Mary Ann Wilson facts for kids
Mary Ann Wilson (born May 15, 1938 – died November 5, 2025) was an inspiring American nurse and a popular fitness instructor on television. She was the creator and host of the award-winning exercise show Sit and Be Fit. This show helped many people stay active and was shown on over 100 PBS television stations across the United States.
In 1987, Mary Ann Wilson started her famous PBS show, Sit and Be Fit. The program offered a variety of gentle exercises, especially for older adults and people who found it hard to move around a lot. The exercises were designed to be done while sitting in a chair or using a chair for support, making fitness easy and safe for everyone.
Mary Ann Wilson: A Champion of Fitness
Mary Ann Wilson began her career as a registered nurse. She specialized in caring for older people and helping those who had illnesses, like polio, that made it difficult to move their bodies. In 1985, while teaching a regular exercise class, she noticed that some of her older students were getting hurt or finding the exercises too difficult.
This made her think about a better way to help. She designed a special, gentle exercise program just for their needs. Her students soon reported feeling much better, both physically and mentally. Mary Ann realized that many people across the country could benefit from this kind of safe and easy exercise. In 1987, a TV station called KSPS-TV agreed to produce her "Sit and Be Fit" television series. The first 30 episodes were shared nationwide, and the show has been on PBS ever since, helping countless people.
Mary Ann Wilson also wrote several books about health and fitness, including Chair Exercise Basics. She shared her knowledge with other healthcare and fitness experts at big meetings around the world. Her important work was recognized in 2017 when she was honored by being added to the National Fitness Hall of Fame. She was a registered nurse, the main producer and host of her TV show, and the founder of the "Sit and Be Fit" non-profit organization, which means it was dedicated to helping people rather than making money.
Her Lasting Impact
Mary Ann Wilson lived in Spokane, Washington. Her daughter, Gretchen Wilson, also played a big part in the "Sit and Be Fit" programs, working as a producer and director. They even appeared together in an exercise DVD called Boomer Be Fit. This shows that helping people stay active was a family passion.
Mary Ann Wilson passed away on November 5, 2025, at the age of 87. She left behind a wonderful legacy of making exercise accessible and enjoyable for millions of people, proving that staying fit can be for everyone, no matter their age or ability.
