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?

Matt Hysen

How did you discover CrossFit?

A friend of Liz and I had started going to CrossFit and was trying to get us to try it out for a few months before we finally gave it a go.

What draws you to DeNovo CrossFit?

Initially, it was the safety precautions taken during the pandemic. Other gyms were adhering to protocols but DeNovo was the only one that had it clearly stated on their website. This showed us that they really care about their members and the community. Now that we’ve been here for a while, it's definitely the community, coaching, and fun atmosphere we get everyday.

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

In terms of CrossFit, being able to beat my Grace time this past year was pretty fun.

In life, finishing my workbench was a big accomplishment for me.

What is your pet peeve?

People who chew with their mouth open or smack their lips.

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

Hopefully, being able to do muscle ups.

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

My wife, Liz, inspires me each and every day. There was a time when I could beat her in WODs but she now crushes me daily!

Dustin Wier pushes me to do the extra work after class and it’s definitely made me better at a lot of different movements.

What do you enjoy doing for fun and professionally?

I enjoy working in my wood shop and building furniture for our house and occasionally for friends.

What/Who inspires you?

Again, I have to say Liz. She’s my reason for doing anything and my best friend.

What is your favorite CrossFit movement?

Clean and Jerk.

What are you currently reading?

“The Vanishing Half” by Brit Bennett.

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

Don’t be nervous. Everyone here is very friendly. This is the first gym I’ve been to where modifying or scaling the workout is not considered a bad thing. In fact, it's encouraged in some instances. Everything feels very approachable and fun.

Favorite joke?

“I was in the park the other day and saw a wino sitting on a bench eating grapes. I was like, dude… you gotta wait.”

What are you thankful for?

I’m thankful to be able to move every day and happy that we’ve found a place like DeNovo that makes our lives so much better.

Why the DeNovo Coaches chose Matt...

Congrats Matt! Nominating you for Member Spotlight was a pretty easy choice 🙂 Your consistency at the gym, fun-loving sense of humor and genuine kindness are so inspiring. You support those around you with such love--- supporting Liz through her nutrition coaching journey, and even bettering yourself and lowering your cholesterol in the process, helping judge during the Open even though you weren't able to participate as much as you wanted, encouraging your fellow athletes in Barbell Club, and being a DeNovo advocate. You demonstrate consistency in showing up at the gym, aren't afraid to modify to keep your body safe when it is asking for it, are a part of the Whoop recovery band crew and on that note, I admire the way you care for your body with ensuring you are getting TONS of sleep! You attend events and consistently show up for us and the DeNovo community. I am SO very glad that you and Liz joined us at DeNovo and cannot imagine this gym without your friendly smile, warm-loving Wisconsin personality, and baby shark & Wisconsin-themed headbands. We love you guys so much and really appreciate your friendship 🙂 -Coach Jenny

Congrats Matt for being our next member spotlight! I can't imagine DeNovo without Matt (and Liz). Matt is very coachable and cares a lot about improving his technique and moving well. He is very consistent which has really paid off with improving his technique. Even when he had a setback with hurting his back, he still showed up to put in work instead of sitting at home. His back injury came right before the open this year and it prevented him from being able to do the workouts and yet he showed up every Saturday morning to help judge, cheer people on and do what he could to still be involved all with an incredible attitude. Injuries suck and we have a choice on how we choose to react to them and he set such a great example of choosing to continue to show up and to keep a good attitude while he recovered. And on bench day, he showed up with his bench from home and let us use it for all of our classes. That was so thoughtful and helpful! Thanks for being so great Matt! -Coach Jorine

Matt! You are SO awesome. I absolute love your positive attitude, sense of humor, and just how easy going you are with whatever life throws your way. You have made so much progress since starting at DeNovo and it has been amazing to see! From improving/PR'ing your olympic lifts to progressing more and more on the bar muscle-up, I love seeing you show up each day and surprising yourself. I also love that even throughout a nagging back injury, you are a great example of continuing to move and adapt the workouts to your needs for that day. Your attitude during the CrossFit Open was SO dang admirable. Being injured right before, you still were so engaged and supported everyone through those workouts, judged alllll morning long, and was an amazing cheer leader. I look up to that because I know personally, I would've struggled much more in that situation but you made the absolute best of it! I also admire your love for Liz and how supportive you are of her; we are SO glad that the Hysen's are a part of our DeNovo community and are excited for you to be able to share a little bit of your story this month! -Coach Paige

Matt, Congratulations on being our member spotlight for May! You are inspiring with your consistency at the gym. It was awesome to see you at the Open workouts every Saturday. You were always ready to help out, support other athletes and judge. I appreciate your sincere and easy going attitude. I’m excited for you and glad you are part of DeNovo! - Coach Nikki