''Sit and Be Fit'' is a television exercise program for older adults and anyone needing slow gentle movement. The program is broadcast throughout the United States, distributed to public television stations (although not by

WNET WNET (channel 13), branded on-air as "Thirteen" (stylized as "THIRTEEN"), is a primary PBS member television station licensed to Newark, New Jersey, United States, serving the New York City area. Owned by The WNET Group (formerly known as the ...

). ''Sit and Be Fit'' programs are also available on

DVD The DVD (common abbreviation for Digital Video Disc or Digital Versatile Disc) is a digital optical disc data storage format. It was invented and developed in 1995 and first released on November 1, 1996, in Japan. The medium can store any kind ...

. The series was created in 1987 by Mary Ann Wilson, a registered nurse specializing in the field of post-

polio Poliomyelitis, commonly shortened to polio, is an infectious disease caused by the poliovirus. Approximately 70% of cases are asymptomatic; mild symptoms which can occur include sore throat and fever; in a proportion of cases more severe s ...

rehabilitation and

geriatrics Geriatrics, or geriatric medicine, is a medical specialty focused on providing care for the unique health needs of older adults. The term ''geriatrics'' originates from the Greek γέρων ''geron'' meaning "old man", and ιατρός ''iatros ...

. Wilson recognized the need for functional exercise, especially for moderately active seniors or those managing chronic conditions or needing rehabilitation from strokes,

heart attack A myocardial infarction (MI), commonly known as a heart attack, occurs when blood flow decreases or stops to the coronary artery of the heart, causing damage to the heart muscle. The most common symptom is chest pain or discomfort which ma ...

s or other

injuries An injury is any physiological damage to living tissue caused by immediate physical stress. An injury can occur intentionally or unintentionally and may be caused by blunt trauma, penetrating trauma, burning, toxic exposure, asphyxiation, or o ...

. The show's mission statement is: "''Sit and Be Fit'' is committed to improving the quality of life of older adults and physically limited individuals through safe, effective exercises that are available through television, videos, personal appearances, classes, seminars, books, and the Internet.'' The show ''actively promotes functional fitness, healing, and independence, and is an effective resource for professionals in aging and fitness."

Organization

''Sit and Be Fit'' is a non-profit organization that produces North America's health education and exercise television series. The series, hosted by Wilson, and developed with a team of medical and fitness professionals, has earned a loyal following due to its effectiveness in improving the health and wellness of participants. It has been broadcast since 1987 on over 100 public television stations throughout the

United States The United States of America (U.S.A. or USA), commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country primarily located in North America. It consists of 50 states, a federal district, five major unincorporated territori ...

. The first public television station that agreed to carry her show was

KSPS-TV KSPS-TV (channel 7) is a PBS member television station in Spokane, Washington, United States, owned by KSPS Public Television. The station's studios are located on South Regal Street in the Southgate neighborhood of Spokane, and its transmitter ...

. In 2000, the corporation filed for a non-profit status, and was granted the right to be a "501(c)(3) charitable organization."Non Profit Status history

References

{{reflist Physical exercise PBS original programming Charities based in Washington (state) 1987 American television series debuts 1990s American television series 2000s American television series 2010s American television series Health charities in the United States Medical and health organizations based in Washington (state)