Anand Raj Member of the Month (September 2026)

How did you discover CrossFit? 

I discovered CrossFit through some good friends who introduced me to it. I’m very thankful they encouraged me to give it a try!

What draws you to DeNovo CrossFit?

What draws me to DeNovo CrossFit is the strong sense of community. The members and coaches make me feel like I’m part of a family. I especially appreciate Coach Jorine, who has been supportive and encouraging throughout my CrossFit journey.

What do you feel is your biggest accomplishment in life? 

One of my biggest accomplishments is staying consistent with my workouts and reaching a high number of check-ins at CrossFit. I’m also grateful to the coaches for their helpful feedback on my movements, which has helped me improve, become stronger, and feel more confident.

What or who EMPOWERS you at DeNovo? 

The coaches at DeNovo empower me to challenge myself and try heavier weights that I never thought I could lift before. Their encouragement gives me the confidence to push beyond what I thought was possible. Sometimes I think, “Can I really do this?” Then I try—and I do it! 💪

What is your favorite way to use your fitness outside of the gym? 

My favorite ways to use my fitness outside of the gym are hiking and mountain biking. I love being outdoors, exploring the mountains, and using the strength and endurance I’ve built through CrossFit.

What is your pet peeve? 

N/A

Favorite workout song. 

Duh, I’m Deaf! LOL! 😂 I don’t really have a favorite workout song—I just feel the energy and focus on crushing the workout!

Favorite CrossFit movement or type of workout?

I love HYROX-style workouts! My favorite CrossFit movements are cleans, squats, deadlifts, and rowing. I really enjoy workouts that challenge both my strength and endurance!

What advice would you have for anyone who is nervous to join DeNovo? 

Nah, don’t be nervous about joining DeNovo! Everyone is friendly and will give you a warm welcome. You’ll quickly feel like part of the community, so come join us, have fun, and enjoy the experience!

What do you do professionally?

I am a faculty member in the American Sign Language (ASL) program. I have been teaching ASL for over 15 years, and I truly enjoy sharing ASL and Deaf culture with my students.

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

One year from now, I hope we’ll be celebrating how much stronger I’ve become, new personal records, and workouts I never thought I could accomplish. Most importantly, I hope we’ll still be having fun, supporting one another, and celebrating together as a DeNovo family!

What are you currently reading? 

I’m currently reading about leadership skills in the business world, especially books by John Maxwell. I love his work and enjoy learning from his ideas about leadership and personal growth!

What are you thankful for? 

I’m thankful for my wife, friends, and the amazing DeNovo CrossFit community. I’m especially grateful for the coaches and members who continue to support, encourage, and challenge me to become stronger every day. I’m also thankful for the opportunity to enjoy life, stay active, and keep growing! 💪❤️