Monthly Member Spotlight

When choosing the Member Spotlight for the month, we ask ourselves...

Who recognizes that changes in life happen when they choose to get uncomfortable?
Who supports us in fostering a caring environment and helps other athletes feel safe and welcome?
Who believes that every day is a new beginning in which they can work to be the best version of themselves possible?
Who believes in cultivating authentic relationships at DeNovo?
Who sets hesitations aside and works towards fulfilling their full potential and helping other athletes do the same?

aaron westby

How did you discover CrossFit?

I first started CrossFit back in 2007 when I was still on active duty in the Marines and living in the San Diego area. My first WOD was on the beach because the gym wasn’t set to open until a week later and after getting into the box for the first time I knew I was hooked because I saw how adaptable CrossFit is! I’ve stayed with CrossFit as my preferred fitness routine since then and I’ve never been disappointed in the challenge it keeps offering every day!

What draws you to DeNovo CrossFit?

There are many reasons why I love coming to DeNovo (from the coaches, to the space, to the community) but out of all the reasons I have to give, the community takes the number one spot! Everyone at all of the classes are fun to be around, friendly and encouraging. Coming to the gym is one of the best parts of my day!

What do you feel is your biggest accomplishment in CrossFit/Life?

I think my biggest accomplishment in CrossFit is that I’ve stayed consistent with it over so many years even though I’ve experienced many injuries related to my military and police careers. The coaches at DeNovo, especially, have always supported me in figuring out ways to modify workouts so that I can keep working hard even when I’m limited in some of the things I can do.

I think my biggest accomplishment in life has been working in public service for over 20 years. It's been challenging at times, and has definitely taken a toll on my body, but I still have a passion for it and hope to keep working in public safety for many more years to come!

What is your pet peeve?

Drivers who pass on the left only to get back into the right lane and then immediately drive slower than I was going in the first place! That’s just the worst!

If we are sitting here one year from now, what would we be celebrating?

A year from now I want to be celebrating recovering from any lingering injuries so that I can really be a better all around athlete and maybe competing again in next year’s Barbells for Badges competition where we have another great event representing DeNovo!

What athlete/s at DeNovo inspire you to be the best version of yourself each and every day?

There are too many athletes at DeNovo who are inspiring in their own way to single any one person out so I’m just going to say that all of our athletes inspire me to come to the gym and do my best!

What do you enjoy doing for fun and professionally?

I enjoy doing things outdoors, cabin trips to the mountains, lazy nights watching movies or reading a book, scootering, biking, and just hanging out with my wife and dog, Maggie!

What/Who inspires you?

The people who have inspired me the most over the last number of years are all of the police officers who have given their lives in critical incidents. Unfortunately, I’ve been to too many law enforcement funerals in my time as a police officer, but their example inspires me and I hope that if I even have to face anything as challenging as they had to, that I will have the courage to step up and face it as bravely as they did.

What is your favorite CrossFit movement?

Double unders, for sure! I learned great technique when I started CrossFit years ago and DU’s are the one thing I think I can compete in with the best of them!

What are you currently reading?

I’m reading a book about the Constitution of the United States that breaks down the text to help explain the intentions of the founders and shows how their intentions would apply to modern times! So far it seems like a very fitting read for today’s times.

What advice do you have for someone who is nervous about joining DeNovo?

I’m sure that my answer is probably the same as just about everyone else’s at this point, but the biggest thing I’d want to say is that the hardest thing about CrossFit is walking through the door for the first time. DeNovo is no different, and if someone is just willing to come check it out, they’re going to find out that they’re welcome at DeNovo right from the beginning and that everyone at the gym is going to support their fitness journey no matter where they are when they start!

What are you thankful for?

I’m thankful to have an amazing wife, a great pup, a nice house, a satisfying career, wonderful friends, and to have that all while living in a fantastic place like Colorado. Life is great and I really have no reason to complain about much of anything!

Why the DeNovo Coaches chose Aaron...

A-A-Ron!
Congrats and well deserved on our October Member Spotlight. Even though you can be a quiet individual, you are one of the most inspiring people I know. I love that you leave no man behind in workouts and cheer people on when they are struggling or finishing up their last few reps. A few weeks ago, you and another athlete did EXTRA THRUSTERS after you were done working out to support another athlete in this position. You help put into perspective what the true meaning of hero workouts means and I love that you help us really get to the heart of it all with sharing your experiences with both your past and current service. I still remember so vividly your Whitten workout in 2020 wearing your uniform and gear-- you probably wanted to give up and you didn't. You just kept pushing through for yourself, but I know deep down you did it more so for all the others who have paid the ultimate sacrifice, and that is simply so beautiful. You "carry" others and do it in such a warm, respectful way... and speaking of carrying others 🙂 thank you for teaching us how to literally fireman carry each other for the Barbells & Badges competition! I am so proud of you for taking on the challenge of doing nutrition coaching with me and I am very excited to see you progress and reach your goals. Thank you for being an amazing individual, showing what camaraderie is and for having an exceptionally kind heart. -Coach Jenny

Congrats to A-A-Ron for being our next member spotlight. A-A-Ron has a great attitude and I appreciate how easy he is to talk to. One thing that really sticks out to me about him is that he completely understands what it means to support the community. At the gym, he will be the one that is there to cheer on the last person still working out. He will even do their last reps or run their last run with them just to show that person that they are not suffering alone. He is also really funny! Although he's quieter, I can expect something witty to come out of his mouth. Thank you A-A-Ron for being a part of our DeNovo family and also for serving our community as a police officer. We love you dude! -Coach Jorine

A-A-Ron! You inspire me a ton. I'm so excited for you to be our next member spotlight and for you to share your story. One of the most admirable traits about you, that I'm sure each of us will mention, is your commitment to camaraderie and making sure that no one finishes a workout alone. I also very vividly remember you doing a Hero workout in your full uniform and some of us were legitimately crying. You serve our community not only at DeNovo, but outside the gym -- putting your life on the line, day in and out. You also work numerous holidays with no complaints, and with your consistency, despite injury, you continuously show us tenacity, grit, and what it means to show up each day and live out the DeNovo theory. Also! I looove when your amazing humor makes it's way into our intro questions and classes. You've also jumped into nutrition coaching and I can't wait to watch that journey unfold! Here's to hoping that Jenny still allows you to have some Reeses PB Cups every now and then. ; ) Congrats!! -Coach Paige