Ruben Pereyra was awarded the Emerging Trailblazer of the Year at the 2024 IDEA World event. With a career dedicated to improving the lives of seniors through innovative fitness programs, Ruben's story is both inspirational and informative for anyone passionate about the fitness industry, especially those focusing on the over 50 demographic.
Ruben's Journey: From Personal Challenges to Professional Triumphs
Ruben's path to becoming a senior fitness expert was profoundly influenced by personal experiences. His father's battle with necrotizing fasciitis, a flesh-eating bacterial disease, was a pivotal moment. The limitations his father faced inspired Ruben to specialize in senior fitness, realizing the need for more effective and engaging fitness programs for older adults.
Building Community and Connection
One of the cornerstones of Ruben's approach is the emphasis on community. At Wesley Strong, he fosters an environment where seniors feel empowered, strong, and connected with their peers. This sense of community extends beyond physical health, incorporating mental wellness, nutrition, and social connections.
Innovative Program Design
Ruben's fitness programs stand out for their creativity and inclusivity. He carefully tailors class names and descriptions to be inviting and engaging. For example, instead of generic titles like "Strength Class," he uses names that evoke feelings and emotions such as "Cardio Heart Health" or "Wesley Strong," integrating the community's identity into the fitness experience.
The Power of Language and Environment
Ruben stresses the importance of the language used in class descriptions and instructions. Positive and encouraging terms like "steady," "strong," and "balanced" help create a welcoming atmosphere. He avoids negative or fear-inducing words like "fall" or "frail," focusing instead on empowerment and capability. The physical environment of the classes is equally crucial. Ruben pays attention to details such as lighting, temperature, and even the instructor’s choice of cologne to ensure a comfortable and conducive atmosphere for all participants.
Encouraging Functional Movement
All of Ruben's classes are designed around functional movement patterns essential for everyday life—bending, lifting, pushing, pulling, and rotating. This focus ensures that the exercises are relevant and beneficial beyond the fitness class, helping participants navigate their daily activities with greater ease and confidence.
Feedback and Adaptation
A significant part of Ruben's success comes from his willingness to listen and adapt. By conducting surveys and directly engaging with both residents and their families, he tailors programs to meet the specific needs and desires of his community. This feedback loop ensures that his programs remain relevant, effective, and well-received.
Intergenerational Activities: Strengthening Family Bonds
Ruben also incorporates intergenerational activities, where family members, including grandchildren, join seniors in fitness activities. These events not only strengthen family bonds but also dispel stereotypes about aging, showcasing the vitality and strength of older adults.
Expanding Reach Through Technology and Collaboration
Looking ahead, Ruben plans to leverage technology to expand his impact. His forthcoming website will offer an on-demand fitness platform with quick, 20-minute low-impact workouts designed for seniors. Additionally, he collaborates with other fitness professionals to create inclusive programs, such as the chair-based Warrior Rhythm Roots, making fitness accessible to all.
Advice for Aspiring Senior Fitness Professionals
For those interested in serving the senior population, Ruben emphasizes the importance of education and community engagement. He advises fitness professionals to seek relevant certifications, knock on doors of local community centers, and not be afraid to create meaningful and purposeful programs.
Aging Well
In Ruben’s words, aging well means maintaining balance in training, cardio, and strength while staying mindful through meditation and regular checkups. It’s about keeping the mind, body, and soul in harmony, a message that resonates deeply in his work and personal philosophy. Ruben Perea's approach to senior fitness is holistic, compassionate, and innovative. By prioritizing community, functional movement, and continuous learning, he sets the standard for what it means to help seniors live well and thrive.
Links for Ruben:
Instagram: @functionallyevolved
Functionallyevolved.com (website is coming soon)
Email: info@functionallyevolved.com
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