September Athlete of the Month - Erica Peterson

Erica Peterson’s journey is one of quiet perseverance, powerful growth, and the steady development of confidence. 

As the mother of two young children, she faces the same challenges many do—limited time, countless responsibilities, and a tendency to put everyone else first. But a year into her health and fitness journey at Wilcox Wellness & Fitness, Erica has not only reshaped her body but her mindset as well, transforming her approach to health in a way that feels sustainable for the long term.
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When Erica first walked through the doors of the gym, like many people, she was focused on the numbers on the scale. Her goal was to change her body and reach a certain appearance. But as she started training, something clicked: real progress wasn’t about weight loss—it was about strength. ​
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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.
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For Erica, the biggest accomplishment wasn’t a specific physical feat, but the simple act of making time for herself. Juggling two young kids and a busy schedule is no small feat, but carving out time to work out has been a game-changer for her mental health. “I have precious little time, but I’m so glad I use it for this. The snowball effect on my mental health has been phenomenal,” Erica says. It’s a powerful reminder that even in the midst of a hectic life, prioritizing self-care isn’t selfish—it’s essential.

Every journey has its ups and downs, and Erica isn’t shy about admitting what she doesn’t love—squat jumps.
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“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.
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Erica’s commitment to her health and fitness isn’t just for her—it’s for her children, Olivia and Julian. She wants to be a model of self-care for them, breaking the cycle of women sacrificing their physical and mental health in their mothering years. “I want my kids to know what it looks like to fill your cup before you pour out for others,” she explains.

​Her inspiration comes from a mountaineer named Bill Tillman, who once contrasted the challenges of mountaineering with those of sailing. The lesson she took from him—and carries with her daily—is the idea of mastering yourself in a world that’s largely out of your control.
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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.”
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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.