Lightnings Boxing Club, Oakland

Though he won two consecutive Golden Glove titles and had an undefeated amateur record, Kris "Lightning" Lopez didn't get his first professional fight until he was 30, much later than many boxers. He had always dreamed of becoming a fighter, but lacked the structured environment and role model to keep him on that path as a young man. Today, he gives aspiring fighters the guidance and training that he missed out on at his 10,000-square-foot gym, Lightning's Boxing Club. The staff show the same level of commitment to casual members just looking to get in shape during group and individual lessons. Students improve their physical conditioning and strength using both the sweet science and the gym's selection of free weights, heavy bags, and other exercise equipment.