June AOTM: Erin Jacobs
Erin joined Solcana in 2024, the same summer she moved back home to Minnesota after spending 10 years away. During that decade, she competed in Olympic weightlifting at a gym where training was hyper-focused on competition and performance.
“I was training six days a week, three to four hours a day, while obsessively tracking everything I ate,” Erin shares. “Even then, my coach was very critical of my body size and weight.” Over time, Erin burned out and started to lose the joy of exercise that she had always had before.
During those same years, Erin also became a parent to two daughters. “I wanted them to grow up learning that movement and joy should always exist together,” she says.
When she found Solcana, something immediately felt different.
“When I found Solcana, I knew I had found my perfect gym home, a place where every body belongs and there is joy in every workout.” Being part of the Solcana community helped Erin heal her relationship with exercise and relit her passion for movement and strength. “It’s given me a place where I always feel safe to be who I am and, as Cate would say, to ‘learn, grow, and explore’ every day.”
“Erin is amazing! I love working out with her so much. She is such a good buddy when it comes to being wildly excited about almost every workout (even ones she personally dislikes) while also needing to re-center around what is right for our bodies today. She loves Olympic lifting and nerding out on technique and is a pleasure to coach. She enjoys exploring new stuff and takes feedback enthusiastically. She is a total badass, but in the most approachable and friendly way, often cheering others on and doling out many a sweaty high-five. I'm so glad she continues to bless Solcana with her fun, spirited self.” -Coach Garrett F.
“Love being in the gym with Erin. She is super coachable and so strong. I love chatting with her and watching her make progress on her lifting.” -Coach Traci
This year brought another major life moment: in March, Erin welcomed her third daughter. Throughout her pregnancy, she continued attending class all the way up to 39 weeks. “All of the coaches encouraged me and helped me modify workouts as my body changed,” she says. “Being able to exercise brought so much more happiness to my last pregnancy.”
What motivates Erin is amazing to hear. “What motivates me in the gym is just how deeply grateful I feel to be able to move my body with joy again. I love feeling strong and capable without the pressure of competition and perfection.”
Erin’s goals also are a lot different than in her competitive weightlifting days. “Where I used to push toward very specific weightlifting goals in my competitive days, I really don’t have any specific goals now except to listen to and honor my body and to enjoy the work, and that feels so freeing.”
Outside the gym, Erin stays busy raising her three girls and spending as much time outdoors as possible. She’s an avid gardener who maintains a large garden full of native pollinators, vegetables, and fruit trees. Erin enjoys every season outdoors; hiking, birding, cycling, swimming, and annual camping trips to the Boundary Waters where, as Erin shares “the kids learn to portage their own bags basically as soon as they can walk.” She’s also a huge reader, finishing around 60–70 books a year. “Please come talk to me about books!” she says.
“I fucking love Erin!!!!!! She's SO FUN to work out with and brings such a fun energy to class!! She loves to bro out on oly and push strength in the most approachable and serious but chill way. She loves celebrating everyone and is constantly cheering people on. She also is so open to feedback and improvement in her movements!! Erin is THE BEST!! “ -Coach Cate
“Where to even begin? Erin is amazing—always enthusiastic and ready to challenge herself at the gym. One of the biggest joys for me at Solcana is getting to lift with Erin; she’s always down for a bit of a challenge and the best hype woman! I love days when Erin is in the gym!!” -Coach Annika
We are so happy to have Erin a part of our Solcana community! You bring so much joy and happiness to each and every class. Thanks for being a part of Solcana!
