Home Base A Life-changing, Transformational Mental and Physical Journey: A Heartfelt Thank You from Mom and I
By Wilbur Esquivel, US Airforce Veteran and Warrior Health and Fitness Program Participant
My entire experience with the Warrior Health and Fitness program, the Tampa General Hospital Fitness Center, the YMCA, and everyone involved has been nothing short of life-changing.
I first heard about the fitness program through the VA in Tampa. At the time, I weighed 300 pounds and was ready for a change. When I learned that Home Base Florida was family-oriented and my mother could attend the program with me, I was all in.
From the very beginning, this program has been more than just fitness, it has been a true transformation. It has reignited my motivation to exercise and helped me regain a sense of purpose in my physical health.
Our personal training sessions were more than just workouts. They were moments of growth, both physically and mentally. The trainers were tough and really pushed me, but it was just what I needed. The team took the time to connect with us, making each session something we looked forward to rather than just another exercise routine. And beyond the training itself, I truly appreciated our conversations, whether it was about sports, current events, family, or just life in general. Those moments made everything feel even more personal and connected.
Mom and I were also given the opportunity to participate in educational events and sessions that supported our wellness goals. I met with a nutritionist, who was also in the military. She made everything really easy. She was straight forward and made small adjustments to my diet such as eating smaller portions, more times throughout the day. We attended a healthy cooking class. They made healthy eating feel fun and approachable. It gave me a new appreciation for food and how to make better choices without feeling restricted. We also attended mindfulness and readiness classes that helped me become more present, manage stress better, and approach my fitness and health journey with a clearer mindset. It prepared me mentally and emotionally to stay consistent and make long-term changes.
I have lost 80 pounds so far and feel great! I have more focus and energy, and I feel more connected. Now that the 90-day program is over, my mother and I are taking full advantage of the YMCA membership provided and are maintaining our results by working out there 3-4 times a week.
Even more important to me than the physical transformation, is the impact of being able to share this journey with my mom. The fact that she was welcomed into the program and given the opportunity to participate alongside me meant the world to both of us. She is in remission from cancer and lives with me. We are each other’s support system in so many ways. Being able to support each other through this program as she built strength to do her daily tasks and I focused on losing weight, it really made an impact on our success. The team’s kindness, patience, and compassion, especially toward her, made an incredible difference. Seeing her feel included, supported, and encouraged made this experience even more meaningful.
But what really stands out the most about the Warrior Health and Fitness Program, is the care, professionalism, kindness and dedication of the staff. Everyone really wants you to succeed. From the staff who run it to the donors who support it, I can’t thank everyone involved enough for that.
The work Home Base Florida and Tampa General are doing together for Veterans and Military Families is making a real impact. I am so grateful, not just for the care my mother and I received, but for so many other Veterans and Families who have had the privilege of being part of this program.
To learn more and register for Warrior Health and Fitness, click below.