Unless you frequent our early morning classes, you likely only know Slade based on his name and good scores on the board. He’s a great guy, so read on to get to know him a bit!

Member since: March of 2018

What do you do for a living? Medical Device Sales – Spinal implants

How did you hear about CrossFit and what was your first workout? The gym I use to train at for baseball had CrossFit and wanted to keep working out after I was done playing. No idea what my first workout was, but probably had lots of burpees.

How many days do you CrossFit? What classes do you normally attend? My day is ruined if I don’t start with my 5am class. I try to go every week day, but if I don’t go in the morning, I normally won’t be able to go.

Favorite CrossFit movement/workout? Cindy is my favorite workout and clean and jerks are my favorite movement

Least favorite CrossFit movement/workout? Burpees are my nemesis

What motivates you/keeps you coming back to CrossFit Mudtown? It’s the best way to start my day. Challenging myself alongside our morning 5am faithfuls.

Most embarrassing/funniest gym moment? If you have ever been in the morning class with me, I tend to disappear upstairs for a solid 5 minutes EVERY morning. Cant help myself.

Favorite thing about Birmingham? We are spoiled with restaurants here in Bham. So many good spots that my wife and I like to go eat at.

What is your favorite meal? My go to meal is a filet with roasted vegetables and a sweet potato. I could eat that breakfast, lunch and dinner.

What are some of your interests outside of CrossFit? My main interest is my family and spending time with my kids. My wife Anne Margaret and I have two daughters and a son – Selah (8), Ruthie (3) and William (1). Other than that, my favorite thing to do is golf.

What is one goal that you are currently working on? I am working on my muscle ups and I wish I could handstand walk.

Tell us a fun/interesting fact not many people know about you. I was fortunate enough to play SEC baseball at Auburn and play 5 years professionally with the Detroit Tigers.

Member since:

February 2017

What do you do for a living?

I work at Chuck’s fish, and I coach at some gym nobody’s ever heard of.

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

I first heard about Crossfit in highschool when an owner came and worked with our football team. I can’t remember the exact workout, but it was some form of power cleans followed up with sprints across the field and back.

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

I try to come in 4 times a week, but it depends on how busy the week is. I go to whichever class fits best in my schedule that day.

Favorite CrossFit movement/workout?

Snatching and cleaning are the movements of champions.

Least favorite CrossFit movement/workout?

Pull ups are the movement of losers.

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

The competition and the friendships for sure.

Most embarrassing/funniest gym moment?

I farted reeeeeeal loud the first time I ever did a GHD situp. Good thing the music was turned all the way off.

Favorite thing about Birmingham?

The food is great, and I like that it’s a bigger city but it only takes 30-45 minutes to drive to a state park or a lake or somewhere quiet.

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

Outside the gym, my daughter. She kicks butt. Inside the gym, getting my first muscle up was pretty cool.

What is your favorite meal?

A really good pot roast with potatoes and carrots.

What are some of your interests outside of CrossFit?

I love sports. I chose my college because of football.

What is one goal that you are currently working on?

My biggest goal is to eventually open up my own gym.

Do you have a hidden talent?

Nope. My junior year of highschool, my English teacher put on a talent show and graded our performances. I got an F.

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

In 5th grade I was George Washington for a school play. So I guess you could say I invented America.

Member since:

There’s no way to know.

What do you do for a living?

We sell baby powder out of our trunk at gas stations.

How did you hear about CrossFit?

Jeremy: I heard the clanging of metal and the victorious grunts of strong men and women reverberating in the echo chamber of the Cahaba Heights neighborhood and I was drawn helplessly like a shipwrecked sailor to the Siren’s call of Crossfit Mudtown.

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

We try to go 5 days a week to one of the afternoon classes.

Favorite CrossFit movement/workout?

Jeremy: Hitting the gong as hard and as often as possible

Meredith: 10/10/10

Least favorite CrossFit movement/workout?

Jeremy: Back Farts. You know when you do sit-ups on the black mat outside with no shirt on and every rep makes an embarrassing little fart sound?

Meredith: deadlifts

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

Jeremy: Massive Gainz™️ and humiliating Jay Jernigan with my lifts and times.

Meredith: The atmosphere and programming create the perfect storm to challenge myself and to enjoy myself every workout.

Most embarrassing/funniest gym moment?

Jeremy: I recently smashed the hell out of the marker holder on the whiteboard while doing shoulder windmills on the wall.

Favorite thing about Birmingham?

Jeremy: It’s big enough to get lost in, but small enough that you can know almost everyone.

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

Jeremy: I’m most proud of the team I’ve built at Breakout and rehabbing my back from “this hurts real bad” to “this doesn’t hurt so bad anymore”

What is your favorite meal?

Jeremy: 45lbs plates and the pork ‘n greens at Saw’s

What are some of your interests outside of CrossFit?

Jeremy: I host a leadership podcast called Bold Future, I’m passionate about supporting other entrepreneurs and I love sportz, expecially Alabama football.

Meredith: Laughing at jokes. This is my main interest and pursuit.

What is one goal that you are currently working on?

Jeremy: I want to interview LeBron James

Do you have a hidden talent?

All of our talents are hidden.

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

Jeremy: I clip my fingernails every three days.

Meredith: one time Jeremy introduced me as the name of his old girlfriend.

Meet our October member spotlight, Andy Duckett!!

Member since: Fall 2016

What do you do for a living?

I am a periodontist. It’s a dentist that specializes in gum disease, I do a lot of gum grafts and other types of gum surgery.  I’ve been practicing since 1997.

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

My sports background is competitive swimming, and I did that as an adult until our local team folded a few years ago.  At that point I started looking for something different. I get my haircuts near the gym and saw folks running up and down the hill.  It looked like it was plenty challenging, so I just walked in one day to give it a try. I have no idea what the workout was, but I ended up getting hooked.

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

I attend 3 days a week, and I am almost always at the 4:30 class.

Favorite CrossFit movement/workout?   

My favorite movement is probably dips or bench press because I grew up doing those and I’m decent at them.

Least favorite CrossFit movement/workout?

My least favorite movement is probably thrusters because they are basically squats that get you out of breath.  What a horrible combination. Any kind of running also challenges my attitude.

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

I like the WOD format. It reminds me of swimming practice back in the day because we are all doing the same workout, and it’s timed. It gives you motivation to work harder than you would if you just go to the gym alone. I also really appreciate the good coaches and their emphasis on good techniques.

Most embarrassing/funniest gym moment?

Looking back, it’s nothing to be ashamed of ….but I remember working out next to one of our old coaches, Shelby, in one of my first workouts….She lapped me at least twice on a “rounds for time” WOD.  I still think if you lap me, you should have to do an extra round. It means it’s too easy for you.

Favorite thing about Birmingham?  

I think we forget how pretty Birmingham is until you fly in on an airplane on a pretty day.  I like the climate, and I’m also a big fan of Southern culture. Some of the sweetest people come from the South!  I’m probably not one of them though.

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

Inside the gym, I can see that I have gotten a lot stronger in the past two years, especially in my lower body (which I used to totally neglect). Outside the gym, I’m most proud of being a dad to two of the worlds best “kids” — Mary Beth (20) and Adam (17).

What is your favorite meal?  

Vegetable plate from Springhouse Restaurant in Alex City in the Summer.  It always features cream style corn and cornbread, heirloom tomatoes, and other stuff that’s in season. Don’t let the word vegetable make you think it’s all that healthy.

What are some of your interests outside of CrossFit?

My passion is spending time at Lake Martin where I have a cabin. I’m there at every opportunity. I love getting out on the water, sitting on the dock, and generally piddling around in the yard. I also love attending my church— Church of the Highland’s. It’s a unique place to worship. And I love to follow Auburn University sports. War Eagle!

What is one goal that you are currently working on?

I just turned 50 last month. Hard for me to believe! So my goal is to do my first muscle up at age 50.

Do you have a hidden talent?

I feel like I’m a pretty good singer. But you will only find out if you ride in the car with me or take a shower with me.  Ha ha!

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

I’m a total neat freak. If I were in the Odd Couple, I’d be Felix Unger. Maybe that makes me a good dentist??

Meet Paul Booker, member since 2015 and our September spotlight!

Member since:

June or July 2015

What do you do for a living?

US Internal Audit Head of People at BBVA

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

We had just moved to Mountain Brook and there was a small sign on the street corner by Publix. I was excited to see something close to the house. Not sure about first workout, but I probably killed it.

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

I shoot for three days a week. Usually twice during the week and then Saturday. Always 6:00am.

Favorite CrossFit movement/workout?

Box jumps. Those aren’t too bad and I’ve manage to not eat it yet. Also anything with running.

Least favorite CrossFit movement/workout?

OHS!! @#$^@#$ those things… they are straight from the Devil’s #$%@$%. Wall Balls are a strong runner-up.

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

The encouragement from other members to get better.

Before the 2018 CrossFit Fames, I promised myself that I would complete the workout each week. We get to 18.4 and as discussed above, I have an unfiltered hatred for overhead squats. So I show up at 6:00am and tell Nick Irvin that I will be doing front squats instead. Well, he and Tyler Destefano grab the training bar and start working with me.  After ten minutes and countless cuss words, I arrive at what appears to be an OHS. So we start the workout (with Tyler as my judge) and I knock 10 reps out immediately. Elated, I turn to Tyler and say “Oh #$#^, that was awesome!”. He responds “That’s nine.. one no rep.” I still hate him to this day.

The fact is, I walked in the gym that morning fully planned to do a different workout but due to fellow members belief in me (or their love of a true challenge) I was able to accomplish something I didn’t believe possible.

Most embarrassing/funniest gym moment?

Definitely the compliments…people are always saying “Paul, how is your form so perfect?” or “Dude, have you been doing this your whole life?”, but I try to stay humble.

Favorite thing about Birmingham?

Two things – 1) The public schools…if you haven’t lived outside Birmingham, you don’t know how fortunate we are. (I sound really old). 2) All the dessert places. I have a vicious sweet tooth and love all the new cupcake/cookie/milkshake stores

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

I spent two years in Belgium with my previous employer. I had never stepped foot in Europe when we walked off the plane. We were able to travel all over and had a blast.

What is your favorite meal?

I’m not a picky eater. Steak (medium rare) and potatoes, with something chocolate for dessert.

What are some of your interests outside of CrossFit?

Fishing and golf. I have two boys (ages 10 and 7) and those are outdoor activities which, luckily, we all enjoy.

What is one goal that you are currently working on?

Handstand pushups. My current goal is to come in on Saturdays and continue practicing. I like Saturday at 9:00am because there aren’t many people there to witness the carnage. Current PR is 0.

Do you have a hidden talent?

I feel my ability to give 70% effort is better than most people.

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

I’ve skydived over the Swiss Alps. I played blackjack with Dave Grohl in New Orleans.

Give it up for our August member spotlight, EJ! Read below and visit the 8:15 AM class to get to know EJ better. EJ, we are so grateful that you are a part of the CrossFit Mudtown family.

Member since: December 2017

What do you do for a living?
I am a Customer Service (ticketing/gate) Agent for Delta Airlines.

How did you hear about CrossFit and what was your first workout?
I have a few friends who have been doing CrossFit for a few years now, and I’ve always been intrigued by it. I used to go to the gym, but never really felt a passion for the gym. CrossFit has awaken that passion of waking up and wanting to go workout. The coaches, the different routines, the music, the community, it all pumps you up for the rest of the day. I can’t recall my first workout, but I did begin attending the WODs on the wk of the 12-days of christmas WOD. It was a DISASTER. I still couldn’t differentiate which movement was the Clean, which one was the Thrusters, which one was the Snatch, etc. You can ask Mel, who was the coach of the class I attended that day; I kept on looking at her, all confused, every time I had to jump to the next movement for her to guide me through it. I felt a bit embarrassed at the time, but now it’s really kind of like a funny crossfit story, I guess… HAHA!

How many days do you CrossFit? What classes do you normally attend?
I go between 4-6x a wk, although Jackie and Mel have recommended to not go more than 4, maybe 5 times (I just want to feel macho… HAHA!). I usually attend the 8:15 am or 9:15 am class. PS: miss you, Heather, Jenny and Brian.

Favorite CrossFit movement/workout?
I’m still working on getting better at this movement, but I really enjoy and would like to master the Snatch. Regarding the WODs, my favorites have usually involved deadlifts and/or pullups and/or snatches.

Least favorite CrossFit movement/workout?
My least favorite CrossFit movement are the Cleans, specially the Power Cleans.

What motivates you/keeps you coming back to CrossFit Mudtown?
The community and trainers, for sure. I appreciate how approachable the trainers are, and how well they work with me and my goals and accommodations.

Most embarrassing/funniest gym moment?
Please refer to the answer about my first workout. The 12-days of Christmas, on the very first week I started CrossFit, was embarrassing for me, and a bit funny, or annoying, to the other athletes, I would think. It was a pretty full class, with lots of equipment out, and I kept on jumping from movement to movement not knowing or differentiating which movement was which, looking at the board to see what I had to do next, looking at Mel so that she could guide me on what to do, and stepping other athletes’ equipment and space. I feel I probably looked like a lost kid at a Black Friday sale.   

Favorite thing about Birmingham?
The trees and greenery. I also appreciate the variety of restaurants.

What accomplishment are you most proud of (outside and inside of the gym)?
I feel that I am barely beginning to set my path in life, as I believe it took me a while to mature and figure out my goals. I will share that in the 9 months I’ve worked for Delta Airlines I have been expressed in numerous occasions that I do an excellent job and that my department (ACS – Airport Customer Service) wants me to continue growing with them, vs switching to Inflight, which was my original plan.
Inside the gym I’m also currently working getting better on the different movements, and gaining more strength, but I feel proud of my consistency and the joy that’s grown inside me for exercise and CrossFit. If I would’ve been told 5 years ago that I’d be this dedicated to doing exercise now, I wouldn’t have believe it.

What is your favorite meal?
I can’t just pick one, but, one of my ultimate favorite would be mofongo (made out of plantains) with mahi-mahi. Visit the Enchanted Island of Puerto Rico to try some mofongo; I promise you won’t regret it.

What are some of your interests outside of CrossFit?

Interior Design and Diets. I enjoy gazing through interior design magazines and stopping by the different furniture and fixture stores. I also enjoy watching food network, documentaries about food and diets, and reading about the topics.
I also enjoy going to the beach, very much.

What is one goal that you are currently working on?
My career. Inside the gym I’m also trying to work on gaining more strength so I can finally do an Rx in the near future.

Do you have a hidden talent?
If I share, then it wouldn’t be hidden anymore… HAHA! *winks*

Tell us a fun/interesting fact not many people know about you.
Well, I’m not sure how many trainers and/or athletes at CF Mudtown know this, but I was born and raised in Puerto Rico and my first language is español. The main reason why I applied to the Airline Industry was to find a way to make it easier to visit my family and enjoy the enchantment of my Island, but luckily enough I feel I have also found an industry and career I’m feeling very passionate about.
On a funnier side, I used to be chubby when I graduated HS and throughout my college years.

Meet Lexi Kimball! Lexi is the latest addition to the CrossFit Mudtown coaching staff. Read below to get to know Lexi a bit better. You can find her usually coaching morning classes!

Member since: July 2017

What do you do for a living?

ICU Registered Nurse

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

My first crossfit experience was not a good one! The coach had me doing (or trying to do) overhead squats with no previous coaching. Let’s just say it took about a year before I went back.. to a different gym of course..with my partner while I was a paramedic. We did a modified Cindy, and I have been in love ever since!

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

I try to attend at least 4 classes a week. Sometimes it varies depending on my work schedule, but you can find me at the 5am classes on the days I’m working or mid afternoon classes on my off days.

Favorite CrossFit movement/workout?

Deadlifts, hang cleans, and double unders! 

Least favorite CrossFit movement/workout?

Toes to bar! 

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

The people and great programming obviously!

Most embarrassing/funniest gym moment? 

Probably any of the 100 times I’ve slipped on the stairs at 5am.

Favorite thing about Birmingham?

Small town feel in a big city.

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

Inside the gym, I am super excited to start coaching! It’s been something I’ve been considering for a while and grateful to have the opportunity.

Outside of the gym, I am pretty proud of my accomplishments in my nursing career. I am passionate about my career and believe it is truly a calling for some. I am fortunate to have had many great experiences that has and continues give my career opportunities an edge.

What is your favorite meal?

I don’t really have a favorite meal, but have a real weakness for baked goods.. Why do cookies and cakes have to be so bad for you?

What are some of your interests outside of CrossFit?

I recently took up road biking and have been really liking it! But I love traveling to new places and just hanging out with Blake and our pups.

What is one goal that you are currently working on?

Grad school. Fingers Crossed.

Do you have a hidden talent?

I’ve been told I’m a pretty good cook.

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

I have a dual citizenship with Germany…Soweit nutzlos.

Meet Jay and Renee Jernigan! Jay and Renee joined the CrossFit Mudtown family in September of 2017. Read below to get to know them a bit better. Note, they decided to answer the questions for each other instead of themselves. Turns out they know each other pretty well! Read on and enjoy!

Member since:  September 2017

What do you do for a living?  

Jay: Renee is a Quality Control Project Manager at Alabama Power (She’s a chemist!)  

Renee: Jay is the operations manager for a restaurant computer system.

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

Jay: Renee was looking for a group environment to work out with when her brother and sister-in-law talked up another local gym. She joined, and 5 years later rocked Diane.  

Renee: Jay joined when he noticed that crossfitters like to drink beer after they workout…he was sold. Jay killed Diane as his first named workout.

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

Renee & Jay: 4-5 days/week.  We usually attend the best class- 6:30 pm.

Favorite CrossFit movement/workout?

Jay: Renee loves situps, and The 12 Days of Christmas WOD.

Renee: Jay likes the oly lifts.

Least favorite CrossFit movement/workout?

Jay: Renee hates rowing and wall-balls.

Renee: Jay, Anything longer than 12 minutes.

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

Both: The Community. Good programming.

Most embarrassing/funniest gym moment? 

Jay: I make up my own wods during class sometimes.  

Renee:  when it gets really hot I have to put my feet up for a bit so I don’t pass out.

Favorite thing about Birmingham?  

Both: The hills- we like to hike!

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

Renee: my relationship with Jay…so blessed he puts up with me!

Jay: ^^^ Awe ^^^     When I quit smoking. Actually it wasn’t not too hard once I realized that I wanted to live the rest of my life with Renee

What is your favorite meal?  

Renee: pizza- even if it is paleo pizza.

Jay: Thanksgiving lunch

What are some of your interests outside of CrossFit?

Jay: Renee is enjoying a newfound interest in pottery and she likes to golf (9 holes max, then onto the 19th).  

Renee: Jay loves woodworking.

What is one goal that you are currently working on?

Jay: Renee is working on meditating daily.

Renee:  Jay is working on handstand walking with the rest of the 6:30pm crew.

Do you have a hidden talent?

Jay: Renee plays the piano.  

Renee: Jay plays the drums.  We should start a band!

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

Renee: Sometimes when Jay is in a special mood he likes to arm wrestle.  

Jay: Renee has completed the Goofy Challenge at Disney- running a half marathon on Saturday and a full marathon on Sunday.   

Presenting to you, Danny and Jacki Rodgers. Owners of CrossFit Mudtown, but also who Kaidyn, Kinsley and Nash Rodgers call mom and dad and who we call coach and friend. Here are some fun facts about Danny and Jacki! Enjoy! 

1. In what city/state did you spend most of your childhood?
   1. Danny: Plymouth, MN
   2. Jacki: Pittsburgh, PA
2. How did you hear about CrossFit and when did you start?
   1. Danny: Heard about it from Billy and started in late 2007 with my mom at CrossFit MN
   2. Jacki: Training for the Pittsburgh marathon I would run by Crossfit Pittsburgh just as they were opening. They invited me in for a workout and the rest is history!
3. What was your first CrossFit workout?
   1. Danny: Angie (100 Pullups, 100 situps, 100 air squats, 100 pushups)
   2. Jacki: Back Squats and Cindy
4. Favorite CrossFit movement/workout?
   1. Danny: Jerk/Grace
   2. Jacki: I love it all!!  Seriously, there is nothing I hate.  We all know how much I love burpees and Snatches are a close second.
5. What was your profession before you started CrossFit Mudtown?
   1. Danny: Event Manager
   2. Jacki: Teacher/School Director
6. What triggered the idea to open a CrossFit Gym?
   1. Danny: Finally in the right town, at the right time, with the right people and we saw that impact CrossFit had on people and wanted to provide that for our future members  
   2. Jacki: It was always a dream of mine to open a gym. After being part of several different gyms we knew it was time to open our own gym! Like Danny said we found the right town and the right people and pulled the trigger.
7. What motivates you inside the gym (as an athlete)?
   1. Danny: Being a better father/husband and wanting the ability to horse around with my kids as we get older.
   2. Jacki: Our members. Cheesy I know, but watching you all do things you never thought possible pushes me in workouts. You don’t give up, so I can’t give up!
8. What accomplishment are you most proud of?
   1. Danny: My family, Framework Events, CrossFit Mudtown, 2006 Conference Championship
   2. Jacki: My family and children. I am so proud of the family Danny and I have built together. We have been so blessed with 3 beautiful and healthy children! The gym is a close second;)
9. What is the best advice you have ever received?
   1. Jacki: You don’t have to do this, you get to do this!
10. What is your favorite way to spend an off day?
    1. Danny: Playing with the kids and introducing them to new things
    2. Jacki: Being with my family and friends. This is usually at a brewery because I love beer!!   
11. What is your favorite meal?
    1. Danny: Pizza
    2. Jacki: I don’t have a favorite meal but I LOVE pickles and popcorn!!
12. Top 3 words that would describe how you like to spend your time?
    1. Danny: Fun, exciting, on the edge
    2. Jacki: Family/Friends, coaching, working out
13. What is one goal that you are currently working on outside of the gym?
    1. Danny: Selling our house and moving to CH!
    2. Jacki: Becoming a better coach and moving our family to CH!
14. One fun/interesting fact not many people know about you.
    1. Danny: I can lift my pinky toe it over the toe next to it. (try it)
    2. Jacki: I did not find out I was pregnant with Kaidyn until I was 7 months (31 weeks) along
15. Fun fact:
    1. Danny: Once, I ate nothing but chocolate chip cookies during a holiday meal/day. (I did not feel good the next day)
    2. Jacki: I have just as much energy when I go to bed as I do when I wake up!
16. What is one thing you couldn’t live without (excluding people)?
    1. Danny: Pizza (see question 11)
    2. Jacki: Crossfit Duh!!!!
17. Do you have a hidden talent?
    1. Danny: See question 14
    2. Jacki: Nope, you have seen them all!
18. Most embarrassing/funniest gym moment? 
    1. Danny: Falling of the rig at Mayhem on the Mountain doing T2B
    2. Jacki: I would say peeing my pants in almost every workout but I’m not embarrassed by that anymore;) Watching Danny fall off that rig was pretty darn funny!!!
19. Least favorite CrossFit movement/workout?
    1. Danny: Fran/running
    2. Jacki: Love them all!!!