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Join us in congratulating Liz Phillips, our December Athlete of the Month!
Before joining the gym, Liz had a pattern of starting at fitness centers with enthusiasm, only to overdo it, become sore, and eventually stop going. At Wilcox, however, she found an environment that allowed her to build strength gradually and sustainably. With the guidance of her trainers, she embraced a consistent routine that not only boosted her energy but also alleviated the aches and pains she previously experienced. Her preparation paid off. Liz’s trip to the Dolomites was everything she had hoped for. “I was able to do all the things I wanted to do and had the energy and strength to do it!” she said proudly.
Liz’s transformation goes far beyond physical strength. She shared that her journey at Wilcox has given her renewed confidence in herself and her body, which has had a positive impact on her personal life. After years of being on her own following a divorce, Liz is now dating and feels good about herself—a milestone she credits to her improved self-esteem and well-being.
To those considering taking that leap, Liz would say this: "Find a place that supports you, challenges you, and helps you grow at your own pace. It’s worth it.” Congratulations, Liz, on all your hard work, incredible accomplishments, and the example you set for others. Your journey reminds us all of the power of perseverance, community, and the joy of rediscovering strength. Ready to begin your own journey? The team at Wilcox Wellness & Fitness is here to help you take that first step—just like Liz did. Together, we can help you feel stronger, more confident, and ready to tackle whatever goals you dream of achieving. Let’s start the conversation! Schedule a calll to learn more about how we can support you in reaching your health & fitness goals: www.wilcoxwellnessfitness.com/getstartedbrunswick.
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This month’s Athlete of the Month at Wilcox Wellness & Fitness is a true example of what’s possible when dedication meets a supportive community. Brittany’s journey began with a simple goal: to keep up with friends on hikes and have enough energy to enjoy playtime with her nieces and nephews. Since then, she's accomplished much more than just keeping pace—she's transformed her mindset, increased her energy, and experienced a new level of joy in movement.
She’s also dedicated to refining her technique and continually checking her posture, both inside and outside the gym, ensuring she’s connected to each movement. When it comes to workout preferences, she’s all about the jump rope and ball slams—activities that combine cardio with a sense of strength and control. But ask her about squat jumps, and it’s a different story; those remain her least favorite, though she embraces the challenge they bring.
When she realized that each session takes less than 2% of her week, she reframed her approach, now fully appreciating the health benefits and happiness it brings. Her motivation is beautifully simple yet profound—knowing she has one life to live, she’s committed to making it as healthy and joyful as possible. Her greatest inspiration, though, comes from her mother. A role model of strength, resilience, and compassion, her mother has shown her how to persevere and give selflessly, and this influence has deeply shaped her approach to life and fitness.
Her advice is a gentle reminder to prioritize health over hesitation—if there’s time for a Netflix episode, there’s time for a training session, and the benefits are immeasurable. As she puts it,
“You are stronger than you think and deserve a happier, healthier life.” At Wilcox Wellness & Fitness, we love celebrating the incredible individuals in our community who show that a commitment to health and fitness can truly transform lives. This month, we’re excited to recognize Meghan Cassidy who has embraced her journey with a sense of humor, determination, and self-compassion.
Her commitment to staying active during pregnancy was no small feat. She credits her dedication and consistency as her biggest accomplishments since joining the gym, recognizing how staying in motion helped her feel fantastic throughout the process. And while burpees and box jumps remain on her list of least-favorite exercises, she’s found joy in boxing, a workout that lets her channel strength and energy in a fun way.
She also highlights the motivating energy she gets from being part of the Wilcox community. Watching others make progress—whether it’s physical strength or mastering new exercises—keeps her inspired and excited to keep showing up. This shared experience, where everyone is working toward their personal best, reminds her that fitness is a journey we’re all on together.
Whether you’re a parent, constantly on the go, or just busy with life, setting aside time for yourself at the gym can be a game-changer. And at Wilcox Wellness & Fitness, the supportive trainers and uplifting atmosphere make each session something to look forward to.
Erica Peterson’s journey is one of quiet perseverance, powerful growth, and the steady development of confidence.
Over the course of the year, she learned to appreciate what her body could do. Erica recalls one moment in particular when she realized her bad back and “clicky” hips had healed—not because of a quick fix, but because of the strength she had built.
“Please stop making me do these,” she jokes. On the flip side, she enjoys the challenge of lizard push-ups, showing that sometimes the hardest exercises are the ones that keep you coming back for more.
As someone who has been on this journey for a year, Erica’s advice to anyone thinking about starting their own health and fitness program is simple but profound: “Celebrate every little step forward in your journey. Honestly, there are no big steps—it’s all little steps, so celebrate them like they’re big.”
Erica’s journey is a testament to the power of consistency, the importance of self-care, and the incredible results that can come from shifting your mindset. If you’re on the fence about starting your own journey, her story is a reminder that you don’t need to be perfect—you just need to start. In the heart of a bustling life, filled with work, family, and the joys of a 2.5-year-old grandson, Maureen’s journey toward health and fitness stands as an inspiring testament to perseverance and positive change. Her story, marked by consistent effort and a commitment to personal growth, showcases how small, incremental steps can lead to remarkable transformations.
But the journey is far from over. Maureen continues to work on refining her exercise technique in the gym, focusing on slowing down to ensure proper form and prevent injuries. With the guidance and encouragement of Wilcox's coaches, she is learning to balance pushing her limits with knowing when to ease off, all while striving to maintain a well-balanced and healthy diet. Among Maureen’s favorite exercises, squats, jumping, bungee skier rows, which remind her of her joy of actual skiing, and bosu ball balancing stand out. These activities not only challenge the body but also bring a sense of joy and accomplishment. On the other hand, exercises like ropes and the plank reptile have proven more challenging. However, even these less favored exercises are met with determination and a commitment to improvement, demonstrating their resilience and growth mindset.
Maureen has come to embrace the concept of "1% progress every day," realizing that integrating exercise into their daily routine is not only attainable but essential for lifelong well-being. This perspective shift has been a driving force, enabling her to maintain a steady and sustainable approach to fitness. The journey has been influenced by powerful role models, including her mother, who, despite being widowed in her 50s, continued to try new things and improve her life. Her resilience and positivity serve as a source of inspiration. Additionally, a chance encounter with a 75-year-old woman who skis 100 days a year at her own pace has reinforced the desire to remain active and athletic for as long as possible.
This past winter, Maureen skied without getting winded or injured, enjoying the slopes with renewed vigor. She can now ride her bike up hills with ease and, most importantly, can "run" with their fast-moving grandson, embracing every moment of play. For anyone looking to commit to health and fitness, Maureen’s advice is simple yet profound: read the Healthful Living Guidebook, stay engaged with weekly emails, and set a schedule for workouts. Even with a full-time job and other commitments, she emphasizes the importance of flexibility and creativity. Whether it's trying new healthy recipes or pushing through a tough gym session, the key is to keep it simple and stay consistent. And when the going gets tough, just show up—sometimes, the hardest part is getting started.
Join us in celebrating our July Athlete of the Month, Justin Eckilson!
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.
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.
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.
When Leslie joined Wilcox last May, her life was severely limited by Facet Arthritis, a condition that had robbed her of much of her strength and mobility.
Not only did she quickly progress to group training where she was able to push herself with confidence, she also noticed a positive outcome in her dance class where her kicks are now twice as high, she can hold in relevé, and she goes deeper in plié.
At 56, she is acutely aware of the ticking clock. This awareness motivates her to explore her passions and spend active time with friends and family.
“Bree and Allison at Wilcox have provided exactly that, even making me do planks, which I have come to appreciate”.
In the world of health and fitness, we often find ourselves seeking inspiration in the stories of those who have overcome obstacles, set goals, and achieved remarkable transformations. This month, we're honored to shine the spotlight on Leslie, an example within our community of how commitment and consistency can lead to incredible things.
But Leslie's journey wasn't just about conquering physical challenges; it was also about reclaiming a sense of confidence and security in her everyday life. No longer held back by fears of injury or limitations, she moves with newfound grace and assurance, whether it's navigating through daily activities or overcoming unexpected hurdles like a snow covered groundhog hole. Despite her remarkable progress, Leslie remains committed to growth, constantly striving to improve and refine her lifestyle. She acknowledges the ongoing challenge of maintaining healthy eating habits amidst the whirlwind of daily life, especially with the demands of after-school activities and varied schedules. Yet, her dedication to meal prep and the determination to incorporate healthier choices into her family's dinners reflect her commitment to long-term well-being.
Here, amidst encouraging words and personal greetings, she discovered not only a place to pursue her fitness goals but also a community that uplifts and inspires her every step of the way. Through her journey, Leslie has learned valuable lessons about the importance of balance, patience, and self-acceptance. She's discovered that sustainable change isn't about quick fixes or drastic measures but rather about cultivating habits that nourish both body and soul. And in her role models – her resilient mother and her dedicated son – she finds the inspiration to persevere, to keep pushing forward even when the path seems daunting.
Our April Athlete of the Month is Mandy Lewis, and we are thrilled to recognize everything about Mandy that has led to incredible success in her training program with us. Mandy has been training with us for just over a year, and we are continually impressed by her commitment to her training program, her focus in every session, and the impact it has on her daily life.
As Mandy looks to her goals for 2024, she has signed up for her first marathon in 7 years and is already noticing the benefits of her training program as she begins her training. When I asked about her upcoming marathon, she shared, “My half marathon training has been going so much better than it has before, even though I was 7 years younger the last time I ran one.”
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 | From the moment Sara joined us as one of our inaugural clients, her dedication and commitment were evident. Over a total of 3 ½ years of training with the WILCOX community, she has consistently impressed us with her unwavering determination to achieve her fitness goals. Even after a brief hiatus in September 2022, Sara returned to the gym with renewed enthusiasm, seamlessly picking up where she left off. |
Initially, Sara's primary goal was to improve her overall fitness to manage recurring lower spine issues. We're thrilled to report that she no longer struggles with lower back pain and approaches each training session with confidence. Sara’s journey to improved strength and endurance is enhanced by her commitment to tackling exercises that continue to be a challenge such as push ups, pistol squats, and jumping higher in box jumps, while also relishing in her enjoyment of doing ball slams.
| When Sara first began her training, she faced each session with apprehension, fearing it might be too demanding. Today, she eagerly anticipates each challenge, pushing herself beyond her perceived limits and fostering mental toughness that extends into all aspects of her life. Sara understands the importance of balance in her training routine. She prioritizes consistency while also allowing herself grace when work or family obligations arise. |  |
Inspired by her father, Bob Gowen, Sara embodies perseverance in the face of life's challenges, ensuring she shows up not only for herself but for her loved ones as well.
We are immensely proud of Sara's physical and mental achievements. Her commitment to improvement, arriving early to do her pre-training, and persistent focus make her a shining example of dedication within our community.
 | Join us in congratulating Sara on her well-deserved recognition as our March Athlete of the Month. Her hard work and perseverance are truly commendable, and we're delighted to celebrate her success! |
Author
Hi! My name is Allison Hopkins and I am the owner of Wilcox Wellness & Fitness in Brunswick, ME. I am excited to bring WILCOX to Brunswick and share in my passion for living a great life through health and fitness.
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