Not everyone makes it till 100, and even if they do, most picture their 100th birthday as a quiet affair, surrounded by family, and a big chocolate cake! But for one centenarian, it’s a big NO! Meet Mary Coroneos, an inspiration and a fitness trainer to many. On the day she turned 100, she went straight to the gym, surrounded by dumbbells, machines, trainers, and the people she calls her second family. For Mary, the gym is not merely somewhere to exercise. It’s where she comes alive, it is her home!The Norfolk great-grandmother celebrated her 100th birthday doing what she is most fond of—Exercise. She didn’t merely drop by for a ceremonial visit. She trained, lifted weights, and completed her routine with the kind of focus and energy that would shame many of the younger patrons at the gym.Dubbed “the mayor of the gym” by fellow trainees, Mary trains several times a week. Her fitness regimen is not one of recent origin, nor has it dwindled with age. Instead, she is more devoted with each passing year, more indulged in her routine.
Her tailored exercise regime
Credit: Instagram/ @athena_coroneos
Mary doesn’t do any ordinary workout routine. She trains with the help of two fitness coaches who map each session according to her own requirements, objectives, and level of energy. One works on core and posture more, and the other on strength and coordination. Together, they ensure that her workouts are functional and safe, yet efficient.Her training involves high-repetition work on light weights, resistance bands, and gym machines. She constantly repeats exercises such as seated rows, leg extensions, reverse flies, and pulldowns. All movements are very slow and controlled, which assists her in retaining muscle mass, joint mobility, and balance.“I have two trainers that provide me with direction and assist me in prioritizing what is important for my body,” Mary added. “They both have different styles, and I pick up something new from each of them.”
Credit: Instagram/ @athena_coroneos
One of the most revealing aspects of her training is the sit-to-stand test, in which an individual stands up from a chair without the use of hands. This seemingly innocuous movement is one of the best predictors of lower body strength and functional ability in old age. Mary does it with ease. Experts believe falling short of this test is associated with increased vulnerability to falls, poor mobility, and even premature death. For Mary, it’s just another routine aspect.
Strengthening each day
Mary’s strength training isn’t high-profile, but it’s highly intentional. She does two-pound weights to strengthen endurance and muscle tone and resistance band exercises and rotational twists standing up to engage her core. These exercises are particularly important at her age, where core strength helps with posture, balance, and minimizing the risk of injury.She also does repetitions on the hip abduction machine, which enables strengthening of the outer hips. This type of training facilitates stability and elimination of such prevalent problems as lower back pain. Her trainers make the workouts fun, stimulating, and social, and that is why she continues to come back.I love being in the gym. I’ve got some endurance, but I’d love to be even more active,” Mary explained with a grin. Her words are modest, but her deeds are motivational.As per her daughter Athena, Mary’s discipline and regularity inspire all those around her. “Trainers will say to their clients, ‘You have no excuse not to train. We have a woman who is 100 years old who comes to the gym week after week,'” she said.
In addition to exercise
The gym isn’t just where Mary keeps herself physically active. It’s also where she socializes. A former schoolteacher, she takes satisfaction and comfort in being among younger folks, especially her trainers and gym buddies.“I like spending time with younger folk,” she said. “I don’t visit senior centers. I feel sorry for them.” Her bluntness might sound rude, but it is merely Mary being Mary—straightforward, self-assured, and full of life.She appreciates the sense of community the gym gives her. “I have so many friends who come and greet me. It’s social time as well as exercise time,” she said.
The life behind her strength
Mary’s strength is not just something that happens in the gym. It’s a result of a lifetime of activity, sports, and good choices. She grew up in rural Pennsylvania, was the oldest of five children, and spent much of her childhood outside. She was always busy, whether she was climbing trees, swimming, playing volleyball, or exploring railroad trestles. All that activity set the tone for her approach to health and fitness.She has never smoked. She indulges every so often in a glass of Prosecco or a root beer, but otherwise, her diet is uncomplicated and clean. Mary likes little meals of whole foods and has always been a moderate.At 100, she consumes calcium, vitamin C, D3, cranberry, Ginkgo biloba, and a stem cell capsule every day. She takes only one medication for hyperthyroidism, and that’s about itHer clean habits, passion for exercise and movement, her upbeat attitude have made her a role model for upcoming generations. She didn’t begin exercising to impress anyone else. She does it because it keeps her alive, powerful, and in touch with herself and others.