September Newsletter 2017

 

Dear Members,

I would like to thank all of you that continue to complete our Medallia survey which provides us with valuable information concerning the operations of the club. We now have 300+ responses and the data is giving us important insight into many aspects here at WAC. I am very proud to announce that of the 400+ clubs across the country that use the survey, we are ranked number two in both front desk and overall friendliness. Please join me in congratulating the entire staff for their second place ranking among some of the top clubs in the country.

We have had a number of surveys where members have asked that we relax our current guest policy, which restricts local guests to two visits per year. Based on these requests we have decided to increase the number of visits for local guests to six per year. We ask that you continue to check your guests in so we can track their visits in our system. The new policy will become effective immediately and will allow individual guests a total of 6 visits for 2017.

A number of members have also suggested that we recycle our used tennis balls. We think that is a great idea and have purchased recycling bins that we will be placed on the courts shortly. We will either reuse or recycle the used balls. The reused balls can be used within our community at schools, assisted living facilities or other facilities looking to protect their floors from scratches from their furniture. For recycling we will utilize an organization called tennisrecycling.com that grounds up the balls and recycles the material as a component in a sub-surface for new tennis courts. Please help us in our effort to be green and place your used balls in the bins as you depart the courts. Thank you for your continued feedback.

Our first event on the new outdoor patio and deck area was a great experience for both the WAC team and members alike. We had over 100 members and guests join us for a fun and relaxing evening watching the US Open Quarter Finals. It was made all the more exciting watching one of our home town players, Sam Querrey.

The combination of the great tacos, tamales, rice and beans, beer and perfect weather made for a comfortable night taking in the match. We’re looking forward to hosting more parties in the future when the bar, fire pit and barbeque are complete. We look forward to seeing all of you at our future celebrations.

The 4th Annual Conejo Club Cup will take place at North Ranch Country Club on Saturday, October 7th. Clubs participating in this event include: Sunset Hills Country Club, Spanish Hills Country Club, Las Posas Country Club, North Ranch Country Club and Westlake Athletic Club. Our team is as strong as ever and is looking to take the Cup from Sunset Hills who has won the tournament for two years running. This year’s Cup will bring over 300 Conejo Valley players and spectators to this one-day tournament. This is always a terrific event and we hope you will come out and cheer on WAC! North Ranch is looking for a few local sponsors for the event. Please see the attached flyer for sponsorship opportunities.

Have a Healthy Day,
John Sutcliffe
General Manager

 

Nutrition Tip:

Maintain Your Summer Waistline . . . All Year Long.
By Anna Griffin

Despite a continuation of record-breaking temperatures here in Southern California recently, the summer season is ending. Along comes fall and with colder weather and the holidays looming round the corner, comfort food and a possibly expanding waistline.

It is natural during those months to crave more carbs, but just because summer (and with it bikini season) is on the way out, there is no reason for our trim waistlines to go with it! Despite seasonally traditional treats such as Spiced Pumpkin Lattes and turkey dinners with all the delicious trimmings (mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy, cranberry jelly and pecan pie, to name a few), keeping our daily eating on track in the run-up to the holidays, allows us to moderately indulge without overloading on calories.

Australian nutritionist, Susie Burrell, shares simple tips from concentrating on your meal timing to making sure dinner is your smallest meal, to supercharging your breakfast with a protein boost, helping us to keep our diets and waistlines in tip-top shape through summer and beyond.

'Whether you choose a couple of eggs; a hearty serve of Greek yoghurt or a protein shake, research shows that consuming 20g of protein at breakfast helps to control the hormone insulin which regulates fat metabolism in the body,' Susie posts on her Shape Me blog.

'Even better, add some extra vegetables to bulk up your protein rich brekkie – a vegetable omelette, veg juice added to your yoghurt or some veggies blended into your shake or smoothie,' she explains.

Next on Susie’s list of priorities is ensuring that when you eat your meals is the right time of day. According to her, we eat our meals a lot later in the day than we did 20-30 years ago, and this means that our waistlines are wider as a result.

'Breakfast by 8am, lunch by 1pm and dinner by 7pm so you have 10-12 hours without food overnight,' she said. 'So simple yet so effective.'

Another suggestion is to keep dinner small, but so often, thanks to busy working lives, dinners are the biggest meal we eat each day. According to Susie, we should be following the age-old adage - breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dine like a pauper.

'The greater of volume of food we eat at night when we are least active, the harder it will be to lose weight,' she explained. 'For this reason, committing to eating a light, relatively low calorie meal as early as possible is an easy way to drop a few kilos quickly,’ and advocates a piece of white fish and vegetables or 100 grams of lean meat with salad as 300-400 calorie options.

While counting calories can be important for weight loss, if you really want to get lean and tone up it's all about counting your carbohydrates, according to Susie.

'As carbs are the key source of fuel for the muscle, actively counting the amount you are consuming is an easy way to control your total fuel intake,' she explains.

‘Small females will lose weight safely on 120-140g of total carbs each day, while men should look to go between 140 and 180g. A good example of how you can cut back is by swapping white or sourdough bread (40-60g carbs) for smaller, thinner slices of lower carb whole wheat or multigrain bread (20-30g carbs) per serve,' Susie says.

Last but not least, it really can help if you substitute one meal a day for soup or salad.

'Very few of us get 2-3 cups of salad, fruit and vegetables we need at both lunch and dinner for optimal health and nutrition. The low calorie content of vegetable-based soups and salads means that you could literally eat as much of these foods as you like without weight gain.'

Susie suggests replacing a meal with a vegetable soup at lunch or roasted veg salad for dinner - you'll notice a difference in days.

Member of the Month: Daniel Allen

Soul Expansion . . . Conscious Loving, Conscious Living, Conscious You!
By Anna Griffin

In a time of unrest and unease both here at home and around the globe, there seems no better time to take a look at ourselves and how we can authentically improve our lives, to better serve our families, friends and communities. But how do we do this?

Self-improvement on a physical level requires discipline, a work out plan, goals, a time frame and a passion to be of optimum health. However on a personal level (how we think, perceive and behave), the idea of self-improvement can seem daunting. Often times we might go against it, generally out of fear but also because we don’t know where to start or what it entails.

Meet Daniel Allen, Founder and Lead Partner of Soul Expansion, an innovative spiritual and emotional practice rooted in principles that lead towards increased self-love and an enriched life experience. Daniel, a member of WAC since December ’16, joined looking for a gym that his special needs daughter could also enjoy and allow them to work out together. Intrigued by his work with Soul Expansion, we had to find out more . . .

Why did you join WAC?

I was working out generally five days per week and thought it would be great to do so with my daughter. While it seemed unlikely that she would maintain a consistent exercise schedule, I knew the benefits would be substantial and I believed in the proper setting she would thrive! We live in Westlake Village and greatly value our community, so I decided to visit Westlake Athletic Club, and instantly enjoyed meeting John Sutcliffe. We had a wonderful conversation that spanned a few topics ranging from my daughter to my work. As he gave me a tour, I saw the treadmill (with integrated video) and immediately realized this would be the single feature that just might click with her. Who would have thought a seemingly small feature that is easily overlooked, would actually make the entire difference?! My daughter now exercises an average of three-times weekly (grade 5.0 and speed 4.2… we’re very proud of her).

What is your favorite athletic pursuit at the club?

I generally do strength training and cardio, and am looking forward to taking on either swimming or tennis in the future.

What are some of your fitness goals as a member?
Circulation. Flexibility. Strength.

What are you enjoying most about life at WAC?
I enjoy the open, friendly and community sensibility. Of course, the facilities are wonderfully clean and the environment relaxed too.

Can you tell us about Soul Expansion?

Find Enlightenment. Fast.
Now, that doesn’t mean we take shortcuts. Rather it is a profound process that allows us to quickly; clearly, and concisely identify our hidden commitments, beliefs, behaviors.

How Does Soul Expansion Work?

Soul Expansion bypasses common bottlenecks and allows an individual to generally excel faster than traditional therapy. It offers a playful – not painful – pathway where we see ourselves and celebrate our purpose with clarity, awareness, and personal strength.

You will learn to become centered and skilled at living from your soul rather than your mind through a series of fun exercises and games.

What is the Purpose of Soul Expansion?

The purpose of Soul Expansion is to offer a way of living life independent of any spiritual, religious, or similar beliefs, acknowledging and accepting that we are fully responsible for our own feelings, thoughts, and actions. To walk through our journey with increased integrity and a deepened understanding – and appreciation – of ourselves and others.

We offer programs to guide towards conscious Loving and conscious Living such as Breakthrough Feelings of Fear or Conscious Separation; a unique process for empowering couples considering a break-up or divorce. Most of us know how to end a relationship, but few know how to complete it. This program guides them through a concise series of steps to move from the relationship in a loving, compassionate and generative manner that honors each other and the relationship.

We serve individuals, couples and families. We also serve businesses with through a very specific process of elevating their company culture.

We also offer our Conscious Camps program without charge to local schools or community centers to educate children (grades 1-12) with the concepts of Soul Expansion and develop an empowered sense of self-Love and accountability to ensure healthy relationships as they mature. We offer Private Sessions at our office in Westlake/Thousand Oaks or Private Workshops for businesses and organizations.

What was your inspiration to launch this business?

My walk through life. My family and friends have referenced my profound demeanor from a very young age. By the time I reached middle school, I began writing and having prolific discussions constantly. In high school, my depth became a defining quality (accompanying humor). At twenty-two years, I had an instant epiphany; I acknowledged that I was living about 90% from my head and about 10% from my soul. I chose to dedicate my life to inversing the scales. My error is that I thought it would take about a year… six years later at the age of thirty-one, I finally reached my perceived intention. When I did, from this vantage I saw the patterns I had repeated and encouraged most of my life that were in direct contrast to what I stated I desired. I became clear that we operate from two kinds of commitments: Unconscious and conscious. Unfortunately, it is the unconscious commitments we maintain that are strongest. It is only when we bring the unconscious into the light it becomes conscious, and from here we make empowered choices that are congruent with the life we choose to live. This is my definition of being in integrity.

This led me to begin writing the feelings, thoughts, and methods as I was walking through these shifts. This became the genesis of Soul Expansion.

In 2007, after sharing my initial concept of Soul Expansion with my mentor, she stated “You need to be sharing this with the world and I’ll support You.” She and her husband have a few best-selling books and I received her compliment with her substantial experience. I spent a couple of years refining the process and shifted and began!

What are your thoughts on the divisive and violent times we are living in, and how participating in Soul Expansion can help us each make a difference?

What a great question. I don’t know that there is short answer. We live in a time where there seems to be a lot big issues intersecting in what could appear as becoming a perfect storm. In the end, it is about love, isn’t it? Relationships are rooted in equality and currently there is seemingly a big disparity in many ways. 



When we make a choice to stop commenting on other people’s choices and lives, and choose to truly live ours leading with Love and Integrity in a generative manner, then we do make a difference. 

Both the divisiveness and violence are unconscious reactions and outbursts because collective groups don’t experience being accepted, seen, or valued. Consider what a child may do when they experience not being accepted, seen, or valued; they experience being unloved and then create strategies to get what they seek (Love, attention, etc.). Without coming from a grounded place of awareness, adults will do this too (we see such behaviors in divorce and other areas where there are substantial feelings of fear, anger, grief). What is a group but a collective of individuals? 

What can one person do? A common phrase in Soul Expansion is “how you do anything is how you do everything.” Consider it for a moment and it becomes evident. When an individual makes a choice to fully step forward into their own life journey and claim radical responsibility, every aspect of their life (relationships, work, etc.) improves… and often quickly!

We have been conditioned in our society to view competition as healthy, but it creates divisiveness by its very nature (winner/loser, good/bad, fair/unfair). When the mainstream understands that cooperation is our truest nature, we will discover a different way of humanity. An individual can inspire their family, a community, their state, the state of their country, and a country… the world!



In general, how can we transcend life's challenges and upsets on a daily basis?

The mark of a good pilot isn’t primarily about takeoff and landing, it’s about staying on course. Sure they could land anywhere, but how does that help if it’s not the intended destination? Up there in the sky, with no road signs, constantly shifting due to weather, other planes, and unforeseen circumstances, a good pilot knows how to stay on course. This is the metaphor I use for my daily life. When I noticed I have drifted from my commitments (and there is no shortage of how to do so ranging from deflecting accountability to addictions), I re-commit. Eventually, like a sport, over time it becomes second nature and we discover we are living from integrity more often. But, also like a sport, it is a set of skills and practice to be learned.

The experience of writing about Daniel and learning about Soul Expansion gives me renewed hope, and inspires me to raise my personal game. The thought of living and loving consciously, committed to authenticity, integrity and taking responsibility, gives me a sense of freedom and lightness of being I have long been searching for.

Workshops and private sessions are offered at here locally, at various locations throughout the Southern California area, and can also be attended online via live webinar.

Topics Include:
• Soul Expansion Essentials
• Find Enlightenment. Fast
• Conscious Dating
• We don't get the love we want, we get the love we believe we deserve!
• Romance Workshop (for Individuals & Couples)
• Yes, you are romantic!
• Breakthrough Feelings of Fear
• It's not about singing . . . It's about finding your voice! This unique and exciting transformational journey will literally rock your world!
• Expanding Into Feelings of Joyfulness. It seems senseless, but most of us are not capable of experiencing much happiness.

If expanding your soul (and with it your life) strikes a chord in you, there is an Introductory Package in addition to the many courses offered. Daniel is kindly offering a 30% discount to all Westlake Athletic Club Members who sign up before October 1st, 2017. Look for him around the club to ask him more, or visit www.soulexpansion.com and mention WAC when filling out the contact form.

Daniel, thank you for all the support and positivity you bring to our club, as you hone your physically while expanding our collective souls.

Tennis Stuff

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:

US Open Viewing Party
The US Open Viewing Party is coming up on Tuesday, September 5 from 6-9 PM with food, drink and draws to fill in for some friendly competition as you watch the US Open on a big screen TV in the new patio area! Sign up at the Front Desk to watch the best in the world play in the Quarterfinals!

WAC Fall USTA Tournament
The annual WAC Fall USTA Tournament is fast approaching! It will take place from Friday, September 29 through Sunday, October 1. Sign up to play in either the men’s or women’s singles or doubles or mixed divisions! There is an Open division and if there is enough participation, there will be prize money too! Register online through usta.com and use tournament ID: 650007817.

Junior Tennis:

Afternoon Clinics
The afternoon clinic program is back in full force! There are clinics available for all ages and levels so there is a clinic to fit every schedule! Steady attendance at clinics can really help junior players develop the consistency in their games to help them in their matches. The clinic schedule is available on the club website or there are brochures at the Front Desk.

Junior Team Tennis
The Junior Team Tennis (JTT) program is a great way for junior players to have a team experience in what is otherwise a very individual sport. To be eligible, players need to be match-play ready at a minimum and for the higher level teams, they should be familiar with match competition through VCJTA or USTA tournaments. There are levels for 10u, 12u, 14u and 18u. Within those age divisions, there are levels according to player ability starting at 2.9 and below, 3.4 and below and 3.5 and above. These levels have replaced the former Intermediate, Satellite and Advanced levels. Team levels are based on the strength of the highest-rated player on the team. WAC has traditionally sent teams every season to Sectionals (play-offs) against other sections in Southern California including San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles, San Diego, Orange County and more. That is quite an accomplishment! Three of the four eligible WAC teams attended Sectionals last June after the Spring season—congratulations to them! The preliminary deadline for registration is August 30, 2017. If space is available on teams after August 30, then players can be placed. The JTT season starts on September 16 for practice and September 24, 2017 for matches. Forms are available at the Front Desk.

June 2017 Sectionals Teams

Junior League
The Junior League program is designed for the beginner player through the intermediate level. There is an hour of practice followed by an hour of supervised match play where teaching pros give players feedback during their matches in relation to strategy, positioning and technique. For beginner players, teaching pros use red and orange dot balls. For the advanced beginner through intermediate, they use green dot or yellow dot balls depending on age. Contact Brooke Gabbey, WAC Junior League Coordinator, for more information. The season starts on Saturday, September 16, 2017. Forms are available at the Front Desk.

Fitness Stuff

Video Fitness Tip from Holly Butler
Intense Waistline Workout

 

Training Tip

Cable Squats
By Patti Markowitz

Traditional lower body exercises such as squats, lunges, and step-ups become much more challenging when adding the pull of a cable. The cable provides a force that tries to pull your body from its center of gravity, demanding more core muscles to work, stabilize and strengthen to prevent you from falling over.

Begin by facing the cable machine with the pulley on the lowest setting. Using a rope attachment, grip the rope with your thumbs toward the ceiling as if you were about to perform a biceps curl.

Pull up the rope so it's just below your chin with your elbows bent.

Don't allow the rope to drop as you descend into a squat position. Don't allow your back to round.

Push through your heels to return to the standing position.

[email protected]

Video Yoga Tip

Making Your Personal Training Personal
By Katherine Whittaker

 

 

Training Tip

Pre-Holiday Training Early to Beat Those Treats!
By Peter Loncto


I’m not sure how it happened, but it's September already! Despite the recent spate of triple digit temperatures, the calendar tells us that summer is on the way out, and fall is right around the corner. And that means the holidays are coming soon.

Along with the joy of good times shared with friends and family, comes the inevitable round of eating and drinking those special once-a-year treats, which means tons of extra calories! Most of us just chalk the attendant weight gain up to the season and put off dealing with it until January with those seldom kept New Year’s Resolutions.

There is a better way. Starting now on a focused, sensible program of exercise, including balance training, core training, resistance training and cardio, will allow you to indulge in all those hard-to-resist treats . . . In moderation, of course!

Your WAC membership entitles you to a Healthy Start assessment and an hour-long session with a Certified Personal Trainer at no charge. Additionally, you can set a course for smooth sailing through the holidays by booking three one-hour training sessions for a total investment of only $99! That's five sessions with a wellness expert for less money than you’ll spend on Pumpkin Spiced Lattes this season, and without the calorific overload!

So hit the holidays in good shape this year. Don't wait until New Year’s Day to begin your wellness journey. I would be delighted to help you get started on a safe, efficient fitness program, and assure you that you will love the way you look and feel. Take the first step and book a Healthy Start assessment now. If you put in the effort, the results are guaranteed.

P.S. Imagine how good it will feel this holiday season when friends and family tell you how good you look and ask how you did it!

Tri Corner

Off Season Strength Training For Everyone
By John Sutcliffe

With the race season nearing its end, it is time to consider what our off season training regimes will consist of. As most of you know strength training is a key component in a well rounded training program. Some of the benefits derived from strength training include increased muscle fiber size, increased contractile strength and increased tendon, bone, and ligament tensile strength. These changes are thought to decrease injury, improve physical capacity, economy and metabolic function. Studies have also shown that 12 week strength training programs can increase your lactate threshold by as much as 12% as a result of doing them.

Here at the club we continue to look at and add new opportunities to help members incorporate strength training into your workout regimes. As part of the group exercise schedule we are offering TRX and Resistance/Strength/Stretching classes with Peter and Holly. Both of these classes focus on functional movements and develop strength, flexibility, balance and core stability. I encourage all of you to build these workouts into your schedules. We currently offer each of these classes two times per week, but as demand grows we will add additional time slots where needed.

In the next four to six weeks we will be opening our new outdoor fitness area. This area will be geared towards small group and personal training but will also be open to members when classes are not in session. Equipment will be positioned in a circuit format and will include (2) self-powered treadmills, (2) spinner bikes, (2) rowing machines, (2) functional trainers, dumbbells, kettle bells, benches and (4) TRX bays. One of the most popular trends in fitness is High Intensity Training (HIT) where you move from station to station, doing a combination of strength and cardio exercises that keep the heart rate high and burn tons of calories. We will likely add two HIT classes per week to the schedule once the new area is complete. Hope to see you in class.

In addition to the group exercises classes for strength training, we also suggest you consider working with a personal trainer who can develop a workout regime that is goal driven and result oriented. Personal training is one of the most effective and time-efficient ways to attain the results you are looking for. WAC personal trainers possess the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to design a safe and effective strength- training program. Our trainers will develop programs that are varied, progressive, fun, interesting, and geared toward your fitness goals. For members that are considering using a trainer, we have a onetime offer of (three) one hour sessions for $99. If you are interested in getting started please e-mail me at [email protected] and I will connect with the trainer that best meets your needs.

Water Fitness Tip from Tamara Goulden

Tuesday Afternoon Water Fitness Class

 

Member Getaway

Eight Fun, Fitness Staycations, California-Style
By Anna Griffin

Looking for a getaway that combines matching your fitness goals and workout routine with your preferred form of athletic hobby, whether that’s an immersion experience, golf-based fitness, or trekking across the countryside? These eight fitness vacations, listed from north to south, offer a chance to detox, toughen up, and unwind in beautiful destinations across California.

Wine Country Trekking

Great for: A challenging trek—followed by wine.

In 2006, Greg and Mary Guerrazzi were trekking from village to village in Switzerland when they thought, “We have to do this in America.” They returned to the States and, with Mary’s sister, started Wine Country Trekking, the only inn-to-inn hiking company in the U.S., which allows guests to stroll, trek, or run their way through the hills of Marin County to the vineyards of Sonoma. Trip options range from three to 10 days, with the most popular trek being the 10-day San Francisco to Sonoma route, which also includes one morning of kayaking and a private, catered dinner. You’ll receive detailed trail maps and a packed lunch for your daily self-guided hikes; when you arrive at your evening destination, your bags will be waiting for you.

Yoga & Pilates Retreat, Sagrada Wellness

Great for: Mind and body rejuvenation.

If your resolutions typically include the words “balance” or “stress,” consider the Yoga & Pilates Retreat on the Central Coast, where the focus is a combination of fitness gains and a renewed sense of self. Your day at this shared-living-space resort will start with a guided meditation walk followed by a wholesome breakfast before your first yoga session. Guests have the freedom to choose how they spend their afternoon—hiking or reading in a hammock are options—before the second yoga or Pilates class. Want to watch the sunset with a glass of wine? Feel free to indulge. And don’t miss the opportunity to stargaze from the ranch’s hot tub.

The Ranch 4.0

Great for: A weekend push with a little flexibility.

You’ll get eight hours of exercise, organic meals, and daily spa treatments—but with a few lifestyle indulgences, like free reign to use the Wi-Fi. Accommodations for R4.0 are at the elegant Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village, where you’ll find an equal spa-to-sweat ratio. Group yoga and weight sessions are included, as are cooking demonstrations, body fat tests, and, happily, a planned afternoon nap.

The Ashram

Great for: A celebrity-worthy transformation.

Oprah, Jane Fonda, and Amber Valletta are on the list of celebrities who have retreated to the Santa Monica Mountains to experience a transformative week at The Ashram. The program was one of the first of its kind more than 40 years ago, and today, the week of strenuous hikes, two-a-day yoga sessions, garden-to-table meals, and evening educational programs continue to push guests beyond their limits. During your weeklong stay, be prepared to wake up before sunrise, hike at least nine miles a day, and survive on fewer calories than you’re probably used to.

The Ranch Malibu

Great for: A strict, off-the-grid immersion.

Need a full detox from all of your bad habits? The regimented, no-options week at The Ranch Malibu will strip away what you don’t need (coffee, alcohol, Internet, meat) and amp up what you do (nature, hiking, yoga, vegetables), to focus your weight-loss efforts. (This is the stricter version of sister program R4.0.) You and a maximum of 17 other guests will stay in minimalist-yet-luxury cottages on the secluded property, and participate in long hikes, core work, and weight training, all fueled by organic, vegetarian meals. Your hard work will be rewarded every afternoon with a private massage, included in your stay.

The Biggest Loser Resort at JW Marriott Desert Springs

Great for: A reality-show-style butt-kicking.

You won’t be weighed on national television or sent home during your stay at The Biggest Loser Resort, but you’ll definitely be whipped into shape.The comprehensive program is not just about last-chance workouts, either—it also focuses on teaching you how to grocery-shop smarter and manage your stress. Meals are prepared by resort chefs and total around 1,500 calories per day (although you might score extra snacks, based on individual assessment), and yes, you’ll be encouraged to give up coffee, soda, and alcohol while you’re there. The main program lasts one week, but you can book for multiple weeks.

Cal-a-Vie Health Spa

Great for: A personalized fitness program.

Sitting on 200 private acres covered with citrus groves, lavender fields, and vine-covered hills, the Cal-a-Vie resort in San Diego County feels “truly like being in the South of France, without the jet lag,” says Gary McGiboney, the resort’s vice president of operations. When you arrive, you’ll meet with a staff member to discuss your goals, determine your customized meals (down to specific portions), and choose the mutliple workout sessions and spa treatments you’ll try daily. There are over 100 exercise classes to pick from, whether you’re after gentle exercise (candle-lit yoga), strength (Upper Body Blast), cardio conditioning (Piloxing), or just something new, such as a spin session in the pool.

Golf FIT, Omni La Costa

Great for: Improving both your physique and your golf swing.

If you want to up your golf game while also shedding some of those lingering 19th-hole pounds, the five-star Omni La Costa Resort and Spa’s Golf FIT program could be your game changer. You can opt for a one-week to one-month stay, which includes morning fitness classes, daily one-on-one lessons with a PGA pro, course time, healthy gourmet meals, blood work assessments, and treatments at La Costa’s world-class spa. The program is meant to be a live-in, intensive experience, says the camp’s managing director, Zach Cutler. “If someone is committed to a lifestyle transformation, there’s no place better in the world to do it,” he says. “We’ve seen miracles happen in even a week.” Plus, the program is not meant to be just a quick hit—you’ll be sent home with 12 weeks of meal and fitness plans to keep the momentum going.

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

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].