Expert guidance for active aging communities, senior living facilities, and fitness professionals.

Ruben P. Thickstun offers expert consulting services for senior living communities, active aging programs, and wellness teams seeking to create safe, engaging, and effective group fitness experiences. With 20 years of experience and a specialization in aging populations, Ruben helps organizations develop impactful programs that support physical, cognitive, and social well-being.

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.

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.

With passion, expertise, and heart, Ruben continues to inspire individuals and reshape the fitness industry—making wellness inclusive, empowering, and deeply impactf

For Senior Living & Active Aging Communities

From independent living to memory care, Ruben designs fitness solutions that meet residents exactly where they are. He partners with activity directors and wellness teams to ensure every class is rooted in safety, accessibility, and joy.

Services Include:

Custom class schedules tailored to resident needs to help fill all classes on the schedule
Program development for various care levels
Functional movement and fall-prevention programming
Brain-body training and cognitive wellness integration
Music-driven formats for social engagement and fun
Conduct in-depth analysis within their gyms or communities to enhance client retention and increase revenue.
Staff/instructor onboarding and mentorship

For Fitness Professionals & Wellness Directors

Ruben also mentors coaches, trainers, and program managers who want to better serve older adults or expand into the active aging space. His approach blends real-world teaching strategies with empathy, adaptability, and science-backed tools—while also addressing the practical needs of today’s professionals and program leaders.

For fitness professionals, Ruben offers personalized guidance on building a standout portfolio to land jobs in the senior fitness space. For wellness directors and community managers, he provides insight into identifying instructor talent and developing a reliable, well-rounded team that can deliver safe, engaging, and effective classes for diverse aging populations.

Coaching & Consulting Topics Include:

Instructor mentorship and continuing education
Designing inclusive, scalable programs for older adults
Modifying intensity and format for varying ability levels
Creating cognitively stimulating and emotionally engaging class experiences
Building a professional portfolio for senior fitness employment
Communication strategies that foster trust and retention
How to spot, train, and support talent as a wellness or fitness director
Strategies for creating a cohesive, mission-aligned team