Let's hear from Riccardo's clients...

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If you’re serious about arm lifting, you need Riccardo in your corner — no question. Since I started working with him, I’ve made serious gains, not just in strength but in being ready to compete when it counts. He gives you detailed, no-nonsense instructions that actually work, and he’s hyper-responsive — you’re never left wondering what to do next.

What makes Riccardo different is that he leads from the front. He’s always thinking ahead, always finding better ways to train. But the real difference is that he cares about you — not just your lifts, but you as a person. That kind of investment shows up in the results. If you want to stop spinning your wheels and actually get stronger — Riccardo’s the guy.

Riccardo’s program was just what I needed last year. Prior to his program, I felt like I wasn’t progressing like I knew I could with my armlifting implements and even just regular barbell deadlifts. He always checked in with me and listened to my needs based off of what I was feeling I could do, and he adjusted as necessary - while somehow still making me the strongest I’ve ever been! I enjoyed his program and I’m glad I did it and I plan to do it again in the future. 

As a coach myself, I am very confident in my programming for my own clients. For my own training, sometimes it’s nice to leave the thinking and planning to another experienced, qualified coach. For my grip specific training, I found myself experimenting with different approaches. I was overtraining, with lots of pain in my left hand. With Riccardo’s experience with grip especially, he helped get me on track to make steady grip strength gains in a well thought out plan. He’s very easy to work with, and like the rest of us, his main focus is steady progress. I would highly recommended his service to anyone looking to progress in not only grip, but improved health and fitness also. Great work!

Grip-focused training plans were the missing piece I needed to focus my workouts and see significant results. Riccardo is super knowledgeable, experienced, and very supportive. He checks in with me frequently and adjusts workout plans as needed to accommodate for my busy and ever-changing work schedule or when an injury necessitates some tweaks in the movements for that week. Riccardo is a great human and a great coach!

When I first started getting interested in grip several months ago, I found Riccardo and reached out for some guidance as I knew nothing about the sport. He immediately jumped on a call with me about where I am and what my goals should be. He coached me through the next several months including through some small injuries; I went from competing for the first time all the way to winning Gold at the 2024 World Armlifting Championships. He has been available for whatever concerns I have had and adjusted training to fit my needs. I am very grateful for his experience and willingness to teach. I would recommend him to anyone trying to level up their grip. 

Working with Riccardo as my grip coach has not only improved my grip, but my athletic performance overall. I notice a significant increase in my ability, my form is better, and he makes adjustments to my form that I never would have considered myself. He’s respectful, easy to work with, and I look forward to seeing new programming when it comes through because he makes training hard but fun! 

In November 2024, I was feeling like my training wasn't progressing as I had hoped. I reached out to Riccardo to see if he had room to add me to his coaching clientele. He responded immediately and within 24 hours I had my first week of programming. This has been one of the best decisions I have made since I began lifting 10 years ago.  Riccardo's programming is taking my lifting to another level. I have seen  improvement in both grip strength as well as general strength throughout the last several months. He is careful to take into consideration what competitions I have coming up as well as any physical deficits I need to focus on.  When I have questions he is very quick to respond and gives excellent feedback.  I have a tendency to over do things when left to my own devices and with Riccardo's expert guidance I know that I am doing an optimal amount of training without going overboard and causing potential damage.  I highly recommend Riccardo's coaching.

Riccardo was not only pivotal in my training sessions being as efficient as possible, but also in the injury free progression I had that kept me in the gym. He is one of the most available coaches I have worked with, and it was a pleasure getting to know him along the way and can say I found a friend in the process. It's clear that his passion for the sport is there and he translates that into his clients' successes which he celebrated as much as I did.

When I made the switch from Strongman to Armlifting, I thought my past experience would be enough that programming in grip work would be simple, but that quickly led to stalled progress. 

I wanted to push past that plateau so I reached out to Riccardo for some grip specific coaching. 

Since I started working with Riccardo, I'm seeing consistent improvements in all my lifts and I feel much more prepared going into each competition. He really takes the time to get to understand and know you as a person and an athlete and will work with you to build a plan that fits your life. 

When I was new to this sport and wanted getting serious about grip my training plan, I had no idea what I was doing. I was inconsistent and would end up overtraining. Every step forward I felt it took me 2 steps backwards. I decided I needed guidance. I had the opportunity to work with Riccardo as a grip coach and the results have been phenomenal. Riccardo works with you around your budget, schedule, current progress, and does regular check ins. I can’t say enough. I went from being novice to qualifying as a Pro. If you’re serious about grip training, Riccardo is the go-to man. He is a patient and knowledgeable person who meets you where you’re at and shares his wisdom. I can’t recommend him enough.

Riccardo is an awesome Grip Coach. I set a goal that in my mind was quite extreme, closing the Captain’s of Crush #3 Gripper. For years I was stuck at the 2.5. I tried several other grip programs. I tried gripper specific programs, and I tried programs that worked well for other athletes; however, I was still making no progress.

It wasn’t until I hired Riccardo that I began moving past the 2.5 gripper. The training tools, programming, and conditioning that Riccardo selected for my personal advancement were things I had never seen before in a routine grip program. Riccardo found my weaknesses and designed a program that completely transformed my grip. Riccardo then monitored my progress and made little tweaks here and there to perfect my programming.

Simply put, under the guidance of Riccardo, I consistently made positive progress until I ultimately reached my goal. Not only did I reach my goal, I did so without injury. I am now a certified Captain’s of Crush #3 closer. I couldn’t be happier with the results I achieved through Riccardo’s coaching; and, I highly recommend Riccardo to anyone looking to improve their grip strength.

Frank Chaudoin

(Couch Potato Strong)

Riccardo is an outstanding coach. He is patient, great at explaining and demonstrating movements and techniques, stays in close communication, and is tirelessly supportive and encouraging. I would highly recommend his coaching to anyone!