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We are so excited to celebrate Mary Bouchard as our October Athlete of the Month! Over the past five years, Mary has embraced her health and fitness journey at Wilcox Wellness & Fitness with determination, courage, and a willingness to challenge herself in new ways.
When it comes to her favorite workouts, Mary loves the Boxing classes, especially after a long day at work. Her all-time favorite move? The Indo Board plank with a ball under her feet - “It’s really hard and I love the challenge. It feels great when I do it right!”
Her biggest motivation is simple but powerful: to stay mobile for as long as possible, so she can live life to the fullest with the people she loves. She draws inspiration from others too - especially the 65+ clients at WILCOX who show up and give their all in every workout. “You are all rockstars!” she says.
Inspired by Mary’s story? |
 | 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. |  |
Before her journey with WILCOX, Jen thought healthy habits had to be built through sheer willpower, all on her own. But she’s learned something powerful: “Having a community and seeing other people taking care of themselves is a powerful support and encouragement—and more fun than always trying to go it alone.”
 | 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.” |
She also emphasizes how much the kindness and encouragement of her trainers--Allison, Bree, and Dan—have meant to her, helping her feel supported every step of the way.
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!
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!
Interested in learning more about our programs and how we support clients?
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.
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.
We're incredibly proud to celebrate Amber Sheffield as our August Athlete of the Month! Amber's journey is one of resilience, growth, and the power of persistence.
 | 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. |
Over time, what once felt hard has become routine, and her gym sessions are now a regular part of her life. “You don’t need to be perfect, and you don’t need to do it all at once. Small changes will add up over time.”
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.
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. |  |
Amber is also committed to finding balance: understanding that health doesn’t mean giving up everything you love, but making sustainable changes you can live with. She’s continuing to work toward new goals, including running a 5K and losing 90 more pounds, all while working through body image challenges with the help of a therapist.
 | 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.
We are committed to our client's success, so we have developed a complete on-boarding process that is designed to help our clients feel confident going into a new training program.
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.
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.
We are so excited to celebrate Debbie Gillies as our Athlete of the Month! Debbie’s journey is a true testament to the power of consistency, courage, and community.
 | 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. |
She’s created a routine that supports her physical and mental health, scheduling her day around her sessions and making her nutrition a priority. And she’s seeing the difference — feeling better, more connected to her body, and celebrating the confidence that comes with it.
| 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. |  |
Today, Debbie’s story is proof that change happens one commitment at a time — one training session at a time — with a community that lifts you up.
 | 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
Join our 2-week Trial Program to learn more about our training programs and their fit for you.
We are so proud to recognize Andrea Medaris as our Athlete of the Month! Andrea’s journey with us began in 2021, and what she’s accomplished since then is nothing short of extraordinary—not just in the numbers, but in the transformation of her mindset, her relationship with movement, and her daily life.
 | 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. |
These changes are impressive, but what’s even more powerful is the way Andrea has reclaimed her body and her life. She tells us that life now just feels easier—she can move with more ease, breathe more fully, sleep better, and feel a renewed sense of hope and joy.
| 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. |  |
And of course, we have to give a shout-out to Andrea’s favorite movement: ball slams—and her least favorite: planks (though we suspect she’ll beat that 10-second hold goal in no 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. |
Inspired by Andrea’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.
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. 💛
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. 💛
We are beyond excited to celebrate Diane Lavallee as our May Athlete of the Month!
 | Diane began her fitness journey with us six years ago, one year into her retirement. Recognizing that she was heading down a path she didn’t want to follow, she made the empowering decision to treat her health and wellness like a full-time job. Her goal? To be strong, healthy, and energetic enough to keep up with her grandson—running, playing, wrestling, and even chasing "Godzilla"! 🦖💪 And wow, has Diane delivered on that commitment. |
Since starting, Diane has seen incredible improvements in her strength, stamina, and confidence. What sets her apart is her joyful attitude and the intention she brings to every workout. She’s not just moving her body—she’s dancing through life. (And if the music is right, even a challenging session becomes a Zumba party in her mind!)
| Like all of us, Diane has faced ups and downs. After a short period of downtime, she’s now working hard to rebuild her strength, particularly in her legs. With her daughter by her side, she’s taking on a new challenge: preparing for an upcoming race—a goal she hasn’t pursued in a while. The drive to grow, improve, and push herself never fades. When we asked Diane what her biggest accomplishment has been, she shared something truly powerful: sticking with it. In the past, she had joined different gyms and programs but lost interest over time. Not this time. |  |
At Wilcox, she’s found consistency, motivation, and a supportive community that keeps her coming back. She credits our team of trainers for helping her understand the “why” behind every movement, which has given her greater connection and confidence in her workouts.
 | Diane also shared how her grandson is one of her biggest motivators—especially when she’s pushing that weight sled! Watching people her age struggle to move is another powerful reminder of why she shows up: to preserve her ability to live fully, lift things with ease, sleep well, climb stairs, and stay happy and independent. And we can’t forget one of Diane’s greatest inspirations—her 98-year-old mom! Fun, funny, and full of life, she’s been a role model for embracing new adventures at any age. If that’s not #goals, we don’t know what is! |
When asked what advice she’d give to others, Diane keeps it simple but profound:
“Just move. Any movement. I had a vision for how I wanted to feel—and I went after it.”
Diane, your story is a beautiful reminder that it’s never too late to rewrite your path, set bold goals, and embrace the fun along the way. You bring joy, strength, and heart to every session, and we are so proud to celebrate YOU this month.
Keep being amazing! 💙
“Just move. Any movement. I had a vision for how I wanted to feel—and I went after it.”
Diane, your story is a beautiful reminder that it’s never too late to rewrite your path, set bold goals, and embrace the fun along the way. You bring joy, strength, and heart to every session, and we are so proud to celebrate YOU this month.
Keep being amazing! 💙
START YOUR PERSONAL TRAINING TRIAL NOW
Join our 2-week Trial Program to learn more about our training programs and their fit for you:
At Wilcox Wellness & Fitness, we love celebrating our community members who show up, put in the work, and inspire those around them. This month, we are thrilled to highlight Ben Hunsberger as our April Athlete of the Month!
 | Since joining Wilcox, Ben has made incredible strides in fitness, strength, and balance, discovering muscles he never even knew existed! While he continues working on applying these skills to everyday tasks, his progress is undeniable. One of the most impressive things about Ben is his ability to embrace challenges head-on. His favorite exercise? Box jumps onto the plyo boxes! “That’s a real mind-over-matter thing for me,” he says. On the flip side, mountain climbers remain his least favorite, but he pushes through, knowing the benefits outweigh the struggle. |
Beyond the physical gains, Ben takes pride in paying attention to the nuances of each exercise, soaking in every tip and demonstration from our dedicated trainers, Bree, Tyler, and Allison. Their focus on technique and continual improvement is truly inspiring!
| Before committing to a healthy lifestyle, Ben appreciated how much work went into both getting fit and staying fit. “It's a lot of work to get fit. It’s also a lot of work to stay fit, but it's easier to stay motivated.” And motivated he is! His goal is simple but powerful: to keep doing what he loves—hiking, fly-fishing, tackling home projects, and staying active for years to come. When asked who inspires him most, Ben doesn’t hesitate. He admires those who overcome life-threatening diseases, people who choose kindness despite hardships, and individuals who selflessly serve in the armed forces. This deep appreciation for resilience and dedication fuels his own commitment to health and wellness. |  |
For Ben, Wilcox Wellness & Fitness is more than just a place to work out—it’s a family. “I look forward to every class, even the ones I know will kick my ass, because my instructors and my classmates are family. We care about one another.”
 | His advice for anyone considering a fitness journey? “Take the leap. Sign up. Stick it out through the tough stuff. And no, you are never finished.” Congratulations, Ben, on being our April Athlete of the Month! Your dedication, perseverance, and incredible spirit make our Wilcox community stronger. Keep up the amazing work! |
Are you interested in learning more about our programs and how we work with our clients? We would love to talk with you.
We are committed to our client's success, so we have developed a complete on-boarding process that is designed to help our clients feel confident going into a new training program.
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.
We are committed to our client's success, so we have developed a complete on-boarding process that is designed to help our clients feel confident going into a new training program.
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.
For the past three years, Gigi Macmillan has shown up, put in the work, and made fitness an unwavering part of her lifestyle. She may not always feel excited to hit the gym, but she never regrets the feeling of accomplishment when she walks out of class.
 | Her journey is a testament to the power of consistency, resilience, and the determination to keep moving forward—no matter what. Gigi’s biggest achievement isn’t just about hitting a milestone—it’s about the commitment to showing up, week after week, for three years. Staying active isn’t just something she does; it’s a habit she has built into her life. Her next challenge? Dialing in her nutrition to complement her dedication to movement. Just like her workouts, she knows it’s about progress, not perfection, and she’s determined to keep improving. |
When it comes to workouts, Gigi thrives with TRX and bungee exercises, finding them both challenging and fun. But if you ask her to pick a least favorite move? There’s no hesitation—burpees and pushups! (We hear you, Gigi! 😆)
| For Gigi, fitness isn’t just about how she feels today—it’s about the future. With three growing grandsons, she wants to be an active participant in their lives rather than just a spectator. Staying strong, mobile, and energized is her way of ensuring she’s ready for whatever adventures lie ahead. She also draws inspiration from her family, particularly her dad, brother, and sister, who have always prioritized health and fitness. Their example has motivated her to keep pushing forward, even on days when she’s not feeling 100%. |  |
Gigi credits Wilcox Wellness & Fitness for giving her a supportive, encouraging space to grow. The friendly faces, the knowledgeable instructors, and the welcoming atmosphere have made her fitness journey not just possible—but enjoyable.
 | Her Best Advice? “One day at a time. Appreciate and acknowledge your efforts and progress.” Gigi’s story reminds us all that fitness isn’t about perfection—it’s about commitment, showing up, and appreciating every step forward. Congratulations, Gigi! We are so proud of you and can’t wait to see what’s next in your journey! 🎉💪 |
At Wilcox Wellness & Fitness, we celebrate the dedication, perseverance, and personal transformation that come with committing to a healthier life. This month, we are thrilled to recognize Tom Giggey as our Athlete of the Month—a man who has redefined his limits, embraced new challenges, and proven that it’s never too late to push yourself to new heights.
 | A year ago, Tom made a promise to himself—to prioritize his health and fitness. That commitment has led to steady weight loss, increased strength, and newfound confidence in and outside the gym. One of the biggest transformations? Letting go of his protective social bubble and embracing the incredible Wilcox community. But his journey is far from over. Tom is still working to improve his strength, balance, and coordination, especially in lower-body movements, to support his love for backpacking, skiing, and minimizing the impact of Type 2 diabetes. |
His approach to fitness is one of longevity and sustainability, ensuring his body remains strong and capable for all of life’s adventures.
| Tom has surprised himself along the way—especially when he discovered his love for burpees! “I had never even heard of them before joining Wilcox,” he says. On the flip side, jumping rope has proven to be his biggest challenge, but instead of avoiding it, he’s made it his #1 goal to improve. His proudest achievement? Completing the Tough Mountain Challenge in July 2024—his first-ever race at the age of 61. Not only did he finish strong, but his results exceeded his expectations, proving that age is no barrier to pushing limits. And he’s not stopping there—he’s already signed up for the 2025 challenge! |  |
Before starting this journey, Tom wasn’t sure he had the time to commit to fitness. He also believed that once he started, results would come quickly. But over the past year, he’s learned that while progress is gradual, it’s absolutely worth it. He has found the time, made the commitment, and embraced the process, proving that consistency leads to real, lasting change.
 | Tom’s motivation stems from a deep-rooted belief in making the most of his life. As a newborn, he was given just a 1 in 1,000 chance of survival. That experience has shaped his mindset—he is here for a reason, and he refuses to waste the life he’s been given. He draws inspiration from his father, George, who, at 91 years old, still drives, sails, and skis, embodying the kind of longevity and vitality Tom strives for. On the other end of the spectrum, his daughter, Nicole, has inspired him through her resilience, intelligence, and commitment to staying active—ultimately motivating him to join Wilcox. |
Tom credits much of his progress to the exceptional coaching and support he has received from Allison, Bree, and Tyler, who have helped him move safely, protect his joints, and stay injury-free. He also acknowledges the 5:30 AM crew, whose camaraderie and encouragement have played a key role in his success. "Their support and friendship keep me coming back," he shares.
Tom lives by the words of Colin Powell:
Tom lives by the words of Colin Powell:
“A dream doesn’t become reality through magic, it takes sweat,
determination, and hard work.”
determination, and hard work.”
Tom, your journey is an inspiration to us all. Your dedication, positive mindset, and relentless drive remind us that it’s never too late to challenge yourself, set new goals, and achieve things you never thought possible. Congratulations on being our Athlete of the Month!
This month, we are thrilled to celebrate Matt Leino as our Athlete of the Month! Since joining the Wilcox community, Matt has embraced every challenge with enthusiasm, transforming not only his body but his mindset as well. His story is one of perseverance, growth, and inspiration.
 | When Matt began his health and fitness journey, his goals were simple: to feel more energized, lose weight, and build strength. Today, he proudly reflects on his progress—he’s achieved incredible muscle definition, boosted his energy levels, and developed a mental toughness that carries over into all areas of his life. “The confidence I’ve gained and the focus I’ve developed have impacted my everyday life in ways I couldn’t have imagined,” he says. One of his proudest accomplishments was completing the Tough Mountain Challenge, a testament to his resilience and determination. |
But Matt’s journey doesn’t stop here. He’s set his sights on reaching a new milestone—getting under 200 lbs—and is working hard to improve his balance. “It’s all about the next challenge,” Matt shares. “Having a goal to strive for keeps me motivated, and the strategy, tools, and competitive drive to achieve it make the process so rewarding.”
| Matt has found exercises he loves—like anything with dyno balls, especially halo ball slams and log tosses—and ones he loves to hate, like TRX squat jumps. No matter the movement, he brings his all to every session, showing up with the commitment that has driven his success. The Wilcox community has played a huge role in Matt’s transformation. “Wilcox has given me so much confidence and a new zest for life,” he says. As part of the Early Bird crew, Matt has built a routine that fuels his day with energy and drive. |  |
He speaks highly of the supportive and knowledgeable trainers—Allison, Bree, and Tyler—and the genuine care they show for every client. “The team’s dedication to helping us meet our goals is unmatched. I’m incredibly grateful to be part of this amazing community.”
 | For Matt, fitness isn’t just about the physical changes—it’s about the friendships and camaraderie he’s found along the way. “I’ve created some great new friendships here, and that sense of community is so motivating,” he explains. He credits his wife, Katelyn, as his biggest inspiration. “She has overcome so many challenges with grace and strength, and her dedication to her own fitness journey inspired me to join Wilcox. She’s helped me become the best version of myself.” |
Matt’s advice for anyone starting their own fitness journey? “Don’t think, just do! The hardest part is starting. Set goals, hold yourself accountable, and go get it. Once you start seeing results, it becomes infectious—you’ll want to keep going and continue to improve.”
Congratulations, Matt, on all you’ve achieved and the example you’ve set for the Wilcox community. Your story inspires us all to embrace our goals with determination and a positive mindset!
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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