Mary Ann Wilson is a registered nurse in the field of geriatrics and post-polio rehabilitation, and is also the founder and host of the award winning exercise show Sit and Be Fit

Sit and Be Fit

Sit and Be Fit is an award-winning exercise program for senior citizens and individuals with limited physical motion, that is available on video tapes and is distributed to public television stations ....

, which is broadcast on over 100 PBS television stations across the United States

United States

The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...

.

In 1987, Wilson started the PBS show Sit and Be Fit which includes a variety of exercises for the elderly and people with limited mobility. The show revolves around exercises that can be done while sitting in or using a chair, with little effort.

Background

Wilson's idea for Sit and Be Fit came in 1985 while she was teaching an adult aerobics

Aerobics

Aerobics is a form of physical exercise that combines rhythmic aerobic exercise with stretching and strength training routines with the goal of improving all elements of fitness...

 class and noticed her clients suffering numerous injuries and attrition. Wilson then began to see a vast improvement in the health and well being of the students and began a trek to have her idea spread on a national level. So in 1987, KSPS-TV

KSPS-TV

KSPS-TV, digital channel 7, is the Public Broadcasting Service Public television station in Spokane, Washington. It also has significant viewership in the province of Alberta, Canada, including the cities of Edmonton and Calgary. The station broadcasts its main signal from its site at Krell Hill,...

 agreed to air her show and distributed 30 episodes nationwide.

Wilson has so far produced 220 episodes and 24 home video workouts. Wilson has also written several fitness manuals and has written several columns on health in the aging community.

Along with doing her show, Wilson also offers a variety of seminars and lectures to health care professionals, caregivers and doctors at hospitals around the United States. Wilson has also been a spokesperson for her exercises and expertise at several national and international health conferences.

Wilson is also a teacher, attending nursing and retirement homes whenever possible, in an attempt to develop new exercises for her program.

Wilson's current activities and history include:

• Registered Nurse
• Executive Producer/Host, SIT AND BE FIT television series
• Executive Director/Founder, SIT AND BE FIT non-profit organization
• Nationally certified by ACE
  American Council on Exercise
  The American Council on Exercise is a nonprofit fitness certification and education provider.Established in 1985, ACE now operates as a full-service entity with a staff of more than 40...
  
   (American Council on Exercise)
• Member, ASA (American Society on Aging)
• Member, NCOA (National Council on the Aging)
• Member, SFA (American Senior Fitness Association) National Advisory Board
• Member, FEOAA (Fitness Educators Of Active Adults)
• Presenter, IDEA Conventions: 1987, 1988, 1989, 1991, 1995, 1996
• Presenter, 1st International Conference, Prevention: the Key Health for Life, 1994
• Presenter, 4th International Congress, Physical Activity, Aging and Sports, Heidelberg, Germany, 1996

References