It’s easy to associate wellness with weight loss, gym memberships, or the latest fitness trends. But Tripp Parks is redefining what health means—especially for those who want to stay mobile, independent, and vibrant as they age. With his company, Ascend Performance Training, he’s helping people of all ages—particularly seniors—take back control over their bodies through customized health programs based on DNA, blood work, and personal history.
The core idea? Functional health is freedom. And real freedom starts by understanding your body on a cellular level before decline sets in.
This article dives into how Parks is empowering clients through early diagnostics, tailored training, and his deep commitment to care that goes beyond surface-level fixes.
From Reactive to Preventive: How Data Reveals What Matters Most
For Parks, health isn’t about fixing problems after they happen—it’s about preventing them before they start. That’s why Ascend’s process begins with a whole-genome DNA test, giving a detailed map of how a person’s body responds to food, exercise, and risk factors like heart disease or stroke.
“Our clients are often surprised to learn that their body doesn’t respond well to traditional fitness advice,” Parks explains. “For instance, many women of Northern European descent are missing a key fat-burning gene. If they spend hours doing cardio, they may barely see results. But with this information, we can adjust the plan entirely.”
By pairing DNA with blood markers and personalized questions, Parks is able to prescribe specific supplements, optimal workouts, and wellness protocols that work with someone’s biology—not against it.
It’s not just about looking good; it’s about living well—and longer.
Redefining Aging with Customized Wellness for Seniors
While Parks initially envisioned his wellness programs for younger demographics, a surprising trend emerged: overwhelming demand from older adults. “It turns out, senior communities are eager for this,” he says. “People are watching their loved ones age, decline, and lose their independence. They want another option.”
So Parks leaned in. Ascend now runs on-site fitness classes, teaches senior boxing, offers health lectures, and provides individualized consultations for aging populations. It’s not just movement—it’s momentum.
One client story still moves him. A woman in her seventies came to Ascend with a walker, her only goal to safely get in and out of the bathtub. After consistent work and guidance, she now walks without assistance and says she’s never felt stronger.
“This isn’t about six-packs,” Parks emphasizes. “This is about functional strength—the ability to live on your own terms.”
The One Thing Most Health Programs Overlook
Despite the advanced tools at his disposal—AI software, genome sequencing, comprehensive assessments—Parks insists that the most powerful part of his approach is something low-tech: asking better questions.
“I don’t just look at the lab results,” he says. “I want to know about your stress, your sleep, your previous injuries, your mental health. The consultation should be where real discovery happens.”
This curiosity shapes every program. Parks doesn’t just prescribe solutions—he learns who his clients are and designs programs that reflect the realities of their lives. This means that every plan is not only accurate but also achievable.
It’s a refreshing departure from the cookie-cutter routines that dominate the fitness industry. And it’s why his clients stick around.
When Credentials Meet Conviction
Between Tripp and his business partner, the Ascend team brings over 25 years of combined experience. They hold certifications in strength and conditioning, nutritional therapy, and genetic-based program design. But Parks is quick to point out that credentials aren’t what truly earn trust.
“You can’t fake passion,” he says. “You can’t fake effort. If you come to one of our classes, you’ll see we’re not in this for the money—we’re in it because we believe this is how we change lives.”
That belief is spreading. Ascend was recently featured on Denver7 ABC News, and the Health or High Water podcast, now with 110+ episodes, was recently picked up by a sponsor. Parks also speaks publicly on the importance of early health screening and preventive wellness as a solution to rising healthcare costs.
The Bigger Picture: A Mission to Shift the Entire System
What drives Parks isn’t fame or business success—it’s something much closer to home. “I had to care for my mom when her health declined,” he shares. “I had to change her diapers. No one should have to do that.”
That experience planted the seed for his mission: to prevent others from facing the same fate. Through health profiling and functional wellness, he believes we can shift from a reactive healthcare system to one that’s truly proactive.
“It might not happen in my generation,” he admits, “but if we start now, we can build something better.”
At a time when most people are overwhelmed by conflicting health advice, Parks offers a grounded, research-based, and highly personal solution. And whether you’re 25 or 75, his message is clear: freedom starts with taking ownership of your health—before it’s too late.
This article is published on Phenomena
