Jake Trione has faith in God, a passion for helping the elderly and an old soul. The combination led him from serving in the Coast Guard for over 13 years to starting in his garage a gym specifically tailored to seniors.

Now, nearly a year after opening TriFitness Gym with co-owner John Adiletta, Trione is seeing his work changing lives, and he hopes to franchise the business to create staples in other communities, he said.

About 10,000 Americans turn 65 each day, and many of them use walkers or wheelchairs or end up in senior-living facilities. That does not have to happen if they stay in shape, and that is what TriFitness aims to help seniors do, Trione said.

Aimed at residents 50 and older, the gym provides training to increase balance, flexibility, endurance, strength and other areas that allow seniors to live life to the fullest. In just a few months, Trione’s clients are seeing results.

J.P. Prichard, 74, said she is now able to run around outside with her grandchildren as opposed to playing board games, which was all she was able to do with them before getting in shape. While others her age are starting to deteriorate, Prichard is thriving, she said.


“I can do anything,” she said. “I feel great.”

Many gyms are intense and require members figure out equipment and exercises alone. At TriFitness, clients are coached in groups no larger than four so each person gets a personalized, guided workout experience, Trione and his clients said.

Trione enjoys working with older clients because they truly buy into his fitness programs and recognize exercise’s importance. As a bonus, they impart onto Trione just as much wisdom about life as he offers them about fitness.

“They’re fun to be around,” he said. “They have more knowledge than anybody else on Earth.”
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TriFitness is about more than serving its direct members; Trione enjoys giving back to the community, and anyone who wants to franchise the business will have to have that same priority, he said.

When opening, the business raised $2,700 for the Lone Survivor Foundation that benefits veterans. The business also raised $1,700 for the Alzheimer’s Association.

Trione said he knows his business serves a neglected demographic and is making significant changes.

“Seeing the impact we’re having ... it’s been easy to know this is right thing to do,” he said. “It’s hugely needed.”


TriFitness Gym

2417 Bay Area Blvd., Houston

281-786-1189

www.trifitnessgym.com


Hours: Mon.-Thu. 5:30 a.m.-8 p.m., Fri. 5:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-11:30 a.m., closed Sun.