Can you believe it? At the age of 100, Mary Coroneos is still hitting the gym, lifting weights, using dumbbells, and pulling resistance bands! She’s practically a regular at The Edge Fitness Club in Norwalk, Connecticut, where she works out three times a week.
Mary’s workout routine focuses on a full-body resistance program. It’s all aimed at building strength in her arms, legs, and core while also improving her balance.
What’s her motivation behind weightlifting? Mary shares with TODAY.com, “It’s challenging, and while it can tire you out, there’s that amazing feeling afterwards.”
Living with her daughter, Mary boasts about feeling energized after her gym sessions. Her daughter, Athena, who’s 65, describes her mom’s health as “phenomenal.”
“I always tell the trainers to give her a good push because I want her core and legs strong. That’s her key to getting around,” Athena tells TODAY.com. “A strong core and legs can really minimize the chance of falling, which is a concern for her age group.”
According to Dr. Eric Topol, a cardiologist studying longevity, incorporating strength training at least three times a week is essential for aging well. It’s the routine he practices himself.
“If I’m going to age, I’d prefer to age while being strong,” Topol, who’s 70, previously mentioned to TODAY.com.
Mary just celebrated her 100th birthday in June. Many of her former students graced the event, showing the impact she’s had as a teacher through the years.
A divorced mom, she juggled up to four jobs to provide for her family, including waitressing on weekends, as her daughter recalls.
Here are some effective tips from Mary on how to live a long and healthy life:
Keep Moving!
Mary has always been on the go; she was raised in a family that stayed active. Growing up on a farm in Pennsylvania, she faced “very humble beginnings,” remembers Athena.
As a college athlete, she enjoyed basketball and volleyball while pursuing her education at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, later earning a master’s in education at Temple University.
Athena describes her mom as fiercely competitive and still enjoying victories even now—she believes it contributes greatly to Mary’s longevity, saying, “The body’s meant to be moving; when you stop, you start to rust.”
Currently, her workout regime blends light resistance bands, 2-pound weights, and machines. Her typical exercises include seated rows, reverse flies, front pulldowns, and leg extensions.
Depending on her mood, her routine may add sit-to-stands, low-weight leg presses, hip actions, and seated leg curls. Mary also loves to ride on a recumbent bike.
Stephanie DiNoi, one of her trainers, told The Norwalk Hour that “she thrives on challenges. She works out really well, and her memory is incredibly sharp.”
Fuel Up with Nutritious Foods
Mary’s household thrived on home-cooked meals full of veggies and moderate amounts of meat. Athena recalls her mother being dedicated to family meals, and junk food was never part of the equation.
Mary was invested in health, influenced by two chiropractor brothers who firmly believed in nourishing the body with wholesome foods.
“Growing up, she never had a taste for junk food,” Athena adds.
Mary herself is not much of a big eater; she stops as soon as she’s had enough. Fish isn’t really her thing.
Nowadays, she enjoys soup for nourishment. It’s nutritious, easy to eat, and helps keep her hydrated. Healthy soups, much like what the world’s longest-living family eats—three-bean minestrone—can be a fantastic option.
Just last week, Mary was enjoying some refreshing watermelon, a summertime classic.
Savor Your Favorite Treats
Of course, Mary still has a sweet spot for dessert—especially tiramisu! The delicious Italian creation of mascarpone and coffee-soaked ladyfingers makes her happy.
Her daughter emphasizes, “She’s into chocolate and really enjoys rich, creamy things like ice cream and whipped cream root beer floats.”
Her go-to creamy dishes include clam chowder and various potato and mushroom creams!
When it comes to drinks, Mary would sometimes indulge in a light glass of prosecco but kept it very casual. Alcohol was usually reserved for special occasions, as Athena mentioned.
Engage Your Mind
“Stay active both mentally and physically,” is Mary’s guiding principle. She’s an avid reader and often uses her smartphone to keep up with news.
Athena paints her mom as fiercely independent, retiring only in her 70s and even working as a substitute teacher into her 90s—she was driving until the age of 95!
“She’s constantly curious about life,” Athena proudly states. “Her mind never stops.”
Stay Connected with Loved Ones
When discussing key factors for her long, healthy life, Mary emphasizes family, faith, and friendships as core tenets.
“Being surrounded by people is the answer,” she asserts, highlighting how crucial it is in combatting loneliness and a lack of purpose.
Athena concurs, suggesting that spending time with younger folks keeps everyone vibrant.
Relationships are essential to happiness, and experts agree on that front!
This originally appeared on TODAY.com.
