SoCal Weightlifting
About
SoCal Weightlifting in Los Angeles, California, is a specialized gym focused on Olympic weightlifting and general strength training. The facility offers expert coaching from a dedicated team including Owner and High Performance Director Chris Amenta, Weightlifting Coach Brandon Huang, and Owner and Manager Sarah Amenta. The gym is well equipped for serious training and also hosts educational events such as USA Weightlifting Level 1 Certification courses, reflecting its standing in the strength community. Members describe the space as an athlete's gym with a no nonsense, inspiring environment where championship flags on the walls tell a story of pedigree and excellence. The coaching staff is highlighted for their world class knowledge, passion, and genuine care for athlete success, with particular praise for Chris Amenta's transparent coaching style and Brandon Huang's effective and humorous approach in one on one and small group sessions. Newcomers, CrossFitters, and experienced lifters alike find value in personalized training options, including private PT sessions and focused technique classes like the three part cleaning workshop, which provide spot on attention in an intimate setting. The overall atmosphere is consistently described as incredibly welcoming, putting even first time visitors at ease and fostering a strong sense of community. Members frequently mention forming friendships, feeling treated like part of the family with personal touches like birthday recognition, and being inspired by training alongside some of the best, most hardworking lifters in the weightlifting space. For those looking to amplify their lifting game, achieve fitness goals, or simply be part of a culture of excellence, SoCal Weightlifting provides a supportive and professionally coached haven.
reviewsWhat Members Say
Members consistently praise the gym's knowledgeable and passionate coaching staff, specifically highlighting Chris Amenta's world class, transparent coaching and Brandon Huang's effective and humorous one on one sessions. Reviewers describe an incredibly welcoming and inspiring atmosphere that makes everyone from beginners to experienced lifters feel instantly at ease and part of a strong community. They note excellent attention in small group classes, a well equipped, no nonsense training environment, and personal touches that make athletes feel valued. The overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with members recommending the gym to anyone looking to improve their lifting, citing it as a place to build friendships, achieve PRs, and experience a culture of excellence.
rate_reviewGoogle Reviews (5)
Summer Wallace
a year ago
SoCal is an amazing space filled with knowledgeable and passionate coaches/athletes! The environment is incredibly welcoming and really inspiring! My experience with SoCal is great all around, I found so much value in signing up for the PT sessions. I’ve gotten to meet some of the BEST most hardworking lifters in the weightlifting space and for that I’m super grateful! Can’t wait for more PRs, friendships, and even a potential weightlifting meet in the future! I’d recommend the gym to anyone looking to amplify their lifting game! Crossfitters, newcomers, anyone trying to get better - this is the place for you!
Ashley Ferguson
3 years ago
I am absolutely thrilled I decided to join So Cal Weightlifting! From the moment I walked through the doors, I knew I had found a special place. Their new facility is amazing and exudes a welcoming atmosphere that instantly put me at ease on my first day. What really makes So Cal Weightlifting stand out is the amazing coaching staff. They are not only experts in their craft but also genuinely care about their athletes’ success. If you're looking for a place where you can feel like part of a community and also achieve your fitness goals, then So Cal Weightlifting is the place for you!
Dawnelle Delgado
12 months ago
This place is amazing and I recommend it to anyone from experienced weightlifters to beginners. They are welcoming. I have done 1:1 sessions with Brandon (he is great and has a good sense of humor). Most recently I did a 3 part cleaning class with a small group and the attention you receive during those small classes is spot on. Chris the owner is also very welcoming. Although I'm not an actual member of this gym they treat you like one. They recognized my birthday even after not seeing Brandon for a long time I had a birthday card waiting for me. I hope my schedule allows me to become part of this community one day. Don't wish to get stronger go get stronger at this amazing gym.
Osvaldo Aponte
2 years ago
SoCal Weightlifting has an excellent reputation in the strength community, but if you genuinely want to experience world-class coaching, you must attend one of their live events. Wow! What a joy it was learning the basics of weightlifting with Coach Amenta. His knowledge, delivery, humor, and coaching sensitivity make this man a California State Treasure. The gym is an athlete's gym. It is an out-of-the-way, well-equipped, peerlessly coached, no-nonsense weightlifter's haven. Numerous flags on the walls tell a championship story, and this is the kind of pedigree you are walking into when you join SoCal Weightlifting. I was there for the USA Weightlifting Level 1 Certification and absolutely loved every minute of it. If I lived in the area, this is where I would train, learn, and grow because it is more than a gym; it is a culture of excellence.
Aaron Ngor
11 months ago
Had the honor of hosting Chris Amenta for a USAW L1 Weightlifting course at our facility. His energy and coaching was exactly what our attendees (including myself) needed to get through a big weekend full of technical learning. Chris is the man and is transparent about both his coaching failures and successes. Had a great time working with him and the team at SoCal Weightlifting.
Contact
3595 Cadillac Ave #103, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, USA
groupCoaches & Instructors
Chris Amenta
Owner & High Performance Director
Owner and High Performance Director of SoCal Weightlifting, part of the coaching team that guides athletes from first competition to national/international podiums.
Brandon Huang
Weightlifting Coach
Weightlifting coach at SoCal Weightlifting, part of the full-time professional coaching staff with experience developing competitive athletes.
Sarah Amenta
Owner & Manager
Owner and Manager of SoCal Weightlifting, involved in the operational and community aspects of the gym.