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.
