Bathing Suit Chronicles

What's your favorite animal?

You will find the reason for the title of this morning's meanderings somewhere in the words.

    August is getting ready to exit as it nudges summer to make way for fall. Last week, the children at the pool seemed a little more intense on squeezing fun into each day, especially now that “Back to School” is not a sign in supermarkets, office supply stores and discount chains and drug stores anymore.   

     It’s here. It’s real.

    And unavoidable. The chilly morning whisper that runs past my neck, even though the afternoon is heated, is usually the first sign that it’s time to get back to business. And start thinking about the end of one year and beginning of another.
    Fortunately, Almaden Valley Athletic Club is now offering several ways to return to a fitness program. Or, begin one. Deb and Sherry’s Boot Camps are fast becoming the best way to kick off a morning. The 5:30 a.m. session will be joined by one at 6:30 a.m., resuming Wednesday, September 9. Check out more details at Boot Camps. The program is open to any and all, no matter what shape you are in.
    Do you have 30 minutes you want to devote to building your core strength and upper body definition? Then you need to take a closer look (and enroll in) Jackie’s BOSU and/or Core Training Circuit Classes.
    Passport Please! If you have saved your vacation until summer’s end, just a reminder that AVAC Members have exclusive access to more than 5,000 athletic clubs throughout the world. Find out how right here before you go!
    That’s all for now. If you are not a member and want to see what happens in this incredible place of fun, family and fitness, plan to attend Family Health & Fitness Day U.S.A. at AVAC on Saturday, September 26, from 10 and to 3 pm. Whole Foods will be here, along with a Children’s Carnival (silly hairdos are the rage!), an a dozen demo classes, including ZUMBA for beginners and the whole family, plus Bollywood!
    You can find out more and RSVP at www.avac.us/familyhealthfitnessusa
    One more thing! I’ll treat any AVAC member (or their guest) to the beverage of their choice. Just answer this question and email to me, marketing@avac.us. The question: How many different animal shapes are in an Animal Cracker box?

How I spent my summer vacation in my own backyard. Well, almost.

I have often wondered "What does a personal trainer train?" As a rather sedentary person, I have also wanted to know "How many laps do I have to swim to burn off that chocolate chip cookie?" Add "Can I play tennis with a sponge ball?" to the answer mix and you might see my willingness to exert myself start to perk up.

I REALLY NEED to know "Will I ever get my blood pressure into a normal range and not have to take drugs?"

That's why I think it would be a good idea to find out what’s in store for me when I venture past the blue awning and through the doors of Almaden Valley Athletic Club?

The answers to these questions – plus any others that you can come up with yourself – can be found anytime by going to www.avac.us. Or, if you want to see and touch and feel what it’s like to be a member of AVAC, then come in on Saturday, June 20, from 10 am to 3 pm to find out.

It's Community Day at AVAC. The club has a full range of activities for the whole family planned. Plus, opportunities to win memberships, tennis and swimming lessons. Pilates sessions, and more.

The more is especially delightful in the ChildCare Department. Here, children will have their own carnival, with face painting and a bounce house! There is also a Children’s ZUMBA class with Stacy Farmer at 10 am in the GroupFit room. The San Jose Police Department will also be on hand providing parents free fingerprinting ID kits.

If you are in a ‘giving’ mood, the Stanford Bloodmobile will be parked in the lot behind the Club and you may make a donation of the stuff that saves lives.

Try ZUMBA yourself in Becky Smothermon’s ZUMBA Gold class at 11:30. Other offerings include Ball and Foam Roller Strength Training, Karate demo with Ramir Mosqueda, four-time world Sport Karate Champion. Relax with Yoga and a Tai Chi from 12:30 to 2:30 pm.

Want more? Get the real picture of your health with Body Fat Evaluation or Blood Pressure screening, all day. Plus these Personal Trainer offerings

• Boot Camp
• Cardio Tennis
• QuickStart Tennis
• Talk to a Nutritionist
• Have your Swimming Strokes analyzed (yes! Bring your bathing suit!)
• Take a Pilates Mat Class
• Try TRX (developed by a Navy SEAL for a quick, intense workout)
• Punch up your workout with Boxing Drills
• Circuit Training

Of course, there is a lot more going on here. Tell us you are coming, so we can assure there is enough room in every class for everyone!

So, what did YOU do summer 2009? Why not tell your friends that you kicked off the summer at AVAC? You’ll find all the friends, family, fitness and fun you need to vacation in your own backyard!

Did I mention that the Club is holding a drawing for FREE Memberships? FREE Swimming Lessons? FREE Tennis Lessons in the Jr. Summer Program? Sign up and let them know you are coming. That's Saturday, June 20 from 10 am to 3 pm.