Member Testimonials
Member: Tina Carr
“My family of five, and sometimes six, when I include my mom, the kids’ grandma, has been working out at the Manny Cantor Center for over a decade. For my three kids, turning thirteen and finally being able to join the gym has become a rite of passage. Carla, Michelle, and Ricardo have watched our kids grow up, giving them advice about building healthy fitness routines that they definitely would rather hear from someone other than their parents.
What keeps us coming back is the welcoming, non-intimidating atmosphere. Everyone, no matter their age or fitness level, feels at home here. It’s a community gym filled with warmth and encouragement. It’s not a giant gym, but it has everything we need and just the right amount of machines. And the space is great! I love that the large windows on the fifth floor let in sunlight and views of the neighborhood while working out. I also love that the building houses programs for both young and old, which creates a sense of continuity and connection across generations.
Manny Cantor fitness center feels like an extension of our home; it is friendly, convenient, and full of heart.”
Member: Jaime Torres
“I so enjoy being part of MCC Fitness. I joined the Center during the pandemic, and I was impressed by their safety and care then and now. The first person I met at the front desk was Carla Rivera Andrade, and she was encouraging and wonderful. She still is! But I would like to highlight the work I do with Ricardo Thomas, who became my personal trainer three years ago. His deep understanding of the human body and its mechanics allows him to create well-rounded, personalized, and effective training sessions that target specific areas of improvement.
His expertise has not only helped me achieve my fitness goals but has also improved my overall health and well-being. He takes the time to assess my abilities and tailor each workout to ensure it is both challenging and right for me. Ricardo’s dedication to his clients is commendable. He is always punctual, professional, and genuinely invested in my progress. Even though he seems very serious, he is approachable and thoughtful and makes each session enjoyable and productive. If it wasn’t fun, I would not be doing this!
I am sure this partnership will continue and only get better.”
Member: Mark Owen
“Most of my life, I resisted going to a gym. I hated them; I was a yoga guy, that was enough. Finally, it became obvious that it wasn’t, and I joined MCC, and it literally not only changed my life, it changed my body in ways I didn’t even think were possible. Mostly because of my amazing trainer, Tajah, who is equal parts smart, patient, kind, motivating, and just plain really good at what he does! My MCC experience has not only been a life changer, it’s been affordable.”
Member: Marcia Turek
“There are plenty of classes you can take and equipment here at the gym. I love it! It’s very close to my home, so if you’re in the neighborhood, it’s very convenient.”
Member: Jose Arbona
“Great place – clean, equipment is good and working, unlike some other gyms. Nice view, and very nice employees. Worth it!!! Glad I joined.”
Member: Larry Fleischman
“Great gym. Facility is excellent, staff is a pleasure to be around. I leave here feeling physically and mentally refreshed. Thank you, MCC.”
Member: Andres Felipe Jaime
“It is a great, clean recreation center, and its support staff is very positive and always ready to help. Thanks.”
Member: Gunti Singh
“Returning to the gym is great, I’m so glad you’re open and everyone is doing fine. Being at the gym feels like pre-COVID days.”
Member: Dorothy Mcarey
“The Center opened on Oct 1st, and I’ve been here 10x. I feel safe. I am older and have respiratory issues, but I have great confidence in all the safety protocols.”
Member: Paul Weissman
“The gym is a great community asset, particularly in this time of COVID. I am 73 and feel completely safe here. Equipment is well spaced, members are not packed in (appointments are necessary), everyone wears masks, staff is great, and cleaning is done obsessively.”
Member: Kristal Aliyas
“The best thing about MCC is the sense of community. I was gone for A YEAR…and Michelle and other staff members still remembered me! I also love that we’re supporting a community center by being MCC members, versus joining a corporate gym. Another bonus is that MCC is right in the neighborhood! I love being able to walk to the gym! Being a member of one that is within proximity to my apartment is another way for me to feel connected to my local community. I’ve even seen members on the bus, at the library, and at Trader Joe’s!
I also truly loved the classes and totally miss the community feel of seeing familiar faces when we’d enter the Group Exercise room. Coming to MCC for the machines is a newer experience for me because some of them are completely foreign, even with the signage. Thankfully, the MCC team is so helpful and always there to answer my questions about how to use each machine 🙂
The size of MCC is just right for me because I didn’t want a big gym where I would feel like a number. I like the variety of the machines and equipment available. I also appreciate how there are options at our gym I haven’t seen readily available at others – the climbing wall, the various workout stations, and even the punching bag. In addition, the bright smiles and welcome from all staff members when I enter is invaluable. While I was slightly concerned about the price of membership, I realized that I’m investing in my community and know that it’s money well spent to support this organization that helps the public in many ways.”
See more MCC member testimonials here.
