When life throws you a curveball, sometimes the hardest part is figuring out where to start picking up the pieces. For Matt Garrett, that curveball came in the form of a tough breakup, a lingering knee injury, and years of feeling stuck in a cycle of unhealthy habits. But what began as a search for distraction turned into a transformative journey at Olde Town Athlete (OTA)—one that not only rebuilt his body but also helped him rediscover his confidence, energy, and purpose.
Life Before OTA
Before joining OTA, Matt’s life was anything but balanced. Working a physically demanding catering job, he often relied on his work for activity rather than pursuing structured exercise. Years earlier, he had torn his meniscus, sidelining his love for soccer and further discouraging him from staying active. Then, a five-year relationship came to an end, leaving Matt searching for a way to rebuild.
“I needed something to lean on,” Matt recalls. “Something healthy to refocus my energy.” It was during this challenging period that he reconnected with Colby, an old friend and the owner of OTA. Seeing Colby’s posts about the gym sparked something in Matt. He decided it was time to take the first step.
Taking the First Step
Walking into OTA for the first time wasn’t easy. Matt was nervous and unsure of where to start, but he knew he needed to make a change. His first bike assessment was a wake-up call.
“It was eye-opening—I was so out of shape, but I knew I had to start somewhere,” he says. Despite the initial challenges, Matt quickly found that OTA was different. The personalized approach made him feel comfortable, and the supportive environment gave him the confidence to keep showing up.
“I didn’t want to just lose weight. I wanted to gain it back in a healthy way,” Matt explains. “That’s exactly what Coach Rob and I worked on—building a foundation I could grow from.”
The Road to Transformation
Coach Rob created a program tailored to Matt’s goals, focusing on rebuilding his leg strength and improving his mobility after years of inactivity. Sessions emphasized functional movements, core strength, and injury prevention. The progress was slow but steady, and with every milestone, Matt’s confidence grew.
“I’ll never forget those early sessions,” Matt says. “But now, I can do things I never thought I could again.”
The OTA community also played a huge role in Matt’s journey. He found encouragement in his workout buddy, Sky, and enjoyed a friendly competition that pushed him to stay consistent. With each session, Matt not only gained physical strength but also found himself letting go of the mental weight he had been carrying.
Thriving in a New Chapter
Now, three years and 250 sessions later, Matt has transformed in ways he never thought possible. He’s in the best shape of his life—stronger at 36 than he was at 26. But for Matt, the biggest change isn’t just physical.
“My mental health has been the biggest win,” Matt shares. “Fitness became my outlet. It’s my time to recharge, refocus, and just feel good about myself.”
Matt’s relationship with fitness has evolved into something lasting. He’s set new goals, like trying his first bulking and cutting cycle, and embraced the idea of always striving for progress. “It’s just part of my life now,” he says. “I’ve built a foundation that feels unshakable.”
Matt’s Advice to Others
Looking back, Matt has one piece of advice for anyone considering starting their fitness journey: “Just take the first step. Consistency and accountability are everything—just keep showing up.”
For Matt, fitness isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress, community, and the freedom to live life fully. “You’ll never regret investing in yourself,” he says. “I’m proof of that.”
Conclusion
Matt Garrett’s story is a testament to the power of fitness as more than just a workout—it’s a way to reclaim control, rediscover confidence, and thrive in every area of life. At Olde Town Athlete, Matt found not just a gym but a supportive community and a program that met him where he was.
Are you ready to start your own chapter? Whether you’re looking for a fresh start, a new challenge, or simply a place to feel stronger and healthier, we’re here to help you write your story.
Click here to schedule your intro chat today, and let’s get started!