November AOTM: Colleen M.
When Colleen joined Solcana, they didn’t see themself as an “athletic” person. “I played tennis in high school,” they share, “but we didn’t do strength training, and I never really developed a mind-muscle connection for any movement.”
That started to change the moment they joined Empower in October 2023 (shoutout Coach Cate!). “At the start, I had such a hard time connecting to the hip-hinge movement and activating my shoulders when hanging from the rig,” they remember. “Now, two years in, I can consistently kip and hopefully toes-to-bar is in my near-ish future!”
That kind of progress has built more than just strength, it’s built trust. “Overall, I feel much more trusting of my body and what it’s capable of now.” Recently, Colleen celebrated two huge milestones: deadlifting their body weight and doing their first unassisted push-up.
"Colleen is a wonderful person to coach and have in our gym and community. They always say hi to me when I see them, which feels so warm and welcoming. I see them connecting with and supporting so many others around the gym. It has been really fun to see how they have built their own place and community within Solcana and help all those around them thrive. Colleen also works hard and is committed to growing as an athlete. I'm so glad that Colleen has chosen to be at Solcana." -Coach Garrett F.
"I always get a bit of boost when I see Colleen at Saturday strength classes. They consistently bring a positive attitude and a quiet but sunny presence to the space." -Coach Lara
And while the two-hour cancellation window definitely helps keep them accountable (“haha”), Colleen says their biggest motivation is how good they feel afterward. “Post-workout endorphins are unparalleled,” they say. “And it’s really nice to see familiar faces week after week.”
Their goals now are to keep deepening that mind-muscle connection and to trust that they can lift more than they think they can. “Sometimes I only find that out when the dumbbell or kettlebell I want isn’t available and then I realize, oh wow, I can actually do this heavier one!”
When they’re not in the gym, Colleen’s all about connection in other forms: jigsaw puzzles (one of the pictures above is with me and a few friends - shoutout fellow Solcana Member Missy - at a local jigsaw puzzle competition), cuddling with their cat Lucy, cooking new recipes, reading, playing board games with their parents, and exploring the Twin Cities ice cream scene with their partner. “Milkjam and Pumphouse are my favorites,” they say.
"Colleen radiates warmth! They are steadfast in their fitness, committed to safety and form. They hold down evening classes with their consistent presence and are welcoming to new athletes who join in the evenings. It’s a joy to coach Colleen!" -Coach Angelica
I LOVE COLLEEN!! Colleen was in my [Em]Power class when they first started and it's been SO FUN to watch them grow as an athlete! They are so warm and welcoming in classes and really committed to learning, growing, and exploring through movement. Ugh Colleen is the best!!" -Coach cate
"It always makes my day when I see Colleen. I love to see the community they have created for themselves at Solcana. Colleen is always so warm and welcoming. I don’t get to coach Colleen enough but am so glad they’re a part of Solcana!" ❤️ -Coach Traci
Colleen originally planned to finish Empower and head back to Planet Fitness. “I thought it would give me more confidence with form, and then I’d return,” they laugh. “But I didn’t realize how encouraging and fun working out with a group of friendly, motivated, and kind people would be.”
Through Solcana, Colleen has found not only fitness but also friendship and belonging. “The coaches meet people where they’re at, which took away a lot of the embarrassment I used to feel as a ‘non-athletic’ person. And being around folks who are open and accepting of queerness and gender nonconformity, it’s such a relief. I don’t feel like a spectacle here. I get to just be me.”
“As is apparent now, I never left Solcana after that and promptly cancelled my Planet Fitness membership” Colleen shares.
Huge shoutout to Colleen for being such an amazing and kind member at Solcana Fitness. We always appreciate your smiles and friendliness you bring to class and the community!
