South Loop Strength & Conditioning

Help us celebrate our December member of the month, Shalin!

From alternative hype tracks to well-earned pizza nights after a 3–4 day training week, he embodies what we love most about this community: work hard, celebrate the wins, and trust that little gains add up in a big way.

What brought you to SLSC originally?
I wanted to join a true CrossFit gym with dedicated coaches and expertise
What’s your favorite movement or workout—and your least favorite?
Most barbell compound movements are some of my favorites. I also enjoy the gymnastic movements. Least favorite the bike/run
Proudest gym moment so far?
Getting single and multiple Bar Muscle Ups!
What’s your go-to hype song or workout playlist vibe?
Alternative.
Favorite post-workout meal or treat?
Varies - if healthy then likely Greek yogurt. If I've made it to the gym 3-4 over the week then definitely pizza
Any advice for someone just getting started at SLSC?
Little gains go a long way and technique matters more than the weight (this is easier said than done but it's paid strong dividends).

Thanks to everyone who competed, volunteered, and judged at our winter in-house comp. Next stop, Open 26.1

Last but not least for 2025, huge congratulations to Victor, our December Member of the Month!

This year has been a big one for Victor in the weightlifting department. He hit a 100kg clean & jerk PR and followed it up with an impressive 77kg sn**ch PR —a testament to his consistency, focus, and willingness to put in the work week after week.

What makes these lifts even more impressive is the patience and discipline behind them. Victor shows up, trains with intention, and trusts the process. His steady progress is a great example of how commitment over time leads to real results.

Congrats again, Victor—we’re proud to have you as part of the community and can’t wait to see what you lift in 2026! 💪🔥

What brought you to SLSC originally?

One day I realized I couldn't get out of the driver's seat of my car without grabbing the door. I'd walked past SLSC for 4 years and finally walked in hoping they could turn my life around.

What’s your favorite movement or workout—and your least favorite?

Favorite: sn**ch. A beautiful expression of power and technique. Least favorite: double unders. Until I get better and stop lashing myself.

Proudest gym moment so far?

Starting a rivalry with Coach Alvaro. It might only be one-way though.

What’s something surprising people might not know about you?

In the summer I play 9 man volleyball on Chicago United . They're my big fat asian american family. SLSC has kept me out of retirement!

What’s your go-to hype song or workout playlist vibe?

Anything with Future. I'm a perennial top 0.5% listener

Favorite post-workout meal or treat?

Umai's curry udon or katsu curry. Comfort food

When you're not training, what are you up to?

Dermatologist by day and sometimes night. I find it especially meaningful to care for patients with hair/autoimmune disorders and skin cancers

Any advice for someone just getting started at SLSC?

Say "yes coach." They know what they're doing!!!

Congratulations to our November member of the month, Jessica! Jessica has been a member of SLSC for over 3 years - you can find her in both CrossFit and Weightlifting classes. We're looking forward to seeing her compete in WL on the platform very soon! Good luck!

What brought you to SLSC originally?

I was looking for a community where I'd feel comfortable and challenged.  I'm thankful I found it at SLSC

What’s your favorite movement or workout—and your least favorite?

My favorites are handstand push-ups, dumbbell sn**ches, and overhead press/jerk.  My least favorites are thrusters, bike, and wall walks.

Proudest gym moment so far?

I don't have a single moment, but so have memories of many workouts when I pushed myself and RX'd a workout. Although this isn't something I've done yet - I've committed to doing at least 1 olympic lifting competition for the psychological challenge.

What’s something surprising people might not know about you?

I started exercising consistently at age 38 after over a decade of minimal exercise.

Favorite post-workout meal or treat?

yerba mate tea all day long

When you're not training, what are you up to?

Honestly, working too much.  Also, I enjoy yoga, meditation, and spending time with family and friends.

Any advice for someone just getting started at SLSC?

Believe in yourself and you will be surprised what you can accomplish!

Halloween is coming up. Do you have your consume?

Outstanding performance for SLSC's last weekend at the 2025 Mid-American Championship!

Laura returned to the platform to hit an impressive 37kg sn**ch, then a personal record-breaking 63kg clean & jerk, for a total of 100kg! Bravo Laura! Way to represent! 

Big thanks to the support squad, including , Coach , Coach , and, of course, Laura's biggest little fan (see pic 1). 

Special thanks also to our hosts , Coach , and for keeping the event alive for lifters across the Midwest to enjoy, year over year. 


**ch

It's meet day!

Good luck at the 2025 USA Weightlifting Mid American Championship !