Posted by Christina | 0 Comments

Things to Do in Colorado Springs This Weekend: May 18-20, 2012

If you were thinking about sitting on the couch this weekend in Colorado Springs, think again!  Besides the fact that we’re expecting sunshine this weekend, the local event calendar is also chock full of fun events designed to keep you active and help your family make precious memories together.  We have hand-picked a few to highlight below.  Also, Hairspray is still showing at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center.  Visit www.csfineartscenter.org for details.  For additional ideas, visit www.peakradar.com or the coloradosprings.com event calendar.  Enjoy, and take a few moments this weekend to reflect on how fortunate you are to either live in or visit as gorgeous and friendly of a community as Colorado Springs.

• Sky Sox vs. New Orleans Zephyrs — Friday and Saturday, 6:05 pm, and Sunday, 1:05 pm, Security Service Field (formerly Sky Sox Stadium).  Take yourself out to the ballgame!  Tickets start at just $5 per person.  Friday is Air Force Appreciation Night, and fireworks will follow the game–or get 50-cent hot dogs during Sunday’s game.  Either way, you’re sure to have a great time rooting for the home team.

Cross the finish line this weekend

• Run to the Shrine– Saturday, 7:15 am to 12 pm, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo.  Cheyenne Mountain Zoo invites world-class runners and families alike to join in the Run to the Shrine on Saturday, May 19, 2012. Both the 5K and the 10K options curve through the zoo and some of the most stunning mountain scenery this side of the Rockies. The races conclude with a party at The Lodge at Moose Lake! Run to the Shrine is a great opportunity for competitive racers, casual walkers, and families and children to show their enthusiasm for our impressive local zoo.
• Early Explorers Rocky Mountain Hike — Saturday, 10-11 am, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo.  Summer is almost here, and it is the time of year to go on a hike in Colorado’s beautiful Rocky Mountains.  Take your preschoolers (ages 3 to 5) to the zoo to explore some of the animals that they could find in their very own backyards.  Fee is $14.25 per member or $18.25 per non-member per class.  To register for a class within 48 hours of the start time, call 719.633.9925, ext. 127. Classes may be cancelled if minimum sizes are not met.
• Reach Your Peak 4-Mile Run, Walk, & Stroll — Sunday, 8 am, University Village Shopping Center.  Hosted by the Junior League of Colorado Springs, this affordably priced event (registration is just $30) will provide each participant with a moisture-wicking tech t-shirt and goody bag. Kids under 12 will race free (t-shirts and bib numbers only available with paid registration fee), and strollers are welcome. No dogs, please. Massages will be available post-race to all participants! We encourage participants to have FUN and dress in costumes! Awards for best costumes will be provided by Borriello Brothers Pizza!

Posted by Michael | 0 Comments

Recap of Our 2nd Annual Colorado AvidGolfer Private Club Day at Kissing Camels

A chilly tournament day at Kissing Camels

On Friday, May 11, 2012, Garden of the Gods Club’s Kissing Camels Golf Course hosted our second annual Colorado AvidGolfer Private Club Day, an event that provides the magazine’s readers with the opportunity to play a private course that they otherwise may not get to play.  While the weather for last year’s event on Friday the 13th was perfect, we experienced a bit of a cold front in Colorado Springs this time around.  Friday the 11th was a cool and dreary day with the temps in the mid-40s to mid-50s and a bit of drizzle in the later part of the day.

Despite the cool and wet weather, 117 of 120 registered players showed up to play–a great turnout!  We did have a few people transfer into our May 21 “overflow” event. We provided players with a barbecue lunch buffet  in Kissing Camels Grille.  Choices included hot dogs, brats, and burgers, and we heard nothing but great compliments about the food. After lunch, the players enjoyed a round and then headed over to Garden of the Gods Club’s Sunrise Room for an elegant dinner, during which we raffled off prizes, including a year-long trial membership, a Lodge stay, and spa gift baskets. Overall, this event was a success–so much so that we’ll be hosting a second one held on May 21st!  Thanks to everyone who joined us.

If you’d like to learn more about our golf memberships, please contact Tracey Kalata at 719-520-4980 or tkalata@ggclub.com.  Guest of our Lodge also have complete access to all of the amenities our private club has to offer–including the golf course.  To learn more, visit www.lodgeatggclub.com.

Posted by Tonia | 0 Comments

Three Exercises to Improve Your Golf Game

Get ready for golf season!

Summer is quickly approaching, and if you haven’t had an opportunity to hit the golf course during the off-season, now is the time to get back in game shape. We talked with Michael Loosley, assistant golf professional at our Kissing Camels Golf Course,  about how to do just this. Below are three exercises to help you get back in the “swing” of things for summer.

1. Use Pilates to strengthen your core. Developed by Joseph Pilates, Pilates is a form of exercise that builds core strength, flexibility, and overall body awareness. “Building your core is a vital part of getting in shape for golf, and Pilates is an excellent way to do this,” Michael said. “Pilates strengthens your core, which increases your balance and helps to improve your swing,” he continued. To view a demonstration of Pilates exercises using the Pilates apparatus at our Sports Club, click here.

2. Strengthen your lats. To strengthen your golf swing, it’s important to strengthen your latissimus dorsi, also referred to as your lats. Your lats are the “broadest muscle” in your back, and one of their functions is to support shoulder movement. “The golf swing will use your lats. The stronger your lats are, the more solid your swing will be,” Michael said. “Exercises such as lat pull-downs, pull-ups, and rows are all great for strengthening the lats.”

3. Stretch your back and core. In addition to strength exercises, stretching is also a vital component of getting into game shape. In the video below, Michael demonstrates two stretches for your back and core. One uses the True Stretch machine located near the starter building at our golf course, and the other one can be performed by using a golf club.

We hope that these exercises help prep you for a great summer 2012 season! If you have any questions about how we can help you with your golf game this summer, we encourage you to contact the Golf Shop at 719.636.2520. If you are interested in membership opportunities at Garden of the Gods Club, including golf memberships, we invite you to contact Director of Membership Tracey Kalata at 719.520.4980 or tkalata@ggclub.com.