An Athlete’s Journey With Prime Performance
Athlete History
When I first met Matt in December 2022, I was introduced to him through a mutual connection. At the time, I was working in medical equipment sales, specifically focusing on safe patient handling and ICU room design. During a conversation with a well-established ergonomics professional, I shared my aspirations of competing for Team Canada and beyond. Two years later, he sent Matt Marino my way, saying, “You guys have to meet!” And boy, was he right.
How We Met
From the moment we connected, I could tell Matt’s vision and passion for his work aligned perfectly with my goals. He was driven to transform lives, provide practical solutions, and find new paths to deliver sustainable, high-performance results. This passion resonated deeply with me. I shared my athletic journey, and it was clear that I was on the path to fully embody the champion’s mindset—a concept I had dreamed of but never truly lived until meeting Matt.
In the past, I trained hard but didn’t always train smart (even though I thought I was!), and recovery was often neglected. To the point in the past, I was actually hospitalized for overtraining, a story I shared with matt from 2019. While I started tracking my progress in 2021 with the WHOOP Heart Rate Monitor, that was just the beginning. Matt introduced me to the invaluable tools and insights a Sport Scientist can provide. Using platforms like TrainingPeaks, HR data, and sport-specific programming, we built a training system that not only worked but worked intelligently. It was a perfect fit. I was finally able to stop the cycle of “doing it all” without guidance. I didn’t have a problem with hard work, but with the structure, timing, and recovery—Matt gave me the tools to manage all of that.
Training & Program Evolution
At first, I thought our work together would be short-term—just a few months of corrective programming. But two years later, Matt has been a cornerstone of my athletic journey, helping me reach National-level high-performance status. The first step in our partnership involved getting the right tech in place: HR monitor, GPS watch, and integrating everything into TrainingPeaks. One of my earliest lessons was learning to train in HR zones. Instead of running 10k as fast as I could, we focused on training and simulation zones. This approach allowed me to improve my HR thresholds and aerobic fitness, which ultimately enhanced my anaerobic capacity—a crucial factor in amateur boxing. Balancing strength and conditioning with intense cardio work was tricky, but Matt helped me identify my strengths and weaknesses. I’ve always believed that working on your weaknesses improves your strengths, and under Matt’s guidance, this belief became reality. Even though Matt was new to working with boxers, we never hit any roadblocks. Our training approach wasn’t about making me a better boxer; it was about optimizing my fitness and recovery, so I was at my best when it came to boxing. And when things didn’t go perfectly according to plan, Matt was there to guide me through it. For real.
Injury Management & Recovery
When I suffered a debilitating erector spinae muscle strain, Matt was the first person I called. He immediately understood the situation, offered empathy, and helped me navigate the injury recovery process. Since I live on the east coast and Matt is based on the west coast, he recommended a top-tier physiotherapist who specialized in progression-based rehabilitation. This recommendation turned out to be exactly what I needed. Matt collaborated seamlessly with my physiotherapist to align my rehab with my training program, ensuring everyone was on the same page. The level of care and support I received was unmatched, and I was able to focus entirely on my recovery, knowing I was in the best possible hands.
Strength Training & Performance Testing
Strength training became a major focus as we worked on building muscle mass and durability. Matt’s approach ensured I could increase my size without risking injury, especially in my lower back, which had been a concern. These workouts were intense, but I’ve never felt more capable or durable. It was obvious, a calculated build that progressed safely but again with no cracks in the foundation. We also worked on improving my respiratory strength through a specialized breathing device that Matt introduced me to, allowing me to enhance my cardio without additional physical exertion. With Matt’s programming, I had something on my calendar every day for two full years. This consistency was key to my development as an athlete.
Results & Achievements
The results spoke for themselves. I made the provincial team, competed at Nationals twice, and earned silver and bronze medals, all while facing opponents with far more experience. But as with all athletes, injuries are part of the journey. I recently ruptured my bicep tendon, competing with the #1 seed in Canada, which required reconstructive surgery. Injuries are a reminder that even the best plans can be derailed by uncontrollable factors, but having Matt in my corner helped me navigate the recovery process without making things worse.
When I sheered my lower lumbar spine, an altered version of what I did before, Matt was the first person I turned to. With the knowledge I had gained from our work together, I was able to do the corrective exercises, measure my progress, and be back in the gym the very next day after initially being unable to move and Facetiming him while lying on the gym floor. This level of understanding and trust is invaluable.
Conclusion
Matt Marino has been a pivotal part of my success, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend him or Prime Performance to any athlete. His expertise, dedication, and genuine care for his athletes have helped me achieve things I once thought were out of reach. Not only is he a fantastic coach, but he’s also someone I consider a great friend. He welcomed me into his home, helped me reach the national level, and guided me through every step of my journey. I’m incredibly grateful for the work we’ve done together, and I’m excited to continue this partnership as I work towards even greater goals.
Thank you, Matt, for helping me become the elite athlete I’ve always aspired to be. You’re a true gem, and I’m lucky to have you in my corner. To you and your partner in crime—thank you for everything. You both make an incredible team.
I’ll see you at the next national stage… to be continued.
Collin Maronese
Collin Maronese
Team Ontario Elite 85KG