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!

Member since: November 2016

What do you do for a living? I’m a firefighter/paramedic in Vestavia Hills FD. I work at the station in Cahaba Heights – it’s the best job in the world! I also teach EMT at Herzing University one night a week.

How did you hear about CrossFit and what was your first workout? Guys at work told me about this great workout, run a mile, 100 pull ups, 200 pushups, 300 squats, then run another mile! Shortly after that we watched the Rich Froning documentary and I was hooked.

How many days do you CrossFit? What classes do you normally attend? I try to do 5-6 days a week between CFM and the fire station. I bounce between 11:30 and 4 p.m.

Favorite CrossFit movement/workout? Rope climbs are my new jam, if there was a way to jump from the top of the rope safely they would be much more enjoyable.

Least favorite CrossFit movement/workout? Thrusters and wall balls are the worst, after 3-4 reps I can always think of an excuse to take a break, tie my shoe, chalk up my hands, or walk around in circles.

What motivates you/keeps you coming back to CrossFit Mudtown? It’s important to keep my fitness up with my profession, as we never know what our shift will look like. Being ready to perform in the middle of the night, or right after a meal is something that Mudtown prepares me for.

Most embarrassing/funniest gym moment? Nearly killing Chris Brown when I dropped my jump rope after final rep of “Annie” a few weeks back- after i let go of my rope I saw in slow motion as they rope flew across the gym and missed him by just a few inches before crashing into the wall behind him.

Favorite thing about Birmingham? Having so many friends and family nearby.

What is your favorite meal? It’s not my favorite meal, but overnight oats have become a go to that helps keep me on track. Being able to make small changes in my recipe keeps it varied, and it fills me up enough to be good until lunchtime.

What are some of your interests outside of CrossFit? I really enjoy technical rescue, such as water, high or low angle rope, or confined spaces. It’s a high risk, low frequency event that we put a lot of time into at work. We all hope it’s never used, but we want to be ready when called to perform.

What is one goal that you are currently working on? Squatting, my first nine months at CFM I avoided monday’s because I’m not good at back squats. Trust me, it doesn’t help to avoid a weakness, and I didn’t improve. After being talking with a few coaches, and working on my squat i’ve come a long way.

Since joining CFM two summers ago, Bethany and Jason have made quite the impact on our community. You can typically find them in the last class of the day and they’re hard to miss – Bethany because she’s usually talking/making people laugh and Jason because he’s usually cleaning 2x body weight without breaking a sweat. Friends of these two know how great they are as individuals and how awesome they are as a couple. If you don’t know them, you should make it a point to meet them because they are sure to add some light to your life!

Members since:May 2017

What do you two do for a living?

B: I’ve been a student for 5000 years, but I will finally graduate with my clinical doctorate in physical therapy on May 1, 2020!

J: I work with Retail Specialists as a Commercial Property Manager mostly dealing with shopping centers and mixed-use developments.

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

B: Jason started CrossFit first and I hadn’t heard much about it prior to that, but I started to get jealous that Jason was having all this fun with his cool, new CrossFit friends. #FOMO. My first workout was a team workout where we did farmer’s carries, sled pushes, and a bunch of other awful strongman stuff. I could hardly even hold onto the 35# KB for more than 10 meters. I cried after the workout and told Jason I was never coming back.

J: I first heard about CrossFit in 2012 and was mostly doing circuit style workouts in Golds gym with some buddies from high school. After moving to Tuscaloosa in 2013 for college, I joined CrossFit Candor and have been at it ever since.

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

B: I attend 3-4 classes a week depending on my school schedule. I am a diehard attendee of the 6 PM class (formerly known as the 6:30 class, aka best class ever).

J: Typically I attend 4-5 days per week at the 6pm class. Despite having a few members move away, this is easily the best class at CFM.

Favorite CrossFit movement/workout?

B: I like front squats, cleans, double-unders, and toes to bar. I think my favorite format of workout is a chipper? Who knows

J: Ring muscle ups without a doubt. Favorite workout would probably be Cindy. Anything with lots of bodyweight movements!

Least favorite CrossFit movement/workout?

B: I jokingly complain a lot, but there isn’t much I truly dislike about CrossFit. If I HAD to choose, I’d probably say wall balls…or maybe snatches, and any work out that throws a lot of running in the mix.

J: Wallballs and Rowing…both of which we do a lot of at CFM.

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

B: I think I’ve made it very clear that I come to the gym exclusively to socialize and for no reason other than that. The whole working out thing is just a consequence of my need to be around people. All joking aside, I keep coming back to CFM because I firmly believe that functional movement is essential for health and wellness in the long haul. #useitorloseit I can’t tell my patients to take care of themselves if I don’t live that out in my personal life. I also love the scalability of CrossFit, because it truly is for everyone if you have the right coaches and go to the right gym, which we definitely do!

J: Easily the community. We’ve made some great friends at Mudtown and are getting healthier along the way.

Most embarrassing/funniest gym moment?

B: Probably the time that I told literally everyone that I squatted 200# (and even posted on all social media because I was so excited), but I had actually counted the weights incorrectly and didn’t realize it until months later when I was looking at the picture I took to commemorate the moment. Don’t worry, I later redeemed myself…

Favorite thing about Birmingham?

B: The food and drink scene, as well as proximity to lots of things that we love (lake, bama football games in Tuscaloosa, family in Huntsville, Nashville, Atlanta, etc.)

J: Definitely all of the new restaurants and bars opening up lately.

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

B: Outside of the gym, I am most proud of my academic successes and the leadership and research opportunities that I’ve been afforded because of it. I am a nerd at heart, and I love to learn. I hope I never stop! Inside of the gym, I was pretty psyched the first time that I squatted 200# (see most embarrassing moment above…).

What is your favorite meal?

B: This one is hard, I love food! Either tacos or steak frites.

J: Favorite meal in Birmingham right now is the whole hog plate from Martins.

What are some of your interests outside of CrossFit?
B: I love going to the lake/pool, watching Netflix, going on walks/hiking, watching any kind of sports, and binge watching makeup tutorials on YouTube (my guilty pleasure).

J: Anything outdoors really. Skiing, hunting, fishing, etc. Also a big fan of looking at houses on Zillow and really anything to do with real estate.

What is one goal that you are currently working on?

B: I am currently working towards getting my pelvic floor certification, which is a specialization in the field of physical therapy that will allow me to manage patients with diagnoses of pelvic health dysfunction, such as urinary incontinence and pelvic pain, as well as pregnant and postpartum patients experiencing musculoskeletal dysfunction and high risk pregnancy. I begin the Level 1 course this August and will continue working towards this after graduation!

Do you have a hidden talent?

B: Both of us can do the worm, although only one of us has proven this publicly…I’ll let you decide which one of us did that.

J: I have gotten pretty good at flossing in the last few months.

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

J: I have a twin brother that lives in Nashville.

 

Member since: I have been a member at CF Mudtown since January of 2019!

What do you do for a living? I work in medical device sales for a company called Biosense Webster

How did you hear about CrossFit and what was your first workout? I heard about CrossFit through my brother who was doing it through his baseball program in high school. My first ever workout was in the summer of 2012, “Helen” and I could barely do banded pull ups on the heaviest weighted band.

How many days do you CrossFit? What classes do you normally attend? I try to do CrossFit 4-5 days a week with some running mixed in on my off days and I normally try to attend the morning classes (5 or 6 am)

Favorite CrossFit movement/workout? Favorite movement would either be HSPU or Power cleans and my all time favorite workout would be “Seven Deadly Sins.”

Least favorite CrossFit movement/workout? Least favorite would have to be C2B pull ups or OHS. All time worst workout I’ve ever done is Kalsu, hands down.

What motivates you/keeps you coming back to CrossFit Mudtown? The community has always been a huge part of my motivation to continue coming in every morning and getting better every day. I have always thought this was the main thing that separates CrossFit from all other exercise classes and that’s why I love it so much.

What accomplishment are you most proud of (outside and inside of the gym)? Outside: Starting a family. Inside: Seeing the gradual progression of turning my weaknesses into strengths has been very satisfying for me.

What is your favorite meal? Breakfast! (Two pieces of avocado toast with 3 eggs and fruit)

What are some of your interests outside of CrossFit? Spending time with my family, playing golf, traveling and eating good food, going to the lake and the beach and training my dog 🐶

What is one goal that you are currently working on? Taking basically a year off in between moving from Washington DC and having our daughter in Alabama caused me to lose a lot of strength, so continuing to build back up my core lifts and getting back to the numbers I was at previously.

Tell us a fun/interesting fact not many people know about you. I’ve never been outside of the country but will be making my first trip outside of the US this fall to London & Amsterdam!

As one of our youngest and most physically powerful members, it has been fun to see Zainab develop as an athlete over the past two years. She entered our gym never having touched a barbell and just two weeks ago she hit a 170# clean! Her consistency in the gym and in her kitchen supports her steady progress on the path of fitness and also helped her earn CFM’s Most Improved award for 2018. Keep it up Z!

Member since: June 2017

What do you do for a living? What do you plan to do with your degree? I’m a student studying biology and medical sociology. I will be applying to medical school after graduation later this year.

How did you hear about CrossFit and what was your first workout? I heard about CrossFit, during my freshman year of college, through friends who have never done CrossFit before 🙃. I was told it’s for crazy and obsessive fitness freaks. Once I heard this, I was intrigued and confused, but I never looked into CrossFit until my sophomore year of college. I looked into CrossFit because it was challenging and presented a well rounded approach to health and fitness.

I don’t remember my first workout, but I remember the first movement I did. I walked into the gym, and Jacki was coaching. She told me the warm up included burpees. I had never heard this word before in my life, and she could tell by the confused look on my face. 

How many days do you CrossFit? What classes do you normally attend? Currently I’m going 3-4 days a week, and I usually attend whatever class fits into my daily schedule. I’m always going to different class times, but 8:15am, 3:30pm, or 4:30pm are probably the times I attend the most. 

Favorite CrossFit movement/workout? I really liked the workout we did a few weeks ago that solely involved box jumps and front squats! I think it was a 10 minute AMRAP. I also love chipper workouts. My favorite movements are box jumps, power  cleans, and bar over burpees (the only type of burpees I don’t hate). 

Least favorite CrossFit movement/workout? I don’t like push-ups, ring dips or running. 

What motivates you/keeps you coming back to CrossFit Mudtown? Among many other factors, exercise is a wonderful way to invest in your health. CrossFit provides this, but CrossFit Mudtown has been so good in helping me become a better athlete. The attention to detail, programming, and community support is amazing! This is why I continue to come back.

Most embarrassing/funniest gym moment? When I forgot to lock the bathroom door…hahaha.

Favorite thing about Birmingham? The access to (many) resources whether it be food, education, entertainment, people, etc is one of my favorite things about Birmingham.

What accomplishment are you most proud of (outside and inside of the gym)? I’m proud of the college accomplishments I’ve accumulated over the last 4 years (research, shadowing, tutoring, mentoring, etc). 

What is your favorite meal? Oven baked sockeye salmon, Japanese sweet potato (the most superior sweet potato…if you haven’t tried it I highly recommend it. You’re welcome in advance), and roasted broccolini. 

What are some of your interests outside of CrossFit? I am very interested in preventive care, aging, and longevity which is one reason that I’m pursuing the medical field.

What is one goal that you are currently working on? Sleeping at least 8 hours every night…sad, but true.

Tell us a fun/interesting fact not many people know about you. I’ve never even held a barbell before I started CrossFit.  

Rolan has been a part of our family for less than a year, but has already impacted our community in a great way! After diving into CrossFit for the first time last summer, Rolan has become one our most committed members. This became evident in early March, as he WON our Nutrition Challenge! He considers the challenge really eye opening and found habits that he was able to modify to achieve a healthier lifestyle for the long run. We are so proud of Rolan and want everyone to know a bit more about him, so read on!

Member since: May 2018

What do you do for a living? I am a Corporate Product Manager at STERIS Animal Health.

How did you hear about CrossFit and what was your first workout? I heard about CFM from Josh Fisher when he invited me to come watch a Friday Night Lights during the 2018 Open. My first workout was the day after the 2018 Muddies when Danny decided it would be fun to program kettlebell swings with something else and I nearly quit mid-workout.

How many days do you CrossFit? What classes do you normally attend? I try to attend the 4:30 classes at least 4-5 classes a week.

Favorite CrossFit movement/workout? Overhead Squats and any workout that involves running.

Least favorite CrossFit movement/workout? I’m still learning how to enjoy most barbell movements.

What motivates you/keeps you coming back to CrossFit Mudtown? All the new friends I’ve met and the continuous results that I see. 😊

Most embarrassing/funniest gym moment? The first was when I decided to try a jumping pull-up on the outside of the rig on the three-bar section and hit my nose on the middle bar. Which broke my glasses and left a nice little scar. The second would be a few weeks ago when I somehow managed to forget to move my chin during a clean and jerk and the barbell smacked me. Jay Jernigan saw it but, played it cool and never said a word. Thank you, Jay.

Favorite thing about Birmingham? The food and the community. I moved here from Dallas/Fort Worth in August 2017 after living in Texas my whole life. It’s been an adjustment for sure, but CFM and my friends here have helped make BHM feel like home.

What accomplishment are you most proud of (outside and inside of the gym)? Outside the gym would have to be my first half-marathon in under 1:45hr with Lauren Heos! Inside the gym would have to be this year’s nutrition challenge (that I won)!

What is your favorite meal? Is Taco Mama a meal?

What are some of your interests outside of CrossFit? I have started running outside of Crossfit as a hobby and when its nice outside I enjoy getting outdoors for a hike.

What is one goal that you are currently working on? There are so many small movements I’m working on right now, but I did just do 14 of my first pull ups during the Open!

Tell us a fun/interesting fact not many people know about you. During high school I had a morning radio talk show called “Rockin’ Rolan in the Morning”.