Perspire! Seniors get fit by hiking

0 Comments | Oakland Tribune, Apr 22, 2006 | by Michelle Beaver, STAFF WRITER

Hike eight miles a week up hills in the rain?

No way.

That's what Donna Stanley of Hayward used to think. But now, two years after joining a seniors hiking class, Stanley, 61, hikes just about anything she can get her feet on.

She is part of a free Hayward-area class that is open to people 55 and older. She started for health purposes, "but it's more than that now," she said.

"The first time I got out there I thought, 'Oh my God, I can't do this,'" she said. "But now I hike with relish. I think, 'I can do it!' Afterwards you feel like you can conquer anything."

Stanley has a determined, positive attitude that powers her through the miles, but she also has a caring teacher to motivate her.

Hayward's Despina Bogdanos started the class four years ago. She is a grandmother and a senior citizen, but did not specify her age.

"Despina has been my inspiration," Stanley said. "She's more enthusiastic than people half her age. What we do out there is not for wimps. I'm not a wimp anymore! I'm much stronger now."

Bogdanos has hiked more than 3,000 miles in her life, and she exercises almost every day. For the past 25 years she has led a fitness walking class(which is much easier than the hiking class) inside Southland Mall, and a body strengthening class. All three of her classes are for seniors and are free.

The classes are co-sponsored by the Hayward Adult School and Kaiser Permanente.

The hiking class meets twice a week for a total of four hours at various Bay Area parks. Bogdanos's favorite is Garin Regional Park.

"Instead of exercising inside the fitness gyms, we like to go outside, especially now that it's spring," she said. "We see wild turkeys and deer. There's not the confinement of being in a room. You're outside breathing fresh air and you hear the birds singing. It's beautiful up there."

Her class is composed of about 25 people, 16 of whom attend regularly. There are three times as many women as men.

The oldest member is 73 and the average age is 65, but that doesn't stop the group from trailblazing.

"We don't just stroll around," Bogdanos said. "We pick up the pace. Walking is the best exercise you can do. The only thing you need is good walking shoes and comfortable clothing."

The members pair up with people of a similar pace.

"We talk about recipes and friends and the stories of our life," Bogdanos said. "We have become like a family."

Bogdanos hikes even more on her own.

"I was born that way -- very active," said Bogdanos, a native of Greece. "I was always swimming in Greece. I went hiking all the time with my siblings. I feel depressed when I don't hike, and what I miss is the outdoors."

For more information about the class and eligibility, call the Hayward Adult School at (510) 293-8595, ext. 5425.

On Saturdays, Senior Journal spotlights remarkable local seniors, issues that are important to them, organizations that are there to help or activities they enjoy. If you know of an interesting Hayward- area senior, important issue or effective organization, please e- mail ksantos@dailyreviewonline.com; call 293-2468; write us at 22533 Foothill Blvd., Hayward 94541; or send a fax to (510) 293-2490.

Hayward-based Spectrum Community Services serves a complete lunch weekdays for a suggested minimum donation of $3.25. For information and dining room locations, call (510) 881-0300. Here is next week's menu:

April 24 to 28

- Monday: Beef stroganoff on noodles; green beans and carrots; spinach and tomato salad; citrus ambrosia.

- Tuesday: (Volunteer appreciation day) Salmon with tartar sauce and lemon; roasted potatoes; mixed vegetables; dinner roll; sherbet.

- Wednesday: Tamales with sauce; pinto beans; romaine salad with tomato slices; pineapple chunks.

- Thursday: Cream of broccoli soup; chicken salad sandwich; marinated green and wax bean salad; honeydew. Hamburger or veggie burger available.

- Friday: (Birthday celebration) Minestrone; lasagna; tossed green salad; birthday cake. Hamburger or veggie burger available.