Meet Akemi Wu of CrossFit Clout & Gym

Today we’d like to introduce you to Akemi Wu.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Becoming the owner of CrossFit Clout wasn’t something I originally planned, but in many ways, it feels like the natural next chapter in my lifelong passion for fitness, wellness, and building community.
My “American Dream” journey started back in 2006 when I moved to the U.S. — to Ohio — from Japan and Taiwan as a high school exchange student during my senior year. It was a big leap, coming here on my own at a young age, but I quickly fell in love with the experience and decided to stay for college in Ohio. In 2015, I moved to Colorado — a place that I now proudly call home.
I started my career in the hospitality industry in 2012. While I enjoyed working in such a dynamic field and connecting with people from all walks of life, years of corporate travel and the fast-paced lifestyle eventually began to take their toll. I found myself looking for a new direction — one that would allow me to be more grounded, more connected to my community, and more focused on personal wellness.
As a long-time member of Clout, I had already discovered what a special place this gym is. The sense of camaraderie, support, and shared purpose here is unlike anything else. When the opportunity arose to take on this new venture and become the owner, I knew it was the perfect fit.
Today, I’m honored to carry on the legacy of CrossFit Clout — a gym that’s been part of Lakewood, CO for over 30 years. I’m excited to bring new energy and ideas, while staying true to the heart of this community. My priority is to get to know each of you, to listen, and to work together as we continue building a space where everyone feels supported, challenged, and inspired.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I’ve only been the owner since January 2025, so it’s still very new — and honestly, it’s been a bit of a rollercoaster! Getting all of the administrative side of the business set up — systems, processes, memberships, finances — has definitely been a learning curve. Coming from a hospitality background, a lot of these aspects were new to me, so there’s been a lot of trial and error.
That said, overall, it’s been a really fun, positive, and fulfilling experience. I’m learning so much every day, and the members here have been incredibly supportive and welcoming. I think any new business owner goes through some bumps in the road, but it’s all part of the process. I’m excited to keep growing and to continue building on what makes this gym so special.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
CrossFit Clout has proudly served the Denver fitness community for over 30 years. We offer a unique training environment that caters to a wide range of athletes and fitness enthusiasts. Our large facility includes both a full traditional gym area and a dedicated CrossFit/functional fitness space—something you won’t typically find in most CrossFit boxes around the city. This setup is ideal for anyone who enjoys training across different styles and methodologies.

One thing that truly sets us apart is the flexibility we provide our members. We offer open gym access all day, along with after-hours access, so members can work out on their schedule—not just during standard hours.

We are also proud to be a woman-owned and operated gym. Clout is known for its welcoming, less intimidating atmosphere that supports members of all fitness levels—from total beginners to seasoned athletes. Many of our members have been with us for years, creating a strong, supportive community we’re incredibly proud of.

As a privately owned facility, we’re able to offer a personal touch—whether through our extensive range of equipment, group training, personal training, or CrossFit classes. If you’re local and looking for a new gym to call home, we invite you to come try us out for free and see what makes Clout so special!

Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The most important lesson I’ve learned so far is the value of building genuine relationships with members and that involves being personable and present. Running a gym is about more than just equipment or programming — it’s about fostering a welcoming community where people feel supported and motivated. Taking the time to really listen to members how their day is going or just being that positive interaction, they might need has been key creating an environment where people feel seen and supported makes such a difference. It’s been a really fulfilling part of the journey as a new owner.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.crossfitclout.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crossfitclout
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/crossfitclout
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/crossfit-clout-gym/about/?viewAsMember=true
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/crossfit-clout-lakewood?osq=Crossfit+Clout