'We've seen a lot of life together'

Sally Rogers was teaching classes in a Carson City gym during the height of aerobics popularity in the mid-1980s.

"That was back in the day when everyone wore the leotards and leg warmers," she said.

But she noticed that those classes weren't a good fit for everyone. So she started a class for walkers as well.

Now, 23 years later, the headbands and tights are just a memory. But her walking group continues.

"I think it's survived because it's become more of a family," she said. "Not only are you getting great exercise, but you're outside with great people to talk to."

From the time it started at the old Capitol Courts on the south end of town, the class has moved through eight different gyms. It is now run through Gold's Gym, where members walk three times a week.

Carol Koontz joined the group two days after moving to Carson City 20 years ago from Ohio.

"I knew I needed exercise," she said.

But she found much more.

She met her husband in the group, and nearly eight years after his death, she continues to participate.

"I never miss," she said. "I schedule all of my appointments around it. All my best friends are in the walking group."

One of them is Janyce Stern, who's been in the group since 1989. She joined for the fitness, she said, but stayed for the friendship.

Still, she sees the benefits of the weekly workouts.

"My husband tells me my calves have never looked better," she said.

Duane Schupbach, a retired naval officer, has also seen his health improve. He lost weight and lowered his blood pressure since he started walking with the group.

"So many good things happened to me, I couldn't give it up," he said.

Walkers meet at 8:30 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. The class starts off by doing a series of stretching and warm-up exercises and finishes with cool-down stretches and abdominal exercises. Depending on their pace, some walk about two miles and others nearly five.

Rogers rotates leading the class with fellow instructors Sue Vradenburg, Carolyn Goff and Erin Lehman.

"The group is very welcoming and encourages new members to join in anytime." said Lehman, who joined about 10 years ago. "We have so much fun talking and discussing things that we don't realize we are actually exercising at the same time."

Rogers said the group used to schedule weekly get-togethers outside of class, and they now meet up almost every day after class at the nearby Starbucks.

She said they've watched each other's children grow, attended birthday parties and weddings together - and, as some of the original members were in their 60s when they joined, have now attended funerals, as well.

"We've seen a lot of life together," she said.

Gold's Gym Walking Group

Members of the walking group pay $19 per month, or $29 for two members. They meet at Gold's Gym, 3456 N. Carson St. For more information, call the gym at (775) 887-7444.