Celebrating a Century: Mary Coroneos
Mary Coroneos, a resident of Norwalk, Connecticut, recently hit an incredible milestone—her 100th birthday. Instead of dwelling on the past, she’s keenly focused on what’s next.
Her birthday party took place at the Edge Fitness Club, where she still works out several times a week, maintaining an active routine that rivals many younger gym-goers.
“The trainer said there’s really no excuse not to train when we have a 100-year-old like her around,” noted Coroneos’ daughter, Athena.
Mary follows a dual training approach, working with two trainers who provide different techniques, each focusing on various aspects of fitness. “They direct me and have distinct focuses, which keeps things interesting,” she explained.
Her workouts are tailored to her energy levels, emphasizing strength, mobility, and longevity.
Strength Training at 100
One of her favorite exercises is the “Sit To Stand,” a simple move that reinforces lower body strength. Weakness here can lead to inactivity and balance issues, which is particularly concerning for older individuals. In fact, research has shown that people aged 51-80 who struggle to get up from a seated position without assistance are at a heightened risk of mortality.
Mary incorporates strength training into her routine, utilizing resistance bands, light weights, and machines for exercises like seated rows, reverse flys, front pull-downs, and leg extensions.
Strength training isn’t just about building muscle. Studies reveal it can enhance mental clarity, increase bone density, and improve balance. Moreover, committing 30-60 minutes per week to resistance training can lower the risk of early death by 10% to 20%.
“A man younger than my mother came in, and she asked the trainer, ‘Is that?’ She’s quite flirty,” said Athena.
Mary herself acknowledges, “I feel good at the gym. I have stamina, but I wish I could be even more active.”
Core Strength and Stability
Core exercises are another important aspect of her regimen. She includes standing band exercises and twists, as a strong core is critical for mobility and injury prevention, particularly for seniors.
To boost her stability and alleviate back pain, she also uses a hip abduction machine.
“We don’t always check everything off the list, but we typically complete around 80%,” noted her trainer, Robert Drash.
The Beloved “Mayor of the Gym”
A former teacher, Mary enjoys being around younger individuals, including her trainers. Although she admits that “everyone’s younger than me,” she avoids senior centers, expressing sympathy for those who frequently visit them.
Known affectionately among gym-goers as the “mayor of the gym,” she cherishes the social aspect of working out. “I have so many friends here; it’s both exercise and social time,” she said.
Social connections significantly impact longevity, as highlighted by a Harvard study that found strong relationships are essential for a healthy, long life. “The gym offers a way to connect with her body and others. It releases endorphins and brings oxygen to her system, which is so positive,” Athena explained.
Speaking of her social life, Mary remains quite playful. “There was a younger man at the gym, and I joked with my trainer about him. I do enjoy the company of men,” she added with a smile.
Other Healthful Habits
Mary has never smoked and credits her longevity to a few key pleasures—root beer, the occasional Prosecco, and her enjoyment of male companionship.
She remains active, a lifestyle she grew into while growing up with four siblings. “We were always playing some game or sport,” she reminisced.
As the eldest child from a family raised in rural Pennsylvania, she recalls adventurous days climbing trees and swimming.
Later in her life, she excelled in basketball and volleyball during her time at Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
With an aunt who lived to age 102, it seems longevity runs in the family. Mary shares her home with a 19-year-old cat, adding a dash of vitality to her days.
Diet-wise, she’s always been health-conscious, favoring whole foods. She also takes several supplements while managing her hyperthyroidism with daily medication.
Perhaps it’s her optimistic outlook that keeps her thriving. Mary, who can read without glasses, has a full glass perspective on life, offering wise advice for anyone looking to foster a healthy or happier life:
“This is just the beginning. There’s always something new to do and achieve. People should realize life has so much more to offer.”
