November Newsletter 2023

CLUB NEWS

Well, I'm sure you are aware as you are reading this email that the big project is happening around the pool area this month. As I write this we are a couple of days away, so I hope things are going smoothly and quickly as this reaches your inbox.

I want to take this time to thank you for your patience as we navigate through the month with just one pool. I will say, I am very thankful to be the only club at CAC to have two pools! We can't wait to see how the final product will look. If it is anything like our other club (The Hills) that had the same thing done, it should look amazing!

Please be aware that there are no reservations during the month and we highly encourage people to double up in lanes. Also, please be aware that the temps will be slightly adjusted to accommodate all levels of swimming and group aquatics. The pools will be at 82 degrees for the month.

Thank you so much for your patience and understanding. We are happy to see more upgrades throughout the facility and the pool deck was in great need of one. Have a great November and please be Thankful for all we have in this great valley!!

See Ya at the Club!

Ryan Gaston

 

OVAC WILL BE CLOSED THANKSGIVING DAY

OVAC will be closed on Thursday, November 23rd so our staff can celebrate with their families. We wish you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving.

HOLIDAY PARTY DECEMBER 15th

Mark your calendars for our annual Holiday Party. Friday, December 15th.

 

NO COMPARISONS

During fitness classes, it is easy to compare yourself to the people next to you. Sometimes this is helpful because it gives us goals, expectations to meet, etc. However, this can obviously also confuse us and make us discouraged. If this discouragement happens on a regular basis, it makes it almost impossible to progress in our trainings.

So here is my recommendation…
When we get on the Pilates equipment, the straps we use in here are an amazing way of showing you YOUR range of motion and YOUR strength. The straps are attached to either springs or a long rope so they follow your movements in a flowing way. So say someone doesn't necessarily have a ton of range, it looks like it because the equipment brings you into the right positioning and supports you to go further. After spending this time on the equipment, it is much easier to attend a group class knowing where you stand with the movements/exercises and feeling good about it. Private studio is open 7 days a week! Please come on in!

Georgia Cotsis, Pilates Director
[email protected]
(805)272-5619

 

WHAT IS LOMI LOMI AGAIN?

Lomi Lomi is a Hawaiian massage. Primarily for relaxation. There may be times when we hear "a relaxation massage" and think oh that is going to do nothing for me. Here is why Lomi Lomi specifically is still an effective and helpful massage…

We use bigger; longer strokes that take up the entire back, entire leg, and entire arm, rather than breaking up the strokes and having more pin-pointed strokes. This allows the body to get confused because the hands are gliding at all times in different directions. This confusion gives the body no other choice but to relax. Lomi Lomi is fully intuitive and caring so it feels very natural for each individual.

Give Lomi Lomi a try!

Georgia Cotsis, Massage Therapist
[email protected]
(805)272-5619

 

KID'S CLUB NEWS

Hello OVAC families! We are seeing so much change in our weather and in nature, it's so exciting. We have so much to discover and learn about during this Autumn season. Come to Kid's Club and let's explore and learn!

If you are bringing in a friend/guest to Kid's Club:
1. They need a current registration form. You can print one out for the parents/caregivers to sign (see attachment).
2. We need a payment for a friend. We can charge your account with prior authorization from Kid's Club director, Meg. Or we can do a cash/cc payment at the front desk.
3. Any questions on how to bring a friend please call or email Meg @ (805)421-9572 or [email protected]

In an effort to keep our kids and staff healthy, please:
1. Consult our sick chart if you are unsure (see attachment).
2. If your child is too sick for school or any other normal daily activity, then they are too sick for Kid's Club.
3. Please wash hands when signing in and out of Kid's Club.

 

TRAINER HIGHLIGHT…MEGAN THOMPSON

My name is Megan Thompson, and I am a Certified Personal Trainer and Yoga Instructor here at the Ojai Valley Athletic Club.

I truly feel that physical and mental well-being is a lifelong journey, and I like to believe that it can be fun and approachable while challenging and rewarding, too. I love to be a part of that journey for people, and part of the fun by sharing my knowledge and experience through guidance, inspiration, and support.

Let's have some fun! Give me a call to set up a session to get you started on the next steps of your life's journey into self-care….805-798-5880.

 

BREATHING TO MAXIMIZE YOUR WORKOUTS

By Danielle Wommack, Fitness Director

To protect our bodies from injury and get the most out of any exercise, we are constantly reminded to focus on using proper form and posture. While important, the breathing aspect of proper form is often overlooked.

This is a mistake as proper breathing technique during strength training provides
your body with more control and affects your nervous system in such a way to
allow you to actually lift more. Practicing proper breathing will:
*Reduce the amount of air you need to breathe in and out during a given exercise
*Help your muscles produce less carbon dioxide
*Improve blood circulation and heart health
*Maximize your workout and fitness level

In a general sense, inhale through your nose so that the air enters your belly area right before the eccentric part of your exercise (eccentric=the muscle-lengthening phase). And exhale completely through your mouth during the concentric (muscle-shortening) phase of the exercise. The concentric phase is the part of the exercise that you generally think of as "the lift" and the eccentric is the phase where you are returning the weight to the start position.

For example, in a dumbbell bicep curl you concentrically curl the weights up and eccentrically lower them back down to the start position. In this example, exhale through the mouth as you curl the dumbbells up, inhale through the nose as you lower them down. When squatting, inhale just before you begin to lower down, and exhale as you rise back up.

It is also important to resist the temptation to hold your breath while lifting. Doing so can cause a rise in blood pressure, dizziness, nausea, or heart issues. While exercising, practice deep breaths instead to lower blood pressure, promote relaxation, and possible assist in how your body handles sodium.

Practice makes perfect and eventually proper breathing will become second nature. To practice these important breathing techniques, as well as the many other nuances of strength training, please schedule your first personal training sessions with one of OVAC's highly experienced Certified Personal Trainers. Sessions are available one-on-one or deeply discounted in a small group setting (the first small group session is free for all members). For more details, I can be reached at [email protected].

 

TENNIS NEWS

Hey everyone - Welcome to November and some of our best tennis weather of the year. With the pool construction commencing, all members of the club are being given full-facility privileges for the month which will afford everyone the opportunity to get out and enjoy our beautiful courts. See you out there.

VCJTA Novice/Open Tourney at OVAC

OVAC will be hosting a Ventura County Junior Tennis Association tournament Saturday and Sunday November 4th and 5th. There will be a Novice division for those beginning players just getting used to playing matches and a more advanced Open Division for those with more experience. Entries will be closed by the time you read this. Court availability will be very limited after 11 AM on both days but please come out and watch the kids play if you can. Please visit vcjta.com for more details.

SINGLES LADDER ONGOING

Our club singles ladder is up and running and matches are ongoing
Please let Steve know if you'd like to be included on the ladder.
Full Tennis Membership is required for ladder participants.
Check the display case by the cafe for results and current standings.

NEED A NEW TENNIS RACQUET OR SHOES?

OVAC will be happy to help you with your equipment needs. We have relationships with Wilson and Dunlop with very competitive pricing and great savings. Please contact Steve at [email protected] with any questions.

TURKEY TROT 2023

It's time for our annual mixed doubles Turkey Trot on Sunday November 19th, one of our most popular events of the year. We will be starting around noon and going until everyone needs a nap. As always we'll have a "Just 4 Fun" division and an "In It to Win it" division. Grab a partner and look for the sign up in the lobby in the coming days. The event is also a potluck so you can work on perfecting your favorite thanksgiving side to share. To make it fun for all, all participants should be able to effectively serve and play points

 

TENNIS CLINICS

Contact Steve at [email protected] with questions regarding clinics.

YOUTH TENNIS CLINICS

ADVANCED/INTERMEDIATE JUNIOR CLINIC
Twice a week Monday & Wednesday - 4:00-5:30 PM (90 MIN)
Session 3: October 9th – October 18th (4 CLASSES)
Session 4: October 23rd – November 1st (4 CLASSES)
Ages 11+
Session Cost: $80 members/add $20 non-members
Monday and Wednesdays 4-5:30pm.
Must have match experience and be able to serve, rally and volley. This clinic is geared toward players who have played or are interested in playing competitively. Participation for those younger than 11 years is subject to tennis director's approval.

FUTURE STARS JUNIOR CLINIC
Twice a week Tuesday and Thursday- 3:45-4:30 PM (45 MIN)
Session 3: October 10th – October 19th (4 CLASSES)
Session 4: October 24th – November 2nd (4 CLASSES)
Ages 5-8
Session Cost: $50 members/add $12 non-members
Clinic designed for beginners to learn the basics of stroke production and movement through the use of fun games and drills.

FUTURE STARS SATURDAY ONLY
Once a week -Saturdays 9am
Session 2: October 14, 21, 28, November 4 (4 CLASSES)
Ages 5-8
Session Cost: $50 members/add $12 non-members
Clinic designed for beginners to learn the basics of stroke production and movement through the use of fun games and drills.

BIGGER LITTLES JUNIOR CLINIC
Twice a week Tuesday and Thursday - 4:30-5:30PM (60 MIN)
Bigger Littles (Ages 8-11) Session Cost: $60 members/add $15 non-members.
Session 3: October 10th – October 19th (4 CLASSES)
Session 4: October 24th – November 2nd (4 CLASSES)
A clinic for older kids who are just beginning tennis.
Basic stroke production and movement will be taught through drills and games.

BIGGER LITTLES JR CLINIC- SATURDAY ONLY
Once a week -Saturdays 10am
Session 2: October 14, 21, 28, November 4 (4 CLASSES)
(Ages 8-11)
Session Cost: $60 members/add $15 non-members
A clinic for older kids who are just beginning tennis.
Basic stroke production and movement will be taught through drills and games.
Contact Steve at [email protected] with questions re: any clinic.

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 canceled due to weather will be offered a make-up session on an alternate date or future session.

ADULT CLINICS

Advanced Live Ball- Invitation Only
Thursdays 4:30pm-5:30pm. Cost: $15 member/$18 non-member

Men's 4.0 Live Ball
Tuesday 3:00-4:00 pm.

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 3:30pm
Cronies Doubles: Monday/Wednesday/Friday at 7am

 

OVAC AQUATICS NOVEMBER

November is a big month for our pools! Our long awaited pool deck project is here. Thank you to all of our members who are sharing lanes, compromising and adjusting their swim schedules to accommodate this upgrade. I am grateful we have two pools and we are still able to lap swim and hold classes throughout the project. The new decks will be a great improvement to our pool area and we look forward to the completion of the project.

A couple reminders:

• There will be no lane reservations for the entirety of the project, please share when possible
• The Rec Pool temp will be dropped to 81F degrees to accommodate fitness swimming
• Backstroke flags, pace clock and lane lines will be moved from the lap pool to the Rec Pool starting Monday Oct. 30.
• Class schedules will be posted in the lobby to reference open swim times
• Group swim lessons, private lessons and swim team will still be offered throughout the project

Please contact me if you have questions,

Elin
Aquatics Director
[email protected]

 

COACH Wenke Seider EARNS "OJAI'S BEST"

OVAC's Ojai Heat Waves Swim Team Head Coach earned a silver recognition in the Ojai Newspaper's "Best of Ojai '' as Best Local Sports Coach. We are proud to have Wenke coaching at OVAC and her swimmers progress reflect her hard work, passion and dedication. Congratulations Coach Wenke!

 

NEW! POLAR BEAR CLUB SWIM CAMP

Wondering what to do with your kids during Winter breaks? Enjoy the pool, It is heated year-round! Kids ages 5-15 can join the Polar Bear Club where there will be swim instruction, pool games, diving board, hot tub and hot chocolate! Beth offers a fun and instructional swim camp this winter.

Ages 5 and up must be able to swim unassisted. Bring your own snack and lunch.

$245/ 4 day session

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Winter Break:
Tuesday January 2nd – Friday January 5th
9am -12:30pm

9:00am -10:00am: check in and games
10:00am – 10:15: snack/ get ready for the pool
10:15am – 10:45am: swim instruction
10:45am – 11:30am: pool games/diving board/free swim
11:30-12:30: change, lunch, hot chocolate

FINE PRINT: No make-ups, prorating, refunds, or transferring. No shows will not be refunded. Classes will not be canceled due to rain or cold weather.
Class Minimum 4---If minimum is not met class will be canceled and registered swimmers will be offered a refund. 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

 

PICKLEBALL

Pickleball Clinics on hold due to lack of sunlight. We will reconvene in February.Open Play Tuesday/Thursday/Saturday 8:30am All Levels WelcomePrivate Lessons with Greg Doss, Director of Pickleball$70/hr for 1-2 players, $75/hr for 3 players, $80/hr for 4 playersEmail Greg at [email protected] to schedule