September AOTM: Jenna S.

When Jenna first walked through Solcana’s doors, she had one simple goal: to be able to open jars without help. Jenna shares "I can do it 95% of the time now!"

“I also have a kid now which has motivated me to increase mobility and strength as he gets more and more active.,” Jenna shares. “My goals are more about mobility and being able to do whatever I want with my body. I’ve met so many goals at Solcana, I often talk to myself after the sets and just feel so proud of what my body can do.”

That sense of pride doesn’t stop at her own progress, Jenna also brings her energy to the community around her. Her favorite recent goal is to greet at least two new people in class every month. “I want them to come back. I LOVE it here,” she says, “so I do my best to make sure people feel welcome, and understand how to read the workout on the board etc.”

"Jenna is such a bright spot in class. She’s quick to partner with new athletes and make them feel welcome. I really enjoy having Jenna in class as you can guarantee she will make the QOD spicy and upbeat."

-Coach Max P.

"I love Jenna! She truly shows up with "childlike wonder" to workouts and her enthusiasm for connection is infectious. I love how much energy she pours into the exercises and the community around her while also being such an open and eager learner. She works really hard and I get the sense that she enjoys the incredible gains she has made while being very lowkey about her own awesomeness. I enjoy coaching her, working out with her, commiserating with her during a workout and celebrating with her after a workout."

-Coach Garret H.

Outside the gym, Jenna’s story is just as colorful. She moved to Minnesota in 2018, went on her first-ever camping trip in the Boundary Waters (four days long!) with her now-husband, and can often be found testing new TikTok recipes in her kitchen. Weekends are reserved for dog park visits, “no matter the weather,” she insists, “I don’t know a much better way to start a morning than with a walk and dozens of happy dogs.” And right now, she currently has braces for the 2nd time (first time in middle school) and is preparing for jaw surgery sometime in the next 6 months.

Jenna admits that she was nervous to take take the leap into Solcana. “I considered joining for over a year. I was intimidated by weightlifting, but also so bored at my old gym. Eventually, I registered for Empower with Coach Neesh and fell in love. She was so encouraging in the small group environment and gave me the courage to move into the big group.”

"I do not get to see Jenna often enough but when I do I love her enthusiasm for the workouts and the energy she brings to class." 

-Coach Traci

"Jenna is one of my favorite people of all time. She always does what she needs every time she is in the gym and she has no fear around trying new things OR subbing things out as she needs or desires. She is also one of those people that seems to be good at everything she tries, but I think it’s just because she views failure as part of life and doesn’t take herself too seriously. I just love her!!"

-Coach Hannah W.

Her Solcana journey has woven through some huge life milestones, including pregnancy. “I was pregnant within six months of joining and stayed committed to movement my whole pregnancy. Hannah W and Garrett F were incredible at helping me understand modifications so I could keep going up to 41 weeks. Postpartum has been a journey, but I’m consistently impressed by my body’s ability to adjust and grow stronger.”

"Jenna's positive energy in the gym is infectious; I know that when Jenna shows up to a class, we are all going to have a good time! Also, the way she challenges herself at the gym is awe-inspiring to me!"

-Coach Annika

And through it all, joy has been the theme for Jenna. “Have I said I love it here?? I get so much joy as a Solcana athlete. Thank you for making this beautiful place where I can work hard and feel proud while also screaming Natasha Bedingfield lyrics with Coach Cate. Solcana helps me feel like the silliest goose, laughing and lifting with my friends. How is this adulting??”

"OMGGGG I fucking love Jenna! She is so fun to coach AND take class with!! I am in awe of her childlike wonder and reckless enthusiasm!! She is so kind and considerate and always goes out of her way to introduce herself to someone she doesn't know and make new folks feel welcome. She really understands that you NEED to feel the rain on your skin, no one else can do it for you, and only you can let it in! She knows that no one else can speak the words on your lips. You have to drench yourself in words unspoken and live your life with arms wide open because today is where your book begins. And the rest is still unwritten!"

-Coach Cate

Thanks Jenna for being such an amazing, vibrant and silly goose human within our community. It always makes us happy to see you being so welcoming to others. We are so proud to be adulting with you!