Benchmark Fitness home of Yellowhammer CrossFit
“WWWWOOOOOOORRRRRRKKKKKK!!!”
“I really don’t want to be here today”
“Come on guys. . . .finish!”
Just a few of the things you will likely hear J Sprat yell to his ‘battle buddies’ at the 5:15am class!
Our Member Spotlight is none other than Jeremy ‘J’ (don’t call me JJ) Spratling! A man of many talents, hard work, and a great example of ‘paying it forward’ as a business professional.
Learn a little more about J Sprat and why he enjoys Benchmark Fitness. . .
What do you like most about Benchmark Fitness home of Yellowhammer CrossFit?
I really like the people or as I say, my battle buddies. We push and encourage each other every day. The 5:15am group is lighthearted and not afraid to make jokes. I also like it because every workout is different. It is hard to get bored.
How long have you been doing CrossFit & why did you start?
I think I have been doing it for 4-5 years. I started with Benchmark Fitness. I started because I like a challenge. I was doing Muay Thai before CrossFit. CrossFit has more movements and includes free weights. I get a full body, cardiovascular workout each day.
What is your favorite movement, or workout of the day (WOD)?
I like the long WODS. I would say that I like pull-ups the most.
What are 3 things you are most proud of accomplishing since being at BF-YHCF?
I can do double-unders [with the jump rope]
I have done MURPH every year since starting CrossFit
I have stayed consistent(ish) since joining
Favorite place to eat in the Bham area? *this was a tough one*:
I have a ton of places that I like. I love food.
1) Le Fresca
2) Helen
3) Bamboo on 2nd
I eat everything, so I order everything; my only true favorite. . . .is happy hour!!
Favorite hobby outside of working out?
Ironically, my favorite hobby is working.
–> Jeremy owns (and founded) one of the largest, and one of the largest minority owned, facility management companies in the Southeast – Corporate Facilities Management
What is an interesting fact (or two) that most people do not know about you?
I am an author, public speaker, and mentor of business owners and young men. *Great book for those looking to start a business: Do As I Do, Not As I Did *
What made you want to become a business mentor?
I have been really fortunate in my life; I have learned more at an early age than most people have learned in two lifetimes. I feel that it is my charge to pass some of this information along to anyone that wants to accept it. I want to leave a legacy and I feel I can do this by watering other lives.
–> In addition to his company CFM, being an author, and mentoring other entrepreneurs, J Sprat, along with his partners, also help guide and develop college aged men through mentorship, scholarships, and professional development through their organization: Turning Dreams into Realities
What would you tell someone who was skeptical about starting at Benchmark Fitness?
Try it a few times to get comfortable, then you will fall in love with it!
