Orange County gym and fitness center
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MARCH 2018 ❘ LOS CAB LIFE ❘ 5 SERVICE WITH A SMILE ■ FOR CHRIS HASTINGS, HAVING FUN IS A BIG PART OF THE GAME F or the past 15 years, Chris Hastings has been a USPTA Certified Tennis Professional at Los Cab. But his ties with the club reach back far longer. "I started working here full time in 2003. But I practically grew up here as a kid back in the early '80s," Hastings said. "I used to hang out here with eight of my friends while my parents were playing tennis. We'd stay here all day just having a good time playing tennis and running around the club. Of course, there wasn't as much in the way of video games back then." We recently caught up with the 50-year-old Costa Mesa resident to learn more about his life in the game. • • • How long have you been teaching tennis? I've been teaching for about 25 years, but I turned USPTA professional in 2009. I teach junior academies as well as adults and private lessons. I'm here six days a week. • • • What is the most rewarding thing about being a tennis pro? To see improvement in my students. And to see them enjoy a sport that they can play forever. I love teaching and I have a great time doing it. • • • How would you describe your teaching style? I'm all about trying to make it fun. • • • What is your No. 1 rule on the tennis court? Don't sit back and enjoy your shot. I see players who think they've put the ball away only to have their shot returned when they've dropped their guard. Don't cele- brate too soon and lose your readiness position. Don't enjoy it until the point until is over. • • • What's your best tip for those new to the game? Practice. It's great if you take a lesson once a week, but you have to do your homework. Do some hitting with the ball machine. We have a great ball machine and beautiful walls here to practice and hone your skills. • • • What do you consider your greatest achieve- ment? Back in 1985, my sister and I represented South- ern California in mixed doubles at the Equitable Family Tennis Challenge during the U.S. Open. We did really well. Didn't win, but it was fun. GET TO KNOW THE LOS CAB TEAM S t. Patrick's Day is March 17, but if you have a friend who is thinking about joining Los Cab, their lucky day will arrive a couple of days earlier thanks to a special promotion. Beginning March 15 and lasting through April 30, the club will be waiving the initiation fee for all new members. And the good fortune doesn't end there. "Now is a perfect time to refer a friend," said Membership Services Manager Lindsay Palmer. "In addition to the $0 enrollment fee, existing members who refer new members will receive a $5 credit off their monthly dues." To take advantage of the offer, call (714) 546-8560, ext. 200, or stop by the club's mem- bership services office for complete details. SAVINGS FOR YOU AND YOUR FRIENDS! Los Cab's Chris Hastings on the courts. SPECIAL PROMOTION!