Coach Spotlight: Hannah Wydeven
Hannah built Solcana in 2014 and has been the owner and operator of the Twin Cities realest gym ever since. What does someone who has been more places in fitness than almost anyone else in the world think of when they want to do a workout? Come see for yourself this Wednesday, 12/21. Here’s more about Hannah and her workout.
Where are you from?
Madison, WI but I moved to MPLS in 2009
How did you get started in fitness work?
I got started in fitness work when I was a softball coach at 19 and a water and step aerobics instructor. At 22 I graduated college and started teaching high school physics. I joined a gym and shortly after started coaching there! I eventually became the manager but always struggled with the competitive bro-like environment. Solcana was born a few years later when I was 26, in 2014.
What is your athletic super-power? What is something you feel especially good at?
I would say I’m the type of person who is not naturally good at anything athletic, but I will put tons of hours, study and practice into becoming good enough to do well. I was never a naturally gifted softball pitcher but I put in more hours than anyone else and eventually became starting pitcher in both high school and college. Same with all things in the gym. I was naturally terrible at gymnastics stuff but I spent hours and hours learning to do handstands and pull ups because I wanted it so badly!
What is the area you would most like to improve on?
At this moment because I’m pregnant I want to improve on awareness around my joints. They feel weird and I gotta keep better track of that 😂.
What is your favorite thing about coaching at Solcana?
My fave thing about coaching and just being at Solcana is that every person who walks in has an impact and shapes the community. It’s an ever evolving place that continues to grow and adapt to the needs of the people who bring it to life. I love that it’s grown so much away from being my place to being a place I have the privilege of stewarding.
Is there anything else you would like us to know about you?
I do improv at Huge Theater.
Hannah’s Workout
Why did you choose these exercises?
This workout is just pure grunt work because it represents my ability to just get into the work and block out the world. If I wasn’t pregnant I’d program double unders, snatches and pull-ups but here we are.
What do you think people should focus on or feel with this workout?
Set a goal number of rounds before you start and try to complete that number of rounds in the most challenging way possible. Rest as needed.
Put zero emphasis on order, do what’s available and grab whatever is free. Do not worry about your score. Your only score will be if you hit your goal vs were able to do more or less than you predicted at the weights you chose. The real goal is increased self-knowledge.
Record bench press for posterity if you’d like to. You can do the same weight the whole time or go up if you’re vibing.
Any advice for someone about to do it?
My tip for this workout is to find your internal gear, set yourself up for a challenge and then pace however you need to in order to complete the goal.
Bonus point: pick one other person in the class who you continually encourage throughout.
Hannah W II: “Get It Done”
On a 30 minute clock, decide how many rounds you want to attempt and then do so in the most challenging manner possible:
5 reps Bench Press (@ set weight or increasing)
12 weighted step ups
30 ball slams
12 double front rack KB/DB squats
1:00 KB/DB Overhead + Front Rack Hold (switch sides at :30)
Score = ⭐if you reach your goal rounds, +1 or -1 if you were able to do more or less than your goal rounds. Record Bench Press if you want to.
