I don't know about you, but holidays have a knack for creating a time warp, and I realized that I'm behind my writing.  The long holiday weekend was bitter sweet as I enjoyed time with friends and family, but I was also feeling an intense sense of needing to keep at it!  As of last Friday, after nearly 12 years in my job with a scientific supply distribution company, and working with an amazing group of people who became friends and a certain kind of family, I concluded my last day in order to pursue this dream.  It's an incredible feeling to suddenly be "all in", something that I had been yearning for throughout the planning process, but when it becomes reality there's no feeling quite like it!  And with only three days under my belt being "all in" before the long holiday weekend I found myself itching to keep busy with my to do list.

I've been busy interviewing some amazing candidates for my trainer team, working with the RE Management crew to get the renovations completed, and starting to get some ideas on paper in terms of marketing materials with the goal of helping the community get a really good sense of what Wilcox Wellness & Fitness is all about.  And then, with the holiday weekend all of the intensity associated with the work seemed to fall into a lull as people took the much deserved time to relax with friends and family and reflect on what they are personally thankful for.  I knew that I should be doing the same thing, but I felt a sense of nervous energy consume me at the lack of being able to keep the progress moving forward.  So, I took this as an opportunity to take some deep breaths and genuinely take a step back to really reflect on what I'm thankful for, because God knows that there's a lot!

 
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​I hung a picture of my dog Moe on the wall of my office to remind me of those closest to me, and how it's all about the little things that matter most, such kayaking with Eric and Moe during the warm summer months, or the love that my Mom gives to all of us, including the dog, every day of the week. 

So, like I said, I have a lot to be thankful for this Thanksgiving season.  Both for my friends and family, and all that I have in my life, as well as for the incredible progress that is happening at the space.  I can't wait to share this incredible space and training experience with the Brunswick community!!   

Happy Training!

Allison Hopkins
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Wilcox Wellness & Fitness, Brunswick

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One of the many aspects that attracted me to Wilcox Wellness & Fitness is the commitment to give back to the community.  Studies indicate that the act of giving boosts one's health, happiness and wellbeing.  Giving back to the community not only helps others, but it's one more way to make you feel AMAZING!  Since we're in the business of Wellness & Fitness I think it's important to consider the complete package in terms of what we do beyond exercise that influence our overall wellbeing.

The thing about giving is that both the giver and the receiver benefit.  And this effect is rooted quite deeply in some pretty interesting neurobiology.  It's incredible to me how our brains respond to acts of altruism or generosity.  There are three main brain chemicals involved in the response that we feel when we do something good.  The primary one being oxytocin.  Our brains release oxytocin when we pat an animal, or hold a baby, and is a major factor in bonding.  As such, oxytocin is often referred to as the "cuddle hormone". 

In addition to oxytocin, when we engage in acts of kindness or giving our brains release two other neurotransmitters - dopamine and serotonin.  Dopamine is associated with motivation and arousal, and serotonin is connected with sleep, digestion, memory, learning and appetite.

Think about it!  The simple act of giving can result in so many amazing responses by our brain - From improved sleep, and reduced stress to stronger, more meaningful relationships, and increased self-esteem.

Furthermore, altruism is contagious.  The act of giving doesn't start and stop with the act itself, but actually creates an amazing ripple effect in our community.  

I am really excited to be hosting various fundraising activities in the Brunswick location.  Fundraising and charitable events bring community together in such an important way while simultaneously giving back and making a positive impact.

One example of an event I am excited to host in Brunswick started in Bangor four years ago.  This past weekend I participated in the 4th Annual Burpees for Turkeys, and I'm already pumped to start planning the event in Brunswick next year. ​

Burpees for Turkeys is a fund raiser for the Good Shepherd Food Bank.  I was shocked when I learned that 1 in 5 children in Maine live with food insecurity, meaning that they lack the nutritious food necessary to grow up healthy.  ​