LA Fitness — Attraction in Westpark

This message is in response to Stefan about the racquetball reservations and privileges. Were you intending to play on your own? If you re playing singles or doubles then yes you should be able to use your court at the time you have reserved. One day in another location I noticed that they had a challenge court rules paper posted outside the court. It specified that during certain hours (peak times) that if people are waiting to play (regardless if you have reserved or not) they must play winner of the game you are playing. Anyway, these are basic challenge rules with any game like basketball for instance. Then I noticed a couple months later the rules were removed. The point is it made me realize what the point of the posting was and the proper etiquette behind it. If people are waiting for a certain time (longer than 20 min for instance) then instead of just keep playing, the proper thing to do is to offer for them to play winner, and the loser(s) sit out one game and get next. Even though technically you do have a reservation proper etiquette would suggest that they get next and winners stay on court. When I first started playing, singles or with 3 players, occasionally there would be people playing and I would simply tell staff in front and they would go interrupt their game and we would get our spot. Eventually though I would just usually give them an opportunity to finish their game (10-15 min max) then knock on window and go in and tell them I got the reservation. If they don't want to come out then tell staff. So that brings me back to my original question are you intending to play by yourself just hitting the ball practicing or are you trying to play singles or doubles? Even if you do have a reservation you can't really expect to have 4 ppl waiting on you if you are just trying to hit the ball around by yourself. The same goes with... you shouldn't expect 4 ppl to stop their playing just because you want to hit the ball by yourself. I know sometimes the regulars can be difficult and think that they have a certain authority over the courts. If you are a beginner I would suggest practicing when there are less ppl (For Example... certain times on sat and sun im sure all courts are empty this is the perfect time to practice by yourself). Then eventually if you still want to get the desired reservation, then ask if you can play next with them. Either that or get someone to play singles or doubles with and then demand to have your reserved spot. In my experience ppl are usually pretty easygoing. But again you shouldn't expect to prevent ppl from playing if you just want to hit the ball around. You don't get the full exercise benefit unless you play with 2, 3, or 4 ppl. Technically, you are not playing the game if it's just you. Just sayin. I hope you get...

LA Fitness ("LAF") at Crossroads in Irvine has definitely kicked it up a notch. They now have a glute program dedicated to the lower part of the body with some great coaches. They also have a CS4 program, a HIIT type workout, which is outstanding. (Check out Shane's class for CS4. He was so encouraging to me when I started and continues to be each time I attend.)

I am still and will always be in love with the Pilates program which has some really wonderful instructors who provided versatile, challenging, and focused workouts daily. Stef, Diane, Jose, Kate, and Becky will give you a great workout so be ready for the challenge.

Of all the Pilates instructors however, Stef, who is so dedicated to the practice and so passionate about her work, will give you a challenging workout but with lots of options just in case you are not feeling it on any particular day. And, she never does the same workout twice. Everyday it's something new so it never gets boring. Her support of each of us is apparent and especially to me. I have lost 40 lbs. with Pilates, cardio, yoga and a good diet. You should also check out Stef's yoga classes especially her yoga sculpt class. I have taken Pilates and Yoga all over the OC and Stef's classes are some of the best in this area.

Thank you to Craig, the new sales manager (?). He took a few of us on an information tour of the new Lift room. He is a smart and gentle man who offered lots of wisdom on exercise theory and guided us toward the best programs to fit our individual needs.

Also want to mention the club manager Itza. This woman clearly loves her job and treats all of the members with kindness and respect. She encouraged me to try the Glute and CS4 program, and I cannot thank her enough for that. She was right, I love the new programs and see changes in my body and stamina already!

Great job to everyone at...

New Issue #2: There is a guy who sprays some chemical in men's sauna perhaps every morning. It has a strong oder. I was there when he came into the sauna and sprayed the chemicals without getting my permission. Whenever I go into the sauna, I smell the same thing. So, I assume that he does it every morning. LA Fitness should post a notice saying "No sprays allowed in sauna" as we have no way of knowing what the chemical is.

New Issue #1: Lately, I've been seen a guy taking a selfie using the large mirror in the locker room. I asked him not to take it because naked people could be reflected on the mirror. He said he'll wait until I was done changing. But he is not supposed to take selfies in the locker room at all. Today, a guy came into the locker room with a FaceTime call with a woman. I asked him to use the voice-only call in the locker room. But he refused. LA Fitness posted a sign in fine print. They should have a large graphic sign with 'No Selfie' and 'No FaceTime' instead. I think most people either don't read the fine print or just ignore it.

Update: They no longer ask Dustin to be a substitute teacher so far.

I go to aqua fitness classes regularly around 3 times week. I like the regular teachers, but one of the substitute teachers, Dustin, doesn't know how to teach it. He used the weights for the whole time, which could create joint problems among seniors. He also taught only for 35-40 minutes. I believe he never tried aqua fitness himself and he doesn't understand it.

I guess it is better than canceling the class altogether. But then today we had a wonderful substitute teacher, Jim. I asked Jim why he didn't substitute last Friday. He said he wasn't asked. So my beef is why not use a better substitute teacher for the class if he...