June Newsletter 2017

Dear Members,

It was another successful year for National 45+ Hardcourt Championships, which wrapped up last week. Calle and his team made a few changes in the format that we think made it a particularly exciting tournament. We think the most successful change was scheduling happy hours on Thursday and Friday nights, which greatly increased the number of spectators viewing the early rounds of the doubles. It was exhilarating for our member doubles teams because they had good crowds out rooting them on. Calle also switched from a players dinner to a players lunch, which was better attended by both players and spectators. All in all we think this was the best tournament since CAC took over the club in 2012. If you have any suggestions on other ways to make the event more enjoyable please let Calle know.

Once again I would like to thank both the sponsors and our volunteers for everything they do to make this such a successful event. Without the financial support of the sponsors and the kindness of the volunteers we would not be able to put on such a great event. Please take a look at the list of sponsors listed, and keep them in mind when you are shopping for goods or services in their related fields.

Once again we will be scheduling family swim time for the pool Monday through Friday from 1 - 5pm. During these hours we will remove either one or two lane lines, depending on the number in attendance, to make room for families. There will be a life guard on duty during these hours, but as always we asked parents to be vigilant about watching their children while they are in the pool. We would also like to remind other members that lap swimming cannot be done in the designated family swim area to avoid any collisions. Camp will be held from June 12th through August 18th.

We are thrilled that we were able to complete the tennis viewing deck prior to the start of the tournament, and we hope you enjoyed the new seating while taking in the tennis. The deck was definitely a reason the happy hours were so well attended on Thursday and Friday nights. We resume construction of the other outdoor areas within the next week or so. The remaining patio areas will be constructed out of stamped concrete and will include the following amenities: fire pit, four sectional seating areas with shade, bar with TV viewing, BBQ area, high top tables and an outdoor fitness area adjacent to the current fitness center. We estimate it will take two to three months to complete these areas.

We are excited to announce that our Water Fitness classes with Tamara have been a big hit and will continue to be offered through the fall. Classes will be held at the following times: Saturday 11 am -12 pm, Monday 10:30 - 11:30 am and Tuesday 4:00 - 5:00 pm. Water is the perfect medium for a total body workout, and its natural buoyancy protects against injuries while providing resistance for muscle toning and cardiovascular endurance. Tennis players with knee or back issues can increase their cardiovascular endurance to help improve their game, without putting additional pressure on joints. Members do not need to know how to swim to participate in the classes. Hope to see you all out there.

We want to once again thank you for your patience while we continue to make club improvements. We are confident you will be thrilled with our new outdoor areas once they are complete, and look forward to seeing you all enjoying them.

Have a Healthy Day,
John Sutcliffe
General Manager

 

Nutrition Tip:

The Perfect Acai Bowl
By Anna Griffin


Acai Bowls have been popular for a while here in the U.S., favored for their delicious and healthful antioxidant benefits. However few of us know that they are really easy to make at home, with a few simple ingredients.

What is Acai?
Acai (pronounced ‘ah-sigh-EE’) is a dark purple berry that tastes like a combination of wild berries, chocolate and soil, yep soil. The berry is not sweet and you can’t just munch them like blueberries, because about 90% of it is the stone. The berries grow on the acai palm tree, natively around the Amazon river in South America. Since these trees need rainforest conditions, Brazil and surrounding countries are pretty much the only places where acai berries are cultivated.


Acai berries are a rich in antioxidants (like other berries too). That’s great, because a diet rich in antioxidants has been linked to contribute against the effects of aging and diseases like cancer. On top of that, acai berries are rich in fiber, protein and have high levels of heart healthy fats.

Fresh acai berries are impossible to get, unless you live in Brazil and happen to have an acai berry palm tree growing close by. They go rancid very quickly which is why they cannot be shipped fresh, but luckily there are other options!


Acai Puree is created when high quality berries are shock frozen right after harvesting to preserve as many nutrients as possible. The puree works excellently for an acai bowl, and is fairly inexpensive to purchase from a health food store (in the freezer section), or bought online and delivered on ice to maintain quality.


Acai Berry Powder works well too. The product is dry-frozen, meaning the pulp is frozen and then the water is removed to preserve nutrients.

How to make an Acai Bowl
The typical Brazilian Acai Bowl is called Acai na tigela and pretty much consists of frozen acai berry pulp and a dash of guarana syrup. It’s served with some granola and a few slices of banana on top. You’ll find it everywhere around the beach areas in Brazil. We’re opting for a healthier breakfast version of this classic replacing the guarana syrup and granola. It’s all you could wish for in an acai bowl . . .Dark purple color, lovely ice-creamy texture, refreshing and sweet, but filling. All in all this is a really tasty and feel-good breakfast.


Ingredients:
• 1 handful frozen berry mix
• 1 banana, frozen
• 1 pack acai puree (or 2 tsp of acai powder with 3-4 crushed ice cubes)
• 3-4 tbsp rolled oats
• 2/3 cups soy milk or coconut milk
• 1 tsp maple syrup or honey

For garnish:
• Fresh fruits such as strawberries, mango and pineapple
• Coconut flakes
• Chia seeds
• Chopped almonds

Instructions:
If you use a frozen pack of acai puree make sure you break it in a couple of places before you throw it into a blender. To get it really ice-creamy first peel and put the banana into the freezer for two hours. Add all the ingredients into the blender and blend until smooth. Garnish with your preferred ingredients, sit back and enjoy this sweet but very healthy Brazilian treat!

Member of the Month: Dr. Frank Stainetti

A Path To Infinite Health
By Anna Griffin


Dr. Frank Stainetti recently joined Westlake Athletic Club, with a passion for tennis and physical wellbeing. As a Chiropractor, Dr. Frank knows the importance of looking after our bodies, but beyond his brilliance in helping his patients heal their injuries and discomfort, he is gifted with a knowledge of great health on a deeper level, sharing how people often come to him with legitimate physical pain, but there are usually issues such as blocked emotions, which contribute to their suffering. A published author and spiritual teacher, Dr. Frank utilizes a process called Soulmerging, a merging of soul and physical energy that helps his patients release negative energies that are weighing them down.

Being a believer that there is something beyond this physical existence and a much bigger picture to life, while being in intense pain in my neck from a previous accident, I was intrigued by his conversation. Could Dr. Frank be the hero that I so desperately needed to ease my chronic and debilitating affliction? I wanted to get to know him and find out more . . .

When and why did you join WAC?

I joined the club in December 2016, after moving from Montecito, CA to Westlake Village a few months prior. As a Chiropractor, I know the importance of a healthy body and I use tennis as part of my weekly fitness routine. I love tennis - it is the love of the game for me! I am always seeking to improve my game. Being fit to hit is a huge priority and so I utilize the fitness center for my core work and muscle strengthening. The clients and staff at the club are very warm and friendly which is why I ultimately decided to join this Westlake Athletic Club.

What is your favorite athletic pursuit at the club?

My personal preference is tennis singles but I also enjoy playing doubles from time to time.

What are some of your fitness goals as a member?

My fitness goals are cardio, flexibility, and upper core and lower body strength.

What are you enjoying most about life at WAC?

The staff is wonderful! Everyone makes me feel welcome and at home. And I am meeting a lot of great guys to hit with. I also love the tennis coaches, Calle and Chris.

Can you tell us something about the Momentum of Light and Soulmerging? What is Soulmerging?

Soulmerging is literally the merging of your soul with the physical body. It is a wonderful initiation of light, which occurs during the process of releasing energetic densities or core wounds residing within you. Simply put, it is a continual increase in self-illumination and vibration that leads you closer and closer to your source as love and God. It is what enables people to manifest more and more of what they want in their life. It is all about the energy of love and light.

This is part of the awakening process or evolution of human consciousness we are beginning to hear quite a bit about. It is a profound experience that supports the understanding that an aspect of the light of your soul and God, or who you may refer to as your creator, is within you, within your physical body and not somewhere outside of you. God is within your sacred heart.

Soulmerging is an inward focused practice of meditation, divine alignment, self- awareness and fulfillment: A living meditation to be within the heart as much as the mind: A prayerful intention to reside in the love and light within you. The journey of self-discovery is the greatest adventure in life for it takes you to what I am referring to above.

Because it is an ongoing journey, the more light you bring in, the more light you attract. The more light you take in, the higher your vibrational state of being becomes and the more your life changes to the positive. Your life begins to attract more of what you want. The growing inner state of higher vibration and illumination changes your life, connecting you more deeply to yourself and the world around you. The desire to love begins to dominate your life. As each person's inner light grows, they effect collective consciousness making it easier for others to achieve the same. It's contagious so to speak. Like a snowball rolling down a mountain of light collecting other people along the way. This is what I refer to as "The Momentum of Light."

What can one gain from practicing with you?

People come to learn spirituality and to work with Divine energy to transmute their energy wound blockages. They learn to use meditation to further their illumination and awakening journey, to take command of their life and grow and manifest greater joy, peace, and abundance. It is so rewarding and fulfilling to watch and assist people! A person will grow in their own empowerment and connection to their true and authentic self as love. It's a beautiful process and support for people to become all they were meant to be.

What are your thoughts on the divisive and violent times we are living in?

I prefer not to get into the distortions of our current state of being. What I will say is that everything you see and hear about is a reflection of what humanity must take responsibility for and face. All we see is what is ready to become illuminated and transmuted from within humankind. This will ultimately lead to great healing and shifts within each person. While it is painful, it is ultimately a beautiful awakening for all back into love!

How can we transcend life's challenges and upsets on a daily basis?

First and foremost, by beginning each day with thoughts of forgiveness; forgiveness of yourself and forgiveness of others. Everyone makes mistakes. Everyone! It is time to forgive and stop judging.

Second, take the journey within. Discovery leads to an open heart, love and self-mastery.

After such an illuminating conversation, the next step was to put myself in Dr. Frank’s healing hands. I was admittedly nervous, not wanting to further aggravate a condition that has compromised all manners of my life, from working out to mentally and emotionally feeling drained and constantly worried. Having been told by the medical profession that I most likely need intense spinal surgery in order to regain any quality of life, I have literally felt helpless and afraid. At only 40-something years of life, had my youth and physical freedom quietly gone? The only answer was to give this a go. I couldn’t be in any more pain I reasoned, so with a trusting heart I let go and let Dr. Frank do his work. We discussed my physical condition, which rapidly shifted to my emotional status as he gently diagnosed latent tension that was most surely contributing to my suffering. Setting an intention to let go as he performed my chiropractic adjustment, he assured me I would feel on another realm post-treatment.

He was right! I left my appointment with a physical mobility I had not experienced in a year, feeling as light as a feather. For the first time in ages, my pain had subsided and I felt back to my old self, relieved that in fact, healing was possible and I could return to the life of physical freedom I once relished. Now a firm believer in the work of Dr. Frank and my second appointment booked, I not only feel a million times better, I also understand that true wellness is from the inside out, and beyond diet, exercise, and good rest, taking care of my emotions and thoughts is paramount to my overall health.

Welcome Dr. Frank to Westlake Athletic Club! I can only hope that our lovely members experience the gift and knowledge you have shared with me, and in doing so, find the lightness of being that I now cherish and a path to infinite health.

www.InfiniteHealthWV.com

A Thank You To Our Sponsors

By John Sutcliffe

We are proud to have hosted the National 45+ Hardcourt Championships once again in 2017, which was another successful tournament with a lot of great action on the courts. As always we are grateful for all of the sponsors that supported the tournament and want to ask all of our members to keep the above companies in mind when they shopping for goods and services. Without their financial support we would not be able to put on such a terrific event.

I would also like to thank all of the volunteers that helped with the tournament. As always the treats were wonderful and the flowers were gorgeous, throughout the tournament . . . A special thanks to Curtis Dahl who designed all of the fabulous flower arrangements with the tennis theme. They were amazing! We are grateful for everything that all of you do to make this such a great event and we thank you for your support. Thanks to you we will have a very good chance of bringing the tournament back again in 2018!!

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

The Men’s National 45 Hardcourt Tournament took place from Tuesday, May 30th through Sunday, June 4th. With 65 competitors registered, it was sure to be a fun and busy week. And indeed, it featured some amazing singles and doubles matches throughout. In addition, it was great to see the club members who participated, including Michael Beaudry in singles, and Dave MacNamara and Shane Marshak in doubles! On Thursday and Friday evening, WAC hosted Happy Hours which were very well attended, with food, wine and beer on offer for spectators to enjoy.

Congratulations to Singles Champion, Roberto Rodriguez, and Doubles Champions, Richard Leach and Kline Sack.


Singles finalist Morgan Shepherd.


Doubles team Chan Ly and Dimitar Yazadhiev.

Junior Tennis

On May 25th, WAC sponsored a booth at Sycamore Canyon School at their annual Family Fun Fitness Night. Brooke Gabbey and Laksamee Weilage were on hand to talk to parents about the great junior programs, while youth helpers included Will Nonnemaker, Alex Prust, Thomas Nonnemaker and Johnny Gabbey. Kids from the school were excited to pick up a tennis racquet and learn how to make contact with the ball!


Youth helper Will Nonnemaker in action.


WAC Staff Member Laksamee Weilage showing kids proper technique at the net.

Junior Team Tennis Sectionals

On the weekend of June 3rd and 4th, three of the four WAC Junior Team Tennis Teams were off to the Southern California Sectionals in Long Beach/Lakewood. The teams included the 14u Intermediate team captained by Steve Felsen, the 14u Intermediate team captained by Brooke Gabbey, and the 10u Satellite team captained by Alex Panin and Kim Blackwood. Sectionals are the regional play-offs where the first place or in some cases, the first and second place teams in the local league season advance to Sectionals. The Ventura County 14u Spring season flight had 10 teams and Steve Felsen’s WAC team came in 1st with Brooke Gabbey’s WAC team coming in a close second, beating the teams of Spanish Hills and Los Posas among many others along the way. Sectionals is always challenging because teams come from all over Southern California to compete and some of the areas such as Orange County and northern San Diego County tend to field particularly tough teams. Even so, the WAC 10u Satellite team came in 2nd place at Sectionals! Congratulations to all three teams for making it to Sectionals. That in itself is a huge accomplishment!


WAC 10u Satellite Team (l to r): Co-captain Kim Blackwood, Katherine Blackwood, Stella Chudleigh, David Panin, Kimi Basamakov, Joshua Ma, (Andrew Panin-brother!), Sarah Johnson, Captain Alex Panin; not pictured: Niyati Guram, Sebastian Howell, Abigail Li, Liv Rose Nardiello, Jonathan Lin


WAC 14u Intermediate (l to r): Captain Steve Felsen, Heady Rajput, Matthew Felsen, Yvon Kim, Keon Saleh, Emily Dahl, Grant Brust; not pictured: Zach Loncto, Rick Hu, Ryan Daniel


WAC 14u Intermediate (l to r): Captain Brooke Gabbey, Jacob Johnson, George Morris, Johnny Gabbey, Thomas Nonnemaker, Cole Werner, Tristan Montecino; not pictured: Will Macha, Ben Kreinces, Aishton Kacker, Tyler Peng

Summer programs taking place this summer include Junior League/Junior Development League, the Summer Challenge Series and Summer Camp.

Junior League/Junior Development League starts on Saturday, June 10th from 1 - 3 pm. It is geared for beginner through low Intermediate level players. Junior Development League has two hours of practice and drills. Junior League has one hour of practice followed by one hour of match play.

The Summer Challenge Series beginning on Sunday, June 11th is for players who already participate in match play situations through JTT, VCJTA Tournaments or USTA Tournaments. 11u goes from 1 - 2:30 pm, and 15u goes from 2:30 - 4 PM.

Summer Camp starts on Monday, June 12th and is open to beginner through ranked levels daily. Morning sessions go from 10 am -12:30 pm, and afternoon sessions go from 2 - 4:30 pm. On Fridays, pizza is included with the tennis session cost.

Take A Swing At Racket Sports

Research suggests they may serve up great health benefits

Published June 2017 in Harvard Men’s Health Watch


Image: © Mike Watson Images/Thinkstock

Want to live longer? Then pick up a racket. In a study published online Nov. 28, 2016, by the British Journal of Sports Medicine, researchers examined the link between certain sports and longevity and found that racquet sports came out on top.

"In many ways, racket sports like tennis, squash, badminton, racquetball, Ping-Pong, and other variations are the ideal exercise for many older men," says Vijay A. Daryanani, a physical therapist and personal trainer with Harvard-affiliated Spaulding Outpatient Center. "Besides offering a good cardiovascular workout, they can help with both upper- and lower-body strength at one time. They can be played at any age, can be modified to fit most fitness levels, and do not involve a lot of equipment."

In the study, researchers calculated the associations of six different types of exercise — racket sports, swimming, aerobics, cycling, running, and soccer — with the risk of early death. They looked at 80,306 people, almost half of whom were men, who ranged in age from 30 to 98 over the course of the study's nine years.

Those who regularly played racquet sports had the lowest risk of dying compared with those who chose other exercises. In fact, they were 47% less likely to die of any cause and 56% less likely to die of cardiovascular disease.

This was only one study, but it raises the question: Why are racket sports such a winner?

Body And Mind Games
Racket sports offer something other fitness sports do not — lateral movement. "Most of our lives are spent moving forward, and that includes our exercise," says Daryanani. "Racket sports force you to move both back and forth and side to side. This helps improve balance and weight shifting, which can lower your risk of falls."
The sports also enhance your hand-eye coordination and reaction time, as you have to keep your eye on the ball and move your body into position to return a shot. "As life goes on, our motor coordination and dexterity decreases. Racket sports can help improve that," says Daryanani.

Racket sports also work the major muscle groups in both the upper and lower body to increase all-around strength, as well as improve trunk rotation and joint flexibility. This comes in handy with daily actions like getting in and out of a car, chair, or bed. "A stronger body also helps you lift heavy objects, like groceries, climb stairs, and walk longer and farther with less fatigue," says Daryanani.

Another advantage is that this kind of activity exercises your mind. From a cognitive standpoint, it sharpens your planning and decision-making skills as you have to constantly anticipate and execute your next shot.
Older men might fear racket sports because they feel this type of exercise is too tough on their knees and hips, but that is exactly why you should do it, says Daryanani. "Lack of mobility is often why you have knee and hip pain or stiffness," he says. "Racket sports keep your joints loose, flexible, and strong, and since you can control the speed and pace of play, you don't have to worry about excessive strain. It is not like running a marathon or doing sprints."

A Team Effort
Another heart-healthy aspect of racket sports is its strong social component. You play against people — either as a single or part of a doubles team — while other exercises like running, swimming, and cycling are more isolated activities.

Frequent social contact is essential for a long and healthy life. In fact, a 2012 study in the Archives of Internal Medicine found that loneliness was associated with functional decline and an increased risk of death among adults older than age 60.

"You can play with friends or even join a league. It's a great way to get out of the house and be more active and engaged," says Daryanani.

Pick Up Pickleball

Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing racket sports among older adults. It's a hybrid sport that blends tennis, Ping-Pong, and the backyard childhood game of Wiffle ball. The paddle is between a Ping-Pong paddle and a tennis racquet in size and made of lightweight composite material, such as aluminum or graphite, which cuts down on fatigue. The "pickleball" resembles a large, plastic Wiffle ball and travels about one-third the speed of a tennis ball, so it is easier to see and hit. Pickleball is played both indoors and outdoors. The court is 20 by 44 feet, or about the size of a double badminton court. The net is shorter than a tennis net, which makes it easier to hit over. Pickleball has become a staple at many YMCAs and senior community centers. You can find places to play at the website of the USA Pickleball Association (www.usapa.org).

 

Video Fitness Tip from Holly Butler

The Importance of Laying A Good Foundation

 

Training Tip

Three Exercises on the Bosu Ball
By Patti Markovitz

The half ball is called the Bosu and its half dome/half platform is designed to help improve stability, mobility, reflexes and fitness in exercises for all ages. Its name stands for both sides being utilized (or both sides up), because it can be used either lying face down on its platform side or on its domed side. It's unique shape makes it perfect for adding versatility to any workout routine, especially when used to target the core, which is one of the most important muscle groups in the body. One of the best things about working with the Bosu ball is it can ramp up your core workout, as well as help you strengthen your muscles and improve your balance. The reasons are because of the unstable surface of the ball. The great thing is these exercises like planks (and all their variations), actually activate your ab muscles more than exercises like crunches. So when you do these exercises they take planks (and your workout) to the next level, building tight and strong ab muscles!

SIDE PLANK:


Targets: Obliques, Shoulders, and Lower Body.
Rest your right forearm on top of dome, stack your left foot on top of your right, and lift your body off the ground. Make sure you're in a straight line from your head to feet. Contract abs and squeeze your glutes. Hold for 30 seconds, and switch sides.

ONE LEGGED BRIDGE:


Targets: Core, Glutes and Hamstrings.
Lie on back with your right foot on the dome, left leg extended towards ceiling, and arms along the floor, palms face up. Press your right foot into the dome and lift your torso until it's in line with your right thigh. Hold for 2 counts then slowly lower to start Repeat 15 times, and switch sides.

MOUNTAIN CLIMBER:


Targets: Core, Shoulders and Lower Body.
Flip the ball over onto its dome. Grip the sides of the platform and come into a plank position. Run in place, quickly bringing each knee to your chest. Try to do this for a minute.

[email protected]

 

Video Yoga Tip

Preparing For Meditation By Katie Whittaker

Training Tip

The Benefits of Suspension Training: All Core All The Time
By Peter Loncto

Last month I talked about the upcoming outdoor fitness area and the emphasis on functional strength training. Nothing exemplifies this better than the TRX Suspension Training system.

TRX was invented by a former Navy Seal named Randy Hetrick, born out of the Seal Team’s desire to maintain their battle-ready fitness, with nowhere to train! What started with a few lengths of parachute webbing has grown into the present day TRX Suspension Trainer. TRX has evolved to become the single most game changing addition to virtually every gym, training facility and locker room in the country, and is used by the NFL, Major League Baseball, the NHL and hundreds of NCAA and high school athletic programs.

The benefits of Suspension Training workouts are not just applicable to the performance elites; they are relevant for everyone who seeks a method to safely and rapidly improve his or her fitness. There are virtually hundreds of exercises that can be either progressed or regressed to adapt to any fitness level. With TRX's motto of "All core all the time", the system promotes health and wellness by activating the core musculature during every exercise. In addition, it is a "go anywhere" workout that can be used indoors, outdoors, or even in a home or hotel room setting!

Currently, both Holly and I offer TRX group exercise classes, and we look to greatly expand the number and frequency of these classes as we incorporate our poolside fitness area. We can't wait to show you how to improve your functional strength, improve your flexibility, balance, and core stability, all while having a great time in a small group format.

Tri Corner

Roth Challenge
By John Sutcliffe

In a few weeks 18 Westlake Athletic Club members who are teammates on P5 Racing will descend on Roth, Germany to take on the ultimate Ironman distance race. Nowhere else in the world will a triathlete be cheered on by nearly 250,000 enthusiastic spectators. Triathlon is generally not the most spectator friendly sport and it is rare that there are large crowds on the course. Roth is the exception due in part to the surrounding region being very passionate about triathlon with locals coming out in large numbers to support the racers.

All of those that are going to Roth have spent the past 9 to 12 months training to get ready for the race, and are eager to get to race day to prove to themselves that they have done what it takes to cross the finish line. Roth is particularly exciting because it is such an iconic race, and there will be many highlights that most racers will only experience once in their triathlon career.

The highlight of the day for most participants will be Solar Hill which is lined with people, 10 to 12 deep in spots, cheering and high fiving all of the racers as they climb up the hill. For most cyclists this will be as close to the Tour de France as they will ever get! If you have ever watched a hill stage of the Tour de France you know how crazy the fans can be! While they will not literally pushing the bikers up the hill, figuratively they will be!!

In most triathlons it is difficult for friends and family to cheer the racers on in the swim because it is challenging to get to the swim venue, and even when you can the racers are difficult to see because of large bodies of water. This is not the case in Roth where the swim venue is a small canal that is lined by thousands of spectators on both sides. Many fans also line the canal bridges at the start and turn around to root the swimmers on. For those that get the pre race jitters all of the commotion from the fans will likely be a welcome distraction!

For the beer lovers The Beer Mile may be the best part of the day! In the city of Roth both the bike and run courses are lined with tables and chairs packed with beer guzzling fans widely cheering on the runners and bikers. Rumor has it that participants can stop and load up on liquid carbohydrates and then continue on. Rumor also has it that a few of our members will be partaking in the on course drinking!!!

For most racers the finish shoot where they announce “John Doe, You Are an Ironman” is the most exhilarating moment of the entire race. At Challenge Roth the finish is even more spectacular because racers finish in Triathlon Park, which is jammed with 10,000+ cheering fans rooting you on as you complete the final lap. No other long distance triathlon in the world has a stadium full of spectators as their finishing venue!!!

Please join me in wishing good luck (Viel Gluck) to all of our members that will be competing. This includes: Kari Davis, Caroline Letteri, Larry Dutra, Don McDonald, Greg Tchejeyan, Sheri Schauwecker, Craig Wolchover, John Sutcliffe, Eric Schauwecker, Tara Peters, Scott Davis, Maureen McAloon, Colleen Hutchings, Roy Rubin, Jim Duncan, Michele Funk and Rigo Galindo.

Water Fitness Tip

The Perks of Water Fitness
By Anna Griffin

Getting in the fabulous pool at WAC is now more than swimming laps. As summer beckons, we have a new reason to take the plunge! Fun, gentle, and effective, Water Fitness is an engaging alternative (yet equally intense workout) to weight lifting or cardio, without the risk of injury. Multiple muscles are worked without strain, while classes offer great cardiovascular and strengthening simultaneously. The water’s inherent resistance protects against injury while providing the optimal muscular workout, and there’s no swimming required!

Water Fitness classes are led by our amazing instructor, Tamara Goulden, three times a week. You can jump into class on Saturdays at 11 am, Mondays at 10:30 am, Tuesdays at 4 pm, and a special class on July 4th at 10.30 am, but in the meantime here’s a sneak peak of what happens in class, and it’s a whole lot of fun!



If a calmer water workout is more your pace, Katie Whittaker is Aquatic Exercise Association-certified, Arthritis Association-trained and the creator of Aqua Yoga.
If you can't make the class times Katie, is available for personal or small group sessions. Contact her at 818-620-7177 to schedule.

Member Getaway:

Shadow Mountain Resort & Club, Palm Springs: Recreation, Relaxation & Rejuvenation.
By Anna Griffin


Awarded the 2014, 2015 & 2016 Winner, Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence, Shadow Mountain Resort & Club, the First Palm Desert Resort, was founded in 1946 and is a distinct part of the history of Palm Desert, California. Their famous Figure 8 Pool & Spa, private villas and elite tennis facilities have helped establish Palm Desert as California’s best destination for year-round tennis, world-class golf, and peaceful relaxation.



With expansive views of the Santa Rosa Mountains, Shadow Mountain Resort & Club feels like a private retreat. Located just two blocks from El Paseo, Palm Desert’s famous shopping destination, Shadow Mountain Resort provides both peaceful solitude and access to vibrant entertainment. Guests can easily walk to downtown Palm Desert, to experience exciting artwork, entertainment and festivals, before returning to what feels like “their own private resort.” With four swimming pools, five whirlpool spas, sixteen tennis courts (including lighted and clay), a golf course, two restaurants, saunas, and a fitness studio, there is literally something for everyone.

The Resort offers spectacular accommodations from private studios, to villas and condos, able to accommodate for a weekend, a week, or a season, depending on your travel desires. Each unit is designed to fit vacation needs with fully equipped kitchens that are perfect for family dinners or larger gatherings, while Private Villas are the ultimate space to relax in luxury.


A Private Palm Villa is a private 1400 sq ft Villa with two king beds, two bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, dining room, and living room. Every two-bedroom unit comes with a gas fireplace, washer & dryer, private balconies, air-conditioning, and in-room coffee. Your “home away from home.”

If feeling hungry or thirsty the Resort offers breakfast, lunch and Happy Hour at Top of the Courts Cafe & Bar. For dinner, you can rent a barbeque by the pool for a relaxed grilled supper, or head downtown to eat at one of El Paseo’s many fabulous eateries. The Resort offers a comprehensive guide for all travellers, and their staff is always available to provide suggestions ensuring the most memorable and delicious time.

If unable to make up your mind, you can always join the Desert Tasty Tours, a walking food tour along El Paseo to sample six different restaurants/specialty shops during a three-hour tour. In addition to sampling a variety of foods, guests will learn about the art, history, and culture of Palm Desert and the surrounding area.


The Resort has award-winning tennis facilities and training. Tennis Magazine has consistently ranked the Desert Tennis as one of the top 25 tennis academies in the U.S. (the magazine has also named Shadow Mountain, as one of America’s 50 greatest resorts for the past 20 years). It also holds the distinction of being one of the top 50 tennis resorts and camps in 2014, as named by Tennis Resorts Online. As a resort guest at Shadow Mountain, court time is free. Resort guests may call to reserve courts 24 hours in advance. If you’re traveling solo and need a partner to play, or if you and a partner would like to play doubles, their tennis coordinator is happy to match you up with other players at your level.

Shadow Mountain also offers Pickleball with some of the best courts in the desert, and hosts many annual tournaments, contributing to the success of the sport in Palm Desert. If in need of some tuition, their Pro, Morgan, is on hand to offer coaching to get your game at its best.


The Palm Springs area boasts more than 110 public and private golf courses. From beautiful mountain vistas and cascading waterfalls to lush desert landscape and the brightest fairways and greens, your golf experience in and around Palm Desert will be one to remember. Shadow Mountain will assist you in teeing off on a magnificent course, amongst their recommendations Desert Willow Golf Resort, Indian Wells Golf Resort, and Tahquitz Creek Golf Resort, which Golf Digest just named as “One of the Best Places to Play.”

When wanting to maintain your fitness routine, Shadow Mountain has a fully equipped gym, complete with a universal machine, recumbent bike, upright bike, treadmill, elliptical machine, free weights, yoga mats and balance balls to accommodate your athletic needs and desires. After a great workout, relax in the saunas located in the men’s and women’s locker rooms, or head to the spa for a therapeutic massage.



Palm Springs is a vibrant vacation destination, and beyond world-class tennis, golf, dining, and paralleled relaxation, there are many things to see and do. For the adrenaline junkie, try an adventure into the Palm Desert. By Jeep, Hummer, or mountain bike, there are countless ways of making your visit to Shadow Mountain full of excitement. Book a tour to Joshua Tree National Park and the San Andreas Fault, or learn about the flora, fauna and history of the desert via Adventure Hummer, Big Wheel Tours, or Desert Adventure Jeep Tours.


Or take a more relaxing ride on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, offering 360° of breathtaking views as rotating tramcars ascend two-and-a-half miles to the Mountain Station to enjoy panoramic views, over 50 miles of hiking trails, and much more. Indulge in fine dining at 8500 ft at Peaks Restaurant, more casual fare at Pines Café, or libations and nibbles at the Lookout Lounge.


Whether you are seeking a relaxing desert vacation, or an athletic getaway to recharge your fitness routine, Shadow Mountain Resort & Club provides the best of both worlds, set against a heavenly backdrop: The perfect opportunity for recreation, relaxation and rejuvenation.

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.

 

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].