A Century of Strength and Vitality
Mary Coroneos, a vibrant centenarian from Norwalk, Connecticut, recently commemorated her 100th birthday with a celebration at The Edge Fitness Club. Defying typical expectations, Coroneos maintains a dedicated workout schedule that puts many younger gym-goers to shame.
A Unique Approach to Fitness
Coroneos trains multiple times a week, often with two different trainers who provide her with tailored workouts. Her daughter, Athena Coroneos, shared that gym instructors often tell clients, “You have no excuse not to train. We have a woman who is 100 years old who trains.”
Tailored Workouts
Mary emphasizes exercises that enhance her strength and mobility, with a focus on longevity. Among her preferred routines are:
- “Sit to stand” exercises, which bolster lower-body strength and help prevent falls.
- Strength training with light bands and two-pound weights for seated rows, reverse flys, front pulldowns, and leg extensions.
Research indicates that strength training not only builds muscle but also improves mental sharpness, boosts bone density, and enhances balance. Engaging in just 30 to 60 minutes of resistance training each week can decrease the risk of early death by 10% to 20%.
Core Stability and Balance
Coroneos incorporates core-strengthening exercises, such as standing band work and rotational twists. These activities are crucial for maintaining mobility and preventing injuries, especially in seniors. She also utilizes the hip abduction machine to improve her balance and alleviate lower back pain.
A Beloved Community Figure
Known as the “mayor of the gym,” Coroneos enjoys her social interactions at the fitness center. “I have so many friends who come and say hello. It’s a social time as well as workout time,” she explained.
Athena noted the importance of community connections, referencing a Harvard study that identified social ties as a leading factor in longevity. “The gym is a connection to everything,” she said. “It’s a connection back to her body. It releases endorphins. It gets oxygenation. It’s just a positive social reinforcement for her.”
Healthy Habits and Lifelong Activity
Coroneos has never smoked but admits to enjoying a few indulgences: her favorite root beer, the occasional glass of Prosecco, and an appreciation for the company of men. Reflecting on her past, she shared, “I grew up with four brothers, and we always had a game of something going on.”
As the eldest of five in rural Pennsylvania, she recalls her adventurous youth spent climbing trees and swimming. An athlete in her younger years, she secured two varsity letters in basketball and volleyball from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
Nurturing Optimism and Health
Mary’s longevity may run in the family, as her aunt lived to 102. At home, she shares her space with a 19-year-old cat. Her diet consists of wholesome foods, with small meals typically making up her intake. She supplements her nutrition with calcium, vitamin C, D3, a stem cell capsule, cranberry, and Ginkgo biloba.
Maintaining a positive outlook, Coroneos finds joy in reading without glasses, which she credits to her optimism. She leaves others with inspiring advice for pursuing a healthy and fulfilling life: “This is the beginning. There’s always more that they can do and achieve. When people realize there’s more to life, they act accordingly.”
