May Athlete of the Month: Q & A with Mary Williamson
Q: Tell us a little about yourself.
A: My name is Mary Williamson, I am 62 and have two wonderful sons, James 35 and David 34. I graduated with a Master Degree in Special Education from Wichita State University. Before teaching, I worked in sales and marketing for my Dad’s aircraft company. I will always be an entrepreneur at heart! Most of my family and I are huge WSU Basketball Shocker fans! I also support OKC Thunder and attend games when I can. I have a passion for music and enjoy listening to local bands. My number one passion is dancing, especially Ballroom and East Coast/West Coast Swing. I’m a bit of a homebody and enjoy cooking, working out in my basement, cuddling with my precious cat and spending time with my family.
Q: What is your favorite activity to stay fit?
A: Attending my SASS (Strong and Supportive Sisters) class twice a week with Dr. Allison at Natural Wellness and Physiotherapy. She is the BEST! Dr Allison keeps us challenged to meet our maximum potential while making sure we do it in a safe manner.
Q: What's your least favorite?
A: Doing the Sled during our SASS class, however you do feel good after you “survive” the last rotation lol.
What is your proudest fitness accomplishment?
A: Lifting weights! The sight of bar bells, dumbbells and various types of weights have always been intimidating and scary to me. I never thought I’d be able to participate in weight lifting, let alone actually enjoy it, but I do!!
Q: What is your next fitness goal?
A: To continue with SASS class and increase the weight (lbs) and intensity of each EMOM assigned during our workout over time. I would also like to get back into dance lessons again at Step Ahead to refresh my dance skills and techniques used on the dance floor. Lastly, would be to get back out on the ballroom dance floor and perform my favorite dance, the Waltz.
Q: Why do you exercise?
A: For a lot of reasons, first and foremost would be for my overall health and well-being. Secondly, for the psychological benefits you receive. The feeling of empowerment that comes with having control over your body and pain management. The confidence this gives you to move forward and challenge yourself physically and emotionally.
Q: What is one fun thing about you that we may not know yet?
A: My mom, Marita Lee and I decided to open up a tanning salon and fitness center while I attended WSU working on my undergrad in the 1980’s. After receiving my certification in aerobics, I taught every level of aerobics and had a blast!! It was fun watching clients meet their fitness goals, while loving the color of their darker skin after using our tanning beds. In the 80s, there was not a lot about the damage that tanning causes. Mom and I had a blast with that company!
Q: Do you have any advice to others?
A: Several things: ALWAYS wear sunscreen! Stay away from Google advice, Dr Google is not your friend and may cause unnecessary depression and anxiety. Knowledge is power! Use science and research based materials and searches to gather as much information about your adverse situation as possible. Always write down your concerns and ask a lot of questions! Patience is a virtue and trust your gut feeling, it’s usually right. Try to use natural remedies in lieu of over-the-counter medications and prescriptions. You can achieve whatever you want with patients, hard work, perseverance and the right attitude. Be kind to yourself and others!
Q: What is something you've always wanted to try but haven't yet?
A: Pickle ball, it looks like a lot of fun! Also, having been raised on a farm with horses, cattle, chickens, etc. I thought I wouldn’t be able to ride a horse again due to my challenges. Now I feel like it’s possible, and would like to at least try again at some point.
Q: What challenges have you overcome?
A: Following an adverse reaction to steroid injections in my L4, L5 and S1, I had to overcome barely being able to walk, sit, and drive for approximately nine months. I also had to overcome anxiety/depression resulting from my physical struggles and social isolation. I’ve come a long ways baby!!!
Q: Are there any active communities you’re a part of? Tell us a little about their role in your life, especially your health and wellness.
A: The SASS group at Natural Wellness Physiotherapy with Dr Allison. I wish I would have found this group years ago. I can tell in just a short amount of time the value of strength training. It’s much easier to perform difficult tasks, lift heavy objects and just the feeling of independence is incredible. I think I’m actually stronger now than I was 20 years ago. The socialization is also beneficial with these positive ladies that offer encouragement needed to keep going strong!Another group I am slowly integrating back into my life is my ballroom and swing dance group. The last ballroom dance I attended before my physical challenges began was at a Christmas dance with my dear friends Leigh, Inger, Tony and Dave “Dancing Dave”. This would be our last time dancing with Inger before she passed too soon. We were also able to get together at Bel Ami restaurant for lunch celebrating her new position as an engineer with a local aircraft company. She passed 4 days after beginning her new job. I have no doubt that Inger is an angel looking over us and led me here to Dr. Clayton for help. It wasn’t until my 12th PT visit that I discovered Dr. Clayton was cousins with my dance friend Inger. Neither one of us knew about the connection until then. We miss our angel every day!
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May 28, 2024 7:57:40 AM
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