September Newsletter 2022

 

SPECIAL NOTE FROM THE GM

I wanted to take this time to address everyone in regards to our changing back and forth with software systems. I really can't thank everyone enough for handling the change with such a positive attitude. We were hoping that the new system would provide the members and employees a more positive experience. The member portal was not that bad but we were disappointed that the company did not provide an app and their solution was to upload it on your phone's home screen. Also, the member portal was just a small slice of the complications the company was having with the new system. We are very happy to be able to go back to our previous system even though it provided frustration for some trying to log in to the old app.

I want to personally apologize to all of you and once again thank you for your patience navigating from one system to the next. You guys are amazing and a testament to why OVAC is an amazing place. We hope you enjoy September and we look forward to providing more entertainment now as we move forward!

See Ya at the Club!
Ryan Gaston

 

SWIM LANE ETIQUETTE

As we move into the Fall, I want to address swim lane etiquette around the lap pool. We are excited to be able to go back to reserving lanes with the old app but it seems some friction is happening among members. We want to stress how important it is to be patient and polite when asking others if they are in the correct lane or if they have their time slot wrong. Mistakes happen and we want this to be a place of comfort and positivity when coming to get a workout.

Also, please be respectful when reserving a lane. If you can't make the time, feel free to contact the front desk to cancel or use the app to make the adjustment. It's very frustrating when members can't reserve a lane and then come to the club only to find multiple lanes open for swimming. We were charging a $10 no show fee in the past and really don't want to go down that road again.

Thanks again for your help!
Ryan

 

LABOR DAY HOURS

We will be open from 8am-8pm on Monday, September 5th. Kid's club will be closed and there will be no group fitness classes.

 

RACQUET NEWS

Though summer may be almost over, we still get to enjoy it for a bit longer than most due to our beautiful Ojai weather. Kids clinics are back up and running on the heels of our great summer camps.

Wood Racquet Classic

Our wood racquet event which had been scheduled for 8/6 but was postponed is now slated for Sunday October 2 at 12:30 PM. Mark your calendars and hope to see you there!

VCJTA Novice/Open Tourney at OVAC

OVAC will be hosting a Ventura County Junior Tennis Association tournament Saturday and Sunday November 5th and 6th. 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 close 10/31. 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.

Turkey Trot 2022

It's not too early to start thinking about our annual mixed doubles Turkey Trot. 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. Start making your plans now1

New Tennis Information Display Case

Adjacent to the cafe above the drinking fountain you can find our new tennis bulletin board with schedules for clinics, ladders and upcoming events. Check it out.

Singles Ladder Now Active

Our club singles ladder is up and running and the first challenge matches are being scheduled.
We could use a few more ladies in the mix who want to elevate their singles game. Please let Steve know
if you'd like to be included on the ladder.

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 Wilson for tennis pickleball with very competitive pricing and great savings. Please contact Steve at [email protected] with any questions.

 

SUNDAY MORNING ADVANCED PICKLEBALL

Join us on Sunday mornings at 9:30AM for fast and exciting pickleball action. 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.

 

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/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)

Tweens Clinic- A clinic for older beginners who are approaching middle school and want to learn the game but aren't quite ready for our Intermediate/Advanced clinic. Ages 11-14 as a loose rule. Tuesdays and Thursdays at 4:00 PM

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

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.

Group Play- 8:30 AM on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Informal group doubles.

 

AQUATICS

FALL 2022 SWIM LESSONS

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Sessions 1-7 are on Monday & Wednesday for two weeks
Sessions 8 & 9 are once a week only on Fridays.

Class Times:

1:30pm – 2pm: Baby & Me (only offered for Session 8)
3:00pm – 3:30pm: Tadpoles (only offered Session's 1-5 & 8)
3:30pm – 4:00pm: Minnows
4:00pm – 4:30pm: Dolphins
4:30pm – 5:00pm: Stroke Development

Monday & Wednesday Sessions:
Session 1: September 12th – September 21st
Session 2: September 26th – October 5th
Session 3: October 10th – October 19th
Session 4: October 24th – November 2nd
Session 5: November 7th – November 16th
Session 6: November 21st – November 30th
Session 7: December 5th – December 14th

Friday Only Sessions:
Session 8: September 30th – October 21st
Session 9: October 28th – November 18th

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.

Baby and Me (ages 6 months – 3 years old)
*Only offered for Session 8
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: 1:30pm – 2:00pm

Tadpoles Level 1 (Beginner to Intermediate) – Water Skills and Safety (ages 3-5)
Only offered for Session's 1-5 & 8.
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

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: 4:30pm – 5:00pm

FALL SWIM TEAM

Our Novice level Ojai Heat Waves class is full for September. Starting in October we will be adding a second Novice class on Tuesday and Thursday from 4:30-5:15. If you are interested in getting your swimmer into Novice, please:

• Fill out this form
  
• Register for Stroke Development in preparation to join

We look forward to accepting more swimmers!

 

KID'S CLUB NEWS

Recently we sent out an Afternoon Kid's Club Survey and are so happy to hear back from you all. Thank you for taking the time to give us an idea of how to move ahead with our goal to open Kid's Club in the afternoons. There were great questions submitted and I will try to answer them as best as I can. First, I want to introduce myself. My name is Meg McCormick and I have been with the OVAC since 2010. I have worked in the Kid's Club since then and have recently been assigned the director's position. I have had the greatest experiences with the families I have met through my time here at Kid's Club and I am excited to continue that journey with you all.

Our Kid's Club ages start as early as 6 weeks to 7 years old and beyond in some cases. Children who are older are also welcome as we know the safety and the comfort of our families are important to us. We have toys, games, and arts and crafts for all ages. We have excellent staff who are caring and compassionate and have had a lot of experience working with children. We strive to give you quality childcare while you can get a moment to yourself whether you are working out, working on your computer, or just relaxing and getting some "me time".

Currently, we are open Monday- Saturday 8:30 a.m.-12: p.m. I will keep you informed and bring you up-to-date information on Kid's Club news. If you have any questions, you may reach me by email: [email protected]

 

HOW DO I CONTINUE TO CHALLENGE MYSELF?

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

A big goal in fitness is to continue to challenge oneself. We would not want to be in a place where we become stagnant, too repetitive, or unmotivated; bored. I have been asked in Pilates sessions…how do I know I am getting better at this training when we use the same amount of resistance and we are doing a similar set of exercises each class? There are many reasons why we do not have to worry about not progressing, and I am going to share two specific reasons why you will not only maintain what you have done with this training; your abilities will continue to grow.

In a news article, "Pilates Offers an Array of Health Benefits," Danielle Friedman quotes… "devotees say the low-weight resistance training can help our current bodies in important ways, strengthening the core muscles around the spine." This line stood out to me because sometimes we get concerned that when there is not a lot of resistance, is this training truly going to tone my body to its utmost capability. As the quote describes, low resistance strengthens the core muscles around the spine. This method of low impact/resistance also makes it that many other stabilizing muscles strengthen and also makes it a way for the muscles to stay longer while they are toning. It is not as easy to keep our muscles to this length with a lot of weight. So with my point of continuing…in Pilates training you do not have to increase weight as a way to see if you are progressing, you are progressing because of how you are connecting to your own body weight with assisted resistance. You notice the challenge when your own positioning and your own range of motion becomes more advanced.

Another quote that stood out to me was, "The more advanced a person is, the more cardio-like it is." This is important to know because classical Pilates is not a cardiovascular workout. However, the stronger the core becomes and the more someone does the traditional flow of a Pilates class…the more they will find the different rhythms of the class and the more they will connect to how deep their muscles really go; warming the body up quickly!

In conclusion, Pilates makes it easy to continue challenging any body type and any way of learning.

 

MASSAGE IS THERAPY

"Stress, headache, anxiety, toxins, pain, depression, muscle aches. Let it all go… Massage."

Massage Therapy is just as important as any therapy. Talking it out, singing it out, dancing it out, crying it out, etc. Massage gives us the time to relax in an uncontrollable way. When this happens, I have noticed that the mind wanders. This is a good thing. When we are at work, or conversing with others, we are talking about one topic at a time. When your mind wanders, it is an easy way of thinking about what you need for yourself and what you can do for others. When I get a massage for myself, I find that I am thinking more about the simple things…what I want to do that night, what to do with my sister next, etc. These simple things are what we enjoy, or what we feel emotional/passionate about. Easy to think of these things when we are in a relaxed and happy state of mind. And sometimes all we need is sleep! Massage can put us in that state as well.

In a nutshell, having a Massage Therapist work with you is the fastest way of simply telling yourself what you want and need on your own! No one else's input matters in this hour of your day. In the long run, this makes us more accountable and in control of what we can control in our lives.

We offer many different modalities here at the OVAC. Please book your Massage today by contacting me directly at 805-272-5619 or [email protected].

 

TIGHT HIP MUSCLES

Fitness Director Danielle Wommack

Hip flexor tightness can be chronic and limit our ability to move. Hip flexors refer to a group of muscles in and around the hips that are important for moving your legs and trunk. More specifically, these muscles function to flex the hip or bring your knee closer to your chest. You see people in the gym constantly attempting to stretch their tight hips to no avail. That's because often these muscles actually need strengthening. While the stretching might feel good, it's not going to produce lasting changes.

Here are some keys to help you fix your anterior (i.e., front) hip tightness: Strengthen your hip flexors regularly, along with your glutes and other surrounding hip muscles. Perform regular hip mobility exercises, bringing your hips through a full range of motion as tolerated. Keep in mind that some stretching of the hip flexors is appropriate if it's done properly and followed by plenty of strengthening.

The Alternating Spiderman exercise can help you to turn a tight hip flexor with limited range of motion into strong and ready-to-perform hip flexors. The Alternating Spiderman is a great catch-all mobility drill that especially targets your anterior hips. Shoot for 1-3 sets of 5-10 repetitions. Here's a video demonstration: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rW2YdhE8fp0

If you'd like to learn more about improving your hip tightness, a session with a certified personal trainer can make all the difference. Please feel free to contact me at [email protected] to discuss our various training options to get your hips mobile and strong for pain free movement.