Whether you climb stairs, walk, dance or roller skate into 2008, you’re on your way to making good on one of the most common New Year’s resolutions — to lose weight and get in shape.

"It really doesn’t matter what you do, as long as you’re moving," fitness instructor Anita Black says.

"Any kind of exercise helps bring down blood pressure, control cholesterol levels, manage diabetes and lose weight."

That's the idea behind the Off to a Good Start program, which has been inspiring people to start and stick with an activity each year since 2004.

The event is cosponsored by Mills-Peninsula and the African American Community Health Advisory Committee in partnership with the City of San Mateo.

"A nutritionist talks about balancing food groups and combining foods, booths feature information on getting started with exercise at any age and staying mentally fit, and we introduce an activity such as dancing, stretching or aerobics," Black said.

The goal is to encourage people to get into exercise, no matter what form.

"And it works!" the instructor says. "I would say 80 to 90 percent of people who attend continue with some exercise activity."

Many have attended Black’s exercise classes over the years at Stanford University, East Palo Alto Bell Community Center, Curves or the YMCA.

"While anyone can participate, the program is focused on the African American community because of all the disparities we face in terms of health issues," she said.

According to the American Heart Association, black Americans develop high blood pressure earlier in life and their average blood pressures are much higher compared with whites and have almost twice the risk of a first stroke.

"Black women not only face the health risks of high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity, but we also have to watch for osteoporosis," Black said. That’s why she encourages women to start strength training.

"It’s a myth that women will become bulky with muscles like men if they lift weights," she said.

"Strength training helps us build strong bones and stimulates our metabolism for weight loss."

Off to a Good Start will be held Jan. 19, 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the San Mateo Senior Center. For information or to register, call 650-347–5724.