Revolution takes many forms. For Mary it is rejecting a fitness industry norm that perpetuates the notion of exercise as being about youth, thinness, big muscles and outward perfection -- for a passion to help people of all ages and abilities experience the joy of health and vitality through safe and effective exercise.

Mary developed the LifeStages Fitness Training Method because “Each person is different. I believe that traditional training methods do not sufficiently take these differences into account. The need for a more individualized approach is even more important as a person ages. Our method emphasizes safety and builds strength in a purposeful fashion to address, support and correct an individual’s specific weaknesses.”

Mary is certified in personal training through both the American Council on Exercise and National Academy of Sports Medicine. She has also taken university courses in anatomy and physiology. At age sixteen she earned her black belt in karate and taught classes and participated in tournaments. She was a member of an all women s rugby league, played competitive racquetball, skied, and trained for the Los Angeles marathon. Mary is currently pursuing her Masters degree in Exercise Science.

Mary is a woman of tremendous energy, compassion and intelligence who creates success in most everything she pursues. A lifelong love of exercise together with the pain of watching her parents suffer the effects of an unhealthy life style influenced Mary’s decision to pursue personal training as a second career and inspired her to form LifeStages Fitness.

“My father worked too much, smoked, never exercised and had terrible eating habits. We were very close and when he died it was very traumatic for me. When my mother became ill with Parkinson’s disease and chronic pulmonary disorder she quickly fell into decline and a state of fragility and now is in an assisted living facility. Had she led a more active life and built a stronger body through exercise, she might still be living independently and have more enjoyment in life. I want to help people avoid the same fate. We can control the quality of our lives, to some extent, as we age. Through Lifestages Fitness I want to get that message out. I want to help people overcome their resistance, inhibitions and fears about exercise and give them the feeling of empowerment that comes with having a stronger, healthier body.”

Despite her love for exercise and as the result of a demanding career as a research economist, Mary fell into the trap of overwork, poor eating, too much coffee and not enough exercise. At the age of 40, when she finally admitted that her health was suffering, Mary pushed herself back into a gym, started working with a personal trainer and has never looked back. “I know how easy it is to get caught up in a busy life and stop taking care of yourself. I know how hard it is to start exercising once you’ve stopped. I struggle with weight, the effects of menopause, and a sluggish thyroid. I am often told by my clients “you get me”. Part of what I do is to help people accept that they will never be 20 again but that they can eliminate a lot of the pain and fatigue they are feeling and become stronger – have more vitality.”

Mary lives in Reston, Virginia with her two rescue dogs.