August Newsletter

Dear Members,

Popularity of our Water Fitness classes with Tamara continues to increase. Several of our 11am Saturday morning classes have had 15+ participants and have needed to use three lanes to accommodate members in class. We expect that number to continue to grow and will be utilizing four lanes when there are more than 15 members in class. Should the number of participants reach 20, we will increase the lanes for class to five. For members not interested in sharing their lane with multiple swimmers we recommend you avoid swimming on Saturdays from 11 am to 12 pm. We are also offering classes on Monday at 10:30am and Tuesday at 4:00pm, but as those classes have not been as full we have only needed two or three lanes in those time slots. Many members have come to me to let me know that Tamara is terrific and that these workouts have proved to be challenging for them. Classes are lots of fun as well as offering a good workout and are open to all members, so do come out and give it a try.

Interest in TRX suspension continues to increase and both Peter’s Monday 6:30am and Holly’s Thursday 6pm classes continue to grow. Suspension training is bodyweight training that develops strength, balance, flexibility and core strength simultaneously. Don’t think it is just your muscles you are working on! TRX training integrates many different muscle groups at once, which increases your rate in order to pump oxygen to the muscles, making it a fantastic cardiovascular workout as well. Many of the exercises are done in the plank position, which forces you to engage your core muscle groups in order to perform the exercises correctly. For those looking to shake up their strength workouts or focus more on core strength, we highly recommend you give TRX a go. Hope to see you out there!

We have elected to install a retractable awning to cover the deck below the balcony. The awning is currently in production and expected to be installed in two or three weeks. For the new outdoor fitness area we will be using a fixed awning for coverage, which should also be installed in three weeks. The new seating area adjacent to Court 1 is expected to open in the next three or four weeks, and once that area opens work will begin on the back bar area. We hope to have that completed by the end of September, and as always, we appreciate your patience while we make these improvements to your WAC experience.

I would like to congratulate all of our members that completed Challenge Roth in Germany on July 9th. Despite temperatures in the mid eighties and high humidity levels, all of our members crossed the finish line under the 15-hour time limit. With an estimated 250,000 spectators lining the course, racers were enthusiastically cheered on nearly the entire way, which was particularly helpful during the marathon where the heat and humidity were pushing racers to their limits. Please join me in congratulating Jim Duncan, Larry Dutra, Michele Funk, Rigo Galindo, Caroline Lettieri, Maureen McAloon, Tara Peters, Roy Rubin, Eric & Sheri Schauwecker, Greg Tchejeyan and Craig Wolchover for battling through tough conditions to complete this iconic race. We are proud to have such amazing athletes representing Westlake Athletic Club, both here at home and around the world!

Have a Healthy Day,
John Sutcliffe
General Manager

 

Partner Update:

Technogym Becomes 'Official Fitness Equipment Supplier' For USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center And USTA National Campus In Orlando

NEW YORK, July 25, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Technogym, the leading producer of design and technology-driven wellness and fitness equipment, announced today that it has partnered with The United States Tennis Association (USTA) to be the "Official Fitness Equipment Supplier" for the USTA Billie Jean King National Center in Flushing, N.Y., and the USTA National Campus at Lake Nona in Orlando, Fla.

Technogym will provide a selection of cardio and strength products that redefine the exercise environment, featuring seamless design, interactive experiences and natural biomechanics to the USTA National Campus, including the adidas Performance Center utilized by USTA Player Development. Technology is strongly featured in Technogym solutions, including the UNITY™ console – the most advanced touch screen open-Android platform, with a range of innovative and intuitive features to keep users engaged and motivated while working out.

"We are proud to partner with USTA to provide state of the art fitness equipment and connected wellness technology solutions," said Nerio Alessandri, Founder and President, Technogym. "Technogym has a long history of supporting champions around the world and across many disciplines, and we are excited to see the next generation of tennis champions emerge from USTA."
The USTA National Campus is the epicenter of innovation for the sport of tennis, as well as for training and developing the next generation of tennis players, officials and industry professionals. Technogym will use the facility as a test center for innovation and technology for new product lines. Technogym's new prototype equipment will be demoed by USTA Player Development coaches and players.

Additionally, Technogym equipment will be provided to the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, home to the US Open and the USTA Training Center – East, one of USTA Player Development's three National Training Centers. The Training Center – East, partnering with players' primary coaches, runs a high-level training program for American juniors and is part of Player Development's support structure for American professionals and collegians.
"We are constantly looking for the highest quality equipment and technological advancements for our players," said Martin Blackman, General Manager, USTA Player Development. "We are thrilled to team up with a leader in wellness solution providers, Technogym, which will provide an unparalleled experience for USTA Player Development."

About Technogym: Founded in 1983, Technogym is a world leading international supplier of technology and design driven products and services in the Wellness and Fitness industry. Technogym provides a complete range of cardio, strength and functional equipment alongside a digital cloud based platform allowing consumers to connect with their personal wellness experience anywhere, both on the equipment and via mobile when outdoors. With over 2,000 employees and 13 branches globally, Technogym is present in over 100 countries. More than 80,000 Wellness centers and 200,000 private homes in the world are equipped with Technogym. Technogym was the official supplier for the last five editions of the Olympic Games: Sydney 2000, Athens 2004, Turin 2006, Beijing 2008, London 2012 and has been appointed as Official Supplier also for Rio 2016.

About USTA: The USTA is the national governing body for the sport of tennis in the U.S. and the leader in promoting and developing the growth of tennis at every level -- from local communities to the highest level of the professional game. A not-for-profit organization with more than 715,000 members, it invests 100% of its proceeds in growing the game. It owns and operates the US Open, the highest-attended annual sporting event in the world, and launched the US Open Series, linking seven summer WTA and ATP World Tour tournaments to the US Open. In addition, it owns approximately 90 Pro Circuit events throughout the U.S. and selects the teams for the Davis Cup, Fed Cup, Olympic and Paralympic Games. The USTA's philanthropic entity, the USTA Foundation, provides grants and scholarships in addition to supporting tennis and education programs nationwide to benefit under-resourced youth through the National Junior Tennis & Learning (NJTL) network. For more information about the USTA, go to USTA.com or follow the official accounts on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Snapchat.

 

Nutrition Tip:

Matcha Green Tea Smoothie
By Anna Griffin

A long-standing tradition of Japanese culture, Matcha Green Tea is the highest quality powdered green tea available. Made from the nutrient-rich young leaves picked from the tips of shade-grown Camellia sinensis plants, Matcha Green Tea is steamed, stemmed, and de-vined before being stone-ground into very fine powder. Matcha Green Tea powder is then stored away from light and oxygen in order to preserve its brilliant green color and antioxidant properties. This miracle elixir has been consumed for over a millennium in the Far East, and is now considered to be one of the most powerful super foods on the market today.

Let’s take a look at the Top 10 benefits of this amazing superfood . . .

High in Antioxidants
We’ve all read this word before. Antioxidants are the magical nutrients and enzymes responsible for fighting against the negative effects of UV radiation, giving us younger-looking skin, and preventing a number of life-threatening maladies. Antioxidants are something that all health-conscious individuals seek from such foods as raw fruits, green veggies, and (let’s not forget) dark chocolate. The first amazing benefit of Matcha Green Tea is that just one bowl provides over 5 times as many antioxidants as any other food – the highest rated by the ORAC (oxygen radical absorbance capacity) method.

Loaded with Catechin, EGCg
You may have already heard that not all antioxidants are created equal. Green tea contains a specific set of organic compounds known as catechins. Among antioxidants, catechins are the most potent and beneficial. One specific catechin called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCg) makes up 60% of the catechins in Matcha Green Tea. Out of all the antioxidants, EGCg is the most widely recognized for its cancer fighting properties. Scientists have found that Matcha Green Tea contains over 100 times more EGCg than any other tea on the market.

Enhances Calm
For over a millennium, Matcha Green Tea has been used by Chinese Daoists and Japanese Zen Buddhist monks as a means to relax and meditate while remaining alert. Now we know that this higher state of consciousness is due to the amino acid L-Theanine contained in the leaves used to make Matcha. L-Theanine promotes the production of alpha waves in the brain, which induces relaxation without the inherent drowsiness caused by other “downers.”

Boosts Memory and Concentration
Another side effect of L-Theanine is the production of dopamine and serotonin. These two chemicals serve to enhance mood, improve memory, and promote better concentration – something that can benefit everyone!

Increases Energy and Endurance
Samurai, the noble warriors of medieval and early-modern Japan, drank Matcha Green Tea before going into battle due to the tea’s energizing properties. While all green tea naturally contains caffeine, the energy boost received from Matcha is largely due to its unique combination of other nutrients. The increased endurance from a bowl of Matcha Green Tea can last up to 6 hours and because of the effects of L-Theanine, Matcha drinkers experience none of the usual side effects of stimulants such as nervousness and hypertension. It is good, clean energy.

Burns Calories
Drinking Matcha Green Tea has also been shown to increase metabolism and help the body burn fat about four times faster than average. Again, unlike many diet aides currently on the market, Matcha causes no negative side-effects such as increased heart rate and high blood pressure.

Detoxifies the Body
During the last three weeks before tea leaves are harvested to be made into Matcha, Camellia sinensis are covered to deprive them of sunlight. This causes a tremendous increase in chlorophyll production in the new growth of these plants. The resulting high levels of chlorophyll in Matcha Green Tea not only give this tea its beautiful vibrant green color. Matcha is also a powerful detoxifier capable of naturally removing heavy metals and chemical toxins from the body.

Fortifies the Immune System
The catechins in Matcha Green Tea have been shown to have antibiotic properties, which promote overall health. Additionally, just one bowl of Matcha Green Tea provides substantial quantities of Potassium, Vitamins A & C, Iron, Protein, and Calcium. Further studies have even suggested that the nutrients in Matcha may have the ability to inhibit the attacks of HIV on human T-cells.

Improves Cholesterol
Researchers aren’t entirely certain how Matcha Green Tea has such a positive effect on cholesterol, however studies of different populations have show that people who drink Match Green Tea on a regular basis have lower levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol while at the same time displaying higher levels of HDL (good) cholesterol. Men who drink Matcha Green Tea are about 11% less likely to develop heart disease than those who don’t drink Matcha.

Finally, the tenth and final benefit of drinking Matcha Green Tea…

It Tastes Amazing
Drinking something just because it’s healthy can be a lot like swallowing medicine. It’s unpleasant and you dread it, but you feel obligated to do it. After all, it’s good for you . . . However, wouldn’t you rather look forward to improving your overall well being, especially when it tastes so good? Of course you would!

Fortunately, unlike a lot of other teas, which require sugar, milk, or lemon to make them palatable to the average consumer, Matcha is absolutely wonderful all by itself. Its crisp vegetative notes are complimented by the savory taste of the L-Theanine amino acid making Matcha a tea that is truly unique in every way. So sit back, relax, and enjoy a soothing and tasty cup of hot Matcha, or a delicious morning smoothie to ensure your daily dose of all that’s good for you.

This Matcha green tea smoothie contains all the goodness of a regular green smoothie with the refreshing taste of green tea, a little caffeine boost, and loaded with fruits, veggies and antioxidant goodness to kick start your day!

Ingredients:
(Serves 2)
• 1 Large Mango (fresh or frozen)
• 2 Frozen Bananas
• Large Handfuls (~5oz/140g) Baby Spinach
• 2 tsp Matcha Green Tea Powder
• 1 cup (240ml) Light Coconut Milk

Method:

• Add the coconut milk to your blender jug, followed by the Matcha green tea powder and spinach. Blend.
• Add the mango and frozen bananas and blend until creamy and smooth.

Note:
• Always use organic fruit and produce where possible, to avoid nasty pesticides and chemicals, and enhance the nutritional value of your smoothie.
• Bananas must be peeled, broken into quarters and frozen at least 12 hours before. Anytime you have extra ripe bananas, peel, break into quarters and freeze in a freezer bag so you have them on hand for smoothies.

 

Member of the Month: Catherine H. MacLean, MD, PhD

Striving For the Best, Personally and Professionally
By Karl Akkerman

This month we have the pleasure about finding out about another member who has put in a great deal of lesson and clinics this past year, and her hard work is paying off.  Cathy would easily be in the discussion of "Most Improved" at WAC this past year.  You can find her at Karl and Tim's clinics regularly, and she has taken numerous lessons mostly with Tim Roche and Joe Block.  She and her husband Matt started playing a little over a year ago, and clearly have caught the bug.  

What does Cathy do when she is not at WAC?  This month we highlight her career so you will know a little better who she really is.  Cathy basically commutes to New York, and when she is in Westlake, she comes to the clinics to keep an active lifestyle.  We always enjoy seeing her competitive edge and her cute smile on the court.  What you may not know is she is a nationally recognized physician.   Here is her official Bio.  

Catherine MacLean, MD, PhD is the Chief Value Medical Officer at Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS), an internationally recognized leader in musculoskeletal health care, where she leads the development and execution of strategies to measure, report and improve health care value.  As part of this role she directs the HSS Center for the Advancement of Value in Musculoskeletal Care, which pulls together expertise from across the organization to rapidly develop and deploy programs, systems and tools that will fast-track the delivery of high value musculoskeletal care at HSS and beyond.  She is a nationally recognized expert on healthcare quality and value with a diverse leadership experience including strategic planning, implementation and evaluation of population health, quality and value programs.   She has previously served as the executive leader of quality and care management programs at Anthem/WellPoint; principal investigator on numerous academic research projects at UCLA and RAND; and as a director, chair or participant on numerous national committees and panels related to health care quality and value.  She currently chairs the performance measures committee for the American College of Physicians.  

Dr. MacLean obtained a BS from UCSB and her MD from Washington University, St. Louis.  She completed training in internal medicine at the Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, and in rheumatology at UCLA's Center for the Health Sciences.  She obtained her PhD in health services from UCLA's School of Public Health. 

What all this means to us sports junkies is that she is involved in all aspects of the musculoskeletal system.  Her hospital works with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Tendonitis, Muscle / Tendon strains, Ligament Sprains, Tension Neck Syndrome, Rotator Cuff Tendonitis, Trigger Finger / Thumb, Degenerative Disc Disease, Ruptured / Herniated Disc, and many more. Her hospital repairs all sorts of sports injuries, including and up to knee and hip replacements.   I am betting most of us have experienced one or more of these ailments over the years. Her job is to make sure patients at HSS receive the highest value care, meaning the highest quality service for the price that is paid. One way that HSS provides high quality and value is by avoiding complications, as the nation’s leader in lowest complication rates.  But what makes her job so unique, exciting and noteworthy is that she is measuring whether patients get better in ways that are important to patients.  She works directly with them to determine what their goals are in returning to activities they need or love to do, and leads a team that is determining, how likely patients are to achieve their goals.  This information can help them pick a realistic goal and facilitate a ’shared decision’ between patients and their doctors about the best course of action.  

All hospitals track complications. Some hospitals track improvement in pain and function.  HSS is pushing the quality envelope by directing care toward patient goals and measuring whether those goals were met, so that it can use this information to determine how to further improve patient outcomes.  This constant drive to deliver the highest quality care is what makes her hospital so respected around the country, with its amazing outcomes achieved by this level of dedication.

Next time you’re in a clinic, say hi to Cathy and her husband, Matt. It is always nice to see them having a good time and in good health on the courts, as Cathy strives not only to perfect her tennis game, but also to improve the lives of her patients everywhere.

 

Staff Update

Celebrating 50! Happy Birthday, Christa!
By Alex Campbell

Last month a few of us girls got together to celebrate our dear friend, Christa, as she celebrated a huge milestone of turning 50! With the help of John Sutcliffe, we were able to turn our courts into a fun party atmosphere, and along with great tennis, food, drinks, and company, we were all able to celebrate her in style! Happy birthday again, Christa! Looking forward to the next 50 (on the courts)!

 

 

Video clip from Chris Dudeck, Co-Director at WAC

 

Video clip from Calle Hansen, Co-Director at WAC

 

 

Tennis News

By Christa Nonnemaker

Adult Tennis

Calle Hansen is leading an Advanced Beginner Clinic on Tuesdays at 9 AM for players who have just started playing tennis or are returning after a long hiatus. On August 26 and 27 there will be try-outs for players to play in the Conejo Cup to represent Westlake Athletic Club.

Conejo Cup 4.0 players from 2016 event.

Junior Tennis

The Summer Tennis Camp program started in mid-June and offers 2.5 hour clinics in the mornings and afternoons along with conditioning, yoga on Wednesday and Thursday mornings before tennis clinics and swimming after lunch. Conditioning might include medicine balls, stationery ladders or even soccer.

 

Video Fitness Tip from Holly Butler

Core Floor Work Using the Yoga Wall

 

 

Training Tip

Stretching
By Patti Markowitz

Stretching is an important part of fitness. It can improve your range of motion, increase circulation, and calm your mind which may help fend off injuries and illness, as well as bring on a better night's sleep. You should hold each stretch for 10 to 30 seconds. If you feel pain, you've stretched too far.

Quadriceps Stretch:

Your quadriceps muscle runs along the front of your thigh.

• Stand near a wall or a piece of sturdy exercise equipment for support.
• Grasp your ankle and gently pull your heel up and back until you feel a stretch in the front of your thigh.
• Tighten your stomach muscles to prevent your stomach from sagging outward, and keep your knees close together.
• Hold for 30 seconds.
• Switch legs and repeat.

Hamstring and Back Stretch:

• Sit down and extend legs out in front of you. Your legs should be flat on floor as best as you can. 
• Stretch down towards your kness with your arms in front of you. 
• Hold the stretch and breathe.
• Try to hold the stretch for 30 seconds.

The Bound Angle Stretch:

• Sit on the floor, bend your knees and bring the soles of the feet together, letting your knees drop toward the floor.
• Hold your shins as you inhale and stretch your chest upward.
• Exhale as you hinge forward from your hips and place your palms on the floor. Hold for 5 slow breaths.

[email protected]

 

Video Yoga Tip from Katie Whittaker

Inner Awareness

 

 

Training Tip

Hot Weather Training Tips
By Peter Loncto

Summer continues to blaze, and in the last month we have experienced consistently above average temperatures, even a run of triple digit heat! Looking ahead, the forecast calls for a continued run of warm weather, with 80-degree days feeling cool! Life in Southern California . . .You gotta love it!

A couple of things to consider while enjoying your tennis and training in the sunny summertime:

HYDRATE, HYDRATE, HYDRATE!

Performing at your peak while avoiding heat-related illness takes preparation and planning. Bodies need time to adapt to the increased physiological demands of training in above average temperatures. But even with preparation and planning, heat illness can and still does occur.

It helps to acclimate to the warmer environment by gradually adjusting the duration and intensity of your activity over a 7-10 day period, but the most important component is adequate hydration. There are over 2.5 million sweat glands in the body and there is no air conditioning on the outdoor tennis courts! You must replace the fluids lost through sweating and urination. Don't wait until you're pouring sweat in the third set . . . Drink deeply before you begin and frequently while you play or exercise. There are countless electrolyte replacement beverages like Gatorade, Powerade, etc., but good old H2O will do the trick. There are new water fountains with an endless supply of cool, clear water both upstairs and downstairs in the Club, and both have water bottle fillers too. Ice machines are upstairs in the kitchen and downstairs outside the fitness center.

DRESS FOR SUCCESS!

Another great way to stay (and look) cool is to select shirts, shorts, and skirts that help move the sweat off your body through a system known as moisture management. In the good old days your fabric choices were limited to cotton, wool and linen. While all three will breathe and wick the exercised induced sweat off your skin, all three will hold on to it and keep you wet and uncomfortable.

There is an enormous amount of stylish and affordable exercise wear that will keep you cool and comfortable, even when the match goes to tie-breaker or you want to crank out extra mileage on the treadmill. All of the popular clothing manufacturers offer some brand of moisture wicking gear under such names as DriFit, CoolMax, DriEquip, etc. All these technologies wick the moisture from your skin and transport it to an outer surface where it dissipates into the air. Don’t forget a hat too, to keep those burning rays off your head. Again, a DriFit cap works great!

Bottom line . . . Drink up and cool down. Heat related illnesses are, at best, no fun and, at worst, life threatening. Keep the fluids up and watch what you wear. Your summertime fun will last a whole lot longer!

 

Tri Corner

WAC Invades Germany
By Larry Dutra

Seventeen members of WAC travelled to Germany to compete at the Challenge Roth 140.6 triathlon on July 9th. Fourteen of them raced in the single division and three as a relay team. All seventeen racers earned the right to claim a Finisher’s Medal despite tough conditions that day. They were joined by 4of their teammates from P5 Racing of Westlake Village in their quest to complete this full "Ironman Distance" competition.

Challenge Roth is regarded as the most popular triathlon in the world, both among athletes and as evidenced by the some 250,000 local fans that come out to cheer on the racers and enjoy German beer, while watching the racers pass by their villages. It is the biggest event in Roth, which is situated in the lovely Bavarian countryside some 40km (yep, metric system - this is Europe after all!) south of Nuremberg.  They seem to take the "Challenge" part of their name seriously!

The highlight for most triathletes is the bicycle climb up Solar Hill, which despite the relatively steep grade of the hill is fun – and surreal. The energy of the 10,000 locals (who loved seeing us Americans as well as the 71 other countries represented) was contagious as the music blared (mostly American rock songs), and people cheered us all the way to the top.

To begin to adjust to the time difference and the climate, our athletes arrived several days before race day. The German weather was reminiscent of the Northeast corner of the United States: it changed frequently.  But the common theme leading up to Sunday was 90-degree heat and 90% humidity.  Race day dawned sunny, but as we wrapped up the 2.4-mile swim a gauzy cloud cover rolled in.  This served to keep the temperatures a few degrees cooler than they had been as we tackled the hilly 112-mile bike course. We even had a few (welcome) scattered light showers while racing through the lush rural German landscape.  Late in the day as we began running our marathons, the humidity seemed to build and the rain became a little more persistent, which
just drove the humidity higher.  We Southern Californians, accustomed to drier training and race conditions, struggled to stay hydrated and "keep our eyes on the prize."  But we did, and all of the WAC triathletes persevered and finished before the fireworks began, signaling the 15-hour time limit and the official end of the race. We returned to our hotel exhilarated and exhausted, and immensely proud that we had accomplished what we set out to do that day, one-year prior when we signed up to race the iconic triathlon course known worldwide as Challenge Roth.

Congrats on your successful accomplishments to all my team-mates, and go WAC for taking our fitness goals, desires and spirit to the next level, across the pond!

 

 

 

Member Getaway

Mind, Body & Spirit Wellness: Mii amo Destination Spa, Sedona
By Anna Griffin

Set within the soaring red rock backdrop of Sedona, Arizona, Mii amo is a world of holistic wellness, surrounded by awe-inspiring, natural beauty and endless spiritual healing.

Offering all-inclusive packages featuring exclusive, private accommodations, spa treatments, healthy culinary delights, mind, body, and spirit retreats, workshops including stress management and meditation, and activities including yoga, an extensive fitness program, golf, and tennis, Mii amo is more than a spa; it’s a transformative way of life.

Inspiring and unforgettable activities are offered for those seeking movement, flow and energy. Retreats reveal knowledge and wisdom, allowing you to find true balance and harmony from within. Workshops expand upon ideas that integrate within your beliefs, enhancing life’s affirmations, as you rest, relax and become inspired on your own personal wellness journey.

All-inclusive packages offer:

1. Luxury spa accommodations at Mii amo.
2. Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner at Mii amo Café (specialty and alcoholic beverages excluded).
3. Two spa services each day.
4. Use of all fitness facilities, scheduled fitness classes, and all scheduled lectures and activities.
5. Indoor and outdoor swimming pools, steam room, sauna, whirlpool, and men's and women's lounges.
6. Tennis, mountain bikes, hiking trails, and access to the facilities and services of Enchantment Resort.
7. An exclusive Mii amo robe, tote bag and sports water bottle.

Mii amo is a world-class destination that defies imagination. A place like no other, this spa resort delivers holistic rejuvenation set against the inspired, breath-taking vista of Sedona. You might go to Mii amo to lose yourself, but in the process of a memorable and transformative experience, you will find yourself better than before. A gift to all the senses, Mii amo is pure mind, body and sprit wellness, and an unparalleled escape!

 

 

Meet your Trainers

Leticia Willingham 
Leticia Willingham is a certified yoga instructor based in Westlake Village, California. She has led her life down a path of healthy eating and working out for more than twenty years, discovering yoga while trying to help deal with severe anxiety. The results of practicing yoga were dramatic . . . providing the ability to calm the mind, find inner peace, and strengthen the body. Leticia’s 500 hour teaching certification is through YogaWorks in Westlake Village, California; mentored by Lainie Devina.

Leticia believes that everyone can benefit by practicing yoga. She focuses on providing each student, whether they have just been introduced to yoga or have been practicing for years, with insight, encouragement and the opportunity to help guide them on a positive journey and achieve their own personal goals. “I know how amazing the benefits of yoga can be because I have experienced them first hand. Yoga truly changed my life, and I want to provide the opportunity for others to affect positive change in their lives as well.”

Patti Markowitz
Patti Markowitz has been helping people stay healthy & fit for over 25 years as a Certified Personal Fitness Trainer and Aerobics Instructor. Her tenure at the Westlake Athletic Club (WAC) began back in 1993 where she has trained hundreds of members who continue to reap the benefits of a healthy lifestyle augmented by hours spent building strong bone, muscle, and piece of mind through exercise & resistance-training. Patti believes that when you change bodies you change lives, and that being a Personal Trainer is about much more that just knowing the exercise or routine, it’s about living the lifestyle, and being able to motivate and inspire others to move toward healthier and happier lives.

As one of WAC’s leading Certified Personal Trainers, Patti specializes in designing customized programs in training for strength, weight loss, and functional fitness. Her attitude and presentation makes workouts fun and motivating; never routine, dull or boring. As your trainer, she will take your health & wellness personally, working alongside you to help achieve ALL of your fitness goals.

An accomplished marathon runner, avid swimmer, and someone you will most likely bump into in a Yoga class at the Club, Patti’s attention to her own fitness reflects her commitment to well-being. With your determination and her dedication you can make anything happen.

For an opportunity to train with Patti, you can call her directly at (805) 208-9578, or inquire at the front desk at WAC.
[email protected]

Katie Whittaker
Katie specializes in aquatic exercise, yoga, and meditation, as well as in strength, toning and cardiovascular training. She also offers nutrition counseling and weight management. Creator of "Aqua Yoga," she uses water and land exercise to compassionately assist clients both pre and post surgery. Katie is certified in fitness instruction by the National Arthritis Association, the Yoga Alliance, the Aquatic Exercise Association, the American Council on Exercise, and the National Association of Sports Medicine. Katie has guided hundreds of clients to better health for more than 10 years.

[email protected]

Peter Loncto
Peter Loncto is a longtime resident of Westlake Village and the newest member of our training staff. As a National Association of Sports Medicine Certified Personal Trainer and TRX Suspension Training instructor, he blends his passion and enthusiasm for fitness with his knowledge and experience to motivate and challenge his clients to feel their best.

"When I first met with John Sutcliffe a year ago and he shared his vision of a first rate fitness center, I was excited to have an opportunity to work with my neighbors in our fantastic community. After learning of his commitment to Technogym, I was all in! The Technogym philosophy of Wellness, their unique, elegant Kinesis One stations with an emphasis on adaptive, functional movement, and their unequaled interactive capability place them far out in front of any other traditional gym equipment. Some of you may have seen me in the Fitness Center over the last month, working out and becoming familiar with the literally thousands of movements possible with the Technogym system. Every day I am more impressed with Technogym's versatility and applicability to all levels of fitness. Whether your goal is a better backstroke, more tee-to-green distance, weight loss and toning, or just feeling your best, Technogym offers dozens of programs and the ability to customize a wellness program just for you.

I look forward to meeting all of you in the coming months and welcome the chance to assist you in identifying your Wellness goals, and working with you to achieve them. Please feel free to ask me any questions you may have. It would be an honor to be part of your Wellness journey.

Holly Butler
Influenced by growing up in Boulder, CO (aka the fittest city in America), Holly Butler has always lead an active lifestyle. As an adult, she was drawn to non-impact fitness, starting with the athleticism of Vinyasa yoga. While practicing yoga she discovered and fell in love with Barre classes and Body Sculpting classes using resistance training. Her 3 daughters were all in school and Holly thought it was the right time to get her certification and go back to work, doing something she loved. Holly spends her “off” time coordinating many school drop-offs, pick-ups and dance carpools for her daughters, being involved in charity work for Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, volunteering school, and playing tennis at WAC with her husband. We are pleased that Holly will be teaching the Body Sculpting class on Mondays and Wednesdays at 12:30pm.

 

Tamara Goulden
Learning to swim at a very young age, Tamara fell in love with being in the water, playing water polo and swimming competitively with her local Parks & Rec throughout middle school, and competing on the school swim team in high school. Playing on the women’s UCSB water polo team in 1988, Tamara competed in the State Championships, and by teaching swim instruction and aqua fitness, was able to pay for graduate school at LMU, earning her Masters in counseling psychology in 1995. Tamara established her company, Premiere Aquatics, in the early ‘90's in which she uses water as a therapeutic milieu for swim instruction, exercise, personal training, phobia counseling, and injury rehabilitation.  She finds teaching water fitness at WAC a fun and rewarding way to engage with members and see them benefit by this unique type of workout, as she herself is happiest when in the water.

 

Group Exercise Schedule

 

 

Masters Swim

Kari Davis
WAC is pleased to have Kari Davis as our Head Masters Swim Coach. Kari was  a Collegiate All-American swimmer and has over 30 years coaching experience. Kari began teaching swimming in San Diego in 1990. In 1991 and 1992 she was San Diego’s Age-Group Coach of the Year. 

In 2005 Kari moved to Park City where she started a Masters Swim Team and began coaching triathletes. Kari loves coaching and enjoys working with students of all ages and abilities. Kari lives with her husband in Westlake Village and has 2 grown children.

Kim Leigh
We are pleased to have Kim Leigh as our newest Master’s Swim Coach. Kim has been coaching Master’s Swim for 5 years including open water swimming for triathletes and she actively participates in Master’s programs as well. She is a graduate of CSU Northridge with a BA and MS in Microbiology and has been a part of Amgen since 2003.

Logan Franks
WAC is pleased to have Logan Franks coach our Masters swim program.

Logan Franks served seven years in the Marine Corps infantry. During his enlistment, he raced on the Marine Corps Triathlon team. He was 1 of 6 Marines selected to represent the All Marine Triathlon Team at Armed Forces Triathlon Championships in 2011. Logan also competed as a professional triathlete with a primary focus on long course triathlon. In 2010 he was ranked 52nd in the world for Ironman and he posted the fasted American run split of the day at Ironman world championships, crossing the finish line in 9:02.

Logan was also collegiate runner for the University of Delhi, located in NY. Though he was a fast runner, his success in triathlon was being hindered by his lack of swim knowledge and experience. Knowing this, Logan went to a number of swim clinics and trained under the guidance of some of the best triathlon and swim coaches in the United States. Logan soon became a front pack swimmer, often coming out of the water in the top six of the pro division for Ironman and 70.3 races.

2013, Logan shifted his focus to coaching and put his athletic career on hold. Logan currently owns a military focused triathlon team. He coaches prior service members and active duty military. He also coaches paratriathletes and other wounded vets hoping to compete in the Paralympics. Logan is a Level 2 Masters Swim Coach, and is very approachable, always willing to help anyone on deck. 

Kevin Lane, Swim Instructor & Coach

Kevin Lane is the Assistant Swim Coach of California Lutheran University Men's and Women's Swim Team. He is also an adjunct instructor at CLU, teaching swimming, and a Masters Swim Coach at Westlake Athletic Club (Certified USMS Level 2).

In addition to coaching, Kevin teaches swimming to all ages and levels here at the WAC. You may have seen him working with students in the pool.

He teaches private one on one lessons as well as groups of two students. His lessons run from 30 mins to an hour, and are for beginners, intermediate, all the way to the competitive student. Kevin has a reputation as a warm and caring instructor who is very intuitive when comes to each individual's needs. With years of experience, he understands how to get the best out of each student at every lesson.

Kevin started swimming and competing at the age of seven. Growing up in Connecticut, he continued to swim through his teen years on the club level, setting many Connecticut State records. He represented Connecticut Swimming as an all-star team member, and traveled and competed against other all-star teams. Moving on to Southern Connecticut State University, a top ten NCAA Division II School, he competed on the national level and set school records in the in the 200 fly and in relays. In his senior year he was elected captain of his team.

After college, Kevin continued to train, compete and coach, eventually winning the Masters One Mile Open Rough Water National Championship for his age group. For over 20 years Kevin has been teaching swimming, coaching on the college, masters and novice level. He has just completed his fifth year of college coaching at CLU.

Kevin brings to the Westlake Athletic Club an enthusiastic love of swimming, with over 20 years of experience as a swim instructor, swim coach and competitor. Kevin looks forward to helping others advance in the water, as they learn how wonderful and positive the swimming experience is. As spring and summer approaches, Kevin encourages all members and families to get out and start a regular exercise program that includes swimming.

Masters Swim Schedule
Mon & Wed 12 to 1pm
Tues & Thurs 5:30 to 6:30am
Tues & Thurs 6:15-7:30pm
Sat 7 to 8:15am

 

Match Finder

Steve Hamburger, Lynn Abroms, and Bill Ries are looking for USTA or self rated 3.5 players for doubles and mixed doubles. The group plays two or three times a week, week days 8:30am to 11am. Steve and Bill maintain an e-mail listing and help coordinate the matches. If interested please e-mail Steve at [email protected].