Archive: November 2011

It’s that time of year when people begin to feel thankful and grateful.

I am very thankful for our members who inspire me by living a healthy lifestyle. You make us a community, a family, and much more than just a gym. As the club’s Director of Special Events, I recently wrapped up a fundraising Spin-a-Thon for SIDES (Sydney’s Incredible Defeat of Ewing’s Sarcoma). Members and associates joined together raising over $20,000 in less than four weeks. The money will help a new 501(c)3 organization get off the ground. I am thankful to have a position that allows me to witness these types of actions every day at Midtown. 

As we head into Thanksgiving week, I look forward to time with my family and friends. It is our goal to help make your holiday week a little less stressful and to help you stay on track by maintaining your fitness habits. Here is what we have going on this week.

• The club is open 5:00 am -2:00 pm on Thanksgiving Day so you can get in your workout before the festivities.
• We’re offering a three-day Holiday Mini Camp: Monday – Wednesday  from  9:00 am -3:30 pm. Call Janice DeMeo in Kidtown to register.
• A special Group Exercise schedule is offered Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Be sure to pick one up at the front desk.

Thanksgiving Day Group Ex Schedule

7-8 am: Cycle with Melissa
8-9am: Fit Dance with Manny
8:30-9:30am: Cycle with Beth
9-10am: Circuit Challenge with Christina
9am-10am: Aquafit with Pocho
9:45-10:45am: Cycle with Wendy
10am-11am: Pilates Yoga Fusion with Sol

It’s okay to be selfish when it comes to your health and give to yourself first so you can give to others even more. Make your personal fitness a priority each day to decrease stress and make for a happier holiday season.

Why not take the long weekend as an opportunity to try something new at the club? Play some tennis or do a bootcamp class with the family. Try a TRX or Crossfit class. Your body and overall health are worth the investment and your brain will thank you for mixing it up!

Finally, we encourage members to bring a toy for our Annual Toy Drive benefiting the Chris Evert Children’s Hospital. Drop it in one of our donation boxes and help bring smiles to many children this holiday season.

Thank you for your generous hearts and for being a member of Midtown Athletic Club.

What are you most grateful for this Thanksgiving?

When your workday starts on a Monday morning with a one-hour session of Cardio Tennis lead by Adult Tennis Programs Director, Ismael Rosales, you know it’s going to be a great day.

A group of members warmly welcomed me as I grabbed my racquet and jumped in line. Ismael tossed balls rapidly while we ran in configurations, jumped ladders, and weaved through cones.

Coach Ismael gave tips as we worked on the volley, backhand, and forehand. He was encouraging, positive, and fun. Afterwards, I asked some of the participants what they like about Cardio Tennis.

Juan Ramirez and Mauricio Ortiz take class so they have a good excuse to be late for work. All kidding aside, they work for a cardiology company and know the benefits of cardio workouts.

They also said that Ismael is a great instructor and class is a good way to be fit, meet people, relax, and manage stress.

I had a chance to sit down with Ismael and ask him a few questions too. Ismael is in charge of the Adult Programs at Midtown, including leagues, teams, cardio tennis, drills, round robins, and USTA Tournaments, including the recent Men’s National 35’s Tournament.

Ismael’s life is surrounded by tennis. His wife is a teaching pro and his two children play at least twice a week.

“People like tennis because it is fun, social, a great way to meet people and great for fitness,” says Ismael.

How long have you been involved in tennis?

Ismael: In 1987, I started teaching as the Director of National Tennis School in Caracas , Venezuela. I have coached tennis for 24 years.

What made you want to become a Tennis Pro/Coach?

Ismael: I love the game. I received an offer from the Venezuelan Tennis Federation to direct the school and national teams. And I liked the idea. That is how I started.

If you could  give just one piece of advice to help someone hit the ball better, what would it be?

Ismael: Focus.

What is your favorite part of your job?

Ismael: The connection I can establish with new people and the opportunity to help them get better in the sport.

What’s a cost-effective way for members to improve their tennis game?

Ismael: Group lessons are economical (TNT and Tennis Schools for example) as well as practicing with the ball machine for repetition and practice, specifically if you struggle with keeping the ball in play.

What is your favorite tennis to play and why?

Ismael: I really enjoy doubles. I’m playing in a doubles Pro League  at Midtown with more than 15 players, and I love it!

Thanks, Ismael!

Do you have a question for our Adult Tennis Programs Director? Let’s hear it!