January 23, 2026 – West Bend, Wi – A1 Health and Fitness of West Bend, Wi, has selected Anne Depies-Blaedow as the January Member of the Month.
Change is the one thing in life that never takes a day off. We can fear it, embrace it, or chase it—and sometimes it arrives all at once, asking us to rise to the moment.
Before 2020, my life felt steady and familiar. I was a classroom teacher for 20 years, a mom of three adult children, and a recent breast cancer survivor. Then everything shifted.
I retired from teaching, my husband retired from the Brookfield Fire Department, we sold the home we had lived in for 28 years, moved to West Bend, and took over my mom’s company so she could retire.
In a short span of time, we weren’t just turning a page—we were beginning an entirely new chapter.
With that change came stress, sacrifice, and growth—but also opportunity. One unexpected loss was my fitness community, something I hadn’t realized was so vital to my well-being until it was gone.
I knew I needed to be intentional about taking care of myself. I needed “me time,” a new community, and people who would encourage me to stay committed.
At 56, prioritizing my health wasn’t a luxury—it was a necessity. And I knew I wouldn’t find motivation alone. I needed connection, accountability, and encouragement.
Ski season was approaching, and as a volunteer ski patroller for over 40 years, staying strong matters. I plan to ski well into my 80s. I love moguls and mountains, and both demand strength, balance, and endurance—things that don’t come from a desk job.
Ski Patrol has always been a community of passionate, service-minded people who support others in enjoying the sport we love. To continue doing what I love, I knew I needed to recommit to my physical strength.
In September 2024, I took the leap and joined A1 Fitness. The biggest question was simple: When could I fit it in?
The answer was the 5 a.m. class—meaning a 4:30 a.m. alarm. It was a bold choice, but one that quickly proved to be exactly what I needed.
At first, free weightlifting felt intimidating, and the fear of injury was very real. But with the guidance and encouragement of knowledgeable instructors who emphasize proper form and progress, I’ve been able to safely build strength and confidence.
What once felt overwhelming now feels empowering.
This experience has reminded me that starting over isn’t something to fear. With the right support, encouragement, and community, it can be one of the most rewarding decisions we make.
Growth often begins with a single step—even if that step happens before sunrise.
