July Athlete of the Month - Justin Eckilson

Join us in celebrating our July Athlete of the Month, Justin Eckilson!  

​When Justin began his journey at Wilcox Wellness & Fitness, none of us could have predicted the profound transformation it would bring to his life. One of the most significant goals he has achieved is not one he initially set out to conquer: feeling better about himself. This journey has fortified Justin's self-confidence, making him feel stronger both physically and mentally. 

Every day, he stands a little taller, confident in his knowledge that the challenges we tackle in the gym will prepare him to face the obstacles life throws his way. Wilcox has shown Justin that he is capable of far more than he often believes, and this realization has permeated his daily life.

Despite the strides he has made, Justin is still diligently working towards new goals. In the gym, he's focused on perfecting his push-up—a seemingly simple exercise that continues to challenge him. Beyond the gym, managing stress remains a work in progress. Exercise provides a crucial outlet, yet finding ways to prevent stress from creeping into his daily life is an ongoing endeavor.
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Among the various exercises, Justin finds joy in box jumps and rows on the cable machine. While planks are typically neutral for him, the Indo Board has added an enjoyable twist to his routine. Conversely, burpees and bear crawls remain his least favorite exercises, but they are part of the process that pushes him to grow.

One of Justin's proudest accomplishments since joining Wilcox is improving his posture. The work we do on the gym floor has translated into better habits outside the gym, reducing the discomfort and headaches he used to experience from poor posture at work. This change is a tangible testament to the impact of our efforts.
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Committing to healthy living has also shifted Justin's perspective. He has learned that it doesn't have to be an all-or-nothing approach. Healthy living is a marathon, not a sprint, and starting small allows for the development of lasting habits. Focusing on one or two habits at a time has been key to his consistency and success.

What motivates Justin is the continual improvement and the sense of accomplishment that comes with each small victory. The drive to pick up a heavier weight or push himself a little further keeps him going. Inspiration comes from various sources, but his grandparents stand out. Their dedication to family and their own well-being serves as a powerful example. Within the gym, the Wilcox community inspires Justin. The collective commitment, effort, and camaraderie are palpable, fueling his motivation week after week.

Wilcox has made Justin more resilient. In the past, he recognizes how setbacks were more difficult to overcome, leading to the avoidance of challenges for fear of failure. Now, he embraces risks and views setbacks as opportunities for growth. Recently, Bree encouraged Justin to try adding a pushup to the Indo-plank that he was tackling with ease.

Although he didn't succeed on the first attempt, the experience taught him the value of taking risks and gave him a new goal to strive for. This mindset shift is one of the most significant ways Wilcox has impacted his life.

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For those looking to commit to health and fitness, our best advice is to start small and focus on your form. It's not about the highest number of reps or the heaviest weights, but about performing each exercise with the best form possible. Building a solid foundation with good form will pay dividends as you progress in your fitness journey.
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In embracing this journey, Justin has discovered that the true rewards lie not just in the physical changes, but in the mental and emotional growth that comes with each step forward.

​Justin, we are so proud to support you every step of the way and look forward to seeing his continued progress.