By Akanksha Arora

Copyright timesnownews

Mary Coroneos turned 100 in June this year. She celebrated the milestone with a huge party in Norwalk, Connecticut, where she lives with her daughter. However, unlike most centenarians, Mary’s secret to vitality is not quiet walks or early bedtimes, it is pumping iron and devouring her favourite ice cream. At an age when most people slow down, she is defying expectations and proving that strength and sweetness can be the ultimate recipe for a long and fulfilling life. “Just keep moving, step carefully, and look where you’re going,” Coroneos, who always keeps herself busy, told Business Insider. Her daughter Athena, 65, described her mother as a pistol. Early Life Coroneos had a very lively childhood. She grew up in a coal mining town in western Pennsylvania. The family did not have much money but she got plenty of exercise (and fun) helping her mother around the house as her father worked at the mine. In her free time, she ran wild with her four brothers as they explored the neighborhood. “We were always doing things, hiking up in the woods, finding old artifacts,” she said. In high school, Coroneos was an athlete. She played basketball and volleyball. She also excelled academically, going on to graduate from college at 21 and later obtaining a Master’s in education from Temple University. She served as a full-time teacher till she turned 70 and also took shifts at Dunkin’ Donuts to help support the family. Retirement was never an option for her. Coroneos pitched in as a substitute teacher well into her 90s. She would still do it if it were possible. Secret Of Longevity Even after turning 100, she goes to the gym regularly. In fact, she also works with personal trainers on strength workouts with light dumbbells, resistance bands and weight machines. She gets her cardio in on a recumbent bike and incorporates some HIIT-style movements. “She wants to be pushed. She needs the challenge,” her daughter said. Not even an injury can stop her. After breaking two of her arm bones in a fall, Coroneos was back to the gym in about three weeks. While she avoids alcohol, her typical diet includes: Breakfast: Two eggs with butter and a cup of tea with honeyLunch: chicken vegetable soupDinner: “whatever Athena makes,” Business Insider quoted Coroneos. Chopped meatloaf was a recent menu highlight. “She loves to improvise, so I’m her victim,” she said with a laugh.Dessert: Coroneos loves ice cream, root beer, and especially root beer floats. Additionally, Coroneos also keeps her brain exercising by keeping up with the news and learning new things whenever possible. “I think if you have a curiosity about life and learning, it makes you less rigid. There’s a flexibility that you need for a long life,” her daughter said.