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