LIVERMORE FALLS — After more than three decades working in the fitness industry, a Wilton woman is using her expertise to open her own facility and serve the community.

Betsy Mancine has experience in swim instruction and group fitness as well as program development and management. She brings that background to Renovation Training Company, a strength and conditioning gym in Livermore Falls.

Mancine’s career began while she was a student at the University of Maine at Farmington, where she studied community health education and worked as a lifeguard at the UMF Health & Fitness Center. Experienced as a swim instructor and coach, she said a friend’s invitation to attend a step aerobics class introduced her to group fitness instruction.

Over the next 30 years, Mancine worked across nearly every area of the field, earning dozens of certifications and teaching participants of all ages, from young children to seniors. Her experience includes land- and water-based instruction, specialty training and club management.
She also worked extensively with Les Mills International, traveling nationally and internationally to present management seminars, assist with the company’s expansion into the U.S. market beginning in 2005, and help develop coaching and training programs for regional affiliates and corporate accounts.

After managing fitness and training programs in multiple states, Mancine returned to Maine about 14 years ago to be closer to family. Opening her own facility was not originally part of the plan, she said, but grew out of a desire to better serve the needs of the local community.

“I never dreamed of opening a facility,” Mancine said. “But knowing we could better meet the needs of the community with a different approach, it made sense.”

Renovation Training Company opened in Livermore Falls after Mancine identified interest from area residents and more affordable commercial rental options were available. Although she lives in Wilton, she said Livermore Falls was a practical location for starting a small business.

The gym initially offered group fitness classes through Les Mills programming, later expanded into functional fitness and operated as a CrossFit affiliate for more than seven years. About three years ago, the business moved to its current location and transitioned fully to a strength and conditioning model.

Today, Renovation operates as a class-based gym rather than an open-gym model. All sessions are coach-led, with structured programming and adjustments made to accommodate individual goals and abilities. Training sessions use a range of equipment, including barbells, dumbbells, kettlebells and functional tools such as sleds, ropes and hammers. Renovation’s membership options range from adult, teen and senior monthly group training plans to flexible class passes, with no long-term contract required.

“We serve the people, not the program,” Mancine said.

Mancine continues to coach classes in the mornings and evenings while balancing home schooling responsibilities during the day. Administrative and business work is handled outside of class hours, with support from another coach.

Her family plays an active role in the business. Her husband assists with coaching and management tasks, while their children participate in youth and teen programs and help with gym operations as needed.

Mancine said the gym emphasizes consistency, realistic goals and proper coaching to help members build sustainable fitness habits. Outdoor training is incorporated during warmer months when conditions allow.

Looking ahead, Mancine said she is most proud of the community that has formed around the gym.

“It’s 100 percent about the people,” she said.