MARCH AOTM: Jenn

Jenn (she/they) joined Solcana in 2022 with one very specific goal: to find a gym where she could feel comfortable working out in as a fat person

“I remember literally sitting down at my computer and typing in ‘fat gym classes near me,’” she says. “Based on my other gym experiences, I figured there was no way such a thing existed, but it was worth a try.”

To her surprise, Solcana was exactly what she had been searching for!

It had been a long time since Jenn had stepped foot in a gym, so she started with the Empower class. After they felt confident in the basics, they attended their first fat fitness class.

“I was immediately so impressed by my fellow fat athletes. I was watching fat bodies do amazing things in such a joyful way. It made me realize that I could do that too.”

So she kept coming back. Week after week.

"Jenn is amazing! In addition to all of the amazing work she does in the community, she is a Fat Fitness regular. She works hard and is super supportive of her fellow athletes both in the gym and in real life. It's always a joy to see Jenn!"

-Coach Kaitlin

Soon, the gym and her Fat Fit community became an integral part of her life. Jenn lifted in her first competition at Drop Deadlift Gorgeous, set new PRs, and continued building confidence in her skills.

“I regained a healthy relationship with my body that had been lost for years,” she shares. “Most importantly, I gained a whole lot of really amazing and supportive friends. They motivate me to show up, push myself, and lift heavy while also reminding me to be gentle with myself.”

Jenn’s strength doesn’t stop at the gym doors. Outside of Solcana, she plays trombone in a local wind symphony, makes art, and volunteers her veterinary skills with a local kitten rescue. Jenn is a retired veterinary technician turned graphic designer, she’s passionate about community organizing and food mutual aid.

Recently, with Solcana’s support, Jenn has hosted bulk food packaging events that have donated over 1,800 pounds of food to multiple local food banks!!!!!

"Jenn is awesome - they have been organizing to feed hundreds of families over the last several months, and packing groceries and meals for them at Solcana late at night. She is working super hard in the community to provide mutual aid and make families feel seen, safe and supported during an extremely stressful and scary time. She is really an example to us all for how to get the work done and take none of the credit. I first met Jenn before she was officially a member, when she came out to the first Solcana pickleball night. She is just a really kind person and she gives off a warm and open energy that naturally makes her easy to talk to."

-Coach Hannah

We are so grateful to have Jenn as a part of the Solcana community. Thanks for showing up and giving your time to support our neighbors. YOU'RE THE BEST!!!