Ageless Athletics – Training for Brain Health and Longevity with Eric Cruz

Week of August 22, 2026

We all know that falls and cognitive decline are major issues as we age. Most physical training as we age focuses on muscular strength, bone health, balance, and flexibility. But what if I told you that training like a professional athlete is the missing key to fitness for older adults. Ageless Athletics focuses on training your neuromuscular system to sharpen your mind, avoid falls, and prepare you for the long and unpredictable game of life. This series is built for all abilities and health states. Whether you’re battling Parkinson’s and MS or just want to continue living your best life without asking your body for permission to do the things you love, Ageless Athletics will give you the tools to win.

Schedule:
Sunday PM – Intro Lecture
Monday AM – Level 1
Tuesday AM – Level 2
Wednesday AM – Level 1
Thursday AM – Level 2
Friday PM – Lecture

We all want to live a long and (more importantly) vibrant life. What if I told you the key to unlocking this through the exercise door is by training like an athlete? Think you’re too old for this? Think again! The revelation of neuroplasticity tells us that our brains are always changing and adapting. If we feed the brain the right information and test it through movement, we can fight off cognitive decline. In this 4 session series, we will have 2 fitness training sessions and 2 hybrid lecture with movement classes. Our fitness sessions focus on using movement and exercise to challenge our brain and nervous system to keep us sharp and mobile as we age. This class can be modified for all fitness levels. Our hybrid lecture sessions will dive into the constantly emerging research that shows us how we can preserve and optimize our brain health while teaching some easy but powerful techniques to maximize brain function and while improving mobility and joint health.

 

Eric Cruz
I started my fitness journey at an early age trying multiple sports growing up.Before I moved to California, I grew up in the waterpark capital of the world in Wisconsin Dells. Through this experience, I’ve worked with people from all over the world and had many unique/interesting job positions; such as lifeguarding at the world’s largest outdoor waterpark and working on stage in a magic show. I’ve participated in swimming, softball, yoga, tennis, horseback riding, cheerleading, strength training, and more throughout my life.

While I was in high school I started to notice my friends and family needing physical therapy more and more and I wanted to be able to help. When trying to decide a major for college, I couldn’t imagine myself doing any other profession besides fitness/health. I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise & Sports Science – Fitness Track from the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse. Since then, I have certifications in multiple things from TRX, yoga, Strong Nation, swim basics, & more. Before graduation, I chose against going for physical therapy because I found I’d rather be working with training clients directly.

Within my fitness career I have experience with coaching cheerleading, personal training, group fitness, corporate wellness, virtual training, nutrition, seniors, special needs, athletes, post physical therapy patients, senior homes, hospital settings, weight loss, bulking, etc. I am always interested in working with any other types of populations and gaining more experience. In my free time, I enjoy taking hikes, trying new things, beach/pool days, DIY/crafty things, and spending time with my friends/family/cats. When a new opportunity or experience presents itself to me, I am always willing to say yes and at least try something new.