We are a premier boutique style human performance training center tailored to athletes and “everyday” athletes alike. We offer private, semi-private, group and team training at a quality that will not disappoint. Always up to date, we incorporate the use of the latest scientific research to push our athletes to their full potential.
What We Do
Here at Bando Performance, we take pride in reducing the risk of injury while also increasing athletic performance for any type of client we receive. No matter the age, athleticism, gender, or skill-set, we provide clients with the necessary tools to succeed in the gym, on the playing surface, and in life.
How We Do It
We do this by integrating strength and conditioning programs to suit the needs of each individual client. We use ground based, three dimensional exercises in order to maximize the capacity at all of our joints full ranges of motion while safely building muscular strength and size. Through in-depth coaching and cueing, our goal is to educate, motivate and guide our athletes to a successful road of athletic performance and success.
Bando Performance Staff
Meet Our Team
Charlie Bando
Co-Owner/Director of Performance
Charlie is a native of Wakefield, MA. Growing up, hockey was the main focus for Charlie. He played for multiple different teams including the Assabet Valley Patriots and Minuteman Flames. After his youth hockey career, Charlie played junior hockey for the Boston Junior Bruins and the Northern Cyclones.
His pursuit of the game of hockey landed him a spot at Castleton University in Castleton, Vermont. Charlie went on to graduate from Castleton University with a bachelor’s degree in exercise science. While at Castleton, Charlie was a captain of the hockey team from 2014-2016.
After college, Charlie took a job as the head strength and conditioning coach of the Northern Junior Cyclones. After a short stint with the Cyclones, Charlie landed an internship at Harvard University working with their strength and conditioning staff. During his time at Harvard he assisted in training all 42 varsity sports teams, as well as help former athletes to prepare them for the NFL combine and other professional sports. Following Harvard, Charlie acquired a job working at Mike Boyles Strength and Conditioning in Woburn & Middleton, MA. Charlie’s most recent position was working with Ben Prentiss at Prentiss Hockey Performance in Stamford, CT. Prentiss Hockey Performance was responsible for overseeing Boston University Hockey as well as consulting for the New York Rangers. During his time at PHP, Charlie assisted in training a handful of NHL/AHL athletes such as all stars Cam Atkinson, Kevin Shattenkirk, Matt Moulson, Max Paccioretty and James Neal as well as two time Stanley Cup champion Jonathan Quick. While at PHP, he also assisted in developing prospects for the New York Rangers and countless NCAA Division 1 athletes.
Charlie is a Certified Functional Strength and Conditioning Coach as well as having a level 1 coaching certification from USA Hockey and mobility specialist (FRCms). He also is CPR/AED and First Aid certified by the American Red Cross.
Rick La Vache
Ricky grew up in the New Hampshire seacoast area, and enjoyed playing all sports throughout his youth, with a focus on hockey. He spent his early years playing for the Dover Stars hockey organization, spent four years playing for his local high school, then dabbled in club hockey at Norwich University before hanging up the skates.
After graduating from Norwich in 2013, Ricky pursued his passion for strength & conditioning. He was fortunate enough to intern at the National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA) in Colorado, and volunteered at the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Training Center. Afterwards, he went on to earn his Master of Science degree at Bridgewater State University where he worked with the varsity teams. During that time, he also interned at the College of the Holy Cross.
After finishing graduate school in 2018, Ricky found himself in the private sector of strength & conditioning, working for Peak Fitness and True North Performance Training, having the opportunity to coach a variety of colleges and athletic organizations in the central Mass area. When he’s not at the Worcester Ice Center, Ricky spends time with his wife, Lindsay, and their two pets. You will also find him outside hiking, snowboarding, and training for his endurance events, presumably with a ruck and sandbag.
Ricky is a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist with Distinction (CSCS, *D) and a USA Weightlifting Sports Performance Coach (USAW). He is also certified by the American Red Cross in CPR/AED and First Aid.
Dan Gluck
Head Strength Coach at Bando Performance, Intern Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach at Boston University Men’s Ice Hockey
“Training under Charlie last summer was the main reason why my first season in professional hockey went so well. His attention to detail and commitment to development helped push me to new heights on and off the ice. Not only did I become stronger and faster, but we had a great time working each and… Read more “Alex Rauter”
Pittsburgh Penguins Organization
Alex Rauter
We highly recommend Bando performance. Not only did he rehab my son’s torn ACL, but they also healed his broken spirit. I don’t know where we would be without Bando Performance.
Parent of Athlete
Jessica Camelio