Steve Tripp
Steve’s interest in weight training started when he was 13 years old. He started working out at the local YMCA and Taunton’s Ultimate Fitness before training at his high school weight room at Dighton-Rehoboth Regional. During all four years of high school, Steve typically stayed in the weight room until the janitors kicked him out.
The day before his 17th birthday, Steve was involved in a head on collision breaking more than a dozen bones. After four surgeries, having his jaw wired shut for 10 weeks, and being in casts for six, he had to start over, weighing only 150 pounds at 6’ 5” tall. It took all of 18 months for him to get on his feet and training again; but he was able to get back in shape and play defensive end all four years of college at Bridgewater State University, where he received his Bachelors in Exercise Science.
Although always involved in sports, the gym is really where Steve found his passion.
In the onset of his training career, Steve prioritized seeking more specific education after his bachelors. He believes that in the fitness industry there are no “right answers,” so the more he knew, the better he could provide guidance for himself and others.
In addition to his Bachelor’s Degree, Steve has received certifications through:
National Strength and Conditioning Association: CSCS
National Academy of Sports Medicine: NASM CPTPoliquin Biosignature Modulation: LVL 1
USA Weightlifting: USAW LVL 1
Kettlebell Concepts: KBC 1 & 2
TRX Suspension Training: LVL 1 and Group
Kinesis
Titleist Performance Institute: LVL 1
After graduating, his first job was at Boston Sports Club in Providence, RI where he worked for over four years as a Master Trainer. He then moved his business to Synrgy Health and Fitness where he still trained full-time as Director of the Personal Training Program for two and a half years. Eventually, Vanessa, a trainer Steve had hired while at Synrgy, encouraged him to go on his own. Fast forward to January of 2016, and The TOP Strength Project is born.
Steve is a firm believer that the strongest person in the room is in the wrong room. For that reason, he has been fortunate to work with some of the strongest and most brilliant minds in the industry including Stan Efferding, Matt Wenning, and Brandon Allen.
Steve’s overall drive both as a person and professionally is to lead by example. He doesn’t believe it is his place to “help people” but, rather, to show them that they can help themselves. It is through his guidance and in the facilities that he provides they can find direction.
Steve began competing in both Powerlifting and Strongman in 2017. Originally, the motivation to compete came from some of his clients and members expressing an interest so Steve jumped on board. Since then, Steve has competed in four Powerlifting Competitions in three different federations, eight local Strongman Competitions, one National Strongman Competition, and SUPERLEAGUE World War in Las Vegas. He has also worked with and prepared dozens of men and women ranging in ages from 17 to 55 to compete in local competitions.
Over the last three years, Steve has won:
“Best Lifter” in two SPF Powerlifting Meets in two different weight classes (259, 275)
1st in RPS New England Revolution (275)
1st in RPS Winter’s Wrath and Best Lifter (275)
1st in USPA Connecticut State Powerlifting State Championships (125kg)
1st in USPA RI State Championships and Best Lifter (125kg)
1st in USPA TOP Strength Fall Brawl and Best Lifter (125kg)
1st in USPA Maine State Championships (125kg)
2017, 2019, 2021 New York Strongest Man
2019, 2021 Massachusetts Strongest Man
2019 Maine Strongest Man
2019 Connecticut Strongest Man
2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020 Rhode Island’s Strongest Man
And placed 2nd in SUPERLEAGUE World War Super Heavyweight Division behind Larry Wheels
He also holds State Records in:
New York State Heavyweight Atlas Stone (400)
USPA RI State Deadlift Record (804)
USPA RI Squat Record (744)
USS Massachusetts Deadlift State Record (750)
RPS NH/VT and New England Regional Deadlift Record (850)
The only 800+ pound Deadlift in RI
It is believed that it takes 10,000 accumulated hours to master a skillset. Throughout his 10 years in the industry, Steve has accumulated close to double that in client training sessions and at least double that in time spent training himself. However, at 32, he feels more motivated to continue to learn and grow through his practice and experiences than ever.
Steve’s goals for this upcoming year are to compete in USS Nationals in June, and earn a 2000 pound Powerlifting Total in the USPA.
Specialities:
Nutrition/ Body Composition