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Heather joined Wilcox with a simple but powerful goal: to feel stronger and have more energy. Just six months in, she can confidently say she’s achieved both, and the ripple effects have gone far beyond what she expected!
Heather describes her biggest accomplishment in one powerful phrase: “Sticking to it.” The consistency with which she shows up surprises even her. That steady commitment has built noticeable strength, endurance, and confidence. She’s stronger. She has more energy. She keeps up with her kids more easily. And perhaps most importantly, she’s changed her perspective on exercise entirely.
She draws inspiration from her mom, who seamlessly incorporates movement into daily life, walking, biking, swimming, modeling the belief that exercise supports both mental and physical health. That example continues to guide Heather’s own commitment. Heather shares that Wilcox has helped her successfully invest in herself. She didn’t believe it was possible to fit effective workouts into her schedule, but now she knows it is. With the right structure, coaching, and support, she’s created space for her health in a busy life. That shift alone is transformative. Heather’s advice is beautifully simple: Just show up.
Are you interested in learning more about our programs |
| Phyllis came to WILCOX with a desire to move better, feel stronger, and invest in her long-term health. Since starting, she’s experienced meaningful improvements in how she moves and feels - becoming more sure-footed, more confident, and more connected to her body through improved core engagement. Just as important, she’s found joy in the process. Her commitment to her health is reinforced by how much she genuinely enjoys the classes, the coaching, and the people she trains alongside. While Phyllis has made incredible progress, she approaches her fitness journey with a growth mindset. Balance is something she knows she’ll always be working on, but she’s quick to note that it is improving, and that progress keeps her motivated. She’s also been intentionally and safely increasing the weights she uses, building strength through thoughtful, well-executed movement. |
That consistency has paid off in powerful ways:
- Increased strength and endurance
- Improved balance and confidence
- Better posture and movement awareness
Her growing endurance even supported her in completing a 96-mile through hike last fall, a huge testament to the work she’s been putting in.
| When it comes to exercises, Phyllis loves free weights and embraces challenges head-on. Even the movements she likes least become opportunities for growth. She jokes that her least favorite exercise is simply whichever one is challenging her the most at the moment, and that challenge only motivates her to work harder. (Case in point: she used to hate the ropes… and now she’s pushing for stronger, better reps every time.) Phyllis brings curiosity, resilience, and a positive attitude to every session. She’s learned to love early morning classes and now structures her evenings around getting enough rest so she can show up feeling strong and ready. |
She’s inspired by two close friends, ages 90 and 85, who have lived full, active lives filled with adventure and everyday movement. Their example continues to reinforce her belief that lifelong activity matters, and that the choices we make today shape the life we get to live tomorrow.
For Phyllis, Wilcox is more than a gym - it’s an essential part of her aging process.
| She’s clear that an active, healthy future doesn’t happen by chance. It requires commitment, intention, and the right support. Through her training at Wilcox Wellness & Fitness, she continues to improve her strength, flexibility, stamina, and mental health, one session at a time. She also deeply values the coaching experience, sharing that WILCOX is different because it’s not about mimicking an instructor from across the room. Instead, our coaches observe, fine-tune, and personalize every session, offering thoughtful cues, meaningful adjustments, and encouragement that helps each individual move better and feel more confident. (And yes, she also appreciates that our coaches are kind, funny, encouraging, and sometimes a little sassy.) Phyllis’s advice is simple and powerful: |
Start slow. Go easy on yourself, physically and mentally,
and work at a pace that’s right for you.
Phyllis, we are so proud to celebrate you as our February Athlete of the Month. Your consistency, curiosity, and commitment to moving well are inspiring, and your presence adds so much positivity to our community.
Thank you for showing up, embracing the process, and reminding us all that investing in your health is one of the most meaningful choices you can make.
👏 Let’s hear it for Phyllis! 💙
Are you interested in learning more about our programs
and how we work with our clients?
We would love to talk with you.
| Since starting her health and fitness journey last November through our KickStart Program, Jennifer has made incredible progress, and not just physically, but in how she approaches her health overall. She’s down 17 pounds, feels stronger, and noticed improvements she didn’t expect, even in her hand strength. Perhaps most impactful, her energy returned quickly, and she’s no longer feeling tired all the time. She’s also made meaningful changes to her nutrition, including giving up diet soda (something she never thought she’d do!). But what truly stands out about Jennifer isn’t just the results - it’s how she’s achieved them. |
| She’s still working toward continued weight loss, improving her nutrition, building strength, and refining balance and movement connections, and she embraces that growth mindset fully. Jennifer understands that fitness isn’t a finish line; it’s an ongoing process. When it comes to favorite exercises, Jennifer is all about ball slams - powerful, cathartic, and confidence-building. Her least favorite? Box jumps. Grace isn’t her strong suit (her words!), and the fear of tripping makes them a dreaded challenge. Still, Jennifer shows up, faces the discomfort, and keeps going, which is exactly how progress happens. |
| What motivates her most is feeling stronger, seeing progress, and knowing that future Jennifer will be grateful she didn’t quit. She’s inspired by people who keep showing up even when it’s hard: family, friends, and fellow gym members who stay consistent and committed. That dedication, she says, is contagious. Jennifer shared that joining WILCOX has had a genuinely positive impact on her life. She now enjoys her workouts and looks forward to them, something she never expected. The supportive coaches, encouraging community, and welcoming environment have helped push her to be better, and she’s truly glad she joined. |
Jennifer, your consistency, mindset, and quiet determination inspire us. We’re so proud of the work you’ve done and can’t wait to see what’s next for you.
Interested in learning more about our programs and how we support clients?
| From her very first session, Cos brought a blend of openness, curiosity, and determination that made her such a joy to coach. Over the past year, we’ve watched her transform not just physically, but in the way she approaches movement, challenge, and taking ownership of her well-being. Her progress is a direct reflection of her consistency, her willingness to listen and learn, and her incredible spirit. When Cos looks back at where she started, she’s amazed by how much has changed. What began as a desire to strengthen her legs evolved into a full-body transformation - one filled with regained health, weight loss, and the realization that she has muscles she hadn’t noticed in years. She’s especially proud of her improvements with balance and coordination. |
| Cos is still dedicated to building her balance and leg strength, and she approaches each session with thoughtful intention. With every rep, she’s moving closer to a personal dream: hiking in the Abruzzi region of Italy with her family next year. We have no doubt she’s going to get there, and feel strong and confident doing it. Cos has discovered a few exercises she genuinely enjoys, especially pushing the sled, side lunges, and planks. These movements light her up because she can feel the connections her trainers talk about and see her progress week after week. |
One of the most meaningful changes for Cos has been her shift in perspective around exercise. She expected to simply “show up and get it done”, but instead, she’s found herself genuinely enjoying it.
“I think making a real commitment to exercise has surprised me. I really like it!” she shared. That mindset shift is everything.
| Cos is continually inspired by her longtime mentor and colleague, architect and exhibition designer Tom Wong, who taught her the power of noticing small details and how they influence the whole. She sees that same philosophy come alive in her training, through Dan, Bree, and all the small tweaks, cues, and refinements that make each session meaningful and effective. When Cos describes the impact Wilcox has had on her life, she lights up. “To walk through the door and hear total support and kindness from coaches and fellow athletes is fabulous. You truly feel like you’re part of a team.” Cos hadn’t stepped foot in a gym in decades before joining us. But once she decided to take responsibility for her health, no matter her age, everything changed. She feels the improvement every single week. She feels strong. Confident. Capable. |
“It feels good to be called an athlete!!”
Cos, we couldn’t agree more. You are an athlete, through and through.
Cos, We’re So Proud of You
Your presence brings joy, warmth, curiosity, and dedication into every session. You embrace coaching, you celebrate progress, and you make our community better simply by being here. Watching you grow stronger, move with more ease, and fully step into your identity as an athlete has been such a privilege.
Congratulations, Cos, on being our Athlete of the Month. We can’t wait to see what the next year brings- including that hike in Italy. ❤️💪
Are you interested in learning more about our programs
and how we work with our clients?
We would love to talk with you.
The first step in the process is to schedule a brief 10-minute phone call where we will talk about your personal goals and how our programs work.
| Since beginning her health and fitness journey, Faith has accomplished remarkable things: ✅ Lost 25 pounds ✅ Improved her nutrition ✅ Reversed pre-diabetes ✅ Moves through daily life with more ease and confidence These achievements didn’t come from drastic measures. They came from steady progress and a willingness to learn, listen to her body, and stay committed. Now, Faith’s goals are about refinement: continuing to improve strength, movement, and wellness habits so she can live with vitality and ease. |
| Her biggest accomplishment since joining? “Feeling stronger and more confident.” To Faith, strength isn’t just physical - it’s mental and emotional too. She carries herself differently, moves through life with more confidence, and feels in control of her health journey. One powerful lesson Faith has learned along the way? “I thought post-workout muscle soreness was inevitable. I was wrong.” By prioritizing proper preparation and recovery, including pre- and post-workout foam rolling - she has been able to build strength without pain, reinforcing the idea that fitness can (and should) feel good. |
“When I can see or feel that I’m improving, it inspires me to stay the course.”
| Faith draws inspiration from strong, encouraging role models, including a high school chemistry teacher who pushed her to pursue excellence, and her mother, who encouraged creative exploration - never doubting her ability to take on challenging projects. This spirit of possibility shows up in her training, too. Faith leads with curiosity, patience, and belief in her capacity to grow. Faith feels stronger, moves more freely, and has a newfound focus and awareness around her personal health. She shared: “I move better and easier. I have more confidence and more focus on health.” We are so grateful she is part of our community. She shows up with heart, humility, and quiet determination that lifts everyone around her. |
“Don’t get overwhelmed by every aspect of achieving every goal. Focus on the moment and what you can do in that moment. Start small. Believe in yourself - that you’re capable of doing this. Embrace that this is a journey.”
Faith, we are so proud of you. Your commitment, your growth, and the way you approach your health journey with patience and intention. Congratulations on being our November Athlete of the Month!
and how we support clients?
The first step is a quick 10-minute call to discuss your goals and share how our programs work.
| In her time at WILCOX, Mary has achieved both big and small victories - from training for and competing in The Tough Mountain Challenge, to focusing on the finer details like building more symmetry in her movements. She’s discovered that success is not just about finishing races, but also about mastering the way her body moves every day. Her goals now continue to evolve. While nutrition remains her biggest challenge, she’s learned through coaching not to beat herself up when she gets off track. Instead, she leans into healthy habits and gets right back to building the lifestyle she wants. |
| Her least favorite exercise? Lunges. But even when they’re tough, she shows up, does the work, and pushes through. One of Mary’s biggest accomplishments was competing in the Tough Mountain Challenge not once, but twice. With a finish time of 1:36:05, she surprised herself with her results - and more importantly, proved to herself that she was capable of taking on something that once felt out of reach. Early in her journey, Mary believed that endless cardio was the only way to stay fit - even though she hated running. Now, she understands that fitness is about steps, strength, and balance. She focuses on getting her 10,000 daily steps, building strength, and tracking nutrition in ways that are sustainable. |
| For Mary, WILCOX has been more than just a gym. It’s been a safe, supportive place where she can challenge herself, feel her best, and know that her health and success are the priority. “It truly is a community where we teach and support one another.” Her advice for anyone beginning their journey is to take it one step at a time: “Don’t let the thought of committing to a new health journey overwhelm you. It is exactly that…a journey. You will have highs and lows. It isn’t going to happen quickly. It happens by making small choices every day and turning them into habits. Once you have those new habits down, gradually add to them. If you stumble, you are never too far off the path to get back on.” Congratulations, Mary! Your strength, resilience, and determination inspire all of us at WILCOX. We’re so proud to celebrate you as our October Athlete of the Month! |
Inspired by Mary’s story?
You don’t have to go it alone, and you don’t need to have it all figured out to take the first step.
| Since starting her health and fitness journey, Jen has lost 18 pounds, gained strength, and built better coordination. She’s also been working hard to improve her sleep, and through consistent effort, her chronic insomnia is improving. Her goals moving forward include continuing her weight loss, getting even stronger, improving her daytime energy, and reaching for better quality rest. When Jen first walked through the doors at WILCOX, she was exhausted and discouraged—struggling with weight gain, poor sleep, and low energy. |
She also felt nervous about exercising around others at a time when she wasn’t feeling her best. But Jen kept showing up, even when it was hard, and the results speak for themselves.
“Showing up as consistently as I could and working through feeling so out of shape and uncoordinated really paid off,” Jen shares. That commitment not only improved her fitness but also inspired her to take better care of herself in other areas, including starting hormone replacement therapy, which has been incredibly helpful for her.
| Today, she feels stronger, more capable, and even finds joy in movements that once felt intimidating—especially cross-body exercises. Perhaps her biggest accomplishment, though, has been learning to have more fun and be less hard on herself. Jen’s favorite exercise? Squats! They help her feel strong and grounded. Her least favorite? Battle ropes. (“Sorry, predictable!” She laughs.) But like any true Athlete of the Month, Jen pushes through even the things she doesn’t enjoy, knowing they still help her grow. |
| Now, she finds motivation in watching people of all ages show up for themselves, and she loves how much stronger and more energized she feels in everyday life. When asked who inspires her, Jen points to people who show up with a good attitude and try their best despite adversity. It’s that same quiet resilience she brings to her own journey—meeting challenges with consistency, effort, and compassion. For Jen, WILCOX has been a vital part of staying on track. “I’m so grateful to have a place to come to where I can be guided consistently with an ever-evolving variety of great workouts that really get results. Left to my own devices, I would likely fall out of the exercise habit, and this gives me accountability.” |
Jen’s advice for anyone beginning their own journey is simple yet profound:
“Keep showing up! And if you’re really hard on yourself and feeling discouraged, commit to finding a way to soften and have more self-compassion—and maybe even a little more fun. :)”
Congratulations, Jen! Your courage, consistency, and positive spirit are what make you such a special part of our Wilcox community. We’re so proud to celebrate you as our Athlete of the Month!
We’d love to connect! Our onboarding process is designed to help you feel confident starting your training journey. The first step is a quick 10-minute call to discuss your goals and share how our programs work.
| Amber began her health and fitness journey long before stepping into Wilcox, but since joining, she has lost an additional 25 pounds (and about 100 pounds total from her highest weight!). She's developed a deeper connection with her body, built strength in areas like her core, quads, and hamstrings, and has made lasting changes to her eating habits—including discovering a surprising appreciation for asparagus (as long as it's cooked and seasoned just right!). One of Amber's proudest accomplishments has been her consistency. Even when motivation was low or anxiety crept in, she kept showing up. |
Amber brings a strong and thoughtful presence to every session. She loves hinge movements with kettlebells (especially suitcase hinges), and credits boxing classes for helping her connect more deeply to her core. While she still doesn’t love planks, her progress with form and strength has been undeniable.
| Her motivation? Living fully. “I recognized that I wasn’t fully living my life and was missing out on things I wanted to do because of my size.” Now, Amber finds ways to integrate healthy habits into everyday life—even during indulgent moments. Instead of driving to Dairy Queen, she and her boyfriend walk the 1.2-mile round trip and opt for a smaller treat, enjoying the balance between movement and enjoyment. She’s also dreaming of a zipline ride in Las Vegas—something she couldn’t have safely done in the past. |
| She credits Wilcox Wellness & Fitness for helping her build lasting habits. “The trainers’ voices are in my head now about posture, form, and movement—and I don’t think they’ll ever leave!” Amber’s advice for anyone considering starting their journey: “The time will pass anyway. The best time to start investing in your health is now. It’s not too late to start.” Congratulations, Amber! Your strength, consistency, and perspective inspire us all. We're so honored to be part of your journey! |
Are you interested in learning more about our programs
and how we work with our clients?
We would love to talk with you.
The first step in the process is to schedule a brief 10-minute phone call where we will talk about your personal goals and how our programs work.
| When Debbie first stepped through our doors, her goal was simple yet powerful: to show up, stay accountable, and take those first steps toward feeling better about herself. The early days weren’t easy — she remembers fighting back tears just trying to get through class — but she stuck with it. Today, she stands stronger, more confident, and proud of what she’s accomplished. One of Debbie’s biggest wins is building the habit of regular exercise and prioritizing her workouts as a central part of her life. |
| Debbie’s favorite movements these days? Halo slams, bridges, and sit-ups — all things she’s proud to be able to do now. And while burpees and ropes might not be her favorites, her determination to keep showing up proves just how strong she truly is. For Debbie, the Wilcox community has been a game changer. The support of her 5:30am crew, her coaches, and the energy of everyone around her have motivated her to keep going, even on the toughest days. She credits her parents, who taught her the value of hard work and kindness, and her husband, who has always believed in her, as her lifelong inspirations. |
| She says it best: “Find the right fit for a gym. A community that becomes like family, and a place you look forward to going to. Then just keep showing up even when you don’t want to.” Debbie, we are so proud of everything you’ve accomplished, and we are honored to be part of your journey. Congratulations on being our Athlete of the Month — you’ve earned every bit of this celebration! |
START YOUR PERSONAL TRAINING TRIAL NOW
| When Andrea started her training journey, she was in pain every day—physically and emotionally. She described her early workouts as “grim survival.” But through sheer persistence, she kept showing up. Over time, that survival turned into strength, resilience, and even joy. Today, Andrea sees her workouts as one of the best parts of her day. She’s lost over 100 pounds and has seen a significant shift in her body composition—going from 56% body fat / 41% muscle to 47% fat / 50% muscle. |
| Andrea credits her dad as one of her greatest inspirations, remembering his joyful work ethic and ability to find goodness in even the most mundane tasks. She carries that spirit with her, even on the tough days, saying that the biggest lesson she’s learned is that action comes before motivation. As she puts it, “I rarely want to go—I just go anyway, and then I want to once I’m there.” Her honesty about the ups and downs of this process is part of what makes Andrea’s story so relatable. She reminds us that there’s no “Big Accomplishment”—just hundreds of little ones. From jumping on a box for the first time to embracing movement that once felt impossible, she’s collected wins one moment at a time. |
| Andrea’s journey is also a testament to the power of community. She says that her 5:30am squad played a pivotal role in shifting her mindset from “I have to work out” to “I get to do this.” That camaraderie—full of high fives and early-morning energy—made the hard parts not just bearable, but joyful. Andrea, we are honored to be part of your journey. Your strength, vulnerability, and grit are inspiring to everyone around you. Congratulations on this well-earned recognition—you are truly what this community is all about. |
You don’t have to go it alone—and you don’t need to have it all figured out to take the first step.
Schedule a no-obligation phone call with us to chat about your goals and see how we can support you on your journey. We’re here to meet you where you are. 💛
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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