National Wellness Month: A Waverley Oaks Success Story
Every August, National Wellness Month invites us to step back from the daily hustle and reconnect with what matters most: our well-being. From managing stress to prioritizing sleep, movement, and mindfulness, this month is a chance to build simple, sustainable habits that lead to a healthier, more balanced life.
Wellness isn’t just about kale smoothies and gym memberships. It’s about feeling strong in your body, calm in your mind, and supported in your daily life.
For over 40 years, Waverley Oaks Athletic Club – our 50,000 sq. ft. facility – has been Waltham’s premier destination for health and wellness. Whether you’re just beginning your fitness journey or looking to take your training to the next level, we offer something for everyone.
• Three levels of state-of-the-art fitness equipment
• Over 85 dynamic group classes every week
• A salt-filtration pool for low-impact workouts
• Sauna and steam room to relax and recover
• Small group and personal training
• And so much more
Wellness happens every day at Waverley Oaks. We’re committed to providing an exceptional fitness experience in a safe, supportive, and welcoming environment. Think of it as your home away from home – a place where you can move, breathe, connect, and grow.
But perhaps the most powerful part of our community? The stories of our members. This month, we’re proud to highlight Mino’s incredible success – a true testament to the power of commitment and the life-changing impact of prioritizing health. From small daily steps to triple-digit weight loss, Mino’s journey reminds us all that wellness is not a destination – it’s a lifestyle. Keep reading to learn more about Mino’s transformation and get inspired to start your own journey.
MINO’S STORY
Toward the end of 2023, Mino joined Waverley Oaks with a clear goal: to regain his health and improve his quality of life. By early 2025, he had lost over 150 pounds – achieved entirely through a powerful combination of mindful eating, sustainable lifestyle changes, and consistent exercise.
Q. Were you active growing up? What sports did you play?
I was an athlete growing up and in college I played D1 soccer.
Q. Tell us about your relationship with fitness and nutrition as you progressed past your college years and into adulthood.
As I got older and settled into a routine of work and daily obligations, my health became less of a priority. I also had knee surgery which affected my mobility. Fitness was no longer a part of my lifestyle, and I was putting on more and more weight every year. By the end of 2023, I was hovering around 365 lbs.
The day before Thanksgiving in 2023, I made a complete lifestyle change and joined Waverley Oaks. By the beginning of 2025, I had lost 150 lbs, and I’ve maintained that transformation ever since.
Q. What sets Waverley apart from other gyms?
For me, you can’t beat the location – it’s only a minute drive from my house. It’s a welcoming place and not intimidating at all. Everyone is very friendly, especially the staff. From the front desk personnel to the cleaning team – it is refreshing being surrounded by such positive energy. Also, it is incredibly clean. It’s obvious that cleanliness is a top priority.
Q. Tell us about your wellness journey. How did you get to where you are today?
When I first joined Waverley Oaks, I started using an app called MyFitnessPal (a weight loss app). After 3 months, I found that I didn’t need to use the app anymore since I had established a routine that I could manage myself.
In the beginning I was going to the gym 6 days on, 1 day off. Eventually that changed to 3 days on, 1 day off. In terms of diet, that was completely restructured. I stopped eating in excess and committed to a macronutrient diet (50% protein, 25% carbs, 25% fats).
MINO’S GO-TO GYM ROUTINE
- 50 minutes of weight training
- 15-minute core workout
- 30 to 45 minutes cardio
- 20-minute sauna session
Q. Did you face any challenges during your journey?
I developed gout three different times over the past year due to a high intake of fish, which forced me to take some time off from training. Early on, I wasn’t drinking enough water or prioritizing rest – two things that are absolutely essential for recovery and repair at any age.
Q. Tell us about a milestone or accomplishment that you found particularly rewarding.
Breaking 250 lbs. was a big moment for me. I just turned 50 last year and it’s the day-to-day activities that are a reminder of how much I’ve accomplished. I no longer have sleep apnea, and my overall mobility has just completely transformed.
Q. So many people start a journey toward better health with every intention of success. What do you believe is the formula for achieving optimal health long-term?
In my opinion, there are four key components to maintaining a healthy lifestyle: Consistency, Discipline, Diet and Intensity.
Just showing up to the gym isn’t enough. If you’re not seeing progress, it’s time to rethink your approach.
Core work should be a priority with every workout. A strong core will improve your overall fitness level and well-being.
Maximizing your time at the gym should be top of mind. For example, pushups between sets may seem like you’re not doing much. But over time, those numbers add up and really make a difference.
Ready to conquer your fitness and nutrition goals? At Waverley Oaks Athletic Club, you’ll find more than just a gym – you’ll discover a supportive community dedicated to health, wellness, and lasting results. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to take your routine to the next level, our experienced professionals and like-minded members are here to motivate and inspire you every step of the way.
From personalized training and expert nutrition support to dynamic group classes, we’re proud to offer a welcoming environment that individuals and families of all ages can enjoy. What to explore even more? Take a virtual tour and discover what makes our facility a truly unique wellness destination.