Pursue Your Strength: Aaron and Maritsa Redus

Aaron and Maritsa Redus know what it means to endure.  

Aaron, a burn survivor who overcame a devastating car crash at just six years old, has spent his life defying the odds after 40% of his body was burned. Maritsa, a recent survivor of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, faced months of grueling chemotherapy with resilience and determination.  

Together, they’ve not only weathered immense medical challenges but have also embraced strength training as a cornerstone of their physical and mental health. Their shared journey began shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic, when they discovered the transformative power of lifting — a discipline that became their anchor during some of the toughest seasons of their lives. 

A Time of Uncertainty and Resilience 

Five years ago, Aaron, originally from Alabama, and Maritsa, a California native, both moved to Denver within six months of each other. It was there, amid the Colorado mountains and opportunities for adventure, that their paths crossed. 

From their first meetings, Maritsa was struck by Aaron’s joy, boldness, and strength. Together, they dove into all that Colorado had to offer: climbing, hiking, volleyball, and more. Their relationship quickly blossomed, and they knew within weeks of dating that they wanted to marry.  

Eight months later, on March 15, 2020, Aaron proposed.  

The very next day marked the beginning of the pandemic lockdown, turning their engagement into a time of unexpected challenges.  

“2020 was the worst year for a wedding, but the best time for a marriage,” Maritsa says.   

They eloped two months later, starting their life together during a time of uncertainty and resilience. 

As their relationship grew, so did their shared love of fitness. Aaron, a passionate strength training enthusiast, introduced Maritsa to lifting.  

Aaron’s patience and thoughtful approach to fitness naturally drew others to seek his guidance. At the gym, he often helped new lifters get started, focusing on teaching proper technique and tailoring programs to their needs.  

Maritsa, whose fitness background included running, yoga, and climbing, embraced lifting under Aaron’s guidance. Even when the pandemic closed their gym, Aaron adapted their workouts to parks and their 500SQFT apartment rooftop, ensuring they stayed consistent. 

For Maritsa, strength training was revolutionary. She found liberation from fitness messaging focused on being “small” and “skinny” and instead discovered the value of strength and muscle building. She embraced the discipline and mental toughness lifting cultivated, realizing it was about far more than aesthetics; it was about ability, health, and resilience. 

The Sole Survivor 

Aaron’s own strength is rooted in a past that shaped his character.  

At just six years old, he survived a tragic car accident involving an 18-wheeler that left him with third-degree burns on 40% of his body. He was the sole survivor, pulled from the burning car by an off-duty EMT. His childhood included dozens of surgeries, hospital recoveries, and the courage to keep moving forward.  

As an adult, Aaron went on to work as a nurse in the Surgical Trauma ICU at Colorado’s largest hospital, caring for patients facing some of the most severe injuries and illnesses. His firsthand experience of life’s fragility fuels his passion for health and fitness. 

Another Curveball 

In early 2023, as the couple was beginning to discuss growing their family, life threw them another curveball.  

Maritsa discovered a swollen lymph node.  

In March of 2024 -- exactly four years after their engagement -- she was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.

Her treatment involved four months of chemotherapy, during which her commitment to strength training became a cornerstone of her physical and mental resilience. Even during the most grueling weeks of treatment, Maritsa continued to train on her good days, preserving her muscle and fortifying her resolve. 

Through it all, Aaron stood by her side. The couple’s shared belief in the power of strength training carried them through this difficult time, proving that strength is much more than just physical.  

The Pursuit of Strength 

Today, Maritsa is cancer-free, rebuilding her strength as she and Aaron look toward the future with gratitude and determination. As for Aaron, he is preparing to pursue an advanced nursing degree. 

The Reduses’ commitment to strength training is deeply ingrained in their marriage. They believe in its transformative power -- not only for themselves but for their future family. 

 Aaron and Maritsa’s story is one of ordinary people facing extraordinary challenges with extraordinary love and resilience. They hope their journey inspires others to pursue strength — not just in the gym, but in every aspect of life.  

“Strength training is no longer optional," Maritsa says. "It’s a priority for our lifestyle and longevity.”