Mark Mullaney had been through this cycle before—get fired up about a new workout program, see big results, then hit a wall and burn out. The weight would come back, the workouts would stop, and frustration would set in. No matter how committed he felt in the beginning, it never seemed to last.
But in early 2019, he got a wake-up call he couldn’t ignore—a doctor’s warning about rising blood pressure and glucose levels. Working in healthcare, Mark knew exactly what that meant: if he didn’t make a change now, he’d be dealing with diabetes, joint pain, and major health issues in the years ahead.
For the first time, getting in shape wasn’t just about looking better—it was about future-proofing his health.
That was when Mark made a crucial decision. Instead of chasing another quick fix, he needed a long-term solution—something sustainable, something that wouldn’t burn him out, something that would actually last.
That’s exactly what he found at Olde Town Athlete, a personal training gym in Arvada Colorado.
The Yo-Yo Cycle—Big Results, Big Burnout
Mark wasn’t new to working out. As a former lacrosse and basketball player, he had spent his younger years staying active without really thinking about it. Back then, exercise was just part of the game, and burning off calories wasn’t a concern.
But as he got older, things changed.
Law school, a demanding career, and the daily grind took priority, and before he knew it, exercise was the last thing on his mind.
By his early 30s, he was stuck in a frustrating cycle:
✅ Find a new workout plan or online coach
✅ Go all in for a few months, drop weight, feel great
❌ Get burned out, fall off completely
❌ Gain the weight back, lose motivation
🔁 Repeat
“I could fully commit for a few months, but I’d always hit a wall. I’d burn out and spiral backward. It was like I never really made any progress long-term.”
And then, in 2019, he stepped on the scale: 278 pounds.
The Wake-Up Call—A Doctor’s Warning He Couldn’t Ignore
A few routine doctor visits quickly turned into a serious conversation about his health.
- Prehypertension
- Elevated glucose levels
- Increased risk of diabetes and heart disease
Mark knew exactly what those numbers meant.
“I work in healthcare—I see firsthand what happens when people ignore these warning signs. Heart attacks, kidney failure, arthritis… I didn’t want that to be my future.”
But here’s the thing: Mark was already trying to be healthier. He had lost over 80 pounds by sheer willpower and discipline, dropping from 278 to 195.
Yet, it still wasn’t sustainable.
He felt weaker than ever. His joints ached. His fitness routine still lacked structure, and deep down, he knew he was heading toward another burnout.
That’s when he started searching for something different.
Finding a Different Approach at Olde Town Athlete
Mark had tried online coaching before, but it never stuck.
- It felt impersonal—just emails and check-ins, with no real connection.
- It was too extreme—workouts that were all-or-nothing, leaving no room for real-life balance.
What he needed wasn’t another short-term fix—he needed a sustainable system.
That’s what led him to Olde Town Athlete.
“I told Colby and Rob, I don’t need to go crazy—I just need to be consistent. That was my only goal.”
And that’s exactly where they started.
From Two Workouts a Week to 250+ Sessions Strong
At the beginning, the goal was simple: just show up.
✅ Twice a week
✅ Basic bodyweight movements
✅ Building joint strength & mobility
Mark wasn’t thrown into a high-intensity, extreme program. Rob and the team focused on helping him rebuild a strong foundation—making sure he could move well, avoid injury, and progress at the right pace.
And it worked.
After just a few months, he started seeing real changes:
💪 Less knee and back pain
🏋️ More confidence with weights
🗓 A consistent training rhythm
“I remember texting Colby and saying, ‘I want to go to three days a week.’ I was seeing so much progress that I didn’t want to stop.”
Fast forward to today, and Mark has blown past 250 sessions—a milestone he never imagined hitting.
The Key to Long-Term Success—Accountability & Routine
Mark had always been capable of putting in the work. But what changed this time?
1️⃣ Accountability.
Having a real coach and a real program gave him a reason to show up, even on tough days. “When I feel tired, I still go. I don’t want to let Rob down. I don’t want to let myself down.”
2️⃣ Structure.
No more guessing what to do at the gym. Every session had a clear purpose and progression. “I don’t waste time wandering around. I know exactly what needs to be done.”
3️⃣ Mindset Shift.
The gym is no longer a chore—it’s something he actually enjoys. “I don’t drag myself to workouts. I protect my gym time. It’s part of my life now.”
Results That Matter—Stronger, Healthier, and More in Control
Beyond just lifting heavier weights, Mark has completely transformed his body and mindset:
✅ More energy throughout the day
✅ Better sleep and lower stress
✅ Stronger, leaner, and healthier than ever
And the best part?
“For the first time, I don’t feel like I have to start over again. I know this is sustainable.”
No more yo-yoing. No more burnout. Just steady, consistent progress.
The Difference Between Another Burnout and a Breakthrough
Mark’s story proves that consistency, structure, and accountability will always beat short-term intensity.
He went from years of fitness frustration to 250+ sessions and counting—not because he found the “perfect” workout or diet, but because he found a system that works for the long haul.
If you’re tired of starting over… if you’ve been stuck in the same cycle of big results followed by big burnout… if you just want a simple, effective way to stay consistent…
You don’t have to figure it out alone.
We’ve got your back.
Click here to schedule your intro chat today, and let’s get started!