“It's not so much what I do in the gym as what I can do out of the gym. I am excited about the fact that I can take a 12-day, 75 mile backpacking trip with the Boy Scouts and keep up with the teenagers, while the other adults lag behind. I am thinking about taking a 5-day backpacking trip to Machu Picchu in Peru. My joints are starting to feel their age but overall, I am in better shape now than I have ever been in my entire life.”

Determination is all you need!

“I definitely eat better overall. Sometimes I don’t eat the best, but I am more aware of it when I do and I try to make up for it with Josh’s help. Also, I hate mornings but have forced myself into the habit of getting up at 4:45am 4 days a week to make the group classes. I do it for the reasons stated above and because I just feel better when I am active.”

Community makes the journey easier.

“I have said this more than once, but IPT is more like a family than any other gym I have been to. Since you work out with the same people a lot, you learn things about them and everyone is striving for similar goals. The trainers are very supportive and make it obvious that they are genuine in their desire to see the clients be the best they can be. I also think the group get-togethers (hikes, meal planning workshops, karaoke night) and the family workouts fuel the family atmosphere.”

If Mark had some advice for the rest of us, it would be...

“Listen to the trainers and follow their plan. I didn't for a few years and even though I saw improvements in myself, I can only imagine what it would have been like if I had done so earlier....so don't give up. If you aren't following the plan...don't give up. Eventually, as you see other’s successes, (and you will see success) you will come around.”

Congrats on hard work paid off! You’re definitely an inspiration to many and a true testament to why we do what we do! Keep up the great work Mark!