Maribeth Salge, MA, PT, ATC, CSCS, RCEP, AFP

As a physical therapist, certified athletic trainer and exercise physiologist, Maribeth Salge has met and treated a variety of people, from world class athletes to stroke-surviving geriatrics. Needless to say, each individual has their own unique set of abilities and limitations. However, they all had at least one thing in common: they saw tremendous increases in their functional ability and quality of life through exercise.

Convincing people of the benefits and necessity of exercise is a passion and way of life for Salge, an AFAA Fitness Practitioner (AFP) in Cocoa, Florida. Her introduction to fitness came while attending public school in a small town in southeast Missouri. "Mrs. Hampton's PE class was by no means a slacker's period," she emphatically recalls. "We were taught how to exercise, as well as why exercise was necessary for health, through a variety of fun and challenging activities." This experience motivated Salge to choose a career in health and fitness.

Becoming an AFP was a logical step for Salge. She says that having the AFP credential inspires an increased level of confidence from clients, community members and other fitness professionals. Earning this degree of trust is essential for the success of MJS Health Consultants, the business she co-owns with her husband, Jan. Additionally, holding AFAA's highest level of certification ensures that she stays abreast of the latest in scientifically sound fitness trends.

As a member of the Florida Coalition on the Promotion of Physical Activity, Salge is working to educate the public on why exercise is essential for strong bodies and strong minds. "Taking PE out of public schools is a huge mistake!" she says. "I hear all this talk of [not] being able to afford to keep physical education programs, but with the huge increases in obesity and inactivity among children and teens, how can we afford not to? It is amazing to me the number of people that believe fitness and academics are unrelated. Apparently, they are unaware of the strong positive correlation between activity levels and academic performance."

Several years ago, Salge realized just how lucky she was to have been introduced to the benefits of exercise at an early age. Like many of her patients, she was diagnosed with fibromyalgia, a condition that is characterized by sometimes debilitating muscle and connective tissue pain, extreme fatigue and flu-like symptoms. A large percentage of those with fibromyalgia experience the disease with such severity that they are unable to get out of bed for days at a time. Others have pain so intense that simple tasks like standing, sitting, talking or chewing are virtually impossible. Salge, however, has been able to maintain a relatively normal lifestyle in spite of the disease. She credits her intense training routine of strength, cardiovascular and flexibility exercises with minimizing her symptoms. Her rheumatologist agrees.

As an ardent supporter of health and fitness education and the promotion of an active lifestyle, Salge continuously finds new opportunities to introduce exercise to the previously inactive. She credits AFAA with bringing factual fitness to the public as well as bringing quality education to industry professionals, adding, "I look forward to bigger and better challenges and opportunities as an AFP!"

Practice Profile

Practice: Physical therapist, certified athletic trainer, exercise physiologist and co-owner of MJS Health Consultants.

Formal Education: B.S. in Physical Therapy, M.A. in Exercise Physiology, both from the University of Central Florida.

In Print: "Articles for American Running and Fitness Association, fitness columns for a variety of newsletters, and a CEU quiz submitted to American Fitness magazine. I am [currently] in the process of writing an article for the Florida Physical Therapy Association's newsletter Update."

Current Challenge: "Getting people to recognize the necessity of seeking fitness information from a qualified professional instead of a local gym rat. It is difficult for some to grasp the concept that the local gym rat may look good despite his or her ignorance, not because of their knowledge."

Favorite Communications Tool: "Face-to-face communication!"

What Makes Her Practice Unique: "My practice differs from my peers in that I am a physical therapist, AFP, certified athletic trainer and a registered clinical exercise physiologist. I practice all disciplines and incorporate a little from all in every client I see."

Top Client Education Tool: "A number of things ranging from computerized exercise software to a huge library of textbooks from which I can customize just about anything!"

Best Professional Attribute: "I practice what I preach!"

Key Elements For Wellness: "Physical fitness (all components), healthy eating habits and stress reduction techniques, the benefits of which are optimal life enjoyment."

Favorite Pastimes: "Playing with my dogs, hiking, karate, dancing and horseback riding."