August AOTM: M. Organ

When M. Organ (they/them) turned 40, they decided to give themself a gift. "I signed up for Empower classes (Jeff is an awesome instructor!) to not only support my mind and body now, but hopefully long into the future."

Growing up in rural Northern California, M. didn't have much experience with gyms. "The only time I saw the inside of the gym in my hometown was during Girl Scout lock-ins (I really hope the changed the name of this as time went on)," they say. Once arrived at adulthood, most of their focus for the last 20+ years was on survival, so going to a gym wasn't accessible (time or money wise). "At this point in my life, I have a bit more stability and was able to expand into realms I had only imagined—like the gym. Younger M. is way stoked to see just how strong they are and all the heavy stuff they can lift."

"M. is so awesome! They're always stoked to learn and really intentional with their quality of movement and ways to improve!" -Coach Cate

"I love coaching and working out with M. They are so open as a person and have a really lovely presence in the gym. As an athlete they are really open to learning and growing through trying hard things and thoughtfully applying feedback. I'm inspired by the ways they show up and meet themselves in the gym, day to day. They are a very fun person to have at Solcana." -Coach Garett F.

"My first goal with Solcana was just to consistently go for a year while remaining curious/excited about learning so many new things. Accomplished!" Another goal they set for themselves was to Deadlift 200lbs and not only did they accomplish that earlier this year, but they PR'd at 205lbs! "So rad!", they share. Now, they're dipping into really focusing on incremental weight gains with movements while also listening to their body.

Since starting at Solcana, they've not only learned about movement but so much more. "I came in with no prior knowledge but with so much curiosity & excitement, but also so much about my body and what it's capable of in different realities." "It's so interesting to feel your body get stronger over time and perform the same moves differently. Bodies are so dang rad!", M. shares. They express that it has been so supportive during Midwest winters to have a place where they can go to move their body and get extra toasty!.

"Omg I love M.! They are always trying new things, pushing themselves, and staying open to extra spicy challenges." -Coach Anna

"M. is the best, I love seeing them in class. They always come to class excited and enthusiastic and it brightens my day. M. is eager to learn new things and grow as an athlete, so it is always a joy to discuss fitness with them!" -Coach Roen

"I love working with M. because they are a mature, technical, and diligent lifter. They are always so excited to get feedback and incorporate it into their lifts. They are a great example for other lifters and I love having them in class!" -Coach Garrett H.

Beyond the workouts, Solcana has become an important part of their routine. They've learned they're definitely not a morning gym person, finding that late afternoon classes not only feels better, but is also a great motivator to stop their work day.

M. also shares that Solcana is a community that shows up for one another. "During the peak horrors of Operation Metro Surge, it was incredibly impactful to have a place where folx took care of each other, looked out for each other, and coordinated mutual aid."

Some fun facts about M. are the following! They love driving stick shift cars, but not enough to own one (especially in Midwest winters). "I have a really good sense of direction that I honed early on as a super young kid that would spend all day playing with their friends in the rural forests of NorCal, they share". Since moving to Minnesota, a number of places they had previously experienced in my dream realms in California turned out to actual places they've randomly stumbled upon.

Outside the gym, M. loves taking walks with their pup, Agent Cooper Pooper Scooper, saying hello to clouds, birds, bugs, and neighborhood animals along the way. They're also an avid reader! They've already read 51 books into 2026. Here are a few of their standouts: Things in Nature Merely Grow, Feeding Ghosts, I Who Have Never Known Men, Original Sins: The (Mis)education of Black and Native Children and the Construction of American Racism. M. is a regular at Duck Duck Coffee's comedy shows (it's currently on hiatus, but will be back!). One of their favorite spring traditions is heading into the backyard at night to "both listen and watch the worms wake up from their slumber and move about the cabin of the world again!".

Thanks M. for sharing your journey with us! We are so proud and honored to have you at Solcana! You are sooo rad and truly a gem of a human.