More than a gym—
it’s a lifeline,
a support system,
and a mission of gratitude.
An outdoor scene of six people sitting on grass together in a row, each touching the toes of their right foot in a hamstring-stretch position.

Mind

Tow people sitting close together on a couch, smiling at each other, one wearing a camouflage military uniform and the other with a small dog in lap.

Body

An outdoor scene of six people sitting on grass together in a row, each touching the toes of their right foot in a hamstring-stretch position.

Community

A person wearing an olive-green t-shirt and camouflage pants speaks, seated in a circle with several other engaged listeners.

Strong

Body

Mind

Community

Our facility serves active and retired military personnel and first responders...
  • Active-Duty Military Members
  • Veterans
  • Police Officers
  • Firefighters
  • EMTs & Paramedics

Our Services

We believe our heroes—military personnel and first responders—deserve more than thanks. They deserve support. That’s why we provide holistic wellness programs, focused on physical fitness, nutritional education, and mental health care.

"To say Revolution Fitness changed my life wouldn’t be enough. The truth is—Bill, Shaun, Jon, and this community saved it . . . Today, I walk tall. I live with purpose. I know my worth. And now, I strive to help others who are still in the hole, so they know they’re not alone—and that there’s always a way out."
Joe Cormier
❯❯
Revolution Fitness Member
Photo of Joe Cormier, Revolution Fitness member, smiling together with his son.
"Having worked in public safety for over 22 years, I was diagnosed with PTSD . . . and placed on medication that caused me to gain 60 pounds in just a month. When I started training with Jon, our focus was on strengthening my back due to multiple injuries . . . After a specialist told me I needed to lose weight, [Jon and I] developed a diet plan focused on high-quality foods and the right macros.
I started at 350 pounds . . . I’m down to 280—a 70-pound loss! I feel great, my self-confidence has improved, and I give all the credit to the incredible team at Revolution Fitness."
Timothy Nickels
❯❯
Founder / Executive Director, Ember's Paws of Hope
Headshot of Timothy Nickels, founder & executive director of Ember's Paws of Hope, smiling.

About Revolution Fitness

Revolution Fitness is a nonprofit dedicated to healing and strengthening active and retired military personnel, first responders, and their families, physically, nutritionally, and mentally.

A photo of Jon Ross and Bill Merchant, co-founders of Revolution Fitness, smiling each with an arm around the other, in the stands at a sports event.

Co-founders Bill Merchant and Jon Ross met at a local gym, bonded through a shared passion for fitness and service, and asked a simple but powerful question:

How can we offer something different?

The answer became clear: focus on the unique challenges and trauma faced by those who serve, and build a supportive community around them.

Guided by a shared vision and Jon’s mentorship in fitness and nutrition, the two developed a wellness model that treats the whole person, body, mind, and spirit.

Revolution Fitness exists to fill a critical gap: helping those who’ve spent their lives protecting others begin to recover, rebuild, and thrive.

At Revolution Fitness, we believe healing spreads.

When one person heals, they begin to show up differently, for themselves, their spouse, their children, and their communities. We are not just building muscle and mindsets, we're rebuilding lives. And as those lives heal, they carry light into places once marked by pain, stress, or disconnection.

This is how we change the world, one person, one family, one ripple at a time.

Team

Headshot of Bill Merchant, co-founder & CEO of Revolution Fitness, smiling.
Bill Merchant
Co-founder
CEO

Bill Merchant, inspired by his own healing journey through recovery and physical injuries and accompanied by the love and encouragement of his fiancée, Kylee, leaned into his faith, stepped away from a 24-year medical career, and committed fully to this mission. What started as personal growth evolved into a life-altering calling. After years of helping others through healthcare, Bill recognized that real healing goes far deeper than medicine alone. His passion for serving others, especially those who serve our country and communities, lit a fire that couldn’t be ignored. Fueled by conviction, grit, and faith, Bill set out to build something lasting—not just a program, but a movement.

Headshot of Jon Ross, co-founder & head of fitness & nutrition at Revolution Fitness, smiling.
Jon Ross
Co-founder
Treasurer
Fitness & Nutrition

Jon Ross, a medically retired Army Sergeant (E5), served for 7 years as a combat engineer with two tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. After undergoing two reconstructive knee surgeries and a long recovery process, Jon found purpose in helping others through fitness. He holds a B.S. in exercise science, is an ACE-certified personal trainer, and has been training clients since 2017. Jon saw firsthand the transformational power of regular exercise, proper nutrition, spiritual discipline, and community, especially for veterans struggling to rebuild their lives post-service. His experience laid the foundation for Revolution Fitness’s holistic, mission-driven approach.

Headshot of Kylee Morrell, board member and secretary of Revolution Fitness, smiling.
Kylee Morrell
Board Member
Secretary

Kylee Morrell is a dedicated professional and community leader, currently serving as a board member at Revolution Fitness. Kylee is passionate about holistic health and wellness, advocating for balance in today’s fast-paced world through physical fitness, nutrition, and mental well-being. She brings to the team her ability to balance complex responsibilities with compassion and integrity. Kylee earned her Bachelor of Science in business administration from the University of Maine and holds several professional licenses. She finds fulfillment in community involvement, family, and supporting the Revolution Fitness mission. Kylee lives in Maine with her fiancé, Bill Merchant, and their two children, Tristen and Aspen. 

Get Involved

Help Us Reach Those Who Serve

Military and first responder communities often suffer in silence from stress, injury, and burnout. Revolution Fitness provides a safe, supportive space to rebuild strength—physically and mentally—and reclaim overall well-being.

But we can’t do it alone.

We imagine a nation where every service member and first responder has access to the tools they need to not just survive—but thrive. We believe wellness is not a luxury—it's a right for those who protect and serve.

Together, we can create a nation where those who serve are fully supported—body, mind, and spirit.

Applications are open for our free extended pilot program, running throughout October 2025.

When: 11am-3pm Saturdays in October: 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th

Where: Dirigo Fitness

Capacity: Space is limited to a max of 20 participants.

Focus: Post-Traumatic Growth training, nutrition education, physical fitness, breath work, yoga, and more — with incredible guest speakers each week

Register now!

Open to service members, veterans, and first responders.

Learn More

Do you know a service member, veteran, or first responder who could benefit from our support?

Your referral could be the first step in their wellness journey.

Whether they need strength training, mental health resources, or restorative care like massage therapy or acupuncture, we’re here to help them heal and thrive.

All of our services are made possible through community donations, corporate sponsorships, and grant funding. Your support sustains a growing movement—one that turns gratitude into action.

Donate to help expand access to life-changing programs

Donate

Contact us to inquire about opportunities volunteer your skills or time to support our mission.

Contact Us