Mary Ann Wilson facts for kids
Mary Ann Wilson, born on May 15, 1938, is an American nurse and a popular TV fitness instructor. She is famous for creating and hosting Sit and Be Fit. This award-winning exercise show helps people stay active. It is shown on over 100 PBS TV stations all over the United States.
Mary Ann started Sit and Be Fit in 1987. The show offers many exercises for older adults and people who find it hard to move around a lot. These exercises can often be done while sitting in a chair, making them easy for everyone.
Mary Ann Wilson's Journey
Mary Ann Wilson finished her nursing studies in 1959 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She became a registered nurse, helping older people and those recovering from polio. In 1985, she taught an aerobics class. She noticed that her older students sometimes got hurt or stopped coming.
This made her think about a new way to exercise. She created a gentle program just for them. Her students soon felt much better, both physically and mentally. Mary Ann realized that many people across the country needed this kind of exercise. So, in 1987, KSPS-TV helped her create the Sit and Be Fit TV series. It has been on PBS stations ever since.
Mary Ann has also written books about health and fitness. One of her books is called Chair Exercise Basics. She also teaches other health and fitness experts at big conferences. In 2017, she was honored by being added to the National Fitness Hall of Fame. This shows how much she has helped people stay fit.
Family Life
Mary Ann Wilson lives in Spokane, Washington. Her daughter, Gretchen Wilson, born in 1961, works with her. Gretchen helps produce and direct the Sit and Be Fit TV programs. They even appear together in a DVD called Boomer Be Fit. The Sit and Be Fit TV show and its non-profit organization are both based in Spokane.
