#RIPPEDFamily, get ready for some major inspiration—this story is one for the books. We instantly fell in fitness-love with Ron Stucki when his R.I.P.P.E.D. instructor Meagan Nelson highlighted how incredible Ron is, and she certainly wasn’t exaggerating. Ron joined our #RIPPEDFamily in 2013 after his sister-in-law invited him to join her gym in Utah. He then tried out several Group X classes and was really drawn to our fitness family.
At the age of 73, Ron has overcome several heart attacks, open-heart surgery and a 40-foot fall. We’re hoping his story inspires you just as much as it inspired us.
What do you enjoy most about R.I.P.P.E.D.?
I honestly like the people in the class. I’m one of two guys and I may not be as good as they are but they treat me so well. The comradary is great with Meagan and the participants. A R.I.P.P.E.D. class will be THE place to find a mate because there are always great people.
It has been 23 years since my first heart attack and I feel better than when I had my first heart attack.
How has R.I.P.P.E.D. impacted your life? What changes do you see?
R.I.P.P.E.D. keeps me alive. The class is also good for me because I’m 73-years-old and I am now more agile and I have better balance. Just lifting weights won’t help like a R.I.P.P.E.D. class does. I get strength and cardio training in class. It has been 23 years since my first heart attack and I feel better than when I had my first heart attack.
To give you a back-story, I’ve had polio when I was just six-years-old. Then when I was 42 I fell 40-feet while working in the mines, and had to work through that. I’ve had open-heart surgery and a number of heart attacks. I have two working arteries on my left side but none on the right. So my doctor says when I work out, I’m feeding blood from the left side to the right side, which is keeping me healthy.
I played college football so I also have the tendency to want to put on weight. But R.I.P.P.E.D. helps me look better physically as well.
It’s Mental Health Awareness Month. Has R.I.P.P.E.D. affected your mental state at all?
When I don’t work out I have a tendency to be a know it all. R.I.P.P.E.D. has humbled me a lot. I make better decisions. It changes the way I think and improves my memory.
As far as depression and the way you feel, it makes me feel much better. I think I would be a little depressed without the class. It gives me a whole better outlook on life.
Do you have any inspiration for people who have a desire to live a healthier lifestyle but think it’s too hard?
I don’t diet but I’m very careful about how much I eat. I just try to keep my portions in control and when I feel full I stop eating. And the exercise helps to work with my diet as well.
Our #RIPPEDFamily loves sharing their stories, in hopes that it will inspire others to create a happier, healthier lifestyle. Learn how R.I.P.P.E.D. Instructor Kim Price stayed motivated and lost 70 pounds.