The Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce is pleased to shine a spotlight on Troy Peters in our Community Proud series, sponsored by Charter Oak Credit Union. As co-owner of Coastline Fitness in Groton, he has turned a lifelong passion into a way to help others. He and his wife Dana have built the fitness center around their shared commitment to health. Their goal is to help people develop better habits and improve their quality of life.

Fitness has been an important part of his life since he was about 18 years old. He became heavily involved in bodybuilding and eventually began competing. His commitment to the sport led him to win the title of Mr. Connecticut in 1997.

After competing, he knew he wanted to do more with his passion for fitness. Owning a health club became a longtime dream. However, his life and career took him in other directions for several years.

Troy grew up in Waterford and left the area at 17 to serve in the United States Marine Corps. He lived in California for four years before returning to Connecticut. His professional career later included law enforcement, but fitness remained a constant part of his life.

He worked part-time in gyms and became a certified trainer. He continued weight training and spent much of his life around the fitness industry. Although he had other professional responsibilities, he never let go of his goal of owning a health club.

He has lived in the Mystic area for about 25 years. About 15 years ago, he met Dana and found someone who shared his enthusiasm for fitness and business. The couple built a life together that became deeply rooted in the local community.

The opportunity to open Coastline Fitness came through a good friend, who later became one of his business partners. Troy and Dana decided the timing was finally right. They accepted the opportunity and began working toward opening Coastline Fitness in Groton. The new location became the realization of a goal that had been years in the making.

Building Coastline with Dana has made the achievement even more meaningful. They have worked side by side to create a fitness center that reflects their values. They also share a strong commitment to helping others.

The couple wants Coastline Fitness to be known as one of the best fitness facilities in the area. They also want it to be a place where people receive genuine encouragement as they work toward better health.  

This year, Coastline has redefined its marketing strategy with the guidance of Jean Michael Coronado. Since implementing a creative marketing strategy, Coastline has grown tremendously. They credit bringing him on as one of the best decisions they’ve made for Coastline.

Troy believes health affects every part of a person’s life. Through Coastline, he can help members become stronger and feel more confident. He can also support people as they create healthier routines that can benefit them for years to come.

Honesty and transparency are central to the way the couple operates the business. Members are treated with respect and never face hidden information. They believe people can recognize when someone truly cares about their progress.

One of the most rewarding parts of the work is watching members develop healthier habits. Seeing someone reach a fitness goal or begin feeling better can be incredibly meaningful. Those moments create a positive atmosphere throughout Coastline Fitness.

While he is proud of the business, his greatest source of pride is his family. He is especially proud of his children North and Ty. He describes them as educated and hardworking. More importantly, he is proud that they have grown into good people.

For many years, his priority was making sure his children were supported and able to find their own paths. His dream of owning a fitness club remained on hold during that time. Once his children were building their own lives, he felt ready to pursue a goal he had carried for years.

Coastline Fitness was also created to have a meaningful presence beyond the gym. Giving back is important to both Troy and Dana. They want the business to strengthen the community that has supported them.

One initiative that holds special meaning for the couple is the Power Up 4 Pink Breast Cancer Awareness Event. Coastline Fitness Groton will host the event for the second year on October 17. Members and local families are invited to attend.

The event will feature local vendors and food. Guests can also participate in raffles while spending time with the Coastline community. Power Up 4 Pink raises money for breast cancer awareness and research. It also supports people affected by the disease.

The ability to bring people together around an important cause is a source of pride for the Coastline team. It also reflects the role that Troy and Dana want the business to play in the community.

Being recognized through the Chamber’s Community Proud series is an honor for Troy. He and Dana have worked extremely hard to build Coastline Fitness. The recognition is meaningful because it reflects their effort and commitment to the community.

The people closest to him continue to inspire his work. Dana remains one of his greatest sources of support. His children also motivate him, along with his family and friends. Health and success are important to him, but relationships remain at the center of his life.

The people and relationships within the Mystic area are what make it feel like home. It is where the couple has built a life together. Many of their close friends live nearby, along with people who have supported their journey.

They also appreciate the way local businesses support one another. The couple enjoys spending time around Mystic and visiting area restaurants like Taquerio, Bleu’ Ginger, Red 36, Bravo Bravo, and Friar Tuck’s!.

Outside of work, Troy enjoys boating and weight training. He also likes traveling and spending time with family. As a dedicated Patriots fan, he attends games whenever he has the opportunity.

Those who know him would describe him as an open book. He is honest about who he is and what he believes. That openness has helped him build trust with the people around him. It also guides the relationships he develops through Coastline Fitness.

Troy  has spent much of his life pursuing health and serving others. His journey has included military service and law enforcement. It has also included competitive bodybuilding and business ownership. Through each chapter, his commitment to hard work has remained constant.

The Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize Troy Peters. We thank him for supporting healthier lives and giving back to the community he calls home.