Member of the month: layla ghaffari
Layla Ghaffari began her CrossFit journey at Sanitas in September 2024 as a total newbie—and she’s been showing up and leveling up ever since. In just a few months, she’s lost 15 pounds (a number that now means a lot to her) and gained a ton of strength, confidence, and skill. Layla is being recognized for her unwavering dedication, her willingness to keep trying no matter the challenge, and her love for the process. She never gives up, always shows up, and reminds us all why we love this game. Way to go, Layla—you’ve earned this!
1. Tell us about yourself! Hometown, where you work, important people in your life, how you enjoy spending your free time etc.
I’m originally from Tehran, Iran, and moved to Boulder a few years ago for grad school. I quickly fell in love with the mountains, the people, and yes, even the unpredictable weather. The most important people in my life are my husband, Rez (fellow Sanitas member and post-WOD protein shake partner), and my family back in Iran. When I’m not lifting things up and putting them down, I enjoy hiking, cooking Persian food, reading non-fiction, and playing the daf, a traditional Iranian frame drum that sounds way cooler than it looks (okay, it looks pretty cool too: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daf. I’m about to finish my PhD in computer science at CU Boulder, so CrossFit has become my much-needed brain break. It’s where I trade debugging code for barbell complexes.
2. What’s your favorite thing about being a member at Sanitas?
Definitely the people. Sanitas feels like a second home, with a lot more sweat and barbells. The coaches are fantastic. They push you to improve while keeping things fun, even when burpees are involved. And the community is the most supportive, hype-you-up, fist-bump-giving group you could hope for.
3. Any advice for new members?
Give yourself grace. No one starts out knowing how to snatch or string together toes-to-bar. And if they do, they might be a secret superhero. Progress isn't always linear, and that’s totally fine. Just keep showing up, celebrate the small wins, and remember that scaling is smart, not something to be ashamed of. Also, make friends. Everything is better when you have someone to laugh through the tough WODs with.
4. Favorite and least favorite CrossFit movements?
Favorite: Deadlifts. There’s nothing like the feeling of standing up with a heavy barbell and thinking, “I just did that.”
Least favorite: Burpees. They are like that one friend who shows up uninvited and always overstays their welcome. (Honorable mention: Thrusters, because squatting and pressing in one move is just rude.)
Stay tuned for Laylas workout. We asked for some of her favorite numbers, along with her favorite and least favorite movements!