September Newsletter 2023

 

CLUB UPDATE

I hope everyone had a great Summer. I think it went very well from the club side. Introducing the new guest policy during the months of July and August really helped with the pool experience. I hope everyone got through the earthquake safely. We did have an issue with a crack in the Rec Pool but we have it patched up so all good. As we move into the Fall months, there will be some projects in the works. The pool deck project will start at the end of October and last through November. We will be closing one pool at a time so there will be a pool available for members to use during this time.

We will be having an end of the Summer Happy Hour Friday, September 8th. I am happy to say that Dianne Miller will be performing along with AIR Pizza and a kid's jumper on court 1! Bring the family as it should be a great time with great weather.

I hope everyone has a great September and we look forward to seeing you here at the club!!

See Ya at the Club!
Ryan

 

HAPPY HOUR SEPTEMBER 8TH FEATURING DIANNE MILLER!!

Don't miss out on our end of the Summer event! Dianne Miller will be performing along with AIR Pizza Food Truck providing amazing slices of pizza! We will also have kids entertainment on court 1. Bring the family and don't miss out on this fun event!!

 

WINE & PAINT NIGHT WITH SARAH SIDOTE

Join us for another fun and relaxing wine and paint night!
Friday, September 15th at 6:30pm
Cost: $45 per person (charged at sign up, no refunds)
We provide the supplies, drinks, and inspiration.
To sign up click here

 

A FLUID WORK OUT- NO NEED TO REST

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

In most work outs, we need to rest in between. There is nothing wrong with this
of course, it gives the muscles time to recover between each set.

However, it is nice and necessary to have options where we do not have to do this. When we have a more fluid workout, it keeps our energy up in a completely different way. In taking a Pilates class, whether it is on the mat, or the equipment, you are guaranteed to go from one exercise to the next, naturally. This makes the hour go by faster, and makes it easy to keep all our muscles engaged and working in relation to one another. Meaning, we really feel the connection to our primary and secondary muscle groups the entire time rather than just focusing on one muscle group at a time. Well, it makes it easier to do this at least. This fluidity/timing in the Pilates workout, brings us into the present moment as well, which is extremely good for our mental health.

If you have not already, please sign up for your Free Pilates Session across from the front desk!

 

WHY IT IS NEVER TOO LATE TO RECEIVE MASSAGE THERAPY

Some of us go our whole lives without getting a massage, or barely...understandable...
other things get in the way and you may catch yourself saying, well I have gone this long without it, why would I need it now, or will it really make a difference at this point.

One of the largest reasons why it is never too late to hop on board is because massage can draw things up that you never knew were there. What I mean by this is, our bodies are amazing...we can hold tension in an area for years and years, whether it is emotional tension, physical, or both. We may not know at all until there is attention brought to this area in a massage and then it FINALLY gets to release!

So once again, it is never too late because sometimes our bodies never let go and this
therapy will always show you where you are at with tension.

Please book your massage with me and I am more than happy to work with you.

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

 

KID'S CLUB NEWS

Hello Kid's Club families! I hope your transition into the school year is starting off well. It seems like summer flew by and fall is just around the corner. Keep your eyes open for our fall display down the hall to our room, when the time approaches, and we will have many fall crafts to come to help decorate. Until then we are still filling up our ocean with sea critters. Don't forget to take a little time for self care during this time of year and visit us back here in Kid's club!

P.S. Since sick season is near, it's a great idea to wash your hands when you come in and visit.

See you soon,
Kid's Club team

 

VARIETY IS THE SPICE OF LIFE – TRY THESE SQUAT VARIATIONS

-Danielle Wommack, Fitness Director

Squats are a basic movement pattern that EVERYONE must perform (think sitting and standing from a chair, getting in and out of your car, using the toilet…all squats). And if you are an athlete, squatting is crucial to improve running fast, jumping high, changing directions quickly, or getting lower to the ground (think increased forced production and improved force absorption). Squatting does so much to improve movement quality, whether an athlete or not. A squat done correctly coordinates the hips and knees resulting in improved coordination. A well-executed squat also keeps the ribcage and pelvis aligned which improves breathing thus creating a stronger "core". But don't avoid squatting in the gym because a barbell back squat is intimidating or seems dangerous. There are plenty of squatting variations to choose from, including the following:

THE REACHING SQUAT
This variation is great for learning improving core stability:
1. Stand with your feet shoulder width apart. Hold a weight in your hands with your arms
straight out in front of your chest. This will be your starting position.
2. Begin the movement by bending your knees and hips, as if you were sitting down on a chair. Keep your arms long and straight out in front of your chest.
3. Continue down to full depth and then reverse the motion until you return to the starting position. As you squat, keep your head and chest up, push your knees out, and do not tuck your butt under.

PRESSING SQUAT
This variation will not only kick your abdominal muscles into overdrive, but also will shift your center of gravity backward to allow you to squat lower and thus involve greater muscle recruitment. Perform the squat as above but start with the weight close to your chest instead of with arms straight. Once you reach full depth in the squat, press your arms out straight at chest height and then bend the elbows to return them to the arms start position. Then stand up from the squat. This is a great variation to do holding onto the handles of a kettlebell.

OFFSET KETTLEBELL FRONT SQUAT
This squat is my personal favorite and is a variation of a barbell front squat. Why? Because it shifts your center of gravity from side to side and not just front to back. We tend to overtrain movements front to back and ignore the muscles that move us or prevent us from moving side to side to create stability. The asymmetrical load of this variation will light your core up which will lead to increased symmetrical strength. To perform an Offset Kettlebell Front Squat, simply hold a kettlebell in one hand with your hand by your chest, elbow by your side and perform a squat. Make sure to keep your weight evenly distributed between both feet and your body centered as you squat, even though the weight is only on one side.

TWO KETTLEBELL FRONT SQUATS
This variation is a nice choice because it's easy to stay upright and it loads the core to a high degree. People seem to intuitively know how to sit down into the bottom of a squat in this variation. And just like it sounds, instead of holding one kettlebell and squatting with an offset weight like in the previous example, know you are holding a kettlebell in each hand as described above.

So, spice up your squats and watch your strength and function improve. For more information about squatting for YOUR body, please reach out to me at [email protected]. And to learn lots of new squat variations for EVERY body type, please join us for your first free complimentary Small Group Personal Training session (email me for details).

 

TRAINER HIGHLIGHT…JESSE CLARK

Hello OVAC family!

If we haven't met yet, my name is Jesse Clark and I am a level 2 trainer here at the Ojai Valley Athletic Club. I am certified by the American Council on Exercise as a Personal Trainer, Health Coach, Fitness Nutrition Specialist and Group Fitness Instructor. I was born and raised in Ojai and am raising 2 kids of my own as well as my dog Cocoa. My passions include lifting, hiking, biking, drawing, playing games online, trying new foods and music!

I believe in balanced strength building workouts designed to make our everyday lives easier. Some people want to build strength, some people want to lose weight while some people just want to be fit. No matter your goal, let's meet and collaborate on your next steps on how to meet them!

We're all on another trip around the sun, so let's prepare now and make the next 5 - 10 - 90 years the best years!

 

TENNIS 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 gearing up and are slated to begin the week of 9/11 on the heels of our great summer camps.

WOOD RACQUET CLASSIC- SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 17- NOON!!

It's time again to don the whites and break out your wood racquet for our social. The only thing missing will be the grass courts. If you don't own a wood racquet we'll have plenty of them to lend. The format will be social round-robin doubles. Come hungry as we'll be providing tri - tip sandwiches and sides. Free to our tennis members, $15 for guests.

Please RSVP to Steve at [email protected]

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 close around 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 now. November 19th will almost certainly be the date.

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.

TENNIS CLINICS

Contact Steve at [email protected] with questions re: any clinic.

ADVANCED/INTERMEDIATE JUNIOR CLINIC
Twice a week Monday & Wednesday - 4:00-5:30 PM (90 MIN)
Session 1: September 11th – September 20th (4 CLASSES)
Session 2: September 25th – October 4th (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- 3:45-4:30PM (45 MIN)
Session 1: September 12th – September 21st (4 CLASSES)
Session 2: September 26th – October 5th (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
Session 1: September 9,23,30 and October 7 (no class September 16th) (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 1: September 12th –September 21st (4 CLASSES)
Session 2: September 26th – October 5th (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
Session 1: September 9,23,30 and October 7 (no class September 16th) (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.

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

 

A HUGE "THANK YOU" TO OUR 2023 LIFEGUARD STAFF!

This summer was safe and successful for our Lifeguard staff! Thanks for your contribution: following the rules,watching your kids, respecting the lifeguards and participating in bathroom breaks. Monday Sept 4th, Labor Day, will be the last day we will have Lifeguards on duty. The lifeguards will be back next summer, until then, the diving board is closed and the lifeguard towers are off limits. See you next summer!

 

FALL 2023 SWIM LESSONS

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

$95/per session(4 lessons)

Sessions 1-7 are on Monday & Wednesday for two weeks
Friday 1 & 2 sessions are once a week only on Fridays for 4 weeks.

Class Times:
3:00pm – 3:30pm: Tadpoles (only offered Session's 1-5 & Fridays)
3:30pm – 4:00pm: Minnows
4:00pm – 4:30pm: Dolphins
4:30pm – 5:00pm: Stroke Development

Twice a week Monday & Wednesday Sessions:
Session 1: September 11th – September 20th
Session 2: September 25th – October 4th
Session 3: October 9th – October 18th
Session 4: October 23rd – November 1st
Session 5: November 6th – November 15th
Session 6: November 20th – November 29th
Session 7: December 4th – December 13th

Friday Only Sessions:
Friday 1: September 15th – October 6th
Friday 2: October 13th – November 3rd

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

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

 

PICKLEBALL

Drop-in Pickleball Clinics
Tuesdays 6pm Intermediate/Advanced
Thursdays 6pm Beginner/Intermediate

No reservations needed. Just show up ready to have some fun! Skills & Drills, Doubles Strategies, Court IQ, and Fun Points!

If you are new to pickleball or not sure what level you are, come Thursdays. If you're dominating your regular game and ready to take it to the next level, come try your hand at the Intermediate/Advanced Clinic!
Members $15 charged to your club account
Non-members $20 cash, credit, or check paid directly to the club
Let's goooooooo!!!

 

AQUA CLASSES AT OVAC

Rain, wind, sleet or snow the aqua classes never fail to deliver all year round! We have a group of dedicated participants for over 20 years and new members keep joining. Why? I'll tell you why. This class has all the necessary components for a safe effective work out.

Join us year round for the most fun-filled, "easy on the joints" challenging class where you balance on a noodle, use resistance weights or just test your abilities in endurance. No two classes are the same. We pride ourselves on variety and guidance from the instructor depending on the individual's level and ability.

Make new friends as you explore this socially inviting group.

See you in the pool,
Mari, Maria &Jensy