Fired up for fitness - Shelbyville Times-Gazette

Wilcox's sister, Donna Phillips (Right), holds a push-up with her friend, Jacqueline Patterson (Left) as Wilcox encourages them to hold their position.

(T-G Photo by Derrick Hill) [Order this photo]^[1]

Soon after moving to Bedford County in 2001, Leo Wilcox bought a workout tape known as P90X--an intense workout program designed to give you extreme results in 90 days--that soon found its way into his closet.

"I did [P90X] and after three or four workouts said it was too hard. I thought, 'There's no way I can do this.' It sat in the closet."

Any time currently spent around the firefighter/fitness trainer and it is hard to imagine him saying anything is too hard. The man is a true motivator, but Wilcox is the first to tell you this determination and drive didn't manifest overnight.

In fact, it wasn't until a comment on one of his Facebook pictures that Wilcox realized he wasn't achieving his full potential.

"I had posted a department picture on Facebook and one of my buddies in California, he looked at the picture and commented, 'Wow, you guys clearly don't have any physical requirements.' I said, 'Whoa! Take the knife out of my back.'"

After the comment Wilcox decided to take a look at his physical health and realized that there was room for improvement.

Leo Wilcox gives instruction to one of his students to ensure they are maximizing their workout.

(T-G Photo by Derrick Hill)

"I've always been an athlete, but as I got older I stood back, looked at myself, and said, 'I can do better.'"

Wilcox soon hit the gym and started to really focus on improving his health, but eventually reached what is referred to in the world of fitness as a plateau. Realizing he needed something to get him to that next level, Wilcox decided to take the training videos out of his closet. The training paid off. In Wilcox's first year of training he shed 70 pounds.

Inspired by his results and his renewed sense of motivation, Wilcox, who loves to help others, thought becoming an instructor would be his next accomplishment.

Soon Wilcox would be certified as a personal trainer and dedicated to what he calls, "perfecting his craft." Wilcox also became a certified P90X instructor after three years of the program and one of the first 400 people in the nation to be certified in the P90X Insanity Workout--a workout that claims a year's worth of results in sixty days.

One of Wilcox's favorite aspects of training is seeing people go beyond what they thought they were capable of doing.

"You'll get mad at me, you may hate me sometimes, but one day you're going to look in the mirror and think, 'Oh my god. I love Leo.'"

Wilcox is quick to add that the workout is more than about looking good, but it's about pushing yourself to achieve goals and build a confidence that affects all aspects of one's life.

"I'm able to do things that I wasn't able to do before. Personally, it's not about how big my biceps are. I can train for that, but that's not what I want for myself. I like the fact that I'm now capable. I don't know how to describe what that means. I just know that now I'm capable."

Capable may be the best way to put it. Since making a lifestyle change and focusing on bettering his health and those around him, Wilcox feels that it has greatly improved his capabilities as a firefighter and desires to see others increase their capabilities.

"We're supposed to be fit for service," he said. "Industry wide, not just our area, fitness is a major problem. The number one killer of firefighters in America is heart attacks. The number one killer of police is heart attacks. It is not being shot, it is not burning up in buildings--it is heart attacks. We exert ourselves and then we die because we are not fit for duty. So it's huge for me, personally."

Wilcox joins his class in a round of push-ups.

(T-G Photo by Derrick Hill)

Wilcox is also passionate about the overall health of those in his community. Thinking he wouldn't like Tennessee, Wilcox soon found himself won over by the kindness of the locals and now takes an active part in the community.

In the future Wilcox has plans to extend his services as a fitness trainer and P90X coach into other aspects of the community. His next goal is to become fitness certified for police, firefighter, and military personnel.

As a member of the Bedford County Health Council, Wilcox recently gained approval from the state and the county to initiate a fitness program in local school systems. Starting in January Wilcox will be teaching P90X for faculty members that wish to attend.

"Tennessee is terrible for obesity--Bedford County, unfortunately, is one of the worst. I think we should be role models for our children. The teachers spend the most time with our kids and, like it or not, they are role models--not only in study, but also in lifestyle."

Wilcox doesn't have any doubts that with dedication and the desire to change anyone can see results.

"I believe in it, I've seen it help people. I can see the physical change and for some people, that's dramatic. I love seeing people gain confidence--I love that. To me, it is all about helping people."

Currently Wilcox can be found at MG Sports & Fitness in Shelbyville training both individually and in-group sessions. His information can be found on Facebook.

"I'm lucky. It's hard to be a trainer, but it's not as hard when you love what you do. You have to have a passion for it. I get to drive the big red truck and then I get to see people change for the better. How awesome is that?"

References

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