Most people think of health and fitness in terms of aesthetics—how we look in a mirror or what the scale says. But Tripp Parks is proving that true wellness starts at a deeper, more personal level: your DNA. At his company, Ascend Performance Training, Parks is combining science-backed health data with human-centered coaching to help people unlock better lives—not just better bodies.
From bloodwork to movement screens and full genome sequencing, his wellness programs are crafted around the actual biology of the individual. This approach isn’t just about personalization—it’s about creating lasting transformation through understanding the root cause of health limitations.
A Health Plan Built from the Inside Out
Rather than offering generic advice or one-size-fits-all workouts, Tripp Parks starts with a genetic test—what he calls “the nucleus of everything.” This spit test is simple, non-invasive, and powered by whole genome sequencing. More importantly, it updates your profile automatically as genetic research evolves, offering long-term value.
Why does it matter? Because our genetics shape everything from how we process food to our susceptibility to injury. “Most of everything that happens to us is genetic,” Parks explains. “Your ability to digest certain nutrients, your risk of ACL tears, your fat-burning capacity—it’s all encoded in your DNA.” Once this foundation is laid, Parks’ team layers on bloodwork, sleep quality data, stress factors, and even injury history to paint a full picture of what each client actually needs—not what’s trending.
This makes his programs more than health plans—they’re blueprints for better living.
Shifting the Focus from Aesthetics to Independence
The work Parks is doing doesn’t stop with athletes or fitness enthusiasts. A major part of his business now focuses on the aging population. His team partners with senior communities to offer wellness workshops, lectures, and even boxing classes tailored for older adults.
One story stands out. A 75-year-old woman came to Ascend with a simple goal: get in and out of the bathtub without falling. “She went from needing a walker to taking walks by herself,” Parks says, “and told me she felt stronger than she had her entire life.” For him, this is the real impact—returning freedom to those who’ve lost it and preventing future decline.
That shift—from chasing looks to preserving mobility—resonates with people who realize that true health is about what your body can do, not how it appears.
The Hidden Value of Asking the Right Questions
While genetic testing provides the data, Parks emphasizes that the real transformation comes from listening. “If you take away the tests, the bloodwork, everything—you still have to ask good questions,” he says. “That’s the secret sauce.”
His intake consultations are deep, often running long because he doesn’t stop at the surface. He asks about previous injuries, stress levels, sleep quality, even emotional triggers. This helps him design not only a physical plan but a lifestyle strategy that clients can actually stick to.
What sets his business apart is that this process isn’t automated or templated. It’s personal, built on curiosity and care.
Expertise Backed by Credentials—and Compassion
Parks and his business partner bring more than 25 years of combined experience in health and wellness. Their certifications range from genetic-based program design and nutrition to advanced strength and conditioning. But for Parks, credentials are just the baseline.
“Our passion and our drive are what really matter,” he says. “We’re not just here to run a business. We’re here to fix a broken system.”
That passion has already gained recognition. Ascend was recently featured on Denver7 ABC News, and their podcast Health or High Water has crossed 110 episodes and just landed a sponsorship. These are more than marketing wins—they’re proof that the message is resonating.
The Mission That Fuels It All
Parks’ motivation is deeply personal. After helping care for his mother following a major health decline, he realized just how reactive the current health system is—and how devastating it can be when you don’t act early. “You should never have to change your parent’s diapers,” he says. “It’s awful.”
He believes health profiling—combining genetics, data, and conversation—can be the upstream solution our downstream system desperately needs. And while the change might take more than a generation, he’s committed to building the foundation now.
Because for Parks, the goal isn’t six-pack abs. It’s giving people the tools to move, live, and age on their own terms.
This article is published on Health Source Magazine