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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.
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 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.
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| 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! |
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| 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. 💛
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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! |
“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! 💙
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| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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! |
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.
| 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. |
| 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%. |
| 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! 🎉💪 |
| 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. |
| 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! |
| 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 lives by the words of Colin Powell:
determination, and hard work.”
| 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. |
| 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!
| Liz’s story is one of courage, determination, and transformation. She joined us here at Wilcox Wellness & Fitness in January, seeking to prepare for an active adventure hiking the Dolomites in Italy with her 76-year-old hiking partner. At the time, she didn’t feel confident in her physical abilities and wanted to ensure she could keep up without injury or exhaustion. Now, nearly a year later, Liz reflects on her progress with gratitude, joy, and newfound confidence. "I just want to thank you, Bree, and Tyler for being so encouraging and wonderful," Liz shared. "It's hard to express how grateful I am and how awesome it feels to be feeling strong again! I love it!" |
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.
| Overcoming Barriers, Embracing Strength When Liz first began training, even the idea of a jumping jack felt daunting. "It felt like my legs and feet might crumble," she admitted. Today, she not only tackles jumping jacks but feels stronger and more confident with every move. Liz particularly enjoys exercises like the log toss and TRX row, which have helped her feel muscles she never thought she’d connect with again. "I can actually feel my lats now, and they’re strong!" she said. Her least favorite? The kettlebell swing. But Liz’s mindset is about progress, not perfection. She’s committed to mastering it in time. |
| The supportive and inclusive atmosphere at Wilcox has been another highlight of Liz’s journey. “The atmosphere is fantastic! So many nice people, no judgment. I’ve made new friends,” she shared. The group training model also resonates deeply with her, reminding her of the sense of teamwork she loved during her high school sports days. Liz’s story is a testament to what can happen when you take that first step—even if it feels daunting. She has proven that small, consistent actions can lead to big changes, and her journey serves as an inspiration to anyone hesitant about starting their own health and fitness journey. |
"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.
| Reflecting on her fitness achievements, Brittany shares that, where she once lagged, she now keeps up effortlessly and has the stamina to run around with the little ones. Her newfound physical strength has also sparked a deep mental clarity, reducing anxiety and helping her approach each day with focus and positivity. Like anyone on a fitness journey, she’s still working on a few goals—one of which is finding a balance with her love for sweets. She’s candid about her approach, emphasizing that while she enjoys occasional treats, she’s actively exploring healthier replacements and relishes the energy bite recipes from our Weekly Warm Up. |
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.
| One of her biggest achievements since joining Wilcox has been letting go of the scale and embracing a healthier, more holistic approach to her body. In her own words, “It’s not about how you look, it’s about how you feel.” She’s shifted her mindset from weight loss to wellness, focusing on nourishing her body and celebrating the strength she feels both mentally and physically. Her perspective on health and fitness has also evolved. She used to worry that staying active would be grueling, but she’s learned that with the right community, fitness can be a fun, fulfilling part of life. |
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.
| Wilcox Wellness & Fitness has become her sanctuary, a place that not only strengthens her body but lifts her spirit. Her husband often comments on her positive mood after each session, a testament to the transformative impact of the gym’s atmosphere. She appreciates the trainers’ and clients’ unwavering support, noting that she’s never found such a genuine and encouraging environment at any other gym. For those considering their own health journey, she has a powerful message: “Take the leap! It’s much easier than we convince ourselves.” |
“You are stronger than you think and deserve a happier, healthier life.”
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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