Monthly Member Spotlight
Our Member Spotlight for the month is a prestigious designation awarded to someone who exemplifies what it means to be a DeNovo CrossFit athlete; someone in our community who lives by our Purpose and Values and honors the DeNovo Theory.
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 life-long relationships at DeNovo?
- Who sets hesitations aside and works towards fulfilling their full potential and helping other athletes do the same?
abel fuhrmann
How did you discover CrossFit?
I started at a gym when I lived in Reno. I had heard about it and wanted to give it a try and the community aspect of it drew me in immediately.
What draws you to DeNovo CrossFit?
The Community -- 100%. It was awesome how welcoming everyone was when I did my free week trial. It was like I had been a member at DeNovo for years. It’s been great getting to know everyone over my first couple of months at the gym. The gym is my second home, so the community aspect of DeNovo is really important to me.
What do you feel is your biggest accomplishment in CrossFit/Life?
For work, I have been able to build some really cool buildings and be part of some really cool projects. Being able to build something from the ground up or remodel an existing space and to see the public using the space you helped create, provides a huge sense of accomplishment. We just finished a Surgery Center in Reno and being able to see the first successful surgery was an incredible experience. It is really interesting to see how the things you learn in a CrossFit gym apply to your personal and professional life.
What is your pet peeve?
People who chew with their mouth open or smack their gum. I guess the two go hand-in-hand, please don’t...
If we are sitting here one year from now, what would we be celebrating?
My first Ring Muscle-Up. “Just flip over.”
What athlete/s at DeNovo inspire you to be the best version of yourself each and every day?
I feel like everyone at DeNovo is awesome and each class has its own unique aspects. Everyone in class is always working hard and is pushing themselves to get better every day. I also really appreciate the coaches: Jenny, Paige, and Jorine. Since joining DeNovo, I can’t say enough about how they have helped me improve as an athlete. You can tell they really care about the athletes and always give great advice and feedback when it comes to the workouts and mindset.
What is your favorite joke?
I saw this one online the other day and it made me laugh.
How many CrossFitters does it take to change a lightbulb?
Three. One to do it in record time, one to film it, and one to complain about proper form.
What do you enjoy doing for fun and professionally?
I’m a huge sports fan. If I’m not working or in the gym, I’m usually watching or playing sports. I’m excited to go to some CSU games now that I’m back in FoCo. GO RAMS!
What/Who inspires you?
My dad inspires me; he has been a great role model my entire life and I still continue to go to him for advice. He helped shape my mindset around work ethic and always reiterated the Golden Rule: “treat others the way you want to be treated.”
In relation to CrossFit, Ben Bergeron inspires me. If you haven’t read his book or listened to his podcast, I highly recommend both.
What is your favorite CrossFit movement?
I’m going to pretend that running isn’t an option here. Alt. DB Snatches (unless it’s 21.2, then I hate DB Snatches). Double unders can be cool too, but they can also make you want to quit doing CrossFit forever -- it’s a love-hate relationship.
What are you currently reading?
7 Habits of Highly Effective People. It’s a really good book but takes forever to get through.
What advice do you have for someone who is nervous about joining DeNovo?
Do it. From personal experience, I know it can be intimidating to walk into a CrossFit gym for the first time and do a workout but you will thank yourself later. DeNovo is a great gym to join. Everyone will be welcoming and willing to help if this is your first time doing CrossFit. CrossFit not only improves your physical ability, but will also help you in your personal life as well. It’s hard to explain but, you just have to trust me on this one.
What are you thankful for?
The first thing that comes to mind are my friends and family. I’ve got an awesome group of people around me that help support the things that I do in life.
Why the DeNovo Coaches chose Abel...
- Congrats Abel! I'm so excited for you to share your story, especially as one of our newer members. Since before your first day at the gym, you have been so eager to join a community that you can call home. We love having you come to so many different class times, meeting so many different athletes and attending both Barbell Club and CrossFit classes. You attend social events and care about meeting as many people as you can. You welcome athletes into the gym by name and it doesn't go unnoticed. Your fitness with running, barbell and CrossFit is very inspiring and we thank you for being a great role model for so many. You have invested in your health and wellbeing by doing nutrition coaching with me and I am so excited to see your wellness continue to improve over the next few months. Thank you for being such a kind, fun and community-driven athlete. We are so happy you are a part of the DeNovo family! -Coach Jenny
- Abel! We are so so glad you decided to make DeNovo a part of your fitness journey and we love having you in our CrossFit family. You have such a great attitude all of the time and I feel like I have known you for years. You are so friendly and welcoming with everyone even if you don’t know them and we appreciate that! You help us each day to continue to be a welcoming community gym. And geeezzzz….you can run so fast. Thank you for being you! -Coach Jorine
- I'm so glad Abel is a part of the DeNovo family. Abel, your consistency and work ethic is so inspiring. I love how you regularly attend both Barbell Hour and the workouts; not to mention, you regularly run outside of classes and challenge yourself by entering alllll the races and competitions. Your "go-getter" attitude and ambition is so cool to see! I love that community is so important to you and all of the thoughtful questions you asked us as coaches before joining. I can definitely tell, as you mentioned in your interview, that DeNovo is far more than just a place to workout. As coaches, a community centered gym where people want to come and make themselves better each day, while having fun and building relationships is what we dream of, so thank YOU, for doing just that. I love that I recently witnessed your 20# snatch PR and I can't WAIT to see how far the next year takes you. Congrats, Abel! -Coach Paige