February AOTM-Mary Bauer

Finding Strength, Community, and Confidence at Solcana Fitness

Mary's journey at Solcana Fitness began in the fall of 2023 when she was searching for a way to regain her strength and fitness after an injury and multiple surgeries. A lifelong athlete, she had participated in both organized activities and personal pursuits. However, after her injury, she found herself debilitated and frightened. She longed to regain confidence in her body and trust in the process of recovery.

Over the years, she had joined multiple gyms but never quite felt welcomed or that she belonged. As a 60+ year-old, Mary felt insecure about her abilities and how she would be perceived in a gym at this stage in her life. She wasn’t sure if she could establish a routine that felt achievable. Her goals in 2023 were simple: to regain strength so she could once again play with her grandchildren and enjoy life as she once did.

Coach Amelia shares, “Mary Bauer has been a member just 15 months but she feels like a cornerstone of the gym! I love having her in class with new people because she is so welcoming, and models a special blend of tenacity and not taking herself too seriously. She is so consistent in her attendance. She knows when to push herself, and even when it’s frustrating she knows when to be gentle with her body. I love when she sasses me back and even more I love the sparkle in her eyes when she accomplishes a more challenging variation of a move she’s been working on!”

Discovering My Place at Solcana

Mary started at Solcana with the Empower classes, and from day one, she found her place and her community. "Even though I was the oldest member of the class, I felt young again—the energy was truly empowering,” Mary shares. After completing six weeks of Empower, Mary knew she needed to commit to becoming a full Solcana member.

“Through Solcana, I have formed meaningful connections and friendships,” Mary says. Mary is a part of a workout buddy group that initially connected during Empower and has continued to grow. They hold each other accountable for showing up, and she makes  it a point to meet someone new in each class. “The camaraderie and shared motivation keep me engaged and excited to return,” Mary mentions.

Coach Jeff mentions, “I know Mary is consistent in coming to all different types of classes, and she really brings her calm and welcoming vibes to the room! But I also want to shout out how much she truly cares about all of us; she’s reached out to me outside the gym when I’ve had a hard day, and that means a ton!”

Resilience Through Setbacks

In March 2024, Mary underwent a third surgery on her forearm/wrist related to her initial injury in 2022. Remarkably, she was able to return to Solcana three times a week just two weeks later. This was largely due to the coaches’ encouragement and their ability to modify her workouts while she wore a cast. Their unwavering support helped her maintain her fitness level and even inspired her to participate with Team Solcana for the YWCA’s Women’s Triathlon in August.

Unfortunately, a small bike accident during the triathlon meant Mary had to start back from the beginning. But in October, “I returned to Solcana with the same goal: to regain my strength so that I could play with my grandchildren and enjoy life as I once did,” Mary shares.

Coach Traci says this about Mary, “I love having Mary in class. She always has such a warm smile. She is in tune with her body. She pushes when she can but also knows when to hold back.  She has a wonderful energy in class and is always so kind to everyone. Makes my day when I see her signed up for one of my classes.”

The Power of Community

Mary shares that the Solcana coaches have been incredibly supportive, encouraging, and resourceful. “Their presence is real and approachable, bringing laughter and “childlike wonder” to every class and they are the reason I have continued my strength journey, and I owe them so much gratitude,” Mary wholeheartedly shares.

Mary is constantly motivated  by the strength and resilience of her fellow Solcana members.  Recently, while arriving early to class, she watched everyone working out and felt emotional. It struck her that every person in that room was likely facing their own challenges, yet they showed up to take care of themselves. This community is filled with strong, mindful, intelligent, and kind humans who inspire her daily to keep showing up, listen to her body, and care for herself and others.

Coach Cate excitedly says, “Mary is such a bright ray of sunshine!! She has such a kind and welcoming presence in classes and always makes a point to introduce herself to folks she doesn't know. It's been so incredible to watch her get stronger and more confident in her movements despite a few injury set backs. I just love seeing Mary in the gym and getting to take classes with her and coach her!”

Goals for 2025 and Beyond

Mary’s goals for 2025 are to attend Solcana classes consistently three to four times a week and to try things that previously felt unattainable or intimidating to her. One major milestone Mary is close to achieving is regaining her pre-injury strength and fitness. “Just today, I joked with Cate in class that everyone should experience starting over—it really gives you an appreciation for growth,” Mary shares.

Coach Garett says, “Mary B is an absolute gem and we are so lucky to have her as part of our community. As an athlete, she is an excellent role model. She works so hard and is so committed to the long, slow process that is an absolute necessity of creating lasting, sustainable change and improvement to strength and ability. As a community member, she is so encouraging and engaged. She shows up and helps out at so many of our events and is always so fun to have around. It is also really fun to see how she connects with people and has made a social home for herself here at Solcana. Please, keep coming back, Mary.”

Mary Beyond Solcana 

Mary is a Registered Nurse working full-time as a Head & Neck Cancer Navigator at the Minneapolis VA. She has spent 40 years in nursing, working in the operating room, recovery room, and now proudly caring for veterans through their cancer journeys.

“I have three adult children and their wonderful partners, who have blessed me with four (soon to be five) grandchildren, two grand dogs, and one grand kitten—each of whom is the love of my life, Mary says. Her seven-year-old standard poodle, Harry, is her emotional support animal and “keeps me honest,”' Mary shares.

Beyond fitness, she is passionate about spending time with her family and friends, community activism, local and global health, and volunteering as a medical professional at various events and sleeping! She loves outdoor activities, including cross-country skiing, hiking, biking, canoe racing, and spending time on the water. While she enjoys swimming, she prefers pools over lakes. Reading, watercolor painting, and gardening fill her days and wishes that she could sing.

Dina shares, “I want to be just like Mary when I grow up! I remember for last year’s Solcana’s anniversary party, she was paired up with my friend who had never been to Solcana before for the fitness events. She made her feel super welcome and it was so fun to see them work together. Mary also always interacts with our content online and every time she comments it makes my day. Mary’s kindness is truly unmatched!” 

The Magic of Solcana

In the words of the amazing Mary, she says:

“To sum up my love for Solcana: there is something truly magical about spending time and energy with like-minded humans of all sizes, shapes, ages, colors, beliefs, and abilities. This community makes me feel young, capable, welcomed, and strong. That was my ultimate goal when I started this journey, and I have achieved it.

It is an honor to be selected as Solcana Fitness’ Athlete of the Month. I will continue to work hard and earn your respect. Thank you!”

Thanks Mary!

Thanks Mary for being the beautiful amazing gem of a human that you are! Your kindness has touched all of us at Solcana. You are so loved!! Thanks for being a part of our community.