Award-Winning Fitness Visionary. Senior Wellness Expert. Industry Educator & Presenter
Ruben P. Thickstun, 2024 IDEA World Trailblazer of the Year, has spent the past 17 years transforming lives through movement. A leader in senior fitness and brain-based training, he offers personal coaching, group classes, and wellness consulting for communities and corporations.
Ruben is also a celebrated educator, presenting at top fitness events like IDEA, SCW Mania, and LA Fit Expo. His latest venture, Functionally Evolved, supports aging and low-impact populations through accessible, purpose-driven programming.
Ruben offers expert consulting services to senior living facilities, active aging communities, fitness coaches and wellness directors looking to elevate their group fitness programs.
With passion, expertise, and heart, Ruben continues to inspire individuals and reshape the fitness industry—making wellness inclusive, empowering, and deeply impactful.
Specialist in Active Aging
A graduate of California State University Long Beach with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with an emphasis in fitness, Ruben blends evidence-based practice with human-centered design.
His specialties include:
- Senior Fitness
- Brain Cognitive Function Training
- Fall Prevention
- Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s Movement Programs
- Functional and Low-Impact Training
Through in-person sessions and virtual platforms, Ruben empowers older adults to move confidently, stay connected, and preserve their independence.
Educator & Industry Leader
Ruben is a sought-after speaker and educator, presenting regularly at top fitness conferences, including:
- IDEA World
- SCW Mania
- DCAC
- canfitpro
- LA Fit Expo
- FBA SUCCEED
- and more.
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
Ruben is a vital contributor to several industry-leading formats, including:
- WERQ Dance Fitness (Choreographer, Presenter)
- WARRIOR Fitness (WARRIOR Rhythm ROOTS Format Lead, Presenter)
He develops programming, leads instructor trainings, and headlines live events that bring high-energy, inclusive movement to a wide range of audiences.
He’s also a featured author in IDEA Fitness Journal, Coach360News, and SCW’s Spotlite, and an advocate for encouraging Gen Z professionals to embrace careers in senior wellness.
Certifications & Awards
Ruben holds a comprehensive list of certifications, including:
- ACE Certified Personal Trainer & Senior Fitness Specialist
- Prime Fit Wellness
- SilverSneakers
- WERQ Dance Fitness
- WARRIOR Rhythm & Rhythm Roots
- TRX Level 1
- SEAT Fitness
- Alzheimer’s & Parkinson’s Fitness Certifications
- CPR, AED, and First Aid
Recognition & Awards
- IDEA Fitness Inspirational Medal (2012–2022)
- SCW Midwest Mania Fitness Idol Winner (2023)
- LA Fit Expo “Wow the Crowd” Winner & Celebrity Trainer Showcase Instructor
- Revel Eleven Wellness Speaker of the Year (2021)
- 2024 Dance Fitness Cruise Headliner
- 2024 Coach360 Impactful Coach of the Year
- 2025 Coach360 Fitness Visionary Nominee
Consulting for Communities & Fitness Coaches
Ruben offers expert consulting services to senior living facilities, active aging communities, fitness coaches and wellness directors looking to elevate their group fitness programs.
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.
He provides:
- Custom class schedules tailored to resident needs
- Instructor coaching and training
- Cognitive and social wellness integration
- Safe, scalable programming for all ability levels
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.
From independent living to memory care, Ruben brings structure, creativity, and warmth to every environment.
