Coach Kristaps

Fantastic experience: I booked 12 sessions with Kristaps over 6 weeks. I had lost all confidence with my squats and needed a reset. Kristaps is THE guru of lifting. Not only that but he helped with a few niggles/injuries and ensured I didn’t go too far when not ready. His approach is very educational and I learnt lots, every week. I managed a new 3 rep max and hit a one rep max in week 10 and 11. I added 22.5kg to my squat but more than that I learnt a better, cleaner technique which I will take through with me. Just to note, I am almost 51 years old and not a teenager! I cannot thank Kristaps enough for this last 6 weeks!

Fantastic experience: I came to Kristaps because I had a problem with my shoulder. Little did I know a few weeks later I'm doing Olympic lifting, squatting properly, deadlifting properly and generally becoming more mobile and stronger every week. Kristaps has an incredible knowledge of not only Olympic lifting, but anatomy and physiology. He's pushed me further in different areas of lifting then I have done myself in the last 20 years. Highly recommended. Excellent coach.

Fantastic experience: I can’t recommend Kristaps highly enough. Since working with him, I’ve seen huge improvements in my boxing performance — I’m stronger, faster, and far more explosive than before. What makes Kristaps stand out is not just his knowledge, but how well he applies it in a sport-specific way. Every exercise and every session has a clear purpose that translates directly into the ring. His sessions are always varied, combining mobility, strength, endurance, and conditioning work, and they push me right to the limit. We leave every session absolutely exhausted, but the benefits are undeniable. My recovery, power, and overall athleticism have all developed massively under his guidance. Kristaps is professional, dedicated, and clearly passionate about getting the best out of his athletes but on top of all that he is also able to make each session enjoyable, even when we’re dying form the intensity we’re always able to crack jokes and have a laugh with Kris, so If you’re serious about improving your performance and taking your training to the next level, Kristaps is the coach you want in your corner.

Fantastic experience: I am an amateur boxer who heard of Kristaps through word of mouth from other established and successful amateurs. At first, I was unsure if I would see any changes, but after four months, I can confirm I am stronger, fitter, more flexible, and more explosive than I have ever been. My amateur career has flourished as a result of this.

Fantastic experience: I highly recommend Kristaps to anyone who is really serious about reaching their goals. He is really good a motivating and his knowledge of strength & conditioning, agility flexibility is exceptional. During the 18 months that my sons have been taking sessions the both of them have won national titles in amateur boxing and gone on to represent their country. Also, you will learn how to perform all the exercises using the correct form which has definitely helped them stay injury free .

Fantastic experience: My introduction to weight training with Kristaps has been life changing as well as a thoroughly enjoyable experience. My posture, functionality and body strength have improved considerably and I have a training programme to help me progress over the longer term. As an older person I embarked on the training with some trepidation but I am really glad I did so and Kristaps tailored the workouts to help achieve my goals. I would highly recommend him to anyone wanting to improve their fitness and wellbeing whatever their age.

Fantastic experience: I first began training with Kristaps in a group environment some years back, wanting to progress my Olympic lifting whilst coming from a CrossFit background. He spent a lot of time working with me on technique, and stripping the weights right back down and then building back up. It was very clear though that confidence was a big issue, especially as I have experienced a lot of injuries. I continued to work with Kris on a fairly sporadic basis over many years, but in the past few months have now moved to working with him on a one to one basis. I had begun to plateau in my own training and from the very first week progress began to happen - with PBs in the first four sessions. Since then, I have found my confidence increasing week on week, and finally feel as though my lifting is heading in the right direction and is so much more consistent. I think that anyone looking to progress at Olympic weightlifting would benefit from a session with Kris - and they won’t look back. From working around injuries, to actually resolving some of them, Kris has a huge breadth of knowledge - no two sessions are the same, and no challenge is insurmountable. I have no doubt that my lifting will continue to improve as we continue to work together, and I am looking forward to whatever ways he continues to find to push me further.

Fantastic experience: Bloody shins, bruised knees and an inability to snatch are just a few of many problems I had before I met Kristaps. A serious lack of mobility was my major issue and after a few (extremely painful) mobility sessions I found myself in a position I never thought I'd be in! Five months in and the happiest I've ever been with my strength and crossfit performances, and I have Kristaps to thank for that. Never met someone who works so hard to ensure his clients get programmes tailored for their individual needs. Would not recommend anyone else!

Fantastic experience: I just wanted to share how amazing Kristaps has been. I have been squatting and deadlifting for around 10 years and occasionally doing Olympic lifting for 5 years (but my technique was not great). Since working with Kristaps in March 2024, I will be signing up for my first competition at the end of the year. He has helped me grow and gain confidence in my Olympic lifts, achieving at least a 10% PB in the first month by refining my technique. Additionally, I have worked with many ‘personal trainers’ in the past, but Kristaps' coaching is individualized to the person. I have never seen a coach more organized with their notes on each individual. Even though Kristaps has many clients, he always remembers what you have worked on previously and any issues you may have encountered. This is when you know you are working with a great coach—you are not just another number. The plan I have with Kristaps for when he is not coaching me allows me to build my strength and improve my mobility. Not only has Kristaps made me stronger, but he has also helped me focus on my weaknesses and understand their root causes. If you have any doubts about any lifts, Kristaps is the coach for you. I would love to keep Kristaps' knowledge all to myself, but he is the coach for everyone.

Fantastic experience: Excellent coach. Very patient and fun to work with. Ive improved at a higher rate with kristaps than any other strength coach.

Fantastic experience: Kristaps was highly recommended by other trainers at the Leicester CrossFit box. They said "we are very lucky to have him here, so make use of him!". I'm 60 years old with some mobility issues, so I was impressed by Kristaps' very special skill set as a coach. His knowledge of anatomy, his understanding of the ways age, and injury, and different body shapes impact movement and performance is really unique and means he can work with just about anyone at any level. He listens well, rapidly building up a complete picture of your strengths and weaknesses. He uses hands-on techniques to work directly on your body and then provides you with the tips for stretching and toning that enable you to build on all that work. As a result, I've really improved my mobility and overcome some of my long term issues with pain and stiffness. And the best part is getting to channel all of that new energy and confidence into the weight lifting, and feeling the difference it makes! I can't recommend Kristaps enough.

Fantastic experience: I’ve been working with coach Kristaps for about 3 months now. I’m pushing 50 and was beginning to feel a bit tired and generally feeble. Although active in various sports, my progress was hampered by injury and my lack of strength and stamina. Kris has tailored a programme that works around my various injury niggles and at a pace to suit me. I’m feeling stronger, and already have more stamina, and I think my body shape might be changing. Kris is patient and knows when to push, and when not to. I was quite nervous about going to the gym, I needn’t have been. I still ache after a session, and it sure isn’t easy, but I make much fewer old man noises in my day-to-day life and I’m starting to get a buzz out of each session. If you’re thinking - can a personal trainer really help me? then the answer is yes, Kristaps can. James

Fantastic experience: Where do I begin?!Having done Crossfit for years, I always enjoyed weights, however, I found myself stuck and frustrated with Oly lifting... Yes, there comes a point where if your technique isn’t there, you can’t make up for it with strength! I decided to look for an Olympic weightlifting coach to help me out and found Kristaps online. From the very first session, the spark was back! Kristaps is extremely knowledgeable and experienced. And of course, passionate about what he does! In addition to Olympic weightlifting (and strongman prior to that), he's got a unique physio and rebab knowledge, which was more than I expected, yet turned out to be hugely beneficial. Right form from the start, Kristaps was able to spot imbalances in my overhead position and recommend exercises to improve the situation. In addition to personalised warm up exercises to take away, he would also get ‘hands on’ to remedy the situation on the spot. This is a unique mix of skills and experience I would never get from a regular physio (and certainly not from a PT)! I used to pay for physio appointments and sports message, where in fact I gained more from working with Kristaps, often feeling a great relief in a matter of minutes. I recall saying that what he does is ‘magic’ quite a few times. It is of course the skills and experience that make Kristaps is so effective in his approach. As for the lifts, I’m having fun again! After years of CrossFit and a rotator cuff injury along the way, I have developed some ‘bad habits’ and compensatory behaviours. So, it was back to square one, unlearning and re-learning again. I was prepared for it and fully trusted Kristaps. Six months on, I can see huge changes in my technique. And when I fail a lift, I am able go learn from it, adjust for the next attempt and improve. This is so much more empowering than trying random things and hoping for the best before I started with Kristaps. In addition to my sessions, I have been provided with a programme, so that what I do on my own is focused and helps me improve. Again, so much better than all the random stuff I used to do before. As a woman, I also appreciate that Kristaps took on board feedback on how I feel at different points in my cycle and tweaked the programme accordingly. So instead of being frustrated, I can enjoy my training and listen to my body. The weightlifting club run by Kristaps shares premises with a CrossFit gym, which means he has an understanding of what I do and my background. And appreciates the differences in lifting in CrossFit vs Olympic weightlifting. Most importantly, I truly enjoy each and every session! I like the fact that Kristaps is able to explain to me what we are doing and why. Any pains, aches or tightness, he is able go identify the reason and provide rehab suggestions. I totally recommend Kristaps! Whether you’re an advanced athlete; casual lifter who got stuck with their lifts (like me) or a complete beginner (so you can learn how to lift properly from the start and not have to do all the undoing work I’ve gotta do), he’s the coach for you!

Fantastic experience: I've been coached by Kristaps since March 2013. Kristaps has provided bespoke rehabilitation and performance coaching which has enabled me to enjoy excellent athletic capacity into my 60's. Training with Kristaps sometimes can be a challenging ordeal! But training with Kristaps is always a pleasure:)

Fantastic experience: Kris has been fantastic with helping me exercise to get rid of pain and to improve my strength and movement. After only a short time I noticed huge improvements in my ability to trek up steep inclines and enjoy skiing. My strength is increasing. Kris will always explain why an exercise is important and is persistent in his problem solving.

Fantastic experience: I paid for some initial sessions as I was tentative about this one-person show. I went on to book ten sessions and an individual workout plan. Kristaps has a finely tuned knowledge of strength and exercise with a bespoke holistic approach to training his client. He has taught me that behind motivation, there is a giant called discipline. I have learnt a lot from him. Kristaps has been exceptional.

Fantastic experience: Brilliant knowledge, expertise and attention to detail, Kristaps has been very helpful both during sessions and answering any questions after.

Fantastic experience: I was dabbling with the idea of strength training when I decided to have a consultation with Kristaps. I have now completed the final session of a 10 session block and can say that I am now addicted! I went to Kristaps on the strength of reviews that mentioned his skills at rehabilitation for injuries, as I have had issues with shoulder and back pain for a number of years, related to my occupation. I'm very pleased to say that Kristaps came up with a simple and effective set of exercises and stretches to correct my weaknesses alongside a comprehensive strength training programme. Kristaps tells it to you straight but he is also extremely encouraging and totally practical in building your strength base up. While the first few sessions were quite hard going I started to get a real buzz after the first 3 or 4 and would recommend booking in two sessions a week to start with if you can as it really gets the momentum going: I did once a week for two weeks and then did 4 over the next two weeks as I had some time off work, and those 4 sessions made a massive difference to my confidence going into the gym. Kristaps is an excellent motivator and a kind and caring guy, which makes a big difference when you're coming in without any prior knowledge or experience. He just wants to get the best out of his clients and get them fitter and stronger, and I have certainly come out from my 10 sessions feeling stronger, healthier, happier and really strongly motivated to keep improving.

Fantastic experience: I've recently finished 20 sessions with Kristaps and I've never been in better shape my entire life. He made sure to teach me the correct techniques for all exercises covered so I could go away and keep training. He's incredibly motivating during the sessions and pushed me through the blocks when I would have given up training alone. I'm more confident with my own ability now and cannot wait to keep training.

Fantastic experience: I've being coming to Kristaps for help with my weightlifting for just under a year and I am blown away by the progression I have made. I came to him having done lifts in CrossFit for a number of years, barely making any progression and within months of his coaching, I was recording PB's weekly - something I'd never have thought was possible. He not only helps with my lifting, but any injuries or niggles I have, he is always on hand with exercises or physio to help ease the physical discomfort. I'm incredibly grateful to Kris for all he has taught me, I make the journey from Newark to Leicester twice a week just for his coaching. Cannot recommend him enough x

Fantastic experience: Hearing from others about his knowledge and expertise was initially what drew me to Kris’ coaching. There was so much attention to detail to mistakes I was making initially which really excelled my weightlifting with confidence. As a coach myself this helped me to learn more too. I would highly recommend to anyone wanting to improve their performance. Thankyou Kris!!

Fantastic experience: Been working with other 'well-educated' coaches, but nothing can be compared with the experience. Kristaps, by working with people ranging from athletes to causal individuals, developed the skills and the understanding of human anatomy to an extent that's rare to find. By having a brilliant idea of body mechanics, he gives a precise judgment of what your weaknesses are, what you're good at and objectively speaks about what's to improve. As his client, you will be getting a professionally written program, individualized only to your needs (not copy/paste) I've been resistant to listen, but whatever he said (incl. food requirements based on his program), was more than accurate. Lastly, a good coach gives you a good training plan, but an outstanding one cares about your mental side too. This is what he does: -a massive sense of support, -full engagement -faith like not a lot of coaches nowadays especially, when it comes to comps->always there! He doesn't look at you only as a client $$$ but as a person. Truly encourage!!

Fantastic experience: I’ve been coached by Kristaps for the past 6months and it’s the best thing i’ve ever done for my training. My strength and technique has come on massively, i’ve put on up to 5-10kg on all my lifts and i’m just about to start a third programme with him. Thanks Kristaps for all your help, i can’t recommend him enough.

Fantastic experience: I started a program with Kristaps to improve my strength and technique. Kris’ knowledge and skill for Olympic weightlifting is exceptional and I always feel empowered and stronger following my weekly personal training session with Kris. His knowledge and coaching has helped me massively not just with my weight lifting technique but understanding the required calorie intake, sleep and other elements which are paramount. Kris has taken time to understand my goals and hurdles and continues to help me overcome these. I would highly recommend Kristaps as a weight lifting coach and mentor to help you succeed and achieve your personal goals.

Fantastic experience: This is the first review I have ever written and thought I would start with some background. I am 46 years old and have a history of two slipped discs and an associated 10 year legacy of root block injections, epidurals, chronic pain, immobility and lots of painkillers. Immediately before visiting Kristaps late last summer I visited a physio for some help as I was not able to stand up, bend over or lots of associated activities. I was given a print out of stretches and sent on my way. Left frustrated, and no further forward I arranged a session with Kristaps after reading reviews and thought it was worth a try. From a health, mobility and pain point of view, visiting Kristaps is the best decision I have ever made. Kristaps initially carried out some capability and mobility sessions with me before providing a diagnosis that had not been made in the previous 10 years of treatment from multiple health professionals. Following diagnosis, Kristaps designed a specific programme and then carefully and attentively managed my improvement through regular mobility and strengthening sessions. If during a session, something does not look right, Kristaps reacts, carries out specific corrective stretches or exercises and corrects the problem. His ability to identify and correct an issue through in-depth understanding of the way a body should function is excellent. I can now stand up pain free, bend, tie my shoe laces and even carry out things that were not in my orbit before like squat and deadlift! I am thankful to Kristaps for the impact he has had on my life. Overall, my review is that Kristaps is excellent. If any of the above sounds familiar to you, I urge you to make contact with Kristaps, it may change your life.

Fantastic experience: Working with Kris has been a revelation for me. Problems with mobility and technique that have plagued me for years were resolved in a matter weeks which has led to significant improvements in all of my OLs. His technical knowledge is second to none and it’s always a pleasure to work with him.

Fantastic experience: Kristaps’s knowledge is endless! Not just with Olympic lifting but general mobility, movement patterns, strength, you name it. I’m a PT and Martial arts coach myself so I can spot a good coach. I can say hand on heart he’s the best. I’ve had many injuries and have many imbalances from years of competing and I’ve not had something yet he can’t help fix, work around or give a completely new angle on. Top notch

Fantastic experience: I am very happy to have experienced Kristaps as my weightlifting coach. During these 8+ months, my strength has improved a lot. I learned from 0 to the last Snatch 32.5kg, Clean 45kg, jerk 42.5kg. Deadlift 85kg. Kristaps taught me a lot of useful techniques about weightlifting and always encouraged me to push my limits! The best weightlifting trainer in Leicester. If you are looking to improve your overall self by lifting weights, this is a great choice! :)

Fantastic experience: Kristaps is very knowledgeable and he has a great way of teaching. He always makes sure you push yourself and you finish every workout feeling like you achieved something.

Fantastic experience: I really enjoy training with Kristaps, he is very professional and has a wealth of knowledge about strength training. He looks at your weaknesses and works with your body to help make those weaknesses stronger. I never thought I would be able to lift a bar with weights above my head because I had a weak left shoulder, but now I am to lift with confidence. Kristaps really makes sure the sessions push me but afterwards I am so proud of myself for being able to complete them. I have never walked away feeling that was easy.

Fantastic experience: Kristaps has been my trainer for a while now, back from the days when he was based at Lifestyle Fitness, and I continued with him when he moved to Cross Fit Leicester which I have found a much better venue due to the equipment, flexibility, and amount of space. There was a break in the training due to covid and the Leicester lockdown, and although Kristaps continued with training over Zoom this wasn’t for me. I was somewhat unsure of how safe and useful restarting one-to-one sessions in the covid times particularly since I don’t feel comfortable working out at my normal gym. But I needn’t have worried as the covid precautions at CrossFit Leicester are comprehensive and strictly adhered to. And of course things are not the same with personal training with the measures and distancing, but that’s something we just have to live with for the time being. I am over 50 years old and suffer from a few injuries; Kristaps has been great at working with those, and customising the workouts to not only stop aggravating injuries, but provide exercises to address and strengthen them. Currently many of my prescribed exercises use body weight or low weights, but the workouts with Kristaps are still always challenging. And of course despite the distancing, Kristaps seems to still be quick to spot all my imbalances, poor posture and poor technique! If anything I feel that in these covid days where the variety of exercises one can do has been limited, it is even more relevant/useful to continue to exercise in a safe environment and keep healthy, and having Kristaps to guide me is a big advantage. I suppose it’s worth saying to those who don’t know Kristaps that if you want a trainer/coach who will coast with your exercises and just want someone to chat to whilst exercising, Kristaps is not for you as the workouts are never easy. But on the other hand after the hour is done one really feels one has achieved something.

Fantastic experience: I have known Kristaps through the gym environment for many years. He is an outstanding power athlete with a broad wealth of knowledge and a clear passion for helping others achieve their goals. I have witnessed some amazing transformations in strength, physique and overall well-being while under the support of Coach Kristaps. In March 2020 I suddenly developed severe joint pain which left me unable to walk for several months... While rheumatology experts were left scratching their heads and putting me on huge waiting lists, Kristaps was full of ideas, hope and moral support! Your goals become his goals - 10/10 coaching and a great guy!

Fantastic experience: Have known Kristaps for a while now, and without a doubt has surely made me a believer in myself in what I'm capable of doing and achieving.I do have personal sessions to taking part in Olympic lifting classes and without a doubt in my opinion kristaps is one of the best and I would sure to recommend what ever you're requirements are with his knowledge and experience he will sure help you to reach you're goal whatever they may be.

Fantastic experience: I've worked with several great personal trainers over the years but Kristaps is by far the best. His knowledge of proper form and technique is underpinned by an ability to teach and a great grounding in the muscular skeletal system. He got me further, faster and with less injuries than anyone I've ever trained with. If it's rehab, strength training for a specific sport, olympic lifting or strong man, I cannot recommend him highly enough. It's also worth noting that he's great in person but he also created a great virtual program for me over lockdown.

Fantastic experience: The best weightlifting coach in Leicester. If you are looking for a coach who truly cares about the sport of weightlifting and about his athletes Kristaps is the coach for the job. With Kristaps you’ll not only become stronger but smarter. Kristaps will teach you proper technique, explain the benefits of different exercises, teaches the Importance of moving correctly. etc. As someone who had zero experience in weightlifting, within one year (6months in lockdown) I have learned how to perform both the snatch and clean and jerk with sound technique. With Kristaps I have achieved milestones such as clean and jerking more than my body weight and snatching 95% of my body weight. Kristaps has also helped me rehabilitate a wrist and hip injury to full recovery.

Fantastic experience: I’ve had a fantastic learning experience with Kristaps. I booked a block of four sessions to learn the foundations of Olympic weightlifting and I couldn’t be more pleased with my progress. My own perceptions of my mobility issues were challenged and now I can confidently say I am much more able to achieve the lifts with correct technique. The difference from before and after is really clear. Kristaps was very professional in his approach as he took a thorough list of previous injuries, other sports I play and diet before commencing any physical work. This really tailored the sessions towards me so I got the best out of my time. His approach is highly detailed and this really helped my get the result that I wanted. If your after a coach who has a vast knowledge base and is clearly passionate about teaching then this is the coach for you. I plan to come back and keep improving. Thanks for all the help Kristaps.