Hey There! Meet Coach LJ – Your Partner in Strength and Excellence
Hey, everyone! I’m Larry Knapp, but you can call me LJ or just Coach—whatever feels right! I’m the heart and soul behind Barbell Ballistics, where we’re all about building the habit of excellence, one lift, laugh, and lesson at a time. With over a decade in the fitness world, I’ve had the privilege of coaching folks from tiny 8-year-olds to spry 96-year-olds, and everywhere in between. I’ve worn a bunch of hats—Exercise Physiologist, Strength Coach, Personal Trainer—and I bring a laid-back, supportive vibe to every session. Let me tell you a bit about my journey and the awesome results we’ve created together!
My Fitness Adventure
My love for fitness kicked off with baseball, playing for the Serrano Diamondbacks and Victor Valley College Rams, then diving into CrossFit and starting the Barbell Ballistics Weightlifting Club. That passion led me to hit the books, earning a B.S. in Kinesiology from CSU San Bernardino and an M.S. from CSU Fullerton. I’ve got certifications up my sleeve—Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (NSCA), USA-W Advanced Coach, Precision Nutrition L1—and even soaked up wisdom from USA Weightlifting Hall of Famer Bob Takano during an internship. Oh, and get this—I spent a whole season with the LA Clippers’ strength and conditioning staff, diving into corrective exercises, nutrition plans, and even helping design their new weight room. Talk about a thrill!
From teaching fire and police crews at Santa Ana College to guiding cardiac rehab at Hoag Presbyterian Hospital, I’ve seen it all. I’ve led sweaty CrossFit classes at Inversion, crafted personal plans at Equinox, and coached weightlifting sessions that’ve brought home medals. My style? Relaxed but focused—I’m here to meet you where you’re at, with a smile and a plan that fits.
The Cool Results We’ve Achieved
What gets me pumped is seeing the real impact we make. Here are a few highlights of the wins we’ve celebrated:
• A Silver Medal Moment: I had the joy of training someone who snagged a Silver medal in the Masters category at a USA Weightlifting national meet. With some tailored coaching and a lot of heart, we turned their hard work into a podium finish—pretty awesome, right?
• Boxers Going Pro: I teamed up with two boxers on their strength and conditioning, helping them punch their way to the pro level. We focused on power and endurance, and seeing them step into the ring as pros was a proud moment!
• Ages 8 to 96: I’ve worked with everyone from little 8-year-olds just starting out to a spirited 96-year-old keeping strong. Fitness is for every age, and I love tailoring plans to keep folks moving and thriving.
• Kicking Pain to the Curb: I’ve helped countless people improve their movement and ditch pain. Using the Functional Movement Screen and some smart exercises, we’ve gotten folks moving freely—whether they’re healing or leveling up their lifts.
• Energy Boosts Galore: I’ve supported tons of people in ramping up their energy. With my Precision Nutrition know-how and custom workouts, we’ve helped them feel more alive and ready to tackle their days.
Building Excellence, Together
At Barbell Ballistics, my goal is simple: let’s create a habit of excellence that feels good for you. I’ve shared my insights at Gatorade camps and fire department talks, and I’ve thrown competitions that bring our community together. From my time with the Clippers to leading a weightlifting club that’s earned bronze, silver, and gold, I’ve learned it’s all about progress—not perfection. I’m here to guide you with a warm hand and a practical plan, whether you’re chasing a medal, shaking off pain, or just wanting more pep in your step.
Let’s Connect!
I’d love to be your coach and cheerleader on this journey. Check out my coaching tiers—Barbell Basics, Barbell Boost, and Barbell Breakthrough—designed to meet you right where you are. Drop me a line, and let’s build something amazing together. You’ve got this, and I’ve got your back.