Personal Trainer Inspires Seniors To Exercise During Pandemic

ELLICOTT CITY, MD — During the coronavirus pandemic, people were reminded regularly to exercise to help keep them in shape while entire states were shut down. Exercise isn't just amazing for one's physical health, but also boosts a person's emotional and mental health. Mary Beth Gerlowski, a certified personal trainer, had been meeting with others 55 and older in their living community leading group exercise in the community club house.

"Previously I had worked with teaching group fitness to special needs, with a focus on individuals with autism, so this was a new group for me. We met twice a week at our community clubhouse with class size then from two to six people. I provided the equipment, the music and the format. We used chairs, dumbbells, resistance tubes, resistance mini-bands,medicine balls, floor mats and fitness balls," Gerlowski told Patch. "I created a format that was suitable for any level. The age range in my community is from 55 years old up to at least 90. What was amazing about this was that I found out I had neighbors who had lived in this small community for over 15 years who had never met."

But then, the pandemic struck.

Gerlowski was not about to let down her fitness followers , so they moved outdoors for twice-a-week sessions and abide by social distancing guidelines. She led chair-based exercises, balance exercises and encouraged stretching and strengthening exercises. Being a certified personal trainer who worked at a fitness center prior to the pandemic equipped Gerlowski to help others stay sharp and active during such stressful times. She even launched her own company MBFIT4U just before the pandemic struck. She also recently launched a fitness class at Lake Elkhorn Wednesdays at 10 a.m.

"I have been in the fitness field for more than 30 years but had never worked much with seniors. I have worked with disability, special needs, clients with autism or Down syndrome, for example. My heart has always led me to work with people often overlooked," Gerlowski said.

The outdoor fitness class turned out to be the perfect solution to seniors experiencing isolation and loneliness as well as encouraging them to get up and move while stuck at home.

"With additional space, more people could attend with social distancing, then neighbors driving by saw us and joined in. Neighbors who had never met each other became friends," she said. "I am seeing an increased level of awareness and caring towards each other. We as a community are now so much more in communication – neighbors watching over neighbors, knowing who needs help, who maybe is having health issues, who needs a ride somewhere, who is out of town so we can watch over their residence."

Lois Oryl shared with Patch that she usually walks and engages in aerobic exercises. She gravitated toward Gerlowski's classes because they offered her an opportunity to do weight-bearing and sculpting exercises.

"I like the use of different types of equipment - weights, balls, bands. I also enjoy the music in the background which is very invigorating," Oryl said. "It is very convenient for me both in location and time."

Mary Boyce also walks regularly and tries to jog several times a week to reach her target heart rate. She excited when she learned about Gerlowski's free classes since her gym had been shut down due to the pandemic.

"I have been able to continue all-over conditioning, which benefits my physical and mental well being," she told Patch. "I really enjoy using dumbbells, bands and weight-bearing exercises with my neighbors in a safe environment with an enthusiastic instructor. It is very convenient for me right in our neighborhood."

Gerlowski emphasized that because the pandemic has caused an increase in depression and anxiety among people, it's important to exercise and follow a fitness regimen.

"Physical exercise results in short- and long-term benefits, such as improved mood, better sleep and general overall physical health. Exercise reduces the risk of severe issues with COVID19. The highest risk groups for complications are those with obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease and compromised immune systems; therefore, safely starting fitness is crucial for these folks," she said.

For those who do not have access to a neighborhood fitness group and can't get to a gym for whatever reason, Gerlowski suggested finding a fitness buddy to help hold each other accountable. Start out slow and then steadily increase intensity and duration.

"Keeping it fun and enjoyable is key to maintaining the habit. Listening to music really makes the time go by but please stay aware of your surroundings," she noted.