Dance plays a major role in Freda Segal’s life. In addition to being an aerobic instructor and choreographer herself, Segal also is a regular participant in the Cummings Centre’s Dance to the Rhythm classes. She had only high praise for the class.

“The music is wonderful and makes you want to move,” said Segal. “The moves are not that difficult. They repeat but not to the point of boredom, as there are subtle changes here and there throughout the routine to keep you sufficiently motivated. Every week, the same music and moves are performed, so you end up really knowing what to do. At the end of the class, you are really sweating.”

“Dance is two-fold: it is aerobic in nature and great for coordination and agility, all the while helping work your heart and lung system,” said Maria Fragapane, Supervisor of the Adapted Clinic at Cummings Centre. “It is also pleasurable and involves fun music. You often don’t think you are exercising because there is such a high enjoyment level.”

The Cummings Centre will be offering two all-new dance-centric cardio classes this winter: a Dance to the Rhythm- Zumba class to be offered on Tuesday mornings as well as a Monday morning Line Dancing class. Offering such upbeat cardiovascular-driven workouts is all the more important during the winter months, a period particularly difficult for many older adults.

“In the summer, you can get away with going for a walk outside,” said Fragapane. “This becomes more of a challenge for those who can’t get out as often in the winter due to the weather. Mental health issues are also elevated in the winter.”

In addition to the dance-centred classes, the Cummings Centre is continuing its popular Walking Workout classes. The walks are offered in distances of both 2-kilometres and 3-kilometres.

Kenneth Forse is a regular participant at Cummings Centre’s walking workout sessions. In addition to the physical fitness and health element associated with the cardio workouts, Forse says he also appreciates the camaraderie aspect of these group courses conducted over Zoom.

“These classes go well beyond losing weight and gaining muscle,” said Forse. “They offer physical and mental benefits as well as friendships. Exercising with my companions in a group has many upsides. I have found that I tend to stick more faithfully with my group exercise classes than if I were in a solo fitness routine.”

Fragapane encourages others to join either the walking or dance workouts this winter over Zoom, a platform that has its advantages for those perhaps self-conscious about their abilities.

“You don’t have to feel intimidated by the person standing next to you,” said Fragapane. “When you are in a room with a bunch of people who are super-coordinated, you may feel stressed. When you are online, people aren’t looking at you and it really doesn’t matter if you make mistakes. The idea is that you are moving and grooving.”

Registration for all Wellness classes is now on, online and by telephone only at cummingscentre.org/registration. You can call 514-343-3510 weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

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, cultural 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. 

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