November AOTM- Hannah Novillo Erickson

For Hannah, Solcana Fitness has been more than just a gym—it’s been a place of refuge and transformation. When Hannah joined, she was looking for a space to build physical strength, connect with a supportive community, and nurture her mental health. What she found went beyond her expectations. As she puts it, “I needed a space to get strong, feel in community, and boost my mental health, and I’ve gotten so much more than I could’ve ever dreamed.”

Discovering Solcana at Just the Right Time:

Hannah’s journey began during a time of profound personal change. After coming out as a lesbian and experiencing a significant breakup, she sought community and stability. “In the weeks after that breakup, I knew I needed community and a space that would support me in my mental health,” she recalls.

What made Solcana truly special for her were the post-workout Sunday brunches with fellow athletes from fat fitness classes. These gatherings became a source of connection and healing. “Connecting with other fat folks about our journeys with our bodies, talking about queerness and love, hyping each other up, and giving comfort with the hard stuff really saved me last year,” she says. Those Sunday brunches became a ritual where she deepened friendships and found new ones, learning to see herself with grace and joy and as Hannah mentions "interrogate a lot of my own internal shit.".

Coach Nikki shares, "Watching Hannah grow as an athlete and get stronger and stronger has been a highlight of my coaching journey. I absolutely loved watching her handstand evolution and sharing in her joy of the process. I love that she keeps her fitness adventure exploratory and FUN and her attitude in classes is infectious. Hannah is also super welcoming and friendly to new athletes, and helps people feel comfortable and supported in the space. I also got the pleasure of being on the DDG planning committee with Hannah, and her excitement and joy shined in that role as well. I am so grateful that Hannah found her way to Solcana! She is such an important part of our community!!"

A love for Early Morning Workouts at Solcana:

During a period of unemployment earlier this year, Solcana continued to offer Hannah a steadying presence in her life. She realized that much of her self-worth had been tied to her career, and stepping away from her job allowed her the chance to rebuild. “I promised myself that I would take time to heal, reflect, and prioritize myself,” she says. Her commitment to early morning workouts became a form of self-care, a way to start each day with movement and connection; "for 6 months I committed to going to the gym every other morning, not even necessarily to work out every day, but to encourage myself to get out of bed, see my friends, and start my day with joyful movement" Hannah shares. Now with a job that respects her work-life balance, Hannah still treasures the routine she created.

Coach Garrett F. shares, "Hannah is so fun and game during classes. She is also a secret low key badass. She takes feedback really well and works super hard while also keeping a positive, engaging attitude. She is also one of the most fun athletes to give compliments or positive feedback to. She's always super grateful and pleased and it makes coaching her super fun. I love how she has made a home for herself at Solcana and just keeps getting more and more involved. Hannah is a real gem."

Podcast Motivation: The Voice Notes That Keep Hannah Going

When asked what motivates her, Hannah mentions her weekly “podcasts” with her friend Vanessa, another Solcana member. These aren’t your typical podcasts; they’re voice memos the friends exchange throughout the week, capturing moments of joy and accomplishment. “What motivates me is listening back to those podcasts I've sent her after the gym. How happy I am for the day when I start it at Solcana. Out of breath, don't get me wrong, and also so so happy” Hannah shares.

Coach Sonal mentions, "Hannah is an absolute joy to have in the class. She always has her warmest smile on which is very welcoming for other athletes. Her strength journey is one amazing one not just at Solcana but I enjoy seeing her aerials so much . Keep that infectious smile on and that attitude up. It’s a pleasure to have you in my class and at Solcana."

Goals and Accomplishments:

Strength was one of Hannah’s original goals. She recalls a moment last year when she was helping her ex move out and realized that lifting even a small box of clothes was a challenge. “Knowing I would be living on my own, I set a goal of being able to lift a table,” she explains. Today, with a personal record of a 205-pound deadlift, Hannah has not only achieved but far exceeded her goal. This milestone is a powerful reminder of her growth, both physical and mental.

Coach Max shares, "Hannah brings so much excitement and energy to class. She has so much love for life, and her ability to lift others up is moving. I love having Hannah in class, as she brings a ‘don’t take things too seriously’ and ‘learn to laugh at yourself’ attitude. I have absolute love and admiration for Hannah. When I asked if she wanted to help plan DDG, she responded by saying, ‘what a dream come true.’"

Always Exploring: Hannah’s Adventure Outside the Gym

Hannah is a natural when it comes to trying new things, and her life outside the gym reflects that adventurous spirit. Over the past year, she’s taken burlesque, pole, and aerial classes, and she’s now preparing for her first public aerial performance in December—a thrilling and slightly terrifying milestone. “It’s challenging and so fulfilling to push myself outside my comfort zone,” she says.

Hannah was apart of the Drop Deadlift Gorgeous committee in 2024 and we were so proud to have her a part of the team. As our social coordinator, she help us get an amazing DJ, a 12'' skeleton, amazing food trucks and other fabulous things that helped make this event a huge success.

She’s also active in the local community as a board member for Dark Muse, a nonprofit focused on uplifting Queer Trans BIPOC voices in the Twin Cities. Hannah and her team are always thinking up new ways to uplift Queer Trans BIPOC stories and storytellers in the Twin Cities. 

As a self proclaimed 'not so secret nerd', Hannah is also part of the planning committee for Confluence, a BIPOC and art-centered convention. Hosting community visioning sessions, planning gatherings, and coordinating with notable nerdy artists and celebrities have all become joyful parts of her life outside the gym.

"I love having deep conversations and dreaming about better futures with my friends. It feels so good to dream and create with the loves of my life," Hannah shares.  

Coach Dina shares, "Hannah!!! I've only known you for a few months but you're kindness and smile is so infectious!! I look forward to keep getting to know you! It was such a pleasure to work with you on DDG. Sincerely, your number 1 fan."

Conclusion, More Than a Gym—Hannah’s Found Her Community:

Hannah’s time at Solcana Fitness has been about so much more than working out. It’s been a journey of connection, resilience, and growth—a place to find strength in both body and spirit. Reflecting on her experiences, she feels immense gratitude for the community that welcomed her and the space that helped her through a time of change. "Solcana has been a refuge for me," she says. "It's where I’ve built a life rooted in strength, joy, and connection."

Thank you Hannah for being such an amazing presence at Solcana Fitness! Your kindness, spirit and awesomeness never go unnoticed in our community. Also BIG SHOUTOUT for your hard work on Drop Deadlift Gorgeous in 2024. You're the best!