Coach Evan Russo’s greatest joy is “giving senior citizens their lives back” by teaching them to stretch, lift and train to boost their health during their golden years.
“Rehabilitating seniors with injuries is a huge deal to me,” Coach Russo said. “I could work with a young athlete and help them shave a minute off their mile time, but what does that accomplish? I love helping alleviate the knee pain that a senior has endured for 20 years and making sure they can walk without discomfort.”
Coach Russo, 36, has led Hope through Housing’s Senior Fit program for nearly three years to the benefit of hundreds of National CORE senior residents.
But Coach Russo wasn’t always in the business of fitness.
He earned a bachelor’s degree in business economics from UCLA. Fitness was a personal passion until he suffered a neck injury while lifting weights in college.
Unable to work out, Coach Russo turned his frustration into positivity. He finished his physical therapy for his injury and decided that his life would be much more fulfilling if he helped people rehabilitate themselves from physical injuries.
After being a personal trainer for some eight years, Coach Russo noticed his audience started skewing toward older crowds. So, he pivoted to focus on physical fitness for senior citizens.
He began hosting in-person and online senior fitness classes in Rancho Cucamonga and there he met Andy Wright, Hope through Housing founder and board member, and his wife, Blenda. The Wrights mentioned that Hope through Housing had a dire need for physical fitness education for its senior population – and thus a partnership and friendship was born.
“Coach Russo uplifts anyone who participates in the Senior Fit program, helping them become healthier in their bodies and their minds because his classes create strong social connections,” Blenda said. “He is an amazing coach, trainer and friend and I’m glad to have known him these last five years.”
Under Coach Russo’s guidance, the Senior Fit program has become a weekly in-person class at nine National CORE properties. He also hosts weekly online classes.
“Blenda was key in helping the Senior Fit program get started,” Coach Russo said. “She has participated in the program since it started, and she encourages our residents to try more and work harder. She brings the heart and joy to the program.”
But Coach Russo isn’t just concerned about healthy bodies – he also wants residents to develop healthy minds.
“The best way to build community is for my classes to be consistent and enjoyable. I love being lighthearted and fun in my classes,” Coach Russo said. “After each class I always myself available for questions and I encourage everyone to talk to each other. It’s important for seniors to associate with people who have healthy mindsets because people match the attitudes of their friends.”
True to Coach Russo’s nature – he refuses to slow down.
Coach Russo updates his workout routines every six months to make sure residents do not hit plateaus. Some classes also follow a theme, such as fall prevention month in July.
“Coach Russo is a joy to have running our Senior Fit program,” said Hope through Housing Vice President Alyssa Cotter. “He does a fantastic job of helping our seniors maintain their flexibility, health and stability, allowing them to age with dignity and remain independent.”
Coach Russo said his next big step for Senior Fit is hosting additional online classes provide more workout hours for new and returning attendees.
Day Creek Senior Villas resident Donna celebrated her 93rd birthday during a Senior Fit exercise session.
“I come every week, and I really enjoy it,” Donna said. “Coach Russo really helped me a great deal, I always use his advice to walk heel/toe to prevent falls. I also like working out with my friends. Its inspiring that we all meet up and come to these sessions together.”
At the end of the day, Coach Russo wants seniors to be happy and healthy.
“I want to spread my youthful nature to our residents,” Coach Russo said. “I love working with seniors. I love creating bonds with them and sharing in their achievements from enhancing their lifestyles is inspiring and heartfelt.”
Check out photos of our Senior Fit at Day Creek Senior Villas