She could have been the author of the famous phrase “A healthy mind in a healthy body“
We wanted to feature Barbara in these pages. Because people like her are unfortunately few and far between. And yet they are so necessary! She is an example to us all, but especially to many of the people who read this magazine, because we tell them a few things about “other times” that they like to remember. So, this time, we want to give them some advice. Or rather, let Barbara give it to them.
Who is Barbara Bogatell?
She is a lady named Barbara Martinez who is about to turn 90. She has a wonderful family: my son Salva, my daughter-in-law, and my two grandchildren, not to mention my little bug: Boss. And she has another family, which is my girls and boys that you’ve seen in the gym class.
Girls and boys who seem very active for their age…
For their age, you say? Age doesn’t matter. What matters is attitude. And we have a reason every day to get up, make ourselves look good, and leave the house to exercise with a group of wonderful “party animals.”
Apart from getting physically fit, getting mentally fit is almost more important.
The two go hand in hand. Think about the women—or men—who live alone, or whose partner has recently died, and how easy it would be to give up, lose hope, or fall into depression.
And what do you promise them on the first day?
The first thing I tell them is to replace those sad clothes with something colorful, to put on some makeup… They have to feel beautiful!
You must have examples of people whose lives have changed since coming here.
I can name dozens. One day, a lady who worked at the Hospital del Mar and saw us every morning came up to me and told me that her mother had been widowed and was very depressed, she didn’t leave the house because she was so sad. Today, this sad mother, whom we call Isabel the affectionate, because she is the sweetest person in the world, never misses a day. She has regained her enthusiasm, her smile and, above all, her self-esteem. She has found a group of friends and can now touch her toes with her hands. Can you do that?
Barbara, don’t put me on the spot like that. Of course not.
Well, you know where we are. In less than a month, you’ll be able to do it.
A beautiful example, but all we are not all the same..
Of course, and miracles don’t exist. Some people are more outgoing, while others find it more difficult. But I tell them, “Don’t be shy, look at the person next to you and listen to my voice,” and in just a week they can do the routine by heart. Look, men find it harder because they tend to be more shy. Some of them practiced at home in front of the mirror before deciding to come.
Actually, everyone followed the exercises very well.
It’s beautiful when you see 100 people lifting their legs or doing push-ups at the same time.
And if not, you’re here to keep order. You’ve given a couple of warnings today.
When it’s class time, it’s class time. And if you’ve noticed, all the exercises have a name: the well, the ladder, etc. And in Catalan, not English, like in gyms.
It’s because “you are the best.”
Hehe. It’s one of our “battle cries” to motivate everyone.
When you started, there were barely five of you, and now there are more than a hundred.
I signed up almost 30 years ago to a group of four or five people I saw doing exercises on the beach. Soon after, the lady who led the group had to give it up due to her age, and she encouraged me to take over. People who pass by, watch, and ask questions have joined. When they try it and see the atmosphere, they stay.
You created the exercise routine.
Yes. I’ve been developing it with new exercises that cover, so to speak, the whole body, but always taking into account our needs, pace, and, let’s say, limitations. Doctors and physical therapists have supervised it and found it ideal. But not long ago, one of these strong young men who was a lifeguard tried a class and the next day he could hardly move because of muscle soreness.
You’re a leader, you know that?
Not at all, I’m just like everyone else. It’s just that I’ve had this personality since I was little and I’ve pushed forward, and now they follow me.
Character, they tell me (your son) that you’ve always had it.
Always. I lost my parents shortly after I was born and my grandparents took care of me. But no trauma, no complexes. Always the most daring; at school, as a young woman, as an adult… When we went to Baños San Sebastián as a couple, I was the only woman who would dive headfirst from the highest diving board. When we went skiing (with the Mountain Excursionist Association) to La Molina, I was the first to go down, even when I was seven months pregnant. I didn’t see the danger. At the club (Club Natación Barceloneta), I was one of the few women who played takatá in the 24-hour tournament.
The class is over, what about tomorrow morning?
We are a group of friends, in many cases. Through thick and thin. We organize dinners, Sunday lunches, birthday celebrations… but we also accompany you when you are admitted to the hospital, bring you groceries when you are sick, or simply visit you because you are alone. We are there through thick and thin.
Well, you certainly don’t lack parties.
We have Christmas dinner, we dress up every Carnival, we celebrate birthdays, we go on trips… We’re a lively bunch. Hehe.
How’s your cholesterol?
I go to the doctor almost out of obligation, because I’m not in any pain and I don’t take any pills, but since everyone told me I had to go, I went. I hadn’t been for nine years and didn’t know the doctor. They did blood tests, blood pressure tests, heart tests, you name it… and nothing. Everything was perfect. When I travel, I see everyone with their pill boxes or on diets, while I eat everything and go back for seconds.
What did you say to the doctor: see you in nine years then.
See you in nine years then.
Go to your neighbors in the neighborhood. In Barceloneta, there are many ladies and gentlemen who live alone.
Invite them to come and try it for a day. I assure you that they will never feel alone again.
What’s more, they usually live in apartments without elevators.
Like me, I live on the third floor without an elevator. I go up and down as many times as necessary. I get up at 6 a.m., do the housework, walk my little guy (Boss, my dog), and get ready to come to class. Every day, because on weekends I do it to have a drink with my friends: a sandwich, a beer, and, if possible, my carajillo.
How much do they have to pay for the classes?
Pay? You don’t pay here. Besides, why would I charge when I’m a millionaire? A millionaire in love.
I’m 90 on my ID, but I look 60 and feel 30.
Don’t exaggerate! But the truth is, I always say that there’s no need to complain. If you play the victim, on the first day they’ll come up to you and say “poor thing,” on the second day they’ll listen to you, and on the third day they’ll try to avoid you. You always have to be positive.
Is that the recipe?
Exactly. Face everything with positivity.
In four words: Barbara is barbaric!
Medal of Honor of Barcelona
Last November, Barbara received the Medal of Honor of Barcelona for promoting health through sport, from the Mayor of Barcelona, Jaume Collboni.
The Medal of Honor of Barcelona aims to distinguish individuals, legal entities, or organizations, whether national or foreign, who have distinguished themselves in the defense of the city, as well as in the defense of civic virtues and values.
