Meet Ruben P. Thickstun
Ruben P. Thickstun has made significant contributions to the fitness industry, with a passionate focus on active aging and the transformative power of movement for older adults. As a Functional Training Specialist, he focuses on low impact movements with high energy.
As an accomplished entrepreneur, advocate for senior wellness, and the IDEA Emerging Trailblazer of 2024, Ruben provides specialized fitness services tailored to the needs of older populations, including personal training, brain cognitive function training, low-impact group exercise classes, and fitness programming for retirement communities, educational institutions, and corporations.
Recognized as an award-winning fitness coach and trainer, Ruben’s accolades reflect his dedication to excellence and his impactful role in redefining what it means to age actively and vibrantly.
Functionally Evolved is creating a movement—literally and figuratively—for older adults and low-impact fitness participants ready to start or continue their journey toward better health. This is Fun Functional Fitness for Every Version of Oneself.”
Functionally Evolved is a low-impact fitness platform with programs suitable for everyone, including beginner fitness, low-impact mobility, strength, cardio, barre, dance, and more.
It’s more than fitness; This app tracks progress, nutrition, customization of workouts, wellness courses, and more. It’s a supportive space to evolve physically, mentally, and emotionally, with Ruben and his team as your guide.
Learn from ruben
Ruben is also a beloved educator and speaker, having presented at the world’s top fitness conferences, including IDEA World, canfitpro, SCW Mania, DCAC, and FBA SUCCEED. His sessions are known for inclusivity, innovation, and inspiration.
As a published author and featured expert in outlets like IDEA Fitness Journal and Coach360News, Ruben continues to influence the fitness profession, urging fellow coaches to embrace the opportunities to serve the aging population.
His most popular workshops include:
- Move with Confidence: Cognitive Fitness with Functional Movements
- MIND Through MOTION: Functional Training in Our Later Years
- Living Well for Seniors: Mind, Body, and Spirit
- Deep Dive Into Fall Prevention Through Corrective Exercise
- Creating Unique Parkinson’s Classes
- Reshaping Senior Fitness Exercise
work with ruben
Ruben is a trusted leader and collaborator within the fitness industry, partnering with well-known brands to support program development, live events, and instructor education. He is also involved with FBA Succeed as an Ambassador to the industry.
At WERQ, Ruben helps shape the format’s vibrant choreography and guides instructors in delivering high-energy, inclusive classes.
With WARRIOR Fitness, he plays a key role in program growth and community engagement, serving as a Format Lead for WARRIOR Roots.
From stage performances to instructor trainings, Ruben brings authenticity, energy, and innovation, helping these brands grow their reach while ensuring their experiences remain accessible and impactful for participants of all ages and fitness levels.
Consult with ruben
Consulting with Ruben means bringing expertise, creativity, and heart into your senior living or active aging community’s fitness offerings. With years of experience designing programs that prioritize safety, cognitive health, social connection, and functional movement, Ruben helps elevate group fitness schedules to be more engaging, inclusive, and impactful. He has created specialized programs for people with Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s in addition to his work with active aging communities.
Ruben brings structure, creativity, and warmth to every project. His programs go beyond exercise—they empower communities to thrive. By focusing on functional fitness, cognitive resilience, and human connection, Ruben ensures that wellness becomes a lasting and joyful part of daily life.
Whether your community is just starting to build a wellness program or looking to enhance existing activities, Ruben offers customized guidance on class structure, instructor development, and participant engagement.