Member since: January 2022

What do you do for a living?
Government service for the great city of Mountain Brook.

Where are you from originally?
Montgomery, Alabama

How did you hear about CrossFit and what was your first workout?
I was first exposed to CrossFit by seeing the Games on ESPN. I have no idea what my first workout was, but I am sure it was ugly.

How many days do you CrossFit? What classes do you normally attend?
I usually attend 6 sessions a week. I go to the 5 PM class during my work week and usually the 11 AM on my weekends.

Favorite CrossFit movement/workout?
I am a big fan of the rower

Least favorite CrossFit movement/workout?
I am absolutely terrible with shoulder mobility so I can easily say, Overhead Squat.

What motivates you/keeps you coming back to CrossFit Mudtown?
I love a good routine, so I’m going no matter what. The friendly faces are an added bonus.

Most embarrassing/funniest gym moment?
I can’t recall having an embarrassing/funny moment at the gym. However, I am known to have the ability to erase memories, so I suppose there could be a good story out there.

Favorite things about Birmingham?
The geography, the food, the people, and the light traffic (I do not frequent 280).

What accomplishment are you most proud of (outside and inside of the gym)?
Outside the gym: surrounding myself with spectacular people, primarily my wife.
Inside the gym: Steady improvement. Recently, I completed my first bar muscle up.

What is your favorite meal?
Baumhower’s Wings and Cheesy Fries.

What are some of your interests outside of CrossFit?
Reading, movies, and traveling

What is one goal that you are currently working on?
Trying to RX a workout as long as I can stay somewhere in the ballpark of the stimulus.

Do you have a hidden talent?
Not that I know of. I try to be an open book.

Tell us a fun/interesting fact not many people know about you.
Was a teacher for a few years after college.

Members since:
May 2022

Where are you from originally?
Candice: I am from California! specifically Whittier, CA-that’s located in Los Angeles County
Gage: Whittier, CA

What do you do for a living?
Candice: I am a deli associate working in the field for over 10 years now :0!! I also bartend 🙂
Gage: Meat cutter/butcher

How did you hear about CrossFit and what was your first workout?
Candice: I honestly wasn’t that interested in trying CrossFit. Gage offered to pay for my classes, so that’s what was my determining factor-hahah!
Gage: I had been watching the games back when it was in Carson, CA, and I wanted to get involved. The first workout I did with the whole class I think was Amanda and it made me question joining CrossFit.

How many days do you CrossFit? What classes do you normally attend?
Candice: I normally shoot for 4 days, but I will sometimes do 3 depending on my work schedule. I will go to the 11 am class if available or 4-5 pm 🙂
Gage: At least 3 a week. On a good week I like to get there 5 to 6. Just depending how my work schedule lines up. I don’t have a set class I go to. It’s kinda all over the place.

Favorite CrossFit movement/workout?
Candice: CLEANS!! I love doing any workout that involves cleans! Or DU (double unders).
Gage:  Anything involving pull-ups or body weight movements.

Least favorite CrossFit movement/workout?
Candice: Not a movement necessarily but kindaaaa…. maybe? But the bike 0/10. (editor’s note: Good answer. Biking is considered a compound exercise in CrossFit)
Gage: Wallballs or the devil’s tricycle (assault/echo bike).

What motivates you/keeps you coming back to CrossFit Mudtown?
Candice: I want to be strong enough to crush the heads of my enemies with my thighs.  Gage: The community and trying to beat old WOD times. CrossFit is amazing ’cause you can actually track your growth.

Most embarrassing/funniest gym moment?
Candice: When I fell off the pegboard. Only Gage saw, but I truly haven’t laughed so hard.
Gage: Nothing comes to mind except the wife falling off the pegboard last week.

Favorite thing about Birmingham?
Candice: The food! Especially in downtown;so many options.
Gage: Favorite thing in Birmingham has been the slower pace of life and actually having some seasons.

What accomplishment are you most proud of (outside or inside the gym)?
Candice: Moving. It took a lot to pick up where you were born and raised and move across the country away from most of your family.
Gage: I would say I’m really proud of the fact that Candice and I picked up everything and moved across the country to out here in Birmingham. I got out of a really dark place in CA. Working 70 hours a week. I was barely making it to the gym, and my diet was really suffering.

What is your favorite meal?
Candice: How could you narrow it down to one thing?? I love all the food.
Gage: Burgers. Nothing wrong with a solid burger.

What are some of your interests outside of CrossFit?
Candice: I love to read! specifically thrillers and fantasy.
Gage: Well I do enjoy my work. I really do have a passion for butchery and cooking. My wife takes up a lot of time too.

What is one goal that you are currently working on?
Candice: Travel more. Plus, move up to assistant deli manager at work.
Gage:  Well I would like to get back down to my pre-pandemic weight. I’m always slowly working on a business plan to hopefully get my own butcher shop going.

Do you have a hidden talent?
Candice: Absolutely not. Any hidden talent I have I would immediately tell someone, and it wouldn’t be hidden anymore.
Gage: I can identify any muscle or cut just by looking at it and tell you exactly where it comes from. Ranging from beef all the way down to small game.

Tell us a fun/interesting fact not many people know about you.
Candice: I am a klutz. i hurt myself so much that when I started to workout, my family truly was afraid for my well being.  I’ve had staples in my head, dislocated elbow, broken fingers, and stitches in my head from 3 different accidents. Not really fun but interesting hahah!
Gage: My up bringing was a little unorthodox. I was homeschooled all the way up to college. Actually attended college and culinary school at 16. My dad is a jewelry designer so I spent most of my younger years traveling-staying in Cali for a couple summers surfing.

Member since:
August 2019

What do you do for a living?
Richelle: I am a clinical pharmacist at St. Vincent’s
Jake: Software Engineer and CIO at JWEB Development and IT Services

How did you hear about CrossFit and what was your first workout?
Richelle: I first heard about CrossFit because one of Jacob’s Facebook friends posted about a free community CrossFit workout at a gym down the road. I always enjoyed HIIT training, and I was hooked after one workout!
Jake: Same

How many days do you CrossFit? What classes do you normally attend?
Richelle: Before pregnancy I went to 5 classes a week. At 6.5 months pregnant, I make it to 3-4 depending on my energy levels and need for rest. I go to either the 7AM class or the 5PM class, alternating every two weeks.
Jake: Godspeed is my primary gym; I try to make it 4 times a week, which now occurs in my basement via Zoom. I also come to Mudtown with Richelle on the weekends depending on her work schedule.

Favorite CrossFit movement/workout?
Richelle: Power cleans
Jake: Burpees/running

Least favorite CrossFit movement/workout?
Richelle: Snatches. My coordination just isn’t there, yet.
Jake: Wall balls. As a short man, I find the differing targets based on gender to be EXTREMELY sexist.

What motivates you/keeps you coming back to CrossFit Mudtown?
Richelle: The people and the workouts motivate me to keep coming back. CrossFit gives me an outlet for my competitive nature, and I’ve found that exercise is the best way for me to control stress and anxiety.
Jake: Every time I come to mudtown, I get the feeling that the coach has extensively prepared to lead the WOD for the day. Mudtown has done a great job of keeping their culture amid tightened public health measures, though I do miss the community nights.

Most embarrassing/funniest gym moment?
Richelle: Chrissy was attempting to “motivate” me to pick my barbell back up one day, and I turned to her and yelled, “STOP IT!” I’ll probably never live that down lol.
Jake: Pretty much any time Richelle and I are on a team WOD together we end up getting mad at each other and yelling (that’s toned down now that she’s pregnant). After the WOD we’re perfectly fine. I never reveal this information to anyone until they’ve witnessed us to a team WOD together, and I find it hilarious.

Favorite thing about Birmingham?
Richelle: I grew up around Birmingham and I really like how much change and growth there has been, especially in the downtown area. There is a lot more to see and do than there was even 5 years ago.
Jake: Tech and food. Lots of talented coders in this city, and lots of talented chefs.

What accomplishment are you most proud of (outside and inside of the gym)?
Richelle: I think that what I’m most proud of myself for changes Almost from day to day. One thing I am proud of myself for is completing my PharmD, board exams, residency, and then passing my BPS exam. Inside of the gym, I’m just proud of myself for showing up every week and any small accomplishment that I can achieve.
Jake: I cleaned 175lbs at Mudtown a few weeks ago. Most I’d ever done before that was 145. On a personal note, I switched from a career in theology to one in software after the 2008 recession. I hadn’t written a line of code until four years ago and now help lead a small business here in Birmingham. I’ll always look back with pride on the time when I was spending twelve hours a day screaming at my computer while trying to make a circle larger on a computer screen.

What is your favorite meal?
Richelle: Anything containing queso. I have a problem.
Jake: Pho, specifically Saigon Noode House on 280.

What are some of your interests outside of CrossFit?
Richelle: My first love was soccer. Jacob and I actually met coaching soccer! I played through college and I still enjoy playing pick-up – when not pregnant or in the middle of a pandemic.
Jake: Soccer, reading (am on a science fiction kick right now), music (relearning guitar), role playing games (both tabletop and video games). I also love observing the intersection between religion and pop culture.

What is one goal that you are currently working on?
Richelle: My current goal is to stay healthy and maintain as much fitness as I can. CrossFit is great because it is scaleable to any fitness level or physical need. After pregnancy and some healing, I’ll keep working on my previous goal of strict pull-ups!
Jake: Have lost about five pounds since July, am trying to eke out 2 or 3 more before baby comes while building some speed and explosiveness. After that I want to focus more on building strength.

Do you have a hidden talent?
Richelle: I can balance 2 soccer balls on top of each other. It’s not much of a hidden talent, but it’s something.
Jake: Some tell me I’m hard to find in a crowd.

Tell us a fun/interesting fact not many people know about you.
Richelle: I played clarinet for 8 years and my high school Wind Ensemble played at Carnegie Hall.
Jake: At one point I knew five languages, most of them dead ones.

 

Member since: June 2019

What do you do for a living?: Physical Therapy Student at Samford University

How did you hear about CrossFit and what was your first workout?: A CrossFit gym opened by my high school in 2015. I had no idea what CrossFit was, but I knew I needed direction with my workouts. 5 years later, here I am! I cannot remember what my first workout was, but I remember not being able to feel my body after.

How many days do you CrossFit? What classes do you normally attend? 4-5 days/week is my goal. I rotate between 11:15 am and 3:30 pm

Favorite CrossFit movement/workout? Snatches are my favorite movement because when you get it right, you feel like you got it right.

Least favorite CrossFit movement/workout? Thrusters or Front Squats.

What motivates you/keeps you coming back to CrossFit Mudtown? After being in class almost all day, walking through Mudtown’s doors is a breath of fresh air. I can lift with some awesome people for an hour. What could be better?

Most embarrassing/funniest gym moment? The box I went to while I was in undergrad had a VERY high bar on their rig. It became a competition as to who could jump and touch it because everyone was below 5’5”. Me, being an ex-volleyball player, did an approach and touched the bar! I won the competition but the glory was short lived because I fell flat on my back right after.

Favorite thing about Birmingham? The sunshine and beer.

What accomplishment are you most proud of (outside and inside of the gym)? My biggest accomplishment outside of the gym was getting into the only Physical Therapy school I applied to, in addition to not being waitlisted. My biggest accomplishment inside the gym was competing in a USAW weightlifting competition in Canton, OH. I did alright for my first time!

What is your favorite meal? A PB&J toasted like a grilled cheese sandwich.

What are some of your interests outside of CrossFit? I love to cook!

What is one goal that you are currently working on? I want to learn how to coach Adaptive CrossFit.

Do you have a hidden talent? I can draw portraits but only with pencils, and I’ve played piano since I was 5 years old

Tell us a fun/interesting fact not many people know about you. I can read and speak Greek (not fluently), but I had to go to Greek School growing up (just like the movie My Big Fat Greek Wedding).

Member since: June 2019

What do you do for a living? Assistant Golf Course Superintendent at Country Club of Birmingham

How did you hear about CrossFit and what was your first workout? I first came across CrossFit from a coworker while in Charleston. Not sure of my first workout, but I’m sure I died a little bit inside. It was awesome.

How many days do you CrossFit? What classes do you normally attend? I really try to make it to 4 classes/week and I’m almost always at 5:30 pm.

Favorite CrossFit movement/workout? Movement: Deadlift. Workout: Anything not involving gymnastics HA

Least favorite CrossFit movement/workout? Movement: Muscle Up. Workout: Diane

What motivates you/keeps you coming back to CrossFit Mudtown? Having recently moved here in May 2019, my first mission was to find a gym. Luckily, Crossfit Mudtown was in a very convenient location AND turns out the community is pretty OK as well. Just kidding, I’ve made some incredible friends so far since moving here and everyone’s willingness to include myself and my wife Anna in hangouts, events, etc has been nothing short of amazing.

Most embarrassing/funniest gym moment? Well most recently, I was asked to demo low-bar back squat and the wonderful Coach Mel proceeded to roast me on my form. I enjoyed every minute of it. Thanks Coach Mel!*

*Editor’s note: I (Coach Mel) specifically said, “I don’t want this to feel like I’m roasting William during this demonstration, but he is reminding me of a couple common faults that I would like to point out.” You were a great sport William 😜

Favorite thing about Birmingham? The beer and food scene for sure. Coming from Charleston, SC that was something that was big for Anna and I so that made for an awesome transition.

What accomplishment are you most proud of (outside and inside of the gym)? Outside of the Gym: Being selected as one of the top 50 assistant superintendents in the country to attend a leadership conference in October 2019. Inside of the Gym: I have been able to PR on just about every movement since moving here. Must be that incredible programming…

What is your favorite meal? El Barrio, end of story.

What are some of your interests outside of CrossFit? Golf, Hiking, Clemson Football, Craft Beer, Food, hanging with my wife and our yellow lab Sadie.

What is one goal that you are currently working on? Currently in my second week of the nutrition sprint. I’m trying to get down to between 210-215 lbs, which would be the lowest I’ve weighed since birth.

Do you have a hidden talent? I have an innate ability to multi-task (particularly while cooking) and failing miserably. Which normally involves a huge mess or burning whatever is being cooked.

Tell us a fun/interesting fact not many people know about you. Some people already know this, but in South Carolina and the Myrtle Beach area, my family is famously known for starting Hooters of America, which often involved me working there from the time I was 7 up until about 15. Oh, I’m also extremely terrified of clowns (not afraid to hit someone in the face though, bet).

Member since: I am thinking officially October 2017, but I have been a friend and drop in since the beginning!

What do you do for a living? Oh my! I am a formerly a nurse, currently a part-time attorney, manager of 5 rental properties and mother of 5.

How did you hear about CrossFit and what was your first workout? I first heard of Crossfit from driving by Cahaba Crossfit and seeing the signs. I honestly had no clue what it was about until I tried it. I started CrossFit nearly 8 years ago and can’t even begin to recall my first workout! I do remember that it had pull-ups and i was ridiculously sore afterward.

How many days do you CrossFit? What classes do you normally attend? For years I was a Monday- Friday, rarely miss a day dedicated CrossFitter. This past year, I went back to work and dropped to 3 days. I have no set schedule, but typically attend the 8:15 class.

Favorite CrossFit movement/workout? I LOVE to clean. . . the barbells, the rig, the wall balls and the rowers. Nothing brings me more satisfaction than ending a workout with a nice shiny bar or wall all:-). Aside from that. . . ROMWOD brings me immense joy. In third place would be a nice long chipper.

Least favorite CrossFit movement/workout? Snatch. Didn’t even have to think about it. There is no close second. Getting hives just thinking about it.

What motivates you/keeps you coming back to CrossFit Mudtown? I love the encouragement between athletes, the variety of movements and the focus on functional fitness.

Most embarrassing/funniest gym moment?  There was that one time when I realized I had a huge hole in the crotch of my tights during ab mat sit-ups. I just relocate to face the wall and finished my workout!

Favorite thing about Birmingham? The people here are nice, the food is incredible and close to beach or mountains.

What accomplishment are you most proud of (outside and inside of the gym)? I completed Ironman Florida in 2005.

What is your favorite meal? I love any kind of seafood prepared any way.

What are some of your interests outside of CrossFit? I love to backpack and travel

What is one goal that you are currently working on? I am just trying to get consistent again while a train for my 8th marathon.

Do you have a hidden talent? Unfortunately no:-(

 

Member since: June 2019

What do you do for a living? Medical student at UAB School of Medicine

How did you hear about CrossFit and what was your first workout? I had always heard of friends doing it, but I vividly remember watching a documentary about CrossFit the night before I took the MCAT. I wanted to watch something that would fire me up and watching people who are absolute beasts go through those workouts definitely got me pumped up. It took me 2 more years to finally move back to Birmingham and join a gym after that.

I can’t remember my first workout, but one of the workouts during my first week at CFM was an EMOM of 1 rep, adding 10 pounds each minute, of snatch until failure, then cleans until failure, and then deadlifts until failure. That was a humbling experience.

How many days do you CrossFit? What classes do you normally attend? 4 days a week. I normally attend an afternoon class.

Favorite CrossFit movement/workout? Pull ups or burpees. I like the body weight movements so I’m a big fan of Cindy.

Least favorite CrossFit movement/workout? Overhead squats

What motivates you/keeps you coming back to CrossFit Mudtown? I am always motivated to go back to CrossFit Mudtown because I enjoy being surrounded by a group of people who are just as motivated and who challenge me to get better every single day. Outside of the awesome community, I feel like there is always something to work on with all of the different CrossFit movements. It’s great to come in each day and improve on something different each workout.

Most embarrassing/funniest gym moment? Don’t have one yet… I’m sure it’s coming.

Favorite thing about Birmingham? I am very grateful for the medical scene in Birmingham – there are a lot of opportunities to get involved with as a medical student. I also really enjoy mountain biking so having Oak Mountain State Park in our backyard is a huge plus.

What accomplishment are you most proud of (outside and inside of the gym)? Outside the gym:  I’m really proud of my time at Auburn. I formed a lot of great relationships, made a lot of memories, and got to be involved with some really cool projects and initiatives that benefited the university as a whole. I also used my time there to get involved with research overseas and that helped me in my pursuit of medicine. Overall, it was an incredible experience at Auburn.

Inside the gym: 20.5. You can’t beat learning how to do a ring muscle up during the middle of a workout in The Open.

What is your favorite meal? Black beans, eggs, and hot sauce – I eat it almost every morning. (don’t knock it until you try it)

What are some of your interests outside of CrossFit? Traveling & backpacking, competing in races (triathlons, bike races, savage races, etc.), golf, and mountain biking. I am also very interested in startups. I’ve been able to help out with several startup companies during my time in college, and I’m currently working part-time with one while in medical school. (Blueroot Co. – check it out)

What is one goal that you are currently working on? To preface this, my family and I take goal-setting very seriously and I always carry my goals sheet in my wallet. This will be our 11^th year to sit down and write out our goals for the upcoming year together. We draft a template each year and I’m happy to share the 2020 version with anyone at the gym.

So, one of my goals for 2019 was to find a team and run a Ragnar Relay. Pretty incredible how that opportunity just fell into my lap once I joined CFM. Counting down the days until April 17^th.

Tell us a fun/interesting fact not many people know about you. I played in a 3-person scramble with Rickie Fowler and Justin Thomas. I think we used my ball 5 times total for the entire round.

Member since: February 2017

What do you do for a living? I’m a commercial lender with Valley Bank

How did you hear about CrossFit and what was your first workout? I heard about CrossFit years ago through friends and family, but never thought it was for me. I can’t remember my first workout but do recall Billy telling me my form was terrible and to stop.

How many days do you CrossFit? What classes do you normally attend? I attend the 5:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. classes three days a week. Usually Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Favorite CrossFit movement/workout? My favorite CrossFit movement is the clean.

Least favorite CrossFit movement/workout? My least favorite CrossFit movement has to be double-unders. While I’ve gotten better, they still have a way of completely exhausting me.

What motivates you/keeps you coming back to CrossFit Mudtown? The friendships made and the encouragement you get from the coaches and other members. Plus, it’s the best workout I’ve ever done by far!

Most embarrassing/funniest gym moment? I was rotating sides on the rig while doing pull-ups and hit my forehead pretty good because I didn’t notice the second level bar on one side. Best part…I’ve done this twice now with more in the future I’m sure.

Favorite thing about Birmingham? It’s the perfect size city for me and it doesn’t hurt the food and beer scene is pretty great too.

What accomplishment are you most proud of (outside and inside of the gym)? Outside the gym: Being a dad to two amazing kids. My son Sam is 10 and my daughter Layton is 7. Inside the gym: Surviving each class and wanting to go back for more.

What is your favorite meal? My favorite meal is probably steak, potato and broccoli.

What are some of your interests outside of CrossFit? I enjoy hunting and fishing when I can, but also spend a lot of time at different sporting events for the kids. 

What is one goal that you are currently working on? I would like to learn to play the guitar. My son has been playing for about 3 years and at this point I just don’t think I’m going to catch up soon enough for my liking.

Do you have a hidden talent? I asked my family this question and they returned with blank stares. I guess I’m a pretty boring person.

Tell us a fun/interesting fact not many people know about you. I’m half Korean. My father is from good-ole Eutaw, AL and my mother is from Seoul, South Korea.

 

Member since: January/February of 2018

What do you do for a living? Doctoral of Physical Therapy Student at UAB

How did you hear about CrossFit and what was your first workout? I’ve been doing CrossFit on and off since I was a Junior in high school. I had a personal trainer at the time at a local gym who would train me for sports and he introduced me to the programming. All I remember from my first workout was that it had multiple 400m runs and burpees and something else, but I definitely puked Doritos in the gym’s pretty flower planters out front (oops). I heard about Mudtown from Melanie, who happens to be my friend, coach and classmate!

How many days do you CrossFit? What classes do you normally attend? I work out at least five days a week, usually taking Thursday and Sunday as my rest days, but it changes depending on my schedule for the week. I’m definitely an afternoon girl. I prefer no workouts before noon, but I do try and mix it up sometimes. You can usually catch me at the 4 or 5pm classes!

Favorite CrossFit movement/workout?Favorite movement: There are too many! Snatches, wallballs, burpees, rowing. Favorite workout: Not sure I have a favorite, they all have me dead at the end.

Least favorite CrossFit movement/workout? Least favorite movement: Deadlifts and push ups. Least favorite workout: Diane.

What motivates you/keeps you coming back to CrossFit Mudtown? I feel like it is so cliché to say the members and the coaches, but it truly is the reason I am at Mudtown. When I first moved to Birmingham, I told myself I’d keep an open mind when looking for gyms. Mudtown was the first gym I tried, and I just couldn’t justify trying out any others after that. Everyone was so welcoming and friendly, and I just feel no judgement when I work out here. No one holds any expectations over you and when I am having a bad day, I am still celebrated as if I had my best day. Oh, and the programming is great!

Most embarrassing/funniest gym moment? Okay so I know anyone and everyone that has had to use a pull up band has had the band slip off their feet and pop them in the crotch, right? I have also called/encouraged a member throughout an entire workout by the wrong name when I was coaching at home only to realize when I asked their score, that indeed was NOT their name.

Favorite thing about Birmingham? Birmingham has tons of great things, but I think my most favorite would be all the awesome restaurants and how close it is to home (Tuscaloosa) for me. I am a HUGE homebody. One because that’s where my amazing family and boyfriend live, but two it’s home of the crimson tide and I just can’t live without Alabama football.

What accomplishment are you most proud of (outside and inside of the gym)? Outside: after a year of not getting accepted into graduate school after undergrad, I worked my butt off and was accepted into PT and PA school the next year. Inside: Probably starting over from scratch after having shoulder surgery because it really shifted my focus from being super competitive all the time to “I want to do this right so I can stay healthy and do this for the long haul.”

What is your favorite meal? Chocolate chip cookies (could be dough, could be a cookie, could be cookie cake, could be a milkshake).

What are some of your interests outside of CrossFit? Alabama anything, playing any sports (ultimate frisbee, flag football, basketball, softball, tennis, wake boarding, skiing, you name it), spending time with friends/family, and I love a good beach trip.

What is one goal that you are currently working on? Getting my Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree, my goal is to work in an outpatient/sports medicine setting and hopefully one day, own/work in a clinic that is part CrossFit gym/PT clinic.

Do you have a hidden talent? I used to paint and once sold a painting at an auction for $1000

Tell us a fun/interesting fact not many people know about you. I was born with bilateral hearing loss and wear hearing aids in both ears, but my parents/family had no idea until I failed a school screening in kindergarten.

 

Member since:

R: Well, I came for a couple of months when we moved to Bham and then abandoned you guys for Pure Barre. It didn’t take me too long to come back, so I’ve been in a “committed relationship” with CFM since last November.

C: 2017

What do you do for a living?

R: CPA for RSM (public accounting – sounds fun right?)

C: Investment Analyst at Morgan Stanley

How did you hear about CrossFit and what was your first workout?

R: Cole started CrossFit before me, so he was the one that encouraged me to go. I have no clue what my first work out was, but apparently I liked it. 

C: Got talked into crossfit in 2013 by my brother and first workout after fundamentals was Nancy ☠️

How many days do you CrossFit? What classes do you normally attend?

R:  try to stick to 4 times a week if I can. We used to be 6 am people, but we got a puppy that stole my mornings for a while (thanks Daisy). Now we go to the 6 pm class and love it so much. Plus, who doesn’t love sleeping past 5:45 am?? 

C: I try to go at least 3 times a week. The last few months I’ve been going to the 5-6 pm class.

Favorite CrossFit movement/workout?

R: This is weird but I really like wall balls. And rowing is cool too. Favorite lift would probably be power clean. 

C: Double unders 

Least favorite CrossFit movement/workout?

R: TOES TO BAR. And deadlifts. 

C: OHS/Nancy

What motivates you/keeps you coming back to CrossFit Mudtown?

R: Every one is so encouraging & I leave feeling stronger each day. 

C: The community aspect

Most embarrassing/funniest gym moment?

R: Uhh probably my lack of skill in flip cup that I showed everyone at the cookout. And also Josh Cosio destroying me with a foam burrito. Sorry if you weren’t there to witness it. 

C: In Tuscaloosa, I was pulling weights off of my bar and threw the 10lb bumper plate on the ground. It’s rolled onto its side and about 20 feet straight into the glass door and shattered the door. There were about 30 people at the gym.

Favorite thing about Birmingham?

R: All the amazing food choices. We’re from Muscle Shoals, and there’s just not a TON of variety there so it has been fun getting to all these different restaurants. I can never decide where to eat! (sorry Cole). 

C: The food and great breweries

What accomplishment are you most proud of (outside and inside of the gym)?

R: Becoming a CPA for sure. I played tennis all through high school and won a state championship, so that was fun. Oh, and winning Cole Baker’s heart at the ripe old age of 14 😉 I really don’t have a stand-out “in the gym” accomplishment that I can think of, but once I get a muscle up I’ll let everyone know. 

C: Professionally-I’ve recently just earned my Certified Investment Management Analyst designation. Gym- I placed as high percentage-wise as I ever have in The Open this year, so that let’s me know I really have been getting better!

What is your favorite meal?

R: Anything with avocado. Or chocolate (if you count chocolate as a meal like me). Or just take me to a Japanese restaurant and I’ll be happy.

C: Rebecca makes ground beef and cauliflower gnocchi with marinara sauce. It’s amazing

What are some of your interests outside of CrossFit?

R: We’re pretty involved at Church of the Highlands, I love to cook and try new recipes when I have the time, and playing with our new pup Daisy (and my cat Opie, but he’s been around for a while). 

C: I’m a big nerd outside of the gym. I like reading and built my own computer. Taking the dog to the park. Spikeball

What is one goal that you are currently working on?

R: I really want to do a muscle up…. someone help. 

C: I’d like to think I’m working on mobility, but we all know that’s not true.

Do you have a hidden talent?

R: I wish. Cole’s the one in the relationship that can do just about anything… it’s annoying really. 

C: Well if I told you it wouldn’t be hidden anymore

Tell us a fun/interesting fact not many people know about you!

R: We had a Backstreet Boy at our wedding 🙂 And I’ve moved 13 times but only lived in 3 cities….my dad really likes building houses.

C: We had Kevin Richardson, who is one of the Backstreet Boys, at our wedding.

When/how did you two meet each other?

R: Cole’s older brother was the youth director at my church, so he started coming to youth group when he was in 7th grade and I was in 8th. We were friends for a while, and then he made the move when he was in 9th grade and I was in 10th. Aaaand the rest is history. 

C: I’ve known who Rebecca was since I was really young. We started dating at 14/15 after going to church together. 11 years later and we’ve been married for 3 years!