We're Having a Party!

The Sports Center hosts over 1 million visitors every year - the warmest, safest, cleanest, friendliest place in Monterey.

The Sports Center is turning twenty-one! That's right, this Saturday the Sports Center is celebrating our twenty-first anniversary. The Swim Gym has come a long way since the community envisioned a recreation facility that would serve the fitness and health needs of families, youth, seniors and all members of our multi-dimensional community. Come celebrate with us this Saturday, June 1st. We'll have refreshments, drawings to win Sports Center merchandise, personal training packages, memberships and more. We'll be hosting the party from 11:00 am through 2:00 pm, so drop by and join in the fun. The Sports Center is the pride of Monterey - a treasure for the community, by the community. From all of the staff here at the Sports Center, we hope you drop by so we can let you know how much we appreciate all the years of support you have given us.

Do You Kettlebell?

Group Exercise Coordinator Lauri Ataide takes the group through a challenging workout using kettlebells.

Have you tried Kettlebell yet? Kettlebell classes are challenging and when taught by a qualified, experienced instructor can help your body in a lot of ways. Great for toning muscles, building strong bones and combining cardiovascular activity with strengthening work in a single workout, kettlebell classes also strengthen your core abdominal and back musculature, keeping you functionally strong for all the activities you need to do in your busy day. The Sports Center schedule features both Kettlebell Sculpt and Kettlebell Workout Classes. The Monterey Sports Center staff emphasizes technique and proper form in their classes. Kettlebell Workout with Susan is offered Mondays at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday's Kettlebell Sculpt with Tricia at 12:15 p.m., and Kettlebell Workout with Susan at 4:30 p.m., Wednesday's Kettlebell Workout with Lauri at 12:15 and Kettlebell Sculpt with Tracey at 6:15 p.m., Thursday's Kettlebell Workout with Lauri at 9:15 a.m., and Kettlebell Workout with Marcia at 5:30 p.m., Saturday's Kettlebell Workout with Tricia at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday's Kettlebell Workout with Tracey at 8:45 a.m.

Group Exercise Schedule Offers 122 Classes Every Week

The Monterey Sports Center has a class for just about anyone at just about any time. Our Group Exercise Coordinator Laurie Ataide has developed an amazing schedule and features a select group of outstanding instructors. Laurie has been with the Sports Center for twenty years and during that time she has built a schedule that balances between therapeutic and stretching classes that benefit senior and individuals with limited physical abilities to athletic and high intensity classes that attract the Peninsula's gifted athletes.

Starting at 5:45 in the morning, one can get a great early morning workout in our Studio II with Cycle Express on Monday, Cycling on Tuesday and Cycling on Friday. You can follow that up with a stretching session using foam rollers at 6:30 on Monday, or try the Total Body Conditioning at 6:00 on Tuesday, the Cycle Sculpt class at 6:00 on Wednesday or the Cross-Fit style Athletic Training class at 6:00 on Thursday.

Things slow down a bit at 7 am with Yoga on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and a very creative Aqua Yoga class in our pool on Thursdays. Classes continue throughout the day, mixing challenging classes like VO2 Max, Functional Fusion, HIIT, RIPPED, Kettlebell, BOSU, Functional Strength, Hi/Low Recharge, and Power Core with relaxing classes like Aqua Splash, Nia Technique, Healthy Start, Pilates Contrology, Bone Builder, H20Workout and multiple Yoga classes.

The Sports Center schedule also features creative, new classes like Boxing Workout, HIIT for H20 Sports, HIIT Outside (think bootcamp), Sports Stretch and Ai Chi. Like to dance? Try Zumba, Hot Fusion, Zumba Blast, Cardio Dance Party or Aqua Zumba. Training for your first Triathlon - try Endurance Swimming.

For a complete list of all of our classes, check here: http://www.monterey.org/Portals/1/sportscenter/pdfs/GroupExerciseJune1.pdf

Senior Fitness can be Fun! Announcing our new Bone Builder Classes taught by Terri Bilbro, RN. Terri is a well-know fitness trainer and instructor on the Monterey Peninsula and will be offering the popular Bone Builder classes at the Sports Center on Mondays and Wednesdays from 1:30 to 2:15 pm beginning June 3rd. Bone Builder classes incorporate postural, strength, balance, flexibility, and weight-bearing exercises important for building stronger bones and reducing fracture risk.

Inactive adults decrease muscle mass by 3 to 8 percent per decade after the age of 30 and as much as 10% per decade after age 50 or as much as 1 pound of muscle loss every year (Flack 2011; Marcell 2003). Reduced muscle mass is largely responsible for reducing resting metabolism and is typically accompanied by increase fat accumulation. A 2012 research review in the American College of Sports Medicine by Dr. Wayne Westcott, Ph.D., CSCS, FACSM found that resistance exercise is effective for:

• reversing muscle loss
• recharging resting metabolism
• reducing body fat
• facilitating physical function
• resisting diabetes
• improving cardiovascular health
• increasing bone mineral density
• enhancing mental health
• reversing specific aging factors

Resistance exercise has been shown to reverse muscle loss in adults of all ages, with about 1 pound per month increase in lean weight during the first several months of strength training (Westcott 2008: 2009).

Based on research conducted by Dr. Westcott and Dr. Caroline Apovian of Boston University School of Medicine (http://www.pjstar.com/features/health/x1282423680/Wayne-L-Westcott-A-new-approach-to-losing-fat-keeping-muscle), the combination of resistance training with a protein/carbohydrate supplement post-workout significantly increases lean weight and increases bone mineral density. Based on their research, consuming supplemental protein, or protein/carbohydrate, immediately after resistance exercise sessions may provide dual benefits of enhanced muscle hypertrophy and increase resting energy expenditure. 

Bone Builder classes provide an effective strategy for:

• Rebuilding muscle
• Recharging metabolism
• Reducing fat in previously inactive adults and older adults

The Monterey Sports Center Sports Cafe and Pro Shop has available nutritious foods prepared daily by Brun's Deli in Carmel and features protein/carbohydrate supplements including both whey (milk) based and soy based products. Westcott recommends a balanced protein/carbohydrate supplement of 24-30 grams of protein and 36-45 grams of carbohydrate for individuals averaging 155 pounds (Westcott 2008, 2011) immediately after your resistance training session. 

So, sign up your folks or yourself to come work with Terri on Monday and Wednesday afternoons, grab a refreshing drink or snack after class and see how strong you will get following an evidenced-based program that really works. If that time does not work for you, check out one of our more than 100 classes offered every week and choose the two or three times a week schedule (http://www.monterey.org/Portals/1/sportscenter/pdfs/GroupExerciseJune1.pdf) that will help you get stronger, leaner and healthier.

We'll see you at the gym!

Here's an amazing story about one of our guests. Thomas Llamas in one of our long-time members and always has a smile for everyone around the gym. Last Halloween, Thomas dressed up as the Incredible Hulk in all his green-skinned glory and was quite an impressive sight.

Recently, Thomas headed up to the Bay Area along with buddy Leonard Levenson to compete in the California Senior games. Thomas, an elite discus thrower in college and high school, showed that he still has game, placing third in the 50-54 age class in his favorite event.

You can tell by looking at his picture that Thomas keeps himself in great shape, but you might not know that he does this while maintaining a happy marriage with six children and two grandchildren. At 53, Thomas is a great role model for all of us baby boomers.

The staff at the Monterey Sports Center are happy to call Thomas friends. Whether he's hitting the weight room, relaxing in the sauna, paddling a ping-pong ball with another member or trying his hand at juggling with Leonard, Thomas has a quick smile and positive word for everyone that meets him.

Congratulations on your return to the discus ring Thomas!

Congratulations to Bumpin Uglies! The Tuesday Night Coed Volleyball Champions!

Co-Ed Volleyball League Champions

Congratulations to the Sports Center Monday Night Coed Volleyball League Champions, Dirk Diggers!

Monterey Sports Center Staff Celebrates 20+ Years of Service

Monterey Sports Center Celebrates 20+ Years of Service

Tonight the staff of the Monterey Sports Center will provide the Parks and Recreation Commission a video presentation on the impact of the programs and services that the Monterey Sports Center provides for the Monterey community. From drop-in use to memberships, group and private swim lessons, pre-team swim training to adult conditioning and triathlon training, Sports and Cheerleading Camps, Teen Work Experience Programs, Fitness Evaluations and Personal Training, Pilates and Yoga one-on-one sessions, 100+ Group Exercise Class every week, Volleyball, Basketball, Wrestling, Floor Hockey, Indoor Soccer, Martial Arts and other youth sports programs, Drop-in Badminton and Table Tennis, Physical Therapy and Aquatic Physical Therapy, Float Night and Special Private Parties - the Monterey Sports Center hosts nearly 3,000 visitors every day for fitness and recreation activities. Over 1,000,000 visitors a year come by the Sports Center to participate in one of the greatest relationships between a City-owned recreation facility and the community it serves. The Sports Center Staff is proud to be employed in serving the residents of the Monterey area. All of us look forward to providing you with great fitness experiences.

Olympic Bobsled Driver Nick Cunningham stopped by the Sports Center for a workout and a chat this week. Nick's preparing for the upcoming Winter Olympic Games in Sofia, Russia. At 28, Nick's a veteran, having placed 12th in the two-man bobsled and 13th in the four-man bobsled in the last Winter Olympics. Nick grew up in Monterey, attended Monterey High School, Monterey Peninsula College and graduated from Boise State University in 2008 with a degree in Communications. A multiple sport star at all levels, Nick took up the sport of Bobsledding relatively late, but has put his exceptional strength and speed to good use in quickly moving up to the international level of the sport. Nick's mother Wendy Cunningham worked at the Sports Center when we first opened back in 1992 and Nick participated in many of our sports leagues and summer camps growing up. Nick always makes a point to stop by and say hello to the Sports Center crowd and spends a lot of his time visiting local schools and charitable organizations, encouraging youth to stay active and participate in sports and recreation. We applaud you Nick and the great role model you are for our community!

Mason Vierra - From Local Youth Sports to Elite Champion

Mason Vierra chillin in the MSC Weight Room

Mason Vierra has grown up in the Monterey Sports Center. Just a few blocks from his home, Mason and his twin brother Ben have been using the Sports Center as a place to hang out, work out and grow out since young children. Recently Mason just defended his Central Coast Section Tennis Championship and has dominated local tennis with his brother on the doubles circuit. Mason plans on taking his tennis talents to Vanderbilt University next fall. When asked what he likes most about the Sports Center, Mason quickly replied "it has everything, including friendly people!" The staff at the Sports Center will remember the Vierra boys, including older brother Colin - now studying at MIT - for their significant contributions to the local community and their long-time support of the Monterey Sports Center. Congratulations to Dr. Mark Vierra and Dr. Kathryn Swanson for raising such a wonderful family! We wish you all the best at Vanderbilt Mason.

Leonard Levenson is an outstanding example of what the Monterey Sports Center does for the community. When the Sports Center was created and opened on June 1st, 1992, Leonard was one of the very first residents to sign up for a membership and he has maintained his commitment every year since. Now 71, Leonard, a retired psychologist, can be seen working out at the Sports Center nearly every day. Leonard's eclectic workout includes everything from cardiovascular and strength training, to flexibility work and most noticeably, juggling - as in handling upwards of six juggling balls simultaneously! Leonard will be competing in the Northern California Senior Games on May 18th, participating in a variety of events including pullups, weighted pullups, standing long jump, farmer's walk and hand grip strength, demonstrating strength, power and muscular endurance.

Leonard supports the Sports Center in many ways, including financial support over and above his annual membership dues. We asked Leonard what the Sports Center means to him and he replied "The Sports Center plays a major role in helping the people of the Monterey Peninsula stay healthy and it enhances the overall wellness of people in the area. I love everything it has to offer, being a well-run, comprehensive facility. It is family-oriented and the staff creates a positive environment."

Thank you Leonard for all that you do to support us and we wish you luck in your athletic endeavors!

Focus on Glutes

From our Friends at Lifefitness - Fit Tips:

Focus on Glutes

Most people wouldn’t mind a firm booty, but the more we sit, the softer our seat gets. To get a gravity-defying butt that’s strong and toned, commit to adding exercises that focus on your backside. To start toning your glutes, try these three exercises from Life Fitness:

Squat it out. Squats are often touted as the best workout for your butt (and thighs), and for good reason. Perform squats using your body weight, a pair of dumbbells or a kettlebell. Stand with your feet a little wider than shoulder-width apart, bend both knees and act like you are sitting back in a chair, until your thighs are parallel to the ground. Keep your chest up, head lifted and abs engaged. Squeezing your glutes, drive through the heels as you return to standing. Try a few variations like narrow squats, single leg squats or jump squats.

Lunge, not lounge. Lunges shape the legs and buns and are part of most sports. Keep your upper body lifted and step forward with one leg in an exaggerated step that is about double an average walking step. Bend both of your knees to 90 degrees if possible until your front thigh is almost parallel to the floor and your back knee is almost touching the floor. Return to the standing position and repeat. Perform an equal number of repetitions with both legs. You can try a few variations like adding weights and doing cross behind lunges or walking lunges.

Do the bridge. Bridges not only firm the glutes, but also work the inner thigh. Start by lying on your back with your legs bent and feet flat on the floor. Place a towel between your knees and squeeze. Rest your arms by the sides of your body with your palms on the floor. Squeeze your legs together and lift your hips up off the floor, engaging your core as well. Lower back down and repeat several times.

Hot Fusion

Hot Hula Fusion Workout - It's awesome! Combines strength, flexibility and balance training with old school dance - check out the featured video from the Hot Fusion Facebook Page:

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=4537431187485&set=vb.111926958912952&type=2&theater

We're offering a free Hot Fusion Workout Class on Saturday (5/11) from 12:30 to 1:30 pm in Studio 1 with instructor Mae Ruiz-Ignacio. Come down and check it out!

Outstanding Yoga Clinics are scheduled for Saturday, May 18th with Stacey Johnson at the Monterey Sports Center. Stacy is offering a Posture Clinic where she helps you to "discover and practice the fundamentals of standing up straight with confidence!" The Posture Clinic is scheduled to run from 12:15 to 1:15 pm and is offered for only $15 with a maximum class of 15 students. Stacey is also offering a Back Extensions and Chest Openers Yoga Workshop from 1:30 to 3:30 pm the same day. This class has an early sign-up fee of $30 and a day-of registration of $40 and is limited to just 20 students. Stacey's classes always fill up, so sign up online (Posture: Activity Number 52041-E/Back: Activity Number 52040-B) or at our front desk.

Monterey Residents Enjoy the Experience of the Sports Center

The citizens of Monterey love the Monterey Sports Center. In a recent survey conducted by the National Citizen's Survey, the residents of Monterey identified our recreation facilities and specifically the Monterey Sports Center as a key driver for quality of life and citizen satisfaction. Our staff works hard to be creative, innovative and customer-service driven to ensure your experience with our programs, classes and services is outstanding. We're always looking for ways to improve and we are driven by your support to continue to create quality fitness and recreation opportunities for you. Thank you Monterey!

To see all of the survey results, check here: http://www.monterey.org/en-us/departments/citymanagersoffice/communitysurvey.aspx

Very inspiring story on NPR this morning:

http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2013/05/01/180110959/mother-and-daughter-injured-in-boston-bombing-face-new-future?ft=3&f=1001&sc=nl&cc=nh-20130501