Red F. Ross has built a remarkable career by blending her passions for acting, stunts, health, fitness, and business. Her diverse expertise has propelled her to overwhelming success, allowing her to coach, train, and mentor a wide range of individuals including youth athletes, the general population, and professional athletes. As an entrepreneur and CEO, Red firmly believes that experience is the best teacher. She not only instills this philosophy in her coaching but also leads by example, practicing what she preaches.
A Los Angeles native, Red’s life has always revolved around family, sports, and fitness. Growing up in a household with seven siblings sharpened her competitive spirit while also instilling patience, humility, and respect for others. As a child, she was introduced to acting and modern dance by her mother, sparking her initial love for movement and performance. Meanwhile, her father, a neighborhood coach, introduced her to baseball. Unlike most young girls, Red didn’t start with softball; instead, she embraced the challenge of baseball head-on. It was on the baseball field that another talent emerged: her exceptional speed. Competitors challenged her daily, prompting her father to enroll her in a local track club at just eight years old.
Red’s 16-year career in track and field was filled with accolades, including USATF Hershey Youth Outdoor Champion, two-time ARCO Jesse Owens Games gold and silver medalist, and numerous honors that positioned her as a top-tier athlete, collegiate competitor, and Olympic hopeful.
Not only did Red begin training and competing at a young age, but she also started coaching early on. She has since trained, coached, and managed at some of Southern California’s top gyms, including Equinox, Golds Gym, 24 Hour Fitness Sport and Super Sport, Crunch, and Bally. Her commitment to helping others led her to obtain six national certifications from the most prestigious organizations in the fitness industry:
- National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)
- NASM Master Trainer
- American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)
- International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA)
- American Council on Exercise (ACE)
- ACE Certified Medical Exercise Specialist
Her extensive education in Exercise Science and Kinesiology at California State University, Long Beach, along with her hands-on experience, led her to open and operate her own gym, Fitness Impact, in Long Beach, California, by the age of 26.
At Fitness Impact, Red not only helped clients achieve their goals but also mentored and empowered fellow coaches, therapists, and trainers, guiding them toward successful careers in the health and fitness industry. She provided independent trainers the opportunity to grow their own businesses, creating a strong network of professionals. Among them was MMA Coach Lee McDermott of Brazilian Top Team Long Beach.
Red had already been training in Muay Thai with her business partner and coach, Gregg Washington, when she met McDermott. Their friendship further deepened her passion for martial arts, leading her to train in Kali, a Filipino martial art that emphasizes seamless transitions between weapon-based combat (swords and sticks) and empty-hand techniques.
Through McDermott, Red was introduced to Phil Aslaksen, a martial arts instructor and stunt coordinator. This connection opened the door for her in the stunt community, where she quickly made a name for herself. Today, Aslaksen remains her sensei, continuing to guide her journey in martial arts and stunt work.
With her unwavering dedication, diverse skill set, and commitment to excellence, Red F. Ross continues to inspire and elevate those around her… whether in fitness, sports, business, or the entertainment industry.
