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Category: CrossFit

Master Your Inner Clock: The Life-Changing Power of Becoming a Sunrise Seeker

– Rene Birabent, Pn2, CF-L1 Transform your energy and sleep by aligning with your circadian rhythm. Discover why morning sunlight is your new favorite self-care ritual and get actionable protocols that actually work. Read Time: 8-9 minutes Your body already knows what time it is—you just need to start listening. The Quick Win Section (Start […]

CrossFit, More Than A Functional Fitness Gym – Our Ethos is the Standard

In CrossFit, we use the phrase “The standard is the standard.” Now, what does that mean, and how does it pertain to the headline of this article? The most common use of the phrase is to portray a movement standard like squatting below parallel or full extension of a limb. There are several reasons why […]

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Rene Birabent

Pn L-2, Nutrition Coach

Why/How did you first get involved in CrossFit?
I had a friend invite me for a few years before I joined a CrossFit gym. I joined to help with jiu jitsu conditioning. I was immediately drawn to the community and methodology. I eventually got the blue belt blues and fell away from jiu jitsu, but have stayed the course with CrossFit.
How long have you been coaching and what are your qualifications?
I’ve been in nutrition coaching for about 8 yrs, starting with my L-1. About 3 yrs ago I received my L-2 Master Health Coach certification. On June 25, 2025 I became a CrossFit L-1 Trainer

Fun fact about you:
I play coed soccer, I’m a fan of Japanese anime

Outside the gym:
Most of my day is taken up with being the division Manager of the steel division for a local general contractor

Certifications

CF-L1

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Simone Jolissaint

Director of Athlete Success, Coach

Why/How did you first get involved in CrossFit?
Way back in 2014, I had hired a personal trainer. After training with them for a few months, I expressed that I wanted to try CrossFit one day, and the response I was given is something I’ll never forget: “You’ll never be able to do CrossFit. Something like that isn’t for you. I wouldn’t waste your time.” Naturally I was crushed, but that quickly changed to a “challenge accepted” kind of attitude, and so many questions were raised that I wanted answers to. That moment right there was the start of a passion I never knew would become such a huge part of me. The Lord is so faithful and has carried me farther than I could have ever imagined. One thing lead to another. Travis and I competed in our first competition, I locked in my L-1, I was offered a full time coaching position, and CrossFit was just something I couldn’t get enough of.
How long have you been coaching and what are your qualifications?
I coached full time for about 8 months starting the end of 2022, and have been coaching off and on ever since. I currently hold a Level 2 in CrossFit coaching as well as certificates in CrossFit Lesson Planning and CrossFit Programming. In the coming weeks, I’ll be taking the test for the Level 1 Burgener Strength Weightlifting Coach to officially be an L-1, but I’ve taken their course a while back

Fun fact about you:
I put my shoes and socks on as sock shoe sock shoe.

Outside the gym:
I have a life full of “answered- prayer” blessings and then some! I’m “mommy” to my amazing little boy. Before he became my entire world, I use to do a lot of competing. I absolutely loved the atmosphere and the hype of competing in both indy and team settings, and still do! My brother has been my biggest fan, and has never missed coming to my competitions. Humble brag: I’ve never left a comp without placing podium. Anyways! Currently, I’m a full time student double majoring in Business and Administration with focus in HR and Leadership, and Paralegal studies. I also, have a photography business that I absolutely love. Being given the privilege of capturing special moments, raw emotion, and feeling, is such an experience like no other! Lastly, I work nights as a first responder.

Certifications

CF-L2

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Justin “Mertz” Mehrtens

Coach

Why/How did you first get involved in CrossFit?
My intro to CrossFit was in 2007. My brother and his marine buddy that were on the police force together showed me Crossfit.com. Used it as a supplement to body building for the most part. Didn’t understand it much at all, but I saw my hockey game improve. Even bad CrossFit works! Walked into my first affiliate in Feb 2013 and it was there that I learned I was doing it wrong for 5 years!
How long have you been coaching and what are your qualifications?
I started coaching and did my L-1 in 2015. Passed my L-3 in 2024. I was part owner of CrossFit Gris-Gris 2022-2025. I have my USAW L-1 and operate an affiliate of Parish Barbell Club.

Fun fact about you:
I’m on a Hogs for the Cause team. Hupig’s pies. We raise over $20,000 every year to help families that have a child with pediatric brain cancer.

Outside the gym:
Outside of the love I have in helping change people’s lives with the CrossFit methodology? I’m third generation of Penny’s Auto Chassis that’s been operating for 80 years. I have a daughter that was recently married and celebrating 25 years with my own marriage with my wife, Chantel. I also came in 3rd in the nation in Weightlifting in 2024 (Masters 45-49 78k class) and my brother is also a Weightlifting coach that came in 2nd in the world in 2023 (Masters 50-55 106k+class).

Certifications

CF-L3

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Travis Hahn

Coach

Why/How did you first get involved in CrossFit?
I blame Simone. She talked me into doing a competition together and we’ve been hating thrusters ever since.
How long have you been coaching and what are your qualifications?
I started coaching CrossFit at the end of 2019 and transitioned to full time coaching by mid 2022. I got my CF-L2 last November. Looking to rack up some more certs in the near future.

Fun fact about you:
I have done SIM racing in the past.

Outside the gym:
Outside of CrossFit and coaching, I spend my time playing games, geeking out to Warhammer 40K, and spending time with my amazing wife.

Certifications

CF-L2

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Kyle

Coach

Why/How did you first get involved in CrossFit?
I have a family member that was an affiliate owner in 2010, that suggested I try CrossFit.
How long have you been coaching and what are your qualifications?
I was introduced to CrossFit in late 2011, became a CF-L1, coached for a number of years as I earned my CF-L2, CrossFit Olympic Lifting Cert. and a USAW L2 Weightlifting Cert.

Fun fact about you:
I know how to milk a cow

Outside the gym:
In mid 2020, at age 50, I was introduced to The Tactical Games. I was the first competitor at the Games, during the inaugural TTG Championship, to wield an Atlas Gunworks Hyperion. To this date, I have been an active Masters competitor at TTG, and have been sponsored by Atlas Gunworks, as of 2023.

Certifications

CF-L2

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Tanya Silvernagel

Owner, Head Coach

A Tulane Graduate, turned permanent resident of New Orleans, Tanya is committed to teaching people to use fitness and nutrition to improve their quality of life and increase their longevity, by providing the first line of defense against chronic and acute infectious diseases.
Why/How did you first get involved in CrossFit?
In 2017, I was working in the legal industry and active in road cycling, running, aerobic resistance training, and martial arts. Then I started dating a guy who I belatedly, and skeptically, found out was a CrossFit Trainer. Two months in, he surprised me with a 3-week CrossFit Fundamentals course, which I grudgingly accepted. After that first class I was obsessed, and 8 years later, it’s safe to say I have BECOME the Kool-Aid.

How long have you been coaching and what are your qualifications?
I took the L-1 course in 2018 and started interning before being hired as a coach. After becoming a Precision Nutrition Level 1 Coach in 2020, I shifted to full-time coaching. In 2021, I got my L-2 and Adaptive and Inclusive Trainer certificates. In preparation for my L-3 in 2022, I passed the Gymnastics, Programming, Coaching the Aging Athlete (Masters), Scaling, Spot the Flaw, and Running courses.

Fun fact about you:
I’m a total comic book and sci-fi nerd. My favorite fandoms are Star Wars, Marvel/DC, Stargate SG1, Star Trek, and Dr. Who.

Outside the gym:
I’m the Director of Service for the Rotary Club of New Orleans Riverbend. We’re the folks that put on the Freret Street Festival every year. Rotary International has been fighting Polio for 46 years, and is close to wiping the disease off the world map. Locally, we support causes including diaper banks, tree planting, neighborhood clean-ups, Lighthouse Louisiana, and Raintree House for Girls. I also moonlight as a talent handler/captain for events like New York Comic Con and GenCon.

Certifications

CF-L3

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