personal training sessions to clients Monday through Friday with one on one sessions or couples sessions.
I am certified through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) as well as group fitness certified through American Council on Exercise (ACE), and hold specialty certifications in Post-Partum Corrective Exercise, a Pain-free Performance Specialist, and many group fitness certifications. I love having the opportunity to help people find strength, confidence, and a passion for their own health and well-being that will allow them to lead the life they desire.
I started my fitness journey teaching dance fitness 10 years ago, so if you know me or have ever attended one of my group fitness classes, you'll know that music is always a big focus. I absolutely love moving to the beat and I teach three fitness classes a week that do just that!
Please reach out if you would like to schedule a training session. I can help you reach your goals to get stronger, increase your fitness level, improve your balance, increase your confidence to use the gym independently, return to fitness after pregnancy, or even learn to dance! The possibilities are endless!
You can call or text me at 805-640-5276 or email me at [email protected] to schedule a personal training appointment.
Or, join me in a group fitness class sometime!
Tuesday 9:45am- Barre Above: a ballet inspired functional fitness class with a focus on muscular endurance
Tuesday 6:00pm- Pumped Up Strength: Strength based class that uses weights and compound movements in multiple planes of motion to work every muscle. You'll get a great cardio workout as well in this class.
Wednesday 9:30am- WERQ Dance Fitness: A cardio dance class set to today's top Pop and Hip Hop music. Guaranteed to make you sweat and smile!
SPRING 2023 SWIM LESSONS ARE AVAILABLE FOR REGISTRATION!
Our Spring Group Swim lessons are now available for registration. Sessions are once a week for 4 weeks. There is a Monday, Wednesday and Friday option. Register for multiple sessions to attend more than once per week. Tadpoles are not offered on Mondays. Register early, Spring is our most popular season!
MEMBERS: $95/Session
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Mondays 1: March 20th – April 10th
Wednesdays 1: March 22nd – April 12th
Fridays 1: March 17th – April 7th
Mondays 2: April 24th – May 15th
Wednesday 2: April 26th – May 17th
Fridays 2: April 28th – May 19th
Monday 3: May 22nd – June 12th ( no class on memorial day, class will be Tuesday 5/30)
Wednesday 3: May 24th – June 14th
Friday 3: May 26th – June 16th
Class Times:
2:30pm-3:00pm: Parent & Child (Starting in April only Mondays)
3:00pm – 3:30pm: Tadpoles (only Wednesday & Fridays)
3:30pm – 4:00pm: Minnows
3:30pm – 4:00pm: Minnows
4:00pm – 4:30pm: Dolphins
4:30pm – 5:00pm: Stroke Development
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: 2:30pm-3:00pm
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: 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: 5
Times: 3:30pm – 4:00pm
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: 4:00pm – 4:30pm
FINE PRINT: FINE PRINT: No make-ups, prorating, refunds, or transferring. No shows will not be refunded. Makeups due to illness are at the instructor's discretion and are offered only according to availability one time per season (ex. Fall, Summer, Spring) Classes will not be canceled due to rain or cold weather. Non-member's club usage is restricted, and Non-Members must adhere to the Non-Member Swim Policy or risk losing the ability to participate in Aquatic programming at OVAC
SPACE AVAILABLE ON OJAI HEAT WAVES SWIM TEAM
We have spaces available in the Monday and Wednesday 3:15-4:00 Novice II class. This class is for age 10 and up swim team beginners OR 10 and under swimmers who have completed Novice I. All new swimmers must complete one session of Stroke Development (see classes above) to join. This class meets in the lap pool with emphasis on stroke refinement, working on the clock, introduction of racing starts and turns and freestyle competency. Cost: $95/mo. members (add $20 non members) Swim Meets optional.
Email: Elin Cheverez [email protected] for more information
"DINGLES" TENNIS MIXER and BBQ
SUNDAY MARCH 26- 1:00 PM
Sign up with a partner for this fun competition. There will be two divisions, Open and Intermediate. Due to the nature of the game and for everyone's enjoyment, players should be able to easily engage in a cross-court rally. Sign ups coming soon in the lobby. Please contact Steve @ [email protected] or text 805-746-0819. Food and drinks will be provided. Free for tennis members, $15 for non-tennis members and guests.
DINGLES: a fun, fast points-based game for four players that combines singles and doubles play.
To start, two players on the same team feed in cross-court rallies and play out half-court points. When a cross-court singles point ends, the winning team calls out, "Dingles!" Using the ball that is still in play, the point immediately evolves into a normal full-court doubles point. A team must win both balls to score a point. Game scoring is flexible and can be played first to 7, 11, etc.
PICKLEBALL CHANGES:
As they say- "all good things must come to an end" and so it is for Sunday morning free-for-all pickleball. As of April 1, our guest policy is changing. Up until now, guests have been free to play whether accompanied by a member or not. Going forward guests may still attend but only in the company of an active member and only through the use of one of the member's guest passes. This will require a check-in at the front desk and a current waiver to be on file for year 2023. This a step that many players have been ignoring up til now but entering the club through the main lobby and having a waiver on file are vital to OVAC being able to allow guests on the property. Thanks for understanding.
VCJTA TOURNAMENT APRIL 1&2:
The Ventura County Junior Tennis Association series of tournaments continues at OVAC with a novice/open tournament slated for April 1 & 2. 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].
BALL MACHINE
Our ball machine is located on court 10 and is available for hourly rental. Reservations can be made with the front desk. It is operated by remote control which is located at the front desk.
*With the ongoing precipitation it's very important that those using the new ball mower on court ten cover it when finished so we can keep it looking new. Court 10 is prone to puddling so be mindful of any wet balls making it back into the ball machine, they tend to compress and cause jams.
NEW RELATIONSHIP WITH DUNLOP SPORTS
We are now partnering with Dunlop Sports for our tennis pro shop needs. They have an excellent selection of players racquets so if you are in the market for a new frame please let us guide you with a recommendation. We have demos on hand to try out.
SINGLES LADDER
Our club singles ladder is up and running and challenge matches are being scheduled. Don't miss out on the fun.
We currently have 21 on the ladder and its growing steadily so there are lots of opportunities for match play.
NEED A NEW TENNIS RACQUET OR PICKLEBALL PADDLE?
OVAC will be happy to help you with your Tennis and pickleball equipment needs. We have relationships with Dunlop for tennis and Wilson for tennis/pickleball with very competitive pricing and great savings. Please contact Steve at [email protected] with any questions.
TENNIS CLINICS
Contact Steve at [email protected] to sign up for any clinic.
JUNIOR CLINICS
Intermediate/Advanced Clinic- Invitation Only- Children must be able to rally, serve and play points. For players looking to play competitive tennis in tournaments or high school. 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
Monday & Wednesday 4pm-5:30pm (90 minutes)
Future Stars- for our youngest players aged 5-8 who are new to tennis. Fun learning through movement and games. Cost: $12 member/$15 non-member. Monday & Wednesday 3:45pm-4:30pm, Saturday at 9 AM (45 minutes)
Bigger Littles Clinic- A clinic for our mid to upper elementary age beginners who have some experience. Physical conditioning, stroke production and drills/games are part of this clinic. Ages 8-11. Cost: $15 member/$18 non-member.
Monday & Wednesday 4:30pm-5:30pm, Saturday at 10 AM, (60 minutes)
ADULT CLINICS
Advanced Live Ball- Invitation Only
Thursdays 4:30pm-5:30pm. 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
DROP IN TENNIS
Drop in Doubles: Tuesday/Thursday at 10:00 AM & 3:30pm
Cronies Doubles: Monday/Wednesday/Friday at 7:00am
PICKLEBALL
Adult Beginner Pickleball Instruction - Please contact Steve if interested in group or private pickleball lessons.
Open Play: Pickleball is open all day, 7 days a week. Paddles and balls available at the front desk for loan. All membership types may play. Guests are currently free for Sunday morning advanced play sessions (ending April 1).
Group Play- 8:30 AM on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Informal group doubles.
