Earlier this winter I had the opportunity to connect with Matt Dexter, Founder and Executive Director of the Christine B Foundation, and learn more about the upcoming Eastern Trek for Cancer.  I am proud that Wilcox Wellness & Fitness is a sponsor of the 2019 team in their 7-day, 300 mile trek from Portland, ME to New York, NY.

Since 2015 this event has raised more than $110,000 to help CBF build a community of support for those affected by cancer in Eastern Maine, with 100% of the funds raised going directly to support the CBF mission.  Participants pledge to raise at least $2,500, and will make stops along to trek to connect personally with cancer patients and their families. 

I was completely blown away by the level of commitment of those participating and wanted to learn more about what inspired them to get involved at such a large scale. Matt offered to introduce me to Kate, a Bowdoin student from Southwestern, Connecticut.

Kate is participating as a runner in the trek as well as Mission Coordinator.  In addition to this SEVEN DAY event from Portland to NYC, Kate is also intimately involved in the planning and coordination that occurs before the trek itself.  As mission coordinator Kate manages and confirms service events such as those at the Ronald McDonald Home of Springfield and the St. Francis Hospital Cancer Center, both of which she will visit during the trek, as well as reviewing and ranking the scholarship submissions for the 2019 Christine B Dexter Scholarship, another component of this amazing foundation and fund raiser.

When I asked Kate how she got involved she shared how she learned about the event on campus.  Her mother had been diagnosed with multiple myeloma over the summer, and she saw the trek as a way for her to counteract cancer's devastating power.  Seeing a loved one suffer from cancer fueled her desire to get involved in this way.  While she finds the biological aspects of cancer to be out of her control she hopes that by raising money, volunteering, and connecting with people along the trek she'll have the ability to lighten the load, if even by a small amount, for people like her Mom.

One of the many aspects that attracted me to opening a Wilcox Wellness & Fitness is the commitment to give back to the community.  Not only do I feel that this is an important responsibility as a local business owner, but I am also aware of the incredible health benefits that are associated with acts of giving.  We focus a lot on how nutrition and exercise make us feel, and I find it so interesting to learn more about how other factors impact our overall feelings of wellbeing.  It's amazing to me how these factors can have such a positive impact on our overall health and quality of life. ​​

Studies indicate that the act of giving boosts one's health, happiness and wellbeing through the release of neurotransmitters in our brain.  Interestingly, these neurotransmitters are connected with motivation, memory, learning, sleep, digestion and appetite. 

Through acts of giving we can literally feel better, and this can ultimately influence our behavior and how we engage with those around us in such a positive way.  As a result, one act of giving can create a ripple effect throughout our lives and the quality of the life that we live.

Acts of giving don't have to be enormous and huge consumers of time.  Even the simplest acts of giving can make an incredible impact, and can influence those around you in a very real way.

Many times it's the cumulative effect of many people coming together, making smaller contributions through donations of money, goods or service.  Even in situations where one person may be making a much bigger commitment to a cause, they rely upon these smaller, incremental acts of giving from others in order to bring together a larger impact for the cause.

These kinds of incremental contributions have helped to support Kate in her fund raising efforts. 

When I asked Kate what was most daunting in her preparation for the trek she noted the fund raising requirement.  Kate spread the word about her initiative on social media, sent hand-written letters to friends and family, and distributed donation containers at local businesses in her home town, and to date has raised over $4900 through the generous support of her donors.

The outpouring of support was overwhelming for Kate.  Through this experience Kate has become acutely aware of the support and kindness of everyone from those closest to her to complete strangers.  Through this experience Kate has learned that "no act of kindness is without worth".

The response that Kate experienced, and the ripple effect that can be felt across a community through the act of giving can be quite profound.   

Furthermore, altruism is contagious.  The act of giving doesn't start and stop with the act itself, but actually propels others to get on board and continue the ripple.

So, let's continue the ripple that Kate, Matt and the rest of the Christine B Foundation team has started in our community and beyond.  Their commitment is absolutely inspiring, and I can tell you that I'm already feeling the contagiousness of their drive and passion.  I hope you do too.

Please consider a small donation to help "Fuel the Trekkers" in their incredible journey from Portland to New York!  Drop your donation in the box at the gym from June 10th -20th.

It's hard to believe that we've been in business here in Brunswick for 17 weeks, and during that time we have really enjoyed welcoming new people into our community, supporting them in their fitness journey, and celebrating their accomplishments with them.  In the spirit of celebrating our incredible community and the many achievements that we hear about the Brunswick team would like to recognize one client each month with a "High Five Award".

Our first high five award goes to Marty Neely!  Marty joined WILCOX Brunswick during our very first week launch, then participated in the first ever Brunswick KickStart Program, and has since continued on as a client with us.  We are just delighted to be working with Marty and enjoy seeing him every time he's here.

KickStart is a 4-week program that is designed to help you implement healthy habits that are sustainable for a lifetime, and to help you build momentum in getting active.
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Would you or someone you know benefit from our KickStart program?  Click below to learn more, and to schedule a call to talk through any questions that you have and determine if KickStart is right for you.

Over the past few weeks something really special has been happening here at the gym....It's the growing sense of community. 

I'm losing count of the number of times that someone suddenly jumps up to greet a friend, realizing for the first time that they're also training here at WILCOX.  Just the other day I was sitting with a soon to be new member of our community when she jumped out of her chair to greet an old friend who she hadn't seen in a while.  And then this morning as another new member walked through the door she was greeted by an old friend.  A couple of weeks ago as our KickStart program was nearing kickoff and I was meeting with new participants for their success sessions, two friends, unaware that they would both be participating in the program, greeted each other in the entry way.

Another member of our community recently got an amazing opportunity that she couldn't pass up for a super cool job over the summer.  This opportunity will take her 15 or so miles off shore to Hurricane Island, which means that she'll be taking a short hiatus from her training with us.   As she left the gym after her 2nd to last training session before departure phone numbers were being exchanged and hugs were being shared.  Although we will miss her SO much over this summer, I am equally excited for her opportunity and to share in the amazing energy of everyone celebrating exciting adventures and new friendships. 

When I decided to embark on this journey of opening my own business a lot was rooted in this "feeling".  A feeling of making a difference, of bringing people together in a place that embodies positivity.  A feeling of building a culture that supports individual growth and opportunity for everyone involved.  I envisioned a place that would have a positive vibe when you walk in, a place that reenergizes you even when you're feeling tired after a long and hectic day, and a place where friends would run in to each other and new friends would be made.

Experiencing this very "feeling" coming to fruition is the greatest gift I could ever ask for.  I am honored to have the opportunity to know each person who is a part of our growing community, and look forward to welcoming new friends as we continue to grow.  

Happy Training!

Allison

We would LOVE for you to join our Community!

To learn more about our programs and how we work with our clients schedule a brief phone call with me.  I would love to learn more about you and your goals, and talk about how we can support you in your personal health & fitness journey!

During a recent bout of warm, springtime weather, I got out for a long overdue walk with my dog, Moe.  The cold winter days disrupted my routine of walking on a regular basis and it was time to get back to it!

I have always found walking to be my place of solitude.  It gives me the space to think....sort through problems, put certain matters into perspective, and simply appreciate the beautiful world around me.

During this most recent walk it occurred to me that, despite my efforts, I struggle to sit quietly to reflect on life....or plan....or solve problems.  I'm one of those people who need to be in motion when thinking deeply about something.  I tend to get distracted by unfinished tasks, or projects that are calling my name.  When I'm walking all I can do is think.  Anything else will simply have to wait, and that's okay.  I suppose I hadn't completely recognized my struggle to sit still and think, but something about this walk brought it into focus for me.   

For me it's all about making that time to take in the view.  To ponder and create new ideas.  To nurture my soul.  What do you do to nurture your soul?  Do you have a favorite place where you go to slow things down and take that special time that's just for you?  I'd love to hear about it!  Send me a note at allison@wilcoxwellnessfitness.com.

Bone broth supports gut health and is known to help alleviate digestive issues such as diarrhea, constipation or gas, and can even help improve more serious digestion issues like leaky gut syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.​​

When our digestive system is healthy our immune system is more robust.  Poor gut health can lead to small perforations in the intestines, which allows bacteria and viruses to move from our digestive system into the blood stream, and this is one path towards getting sick.

Bone broth can also help improve sleep, memory and learning, and even reduce symptoms of anxiety through an amino acid call glycine.

And, if that's not enough, bone broth also contains potassium and magnesium, which are electrolytes, often found in sugary sports drinks, and help with recovery after exercise.  Even major league sports teams are moving to the natural benefits of bone broth over sugary recovery drinks to support their overall health and recovery after practice and games!  ​

I have made two batches so far.  It's incredibly easy, and since you can simmer it for as little as 18 hours and as long as 72 hours it's easy to find a good time to strain it without worrying too much about timing.  

I have been enjoying a warm mug of bone broth at the end of the day when I get home from work and before dinner.  It helps to wind me down for a chill evening with my husband, and serves as a good addition to my afternoon snack so that I'm not likely to snack while cooking dinner.

​Give it a try and let me know what you think!

It's hard to believe that it was just 6 short weeks ago when we opened our doors at 275 Bath Rd. in Brunswick!  We kicked off our first week with our Training for a Cause event in support of Midcoast Humane.  With the incredible support of the local community we raised $710 and collected loads of supplies to support Midcoast Humane in their mission.

Through continued FREE training sessions with a donation to Midcoast Humane on Saturdays at 10:15am we are getting closer to our goal of raising $1500 and collecting even more supplies.  Through February 23rd we have raised $875 and delivered another load of supplies.  

Training for a cause will continue on Saturdays at 10:15am through the month of March.  To learn more and to register visit www.wilcoxwellnessfitness.com/brunswickblog/tfc.

​We would LOVE to meet you, show you our amazing space, and learn more about how we can support you in your health & fitness goals.

Happy Training!

Wilcox Wellness & Fitness, Brunswick

Our Spring KickStart Program Kicks Off on April 6th!

KickStart is a 30-day program designed to help you develop healthy habits that are sustainable for a lifetime.  Our spring program kicks off on Saturday, April 6th.  A make-up session is available on Monday, April 8th.  To learn more about KickStart at to Register click here:

I've been talking a lot about Morning Mojo lately as I share the Healthful Living Guidebook with new clients of Wilcox Wellness & Fitness in Brunswick, which has made me think about a guest blog that I wrote with Paige a little over a year ago.  

Around the same time that I started drinking the morning mojo each day I was also reading a few books that had some consistent thoughts around a few key areas of nutrition

Hydration, Gut Biome Health, and Alkalization

I was noticing a trend in what I was reading, the morning mojo components, and the overall health benefits that I was experiencing.  This was the inspiration behind my 3-part guest blog.

#1 Hydration:

Hydration is perhaps the single most important attention you can provide to your body.  Our bodies are made up of 2/3 water, and 3/4 of that water is contained within our cells.

​Our body relies heavily on being properly hydrated, and starting your day with a big glass of water is an excellent habit to get into.  Adding the Morning Mojo to your water provides an extra special benefit.

#2  The Gut Biome:

The microbiome of our gut is incredibly interesting.  I was particularly surprised by how the population of bacteria in our gut can influence the kinds of cravings that we have. 

When we eat a lot of sugary foods the population of bacteria in our guts is modified to include bacteria that thrive on sugar.  Those bacteria will actually send signals to your brain telling it to crave sugar in order to ensure its own survival! 

When you eliminate refined sugars from your diet you starve out those bacteria and soon enough you'll experience a reduction in those cravings. 

​Furthermore, the Morning Mojo feeds the bacteria that craves healthy, whole foods.  So starting your day off with a glass of Morning Mojo is a great way to jump start or maintain your efforts in developing healthy, whole food eating habits.

#3 Alkalization:

Alkalization refers to the pH of our body.  Alkaline is the opposite side of the pH scale from acidic. 

When our bodies are at their healthiest it is slightly alkaline.  You might be thinking how is that drinking something like lemon juice and apple cider vinegar, both of which are acidic, going to help my body be more alkaline?  And it's a good question!  Interestingly enough, when we consume acidic foods it actually has the opposite effect INSIDE of our bodies.

Having a slightly alkaline body has interesting benefits on our health including reduction of joint pain, reduction of acid reflux, improved sleep, increased energy, and weight loss!

Download the complete article to read more.  I also included a list of some books and articles that you may be interested in reading that provides even more information about this interesting topic.

Happy Training!

Allison
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