May Newsletter 2019
CLUB NEWS
As I am typing now, we are in the middle of another great Ojai Tennis Tournament. The weather is perfect and the tennis is amazing! It is so great to see the community pull together to run such a great event.
May should be a great time here at OVAC. We have Summer Camp dates set and sign ups are at the front desk. We are also having a "Bring A Guest" Week during the month. May 13-18 OVAC members can bring a guest to the club free of charge. You will not have to use a guest pass we just need to make sure they fill out a waiver at the front desk. We hope everyone gets the opportunity to check out the club.
Everyone have a great month, Summer is around the corner!!
See Ya at the Club!
Ryan
MEMORIAL DAY HOURS
In honor of Memorial Day we will have limited hours on Monday, May 27th. You can visit the club from 8am to 8pm.
Attention OVAC Members
Each year we carefully evaluate if a dues increase is necessary to keep the club sustainable. We were pleased to not have a dues increase for the past three years. However, this year we find it necessary to do a small increase of 3%.
You will see the increase on your June 1st statement.
BODY PERCEPTION AND SELF-LOATHING
By Sarah Sidote-Ortiz, Certified Personal Trainer, Pre and Post-Natal Coach, Nutritionist
I'm going to be painfully honest. I'm really hard on myself. I spend more time than I would like to admit criticizing myself and comparing myself to others. The bottom line is…I give myself very little mercy. And I don't think I'm alone.
As a personal trainer I spend my days listening to women's stories. I love commiserating over our kids, husbands, and of course our bodies. The one thing that I notice most of all is that as women we really misjudge how we look to other people. Our perception of our bodies can be so far from reality and this can be so damaging to our well-being. The harder we are on ourselves the worse we feel and the less good we do for ourselves. The cycle goes on and on. And what results? We find ourselves 5, 10, 20 pounds heavier and actually looking the way we saw ourselves originally. Negative thoughts and feelings towards our bodies affects how we treat ourselves, how we eat, and how we move.
So how do we stop? How do we stop the cycle of self-loathing and judgmental thoughts? How do we learn self-compassion and empathy for ourselves? We do it for everyone else, why not ourselves? Take a moment and close your eyes. Think about yourself as a small child. Now just look at them. Think about everything they are going to go through in life. What are they going to celebrate and endure? What would you tell that younger you? I guarantee you that you would impart words of encouragement not judgement. I imagine you would be gentle and understanding. Now look at yourself in the mirror. Your body has been with you every step of the way and for most people their bodies have served them well. Be thankful. Take a deep breath and be thankful for where you are right this second. You've come a long way. No matter what you've been through in your life you are here, you are alive, and you have survived.
At the end of the day life is a balancing act. Our generation has perfected multitasking, trying to do so many tasks at once but for some rarely putting ourselves on the "to do" list. You are not alone. I struggle with keeping my thoughts in check and I am always the last one on my list (if I make on the list at all).
If you need help, we are here for you. We can keep you on track and give you the encouragement and empowerment you need to succeed. I'm hoping by sharing this with you that you won't feel alone. We are all struggling with something. Some of us wear it on the outside and some are struggling with things we can't see. Remember to be kind to yourselves. Give yourselves some grace and mercy. If you find yourself in that negative cycle and need some support to find your way out, please contact me for a free session. I would love be a part of your journey and help in any way I can. You can reach me at 805-218-0874 or [email protected].
PILATES GIVES YOU RESULTS
Two of my clients recently shared with me some amazing results since starting Pilates at the Ojai Valley Athletic Club. I wanted to share with you in their words what Pilates has done for them.
"There are so many reasons why I LOVE our Pilates class with Georgia. For starters, my whole body feels better during and after each session. Georgia's instructions and close attention to the correct performance of each movement is essential for optimal benefit. In just three months I have gained strength and am already reaping the rewards of a slimmer waist, 2" slimmer! I can see and feel my body becoming more toned and leaner because my clothes feel more comfortable. I am in the process of shedding fifteen pounds that crept up on me in the past two years due to seizures. Georgia's instructions also include several brain-body cordinations, which everyone can benefit from for balance. I could go on, but will save it for my next review in three more months." Much appreciation, Tisha Matzkin
"Hi, I am Dr. Steve Matzkin, I have been taking Pilates for over two months. My posture over the past few years has been declining, but shortly after starting lessons with Georgia, my posture has greatly improved. I am standing much straighter, I am gaining some height, and am walking more assuredly. I appreciate Georgia's teaching skills, as well as her personalized attention."
It has been a pleasure having duet sessions with them in the studio. Submitted by, Georgia Cotsis
Aquatics
OVAC POOL LIFEGUARDS START MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND!
The Rec pool will start the summer season Memorial Day weekend with lifeguards on duty and the diving board open. Guards will be on duty Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Please remember to follow the pool rules--- we want you to have a fun AND safe start to your summer.
OJAI HEAT WAVES ATTEND BUENA APRIL LONG COURSE
Ojai Heatwaves had an outstanding meet April 27 & 28 at the Ventura Aquatic Center. Some swimmers made June Age Group time standards and many swimmers made Summer JO's! Congratulations Heat Wave swimmers!
SAVE THE DATE! MAY 18 OJAI HEAT WAVES HOME SWIM MEET
11am Warm-up 12pm Start
- 25, 50's and 100's of each stroke
- All youth swimmers welcome
- Ribbons 1st-participant
- Parent and swimmer FUN relay!
JOIN OUR TEAM! Contact Aquatic Director Elin Cheverez [email protected] to enroll
SWIMMER OF THE MONTH-ISABELLA COLEMAN
How long have you been swimming?
I think probably 5 years, I started when I was 7.
What's your favorite stroke?
Breaststroke, even though it hurts.
What's your favorite distance/event?
Um…um….100 Free
What was your most memorable achievement so far?
Making JO's this summer!
Do you have a goal for this year?
Maybe making WAG's?
What's your favorite workout?
How low can you go stroke 50's.
What else do you like to do?
Surfing, skateboarding, hanging out with friends at the beach or pool.
What's your favorite after-swim snack?
Oooooo….mexican food!
LEARN TO SWIM AT OVAC
Tadpoles Level 1- Water Skills and Safety (ages 3-5)
Preschool age beginners start breath holding and blowing bubbles while gaining arm stroke and kicking. Emphasizes water safety while having fun and gaining confidence
Minnows Level 2-Fundamental Aquatic Skills (ages 4-6)
Focus on front and back glide, breathing, freestyle, backstroke. Swimmers gain endurance and stroke skills
Register ONLINE with your club account or on Our APP or fill out a Registration form located in the lobby
TENNIS NEWS
The Ojai Tournament is complete and I'm sure has inspired everyone to get out and work on their games. Thanks for everyone's patience in dealing with limited court availability while it was going on. Congratulations to our junior Weil Academy members who did well and competed hard in many of the divisions.
Tennis Members and Friends- Thursday May 2 at 3:30pm we'll be having a Tennis Fiesta in advance of Cinco De Mayo to decompress from the Ojai tourney and celebrate our love for the game with spicy food and drinks. Please bring something 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 a free event for our tennis members and their tennis playing friends.
Sign ups for Kids summer camps are ongoing. Summer will be here before you know it. Please contact Steve at [email protected] or see the sign up board in the lobby. Some weeks last year had waiting lists so sign up ASAP to assure you get the spot you want.
