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Abraham “Bobby” Jenkins
Wellness Center Member
“About nine years ago, my blood pressure was extremely high, almost at stroke level,” admits Abraham “Bobby” Jenkins. He saw a doctor who wanted to put him on medication but instead, Jenkins started working out, changed his diet and has enjoyed good blood pressure readings ever since.
Owner of Jenkins Transport (abrahamjenkins08@comcast.net ), he drives people with moderate mobility challenges around town, to doctor’s appointments and so forth. He discovered The Wellness Center when he drove a woman in a wheelchair here for her exercise class. The instructor invited him to try the class. Today, he takes four classes a week and even comes in to workout before the class starts. “My favorite thing about The Wellness Center is the family atmosphere and the way we encourage one another. I also like the instructors because I wouldn’t push myself to the level that the instructors push me.”
If you ever take a class with Jenkins, you’ll quickly call him Bobby, just like everyone does, and look forward to seeing him in your class. You’ll appreciate the way he motivates the class, speaking to every participant by name: “Come on, Brian, hey man.” “Mary! Get those weights up there, girl.” “No jiggle!” “Whew! Say it like you mean it!”
Thank you Bobby, for making The Wellness Center our favorite place!
 Barbara French
Wellness Center Member
“I’ve belonged to the Wellness Center since the early years and I’ve always felt welcome there. When I had to drop out for about four years, it was so good to be back because it was the same staff. This time, I tried classes – I hadn’t really done them before – I was so thrilled. There were people in there from 20 to 80. And everyone works at their own pace. It was such a relief not being competitive with myself or with others. It’s just a great feeling. One of the things I enjoy most about The Wellness Center is its diversity. At any time, I can be in the gym and find people of all ages, and all different kinds of physical status: the young person with the bulging muscles and then you might have an older person who might even be walking around with a walker from the reclining bike to another. You don’t have to keep up with anyone. Everyone is friendly. It has a very family atmosphere.
"Through the years, I haven’t had any major health problems and I do have to credit The Wellness Center as being a large part of keeping me healthy and wanting me to come back. It has such a welcoming atmosphere. It’s very relaxing. While I can’t say that I ‘love’ exercise, I love how I feel when I’m through with it. I’ve tried some of the different classes, like Yoga and ‘Strength and Balance’.
"My cholesterol that was 219 in January is down to 186 in July. The doctor did tell me that it was due to increasing my visits to The Wellness Center and I am thrilled! What a testimony to the effectiveness of The Wellness Center in my life. It works. At 67, I feel that because of the classes and the weight training program, I am getting stronger, not weaker. That’s a very good feeling.”
 Gisela Brooks
Wellness Center Member
Gisela Brooks, like many current members, has been working out at The Wellness Center since it opened in the ‘80’s. In fact, it is the only fitness center she has ever joined. “The best thing is that it’s close to my home,” says Brooks, “It’s only ten minutes away and that’s very convenient.”
She enjoys the classes such as Pilates, Step and Muscle Works but she also uses the treadmill. “I’ve met lots of people through The Wellness Center. Everyone is real friendly, not only the members but also the front desk. I like the instructors, too. And, it may seem like a little thing, but the towel service is really nice to have.”
“I’ve never been a member anywhere else.”
And we hope you never will be a member anywhere else, Gisela. Thanks for making The Wellness Center at DeKalb Medical a wonderful place!
 Lois Bagwell
Wellness Center Member
"In 1998, I was diagnosed with a benign tumor pressing on my spinal cord. A month after successful surgery, I was put in the pool at The Wellness Center for physical therapy. After finishing my therapy, I joined The Wellness Center. I exercise five days a week in the pool.
"I’m a person who believes in passing it on. I have a passion about helping people in the pool. Sometimes, it’s just holding their hand while they walk or showing them exercises. The pool is a great place to go.
"Five years ago, my husband had a heart attack. Now he exercises in the gym at The Wellness Center. We both enjoy the Center and our many friends there." |