At the Cummings Centre, you feel the love every day, not just on Valentine’s Day

With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, love is already in the air at the Cummings Centre. According to Wellness participants Jean-Claude Zekri and Murielle Alloun, that’s what is so special about the Centre.

“There is a lot of love in the whole Centre,” said Alloun, who along with her husband, Jean Claude, exercises up to three times a week in the Workout Studio. “Everyone here is so nice and that is what keeps us coming back.”

Jean-Claude had been suffering from sciatica for years when his doctor recommended he try working out at the Cummings Centre, which has programs tailored for people over 50.

“Four years ago, my doctor recommended the Centre because there were people here who could give me programs made for me and watch over me,” he recalls. “Other gyms were overwhelming. There was so much equipment I didn’t know how to use and no one to teach me.”

Always someone here to help

At the Cummings Centre, Jean-Claude found staff helpful. There was always someone around if he needed help.

Jean-Claude said that after a few weeks at the Centre, he began to feel “big relief.”

He now comes in Mondays and Wednesdays with his spouse, Murielle Alloun, and more often if possible.

“When I was young, I could only do three pushups,” Jean-Claude says. “Now, I do three sets of 15 in one session and pullups, which I was never able to do. I’m in better shape than when I was young!”

Everyone is superfriendly

Murielle was suffering from back pains so extreme she could barely walk to the Workout Studio at the Centre. Her doctor referred her. And if she had any doubts, Jean-Claude helped them disappear.

“The people are very kind here,” says Alloun. “The staff and participants are superfriendly and we’ve made a few friends here. The Centre offers a positive, welcoming atmosphere and the staff go out of their way to help.”

Jean-Claude came along with her. And still does. That makes it easier for the both of them.

It is very motivating,” she notes. “The Cummings Centre has become a very positive part of our lives. Everything we do together is a special time and exercising with my husband is even more special. It makes it that much nicer.”

Staff taught her how to use the equipment. Soon she began to respond to the exercise regimen. Slowly but surely, the pain went away. Regular exercise at the Centre became part of her life. She not only exercises here, there’s a hiking program she takes part in.

Murielle is now one of the biggest ambassadors for the Centre.

The selling point is the friendliness

“I’m always suggesting to my friends that they come here. The selling point is the friendliness. And there are lots of programs. There’s always something to do. You don’t feel neglected or alone.”

“I tell everybody ‘You’ve got to go!’ ”

She says she has never met anyone at the Cummings Centre who wasn’t kind and giving – not just the staff. But everyone.

She also credits Wellness Centre staff. “They all go out of their way to help me. They do that for everyone.”

“Love is in the air here!” says Murielle.

Media Contacts: Michael Beigleman 514.734.1749 – [email protected]

The Cummings Centre’s mission is to empower and enhance the quality of life of adults age 50 and over by providing dynamic and innovative programs, social services, and volunteer opportunities in a vibrant, respectful, inclusive and compassionate environment. Building on its Jewish heritage, Cummings embraces people from all ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds.

As the hub of Montreal’s 50+ community, the Centre touches the lives of 10,000 people on an annual basis. In addition to its main campus at 5700 Westbury Avenue in Montreal, programs are offered at several off-site locations including the West Island, Cote Saint-Luc, St.Laurent, Westmount, Chomedey and Florida.

For more information, please contact us by phone at 514-343-3510, online at www.cummingscentre.org or in person at 5700 Westbury Avenue.