ABOUT:
Growing up and primarily involved in baseball and basketball, Coach Christopher Francisco (Coach Toph) wanted to share his passion for fitness and athletic performance by starting a Boot Camp aimed for general fitness and runners. After College, he took a break from playing competitively and picked up running. He was always trying to figure out better ways to build strength in runners. He believed that there was more than just picking up one foot over the other and adding miles to it. He was later introduced to CrossFit and long story short, this is where he renewed his passion for incorporating the barbell into training. Because of the added dimension to training and growing number of clients, Christopher expanded Boot Camp by establishing his own Strength & Conditioning Gym. This is what established the Fitness Center known as Synergy Fitness Lab. Through the past six years, Christopher has aligned himself with partners that continued the CrossFit side of the business and of course giving him the opportunity of forming what is now Long Beach Weightlifting. With the growing popularity of the Sport of Weightlifting, he has helped athletes pursue their goals of competing under this USAW club.
The athletes and staff at Long Beach Weightlifting are dedicated to perfecting your classical lifts: the snatch and the clean and jerk. Open to all ages, we train Youth, Junior, Senior, and Masters weightlifters. Whether you are new to the sport, developing or accessorizing for a specific sport, trying to perfect your lifts for CrossFit, or competing at a national level, we will challenge you with a careful and patient eye.
Long Beach Weightlifting is more than a gym. We believe that family goes a long way and are committed to fostering a supportive environment for the Long Beach and weightlifting communities. From helping local schools get fit to providing gear to Olympic Lifting communities overseas, we love to make a difference through our passion for weightlifting.
Feel free to drop in for a weightlifting session.
Growing up and primarily involved in baseball and basketball, Coach Christopher Francisco (Coach Toph) wanted to share his passion for fitness and athletic performance by starting a Boot Camp aimed for general fitness and runners. After College, he took a break from playing competitively and picked up running. He was always trying to figure out better ways to build strength in runners. He believed that there was more than just picking up one foot over the other and adding miles to it. He was later introduced to CrossFit and long story short, this is where he renewed his passion for incorporating the barbell into training. Because of the added dimension to training and growing number of clients, Christopher expanded Boot Camp by establishing his own Strength & Conditioning Gym. This is what established the Fitness Center known as Synergy Fitness Lab. Through the past six years, Christopher has aligned himself with partners that continued the CrossFit side of the business and of course giving him the opportunity of forming what is now Long Beach Weightlifting. With the growing popularity of the Sport of Weightlifting, he has helped athletes pursue their goals of competing under this USAW club.
The athletes and staff at Long Beach Weightlifting are dedicated to perfecting your classical lifts: the snatch and the clean and jerk. Open to all ages, we train Youth, Junior, Senior, and Masters weightlifters. Whether you are new to the sport, developing or accessorizing for a specific sport, trying to perfect your lifts for CrossFit, or competing at a national level, we will challenge you with a careful and patient eye.
Long Beach Weightlifting is more than a gym. We believe that family goes a long way and are committed to fostering a supportive environment for the Long Beach and weightlifting communities. From helping local schools get fit to providing gear to Olympic Lifting communities overseas, we love to make a difference through our passion for weightlifting.
Feel free to drop in for a weightlifting session.
Credentials:
- USAW NATIONAL COACH
- NATIONAL TECHNICAL OFFICIAL
- SOUTHERN PACIFIC LWC BOARD OF DIRECTORS
- SafeSport
- ADM (Athlete Development Model)
- CrossFit L1
- CrossFit Endurance (For Runners)
ACTIVE ROSTER
ABEL ZAVALZA
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BIO COMING SOON!!!
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ARELI PAREDES
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Hola, my name is Areli Paredes
I'm a mother of 2 awesome kids that are my life. I started weightlifting 2-1/2yrs ago after wanting something new and challenging in my life. Weightlifting has changed me and now I'm strong, confident and an outgoing person. I'm known for making friends easily and being a good listener. I have met some of the nicest people who are always pushing me to be a better mother, friend and lifter. I love dancing, listening to Audible books, hanging out with friends/family but most of all, being the loudest person at my kids' race, "GO BABY FASTER!!!" Thank you coach Chris for never giving up on me when I was giving up on myself. |
AUSTIN STRAUS
Best Snatch: 105
Best Clean & Jerk: 120 Best Total: 225 |
Favorite Lift: Snatch.
What got you into weightlifting? The feel good feeling of hitting a weight you couldn't hit before. What do you do other than weightlifting? Engineer things and travel. Goal is to qualify for the Open in the 102 Kg class. Top 3 Totals105/120/225
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CHRISTIAN PEZO
Best Snatch: 86
Best Clean & Jerk: 103 Best Total: 189 |
I've always played sports from childhood mainly soccer. But when I was in middle school two hip surgeries ended my soccer career. I found weightlifting in high school and fell in love with it. I'm now going to College going after my degrees in Film and Psychology. In my free time, I'm either writing, playing video games, or coach my little sister's soccer team. My favorite lift is the clean and jerk.
Top 3 Totals86/103/189 @ 105+Kg
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CHRISTOPHER PAREDES
Best Snatch: 14
Best Clean & Jerk: 18 Best Total: 32 |
I've been weightlifting since 2017. I went to see my big brother train at LBW and wanted to join. I like the Clean and Jerk. I love to eat all kinds of food but love Mariscos. I'm the youngest. I have a big brother and sister who are weightlifters.
First Total14/18/32 @ 49kg
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Jasbir "JAZ" SANDHUBest Snatch: 93
Best Clean & Jerk: 116 Best Total: 209 |
My name is Jasbir (Jaz). I was born in Southern California and raised in Northern California and was involved in sports at a very young age. I served in the military for 6 years and was a personal trainer at UFC gym for a little under two years. I have been weightlifting for a few years and am now working on my level 1 certification and hope to open my own gym one day. I recently moved back to the Long Beach area with my two fur babies and my future wife.
Top 2 Totals93/116/209 @ 89 Kg
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JEFF LUZOD
Highest Level Achieved with Total: American Open Series 2018
Best Snatch: 105
Best Clean & Jerk: 140 Best Total: 244 |
I am a claims adjuster by day and weightlifter at night. I was involved in sports, mainly football, throughout grade school. I briefly played intramural/recreational sports as a student at UCLA. After years of infrequent activity, I found a new passion in CrossFit which in turn led me to weightlifting. In my spare time, I love to go fishing, grab a craft beer, watch sports, collect sneakers and go to Disneyland.
Top 3 Totals104/140/244 @ 109+kg
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JONAH NIUMATA
Highest Level Achieved with Total: U25 National Champs 2018
Best Snatch: 110
Best Clean & Jerk: 151 Best Total: 257 |
BIO COMING SOON
Top 3 Totals106/151/257 @ 105kg
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JUNIOR ELIZONDO
Best Snatch: 98
Best Clean & Jerk: 129 Best Total: 227 |
My journey with weightlifting started with Crossfit at the end of 2015. I was at my heaviest and decided to start CrossFit to lose weight. Weightlifing always grabbed my attention due to the technical aspects. You can be the strongest person in a room but that does not mean anything when asked to perform a full snatch to depth. I fell in love with weightlifting watching the Olympics seeing people pick up twice their weight. I switched to weightlifting and joined LBWL in March 2019. My personal hobbies are hiking, cycling, working out with friends, and also collecting things for my home gym.
Top 2 Totals98/129/227 @ 109+ Kg
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KIMBERLY IDIO
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My first exposure to weightlifting was through a seminar led by Cara Heads. It was new and different from other forms of exercise I've tried. When I started CrossFit, I started weightlifting twice a week to improve my movements for CrossFit. I soon discovered how much more fun it is to lift and I've been at it ever since.
When I'm not in the classroom teaching, you'll find me at the pool deck cheering on my son at a water polo tournament, while caring a toddler on my hip. My family schedule keeps me on my toes and weightlifting keeps me grounded. It's those few hours during the week that are all mine. Things I love...discovering new local dining spots Guilty pleasures...cold beer and pizza Favorite artist: LL Cool J Favorite time of day: Sunset Current projects: Finishing up my administrative credential at CSUF...future principal here! Top 3 Totals53/68/121 @ 69kg
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LOGAN FRANK
Highest Level Achieved with Total: American Open Series 2018
Best Snatch: 95
Best Clean & Jerk: 130 Best Total: 225 |
My name is Logan Frank,
I have been Weightlifting for two years now and I found this passion through Crossfit. My focus in life is my beautiful wife and daughter. I lift to Britney Spears because she’s amazing. I have my USAW Level 1 and coach at Crossfit 1440. As a recovering addict Weightlifting is a major part of my recovery and I hope to use my platform as an athlete/coach to help other struggling in life! Top 3 Totals95/130/225 @ 102kg
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MICHAEL JOSEPH
Best Snatch: 96
Best Clean & Jerk: 126 Best Total: 222 |
Hi. My name is Michael. And I like to party. I'm an Orange Country native and University of Oregon alum. I am also a USAW Level 1 Coach and Doctor of Physical Therapy. I'm always happy to help our athletes with injuries and rehab.
Top 3 Totals96/126/222 @ 102kg
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MOHAMED SULTAN
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Athlete Profile
Name: Mohamed Sultan Age: 31 Gender: Male
Permanent Residence: Cairo - Egypt US Residence: Long Beach, California Height: 161 cm Weight: 81 kg Sport: Weightlifting Sporting Achievements:
Greatest goals is to medal at Olympic Games Paris 2024 |
PAUL LEUNGHighest Level Achieved with Total: American Open Series 2018
Best Snatch: 81
Best Clean & Jerk: 93 Best Total: 174 |
Paul started weightlifting consistently about 4 years ago, and while not particularly strong he had absurd hypermobility. Because of this all his squats had full depth with ease. His initial goal was to snatch bodyweight, but reaching that only left him with a desire to go further. Thanks to Coach Chris, he was able to adjust his form over the subsequent years, and although he can't commit as much time in the gym to keep growing his raw strength, he's still been able to finally snatch 25% over his bodyweight. Chris also got him into competing, something which he'd never imagine himself doing in his life. But with proper programming and guidance he qualified for AO series in the weight class with the highest sinclair requirement. He's always ready to help out in the gym, so don't hesitate to ask!
Top 3 Totals81/93/174 @ 73kg
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PENNEY NGUYEN
Highest Level Achieved with Total: American Open Series 2018
Best Snatch: 48
Best Clean & Jerk: 68 Best Total: 116 |
Growing up, I played high school basketball & badminton. When I entered college, I found the love for running. I would get that “runners high” and run for hours. I found joy in running marathons & spartan races. After college, I joined UFC gym where I found my passion for high intensity workouts, which then led me to CrossFit! I did many local Crossfit competitions and discovered how competitive I was. In 2018, I realized that I wanted to focus on my form & strength, so I slowly transitioned into Weightlifting. I competed in my first national meet, AO2 in Vegas in Sept 2018. It was nerve wracking, but an amazing experience!!
Besides from weightlifting, I enjoy traveling the world, being a foodie, and spending time with my family, friends, fiancé & dogs. Favorite lift: clean & jerks Favorite restaurant: boiling point (Taiwanese hot pot) Favorite color: light pink Favorite travel locations: Paris, Japan, Hawaii, New York Favorite drink: milk tea with boba Pet peeve: People who are late and inconsiderate of other’s time Favorite singers: Michael Buble & Frank Sinatra Top 3 Totals48/68/116 @ 59kg
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RAUL PAREDES
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I have great 3 kids who are weightlifters. So I was the dad who cheered on my kids who are part of the LBW family. Then I became the dad who helped around the gym and on meets. One day, I decided to do weightlifting. I started March 2019 and already did 2 weightlifting meets. I'm a industrial welder for 17 years and going. But enjoy spending time with my kids and the people I love.
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RHIANE SEBASTIAN
Best Snatch: 58
Best Clean & Jerk: 60 Best Total: 116 |
BIO COMING SOON!
Top 3 Totals58/58/116 @ 75+kg
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ROBERT LAMBest Snatch: 66
Best Clean & Jerk: 77 Best Total: 143 |
I’m currently a student at UCR, and I always look forward to my workout after the day’s classes. Weightlifting is always my favorite hour of the day, and every day is a fresh new opportunity to fix yesterday’s mistakes and get stronger. Every day brings us one step closer to stepping onto the competition platform. In my free time, I enjoy eating, practicing my handwriting, and arcades. Smile and have a fantastic day!
First Total66/77/143 @ 81Kg
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SAL PAREDES
Highest Level Achieved with Total: Youth National Championships 2018
Best Snatch: 41
Best Clean & Jerk: 51 Best Total: 91 MEDALS40/51/91 @ 64+Kg **GOLD** SNATCH/C&J/TOTAL
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Hi, I'm Salena Paredes. Better known as Sal. I have an older brother and a younger brother who are LBW weightlifters.
So I'm going to try to make a long story short. My aunt Areli (we call her Titi), and brothers joined LBW. My little brother Chris told me about his experience at LBW. So I decided to check it out. I fell in love with weightlifting. I have over 2 years doing. I've done several weightlifting meets including 2 USA Weightlifting Youth Nationals. Thankfully, I received a Best Technique medal at 2019 Youth Nationals. I'm currently in middle school. Hoping to go UCLA after high school. I'm very thankful for everyone who has supported me through anything and everything I do. My parents, brothers, family, weightlifting family and does who are always pushing me. Thanks for reading. Top 3 Totals41/50/91 @ 64+Kg
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SANDRA TRAN
Highest Level Achieved with Total: American Open Finals 2018
Best Snatch: 65
Best Clean & Jerk: 86 Best Total: 151 |
Hi my name is Sandra, I like to weightlift and bake desserts. Give me boba and sushi all day. I dont like spiders and watermelon.
Top 3 Totals 65/86/151 @ 59kg
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SHARON TRAN
Highest Level Achieved with Total: National Championships 2017
Best Snatch: 70
Best Clean & Jerk: 86 Best Total: 156 |
Hi, my name is Sharon!
What started out of curiosity became my way of staying fit and, surprisingly, relaxing. I've been with Long Beach Weightlifting for almost four years - just a little longer than I've been in medical school. When I'm not lifting weights, I'm lifting books or my two cats. Top 3 Totals70/86/156 @ 55kg
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SUSIE PEREZ
Highest Level Achieved with Total: American Open Series 2018
Best Snatch: 44
Best Clean & Jerk: 55 Best Total: 99 MEDALS43/52/95 @ 59kg **GOLD** TOTAL
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Salutations! My name is Susie Perez. I’m a professional cat herder by day (I teach kindergarten), so I do most of my training in the evening. I am definitely late to the party as I didn’t begin lifting weights until after my 50th birthday. I lifted for a couple of years in my garage with the help of a friend and then I joined LBWC in 2017 with the goal of improving my lifting technique. It was the best move ever! With Coach Chris’s programming and guidance I not only improved my technique but I was able to qualify and compete at the Masters' Worlds in Montreal this past August! (It didn’t go as planned, but I will definitely be back again next year.)
My favorite lift is the snatch because it is challenging. That’s the reason I love weightlifting in general and especially the Olympic lifts- they challenge me every single day. That’s also the reason I love it here at Long Beach Weightlifting; the wonderful people here challenge me to be my best and they support me along the way. We work hard and play hard! When I’m not at school or the gym I’m at home with my incredible family. I have the best husband ever and I am the mother of men! It’s testosterone 24/7 at my house. All of my men train Jiu-Jitsu and share the same work hard/play hard philosophy. I’m extremely proud of them all. I hate cooking, cleaning and poor table manners. My other hobbies include gardening, reading, and cheering for my Aston Villa Football Club! Top 3 Totals44/55/99 @ 63kg
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TREVER LATHAM
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My name is Trever Latham,
Ive been lifting for almost 2 years I love lifting! I am currently in the Navy, been in for 7 years! I lift as much as I can, and I am working on becoming a coach and I hope to open my own gym. I enjoy hanging with my dogs and playing video games! Also I like to party when I am free! Top 3 Totals101/125/226 @ 96kg
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VINCENT HO
Best Snatch: 88
Best Clean & Jerk: 112 Best Total: 200 |
Hi my name is Vincent Ho,
I started at Crown City weightlifting in 2014. I’ve been weightlifting off and on almost 4 years. I weight lift so I can stuff face, drink whiskey and not feel guilty. Top 2 Totals88/112/200 @ 109kg
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Yessenia "DORI" MONTENEGRO
Best Snatch: 40
Best Clean & Jerk: 52 Best Total: 92 |
My birth name is Yessenia Montenegro but everyone calls me Dori. Yes, like the fish from Finding Nemo.
I’ve done strength and conditioning classes in the past but I am new to weightlifting. I have slowly improved and I am happy about it. I would’ve never imagined of competing yet here I am getting ready for my third competition. I am friendly and easy to talk to. You can always catch me smiling even when I’m lifting. Besides weightlifting, I enjoy going to the beach, eating all kinds of food, spending time with my crazy Australian Shepherd, Novio, and friends. My new hobby, thanks to Penney, is watching asian dramas. I am blessed that I have made many great friends here at the gym. First Total40/52/92 @ 64kg
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