Born in Toronto and raised in Brampton, Mariano, founder of Trueathlete, carries deep roots in both personal perseverance and community spirit. With parents hailing from Mendoza, Argentina, family has always been a core influence — not just culturally, but also in shaping the foundation of his fitness journey and business.

The dream of owning a gym took shape at an unexpected time. At just 21 years old, Mariano began his personal training career as the COVID-19 pandemic was sweeping across the globe. With commercial gyms closing, and a space that he was renting to train in Brampton no longer an option, his initial idea was to train clients from his garage. But it was his parents who helped bring the dream to life. Recognizing his dedication, they offered up space in their business unit in Vaughan. With their support, the unwavering support from his wife, Bryna — and some help from friends — the space was transformed into a functional training facility. That humble beginning laid the groundwork for what would become Trueathlete.

His love for fitness began through soccer, a sport he played passionately from the age of four and continued overseas from ages 16 to 19. Along the way, injuries and rehab taught Mariano the value of understanding the body and training with purpose. But the gym was never just about athletic performance. It was about longevity, community, and personal transformation.

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“Trueathlete was built to feel like a team,” he explains. “I wanted to create a space where people felt supported, where they could chase goals they once thought were impossible. It’s not just about looking good — it’s about moving well, feeling strong, and living longer.”

The gym offers a wide range of classes including group training, strength and conditioning, weight training, boxing, and pilates. There’s also a physiotherapy clinic, R3, located upstairs — an addition that aligns perfectly with the gym’s focus on performance, recovery, and overall well-being.

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Since opening its doors in 2020, TrueAthlete has grown significantly. In late 2024, it underwent a major rebrand and expansion, tripling its space to accommodate its growing community. The name “Trueathlete” reflects the gym’s core philosophy: that being an athlete is not defined by competition, but by a commitment to lifelong self-improvement.

Despite the rapid growth, challenges weren’t far behind. Navigating the pandemic with a young son and a daughter on the way brought urgency and pressure. Early struggles included self-doubt, impatience, and learning how to network. More recently, the challenge has shifted to maintaining creativity and learning to delegate without losing the brand’s vision. Fortunately, a strong and dedicated team has made all the difference.

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What truly sets Mariano and Trueathlete apart is its community. Many members have been around since the he was running bootcamps in the park. They’ve become like family — united by a shared goal of becoming the best versions of themselves and lifting each other up in the process.

“We’re not done growing,” Mariano says. “We’ve got new amenities, classes, and merch on the way. Trueathlete is more than a gym — it’s a movement. And we want to bring as many people into this community as possible.”

In a world that often separates athletes from everyday people, Trueathlete brings them together — showing that anyone, with the right mindset and support, can live and train like a true athlete.