March AOTM- Giovanni Higuera

March AOTM: Giovanni Higuera

As Giovanni approaches the one-year milestone at Solcana Fitness in Minneapolis, he reflects on a transformative journey within this close-knit community of dedicated fitness friends. From the challenging cycles to the unwavering guidance of coaches, the time spent at Solcana has been an immersive experience.

Giovanni's initiation into Solcana Fitness was a fortuitous accident, born out of a Google Maps detour and shares that it was a “happy accident!”. Grateful for the welcoming and inclusive atmosphere and Solcana's dedication to fostering a supportive community, Giovanni feels fortunate to have stumbled upon this hidden gem. Giovanni shares “ I'm grateful for Solcana's commitment to inclusivity and the individuals who show up to contribute to its manifestation! “

Coach Neesh has nothing but kind things to say about Giovanni;

“GIOVANNI!! His evolution as an athlete has been so fun to watch and be a part of. He came to us unsure of how to listen to his body when it's trying to tell him something and as a result has been injured often in gym spaces. I am so proud of the way he has asked questions and wasn't afraid to be curious to develop a closer relationship within himself to be able to listen and show love to his body. Congrats on your success Gio. It has been so fun to help you grow in your body awareness 😊”

From day one, Giovanni shares that the coaches have played a pivotal role in his fitness journey, patiently addressing a multitude of questions and providing unwavering support. He shares that he’s met so many kind individuals and the coaches have been very supportive since the start, always entertaining his bombardment of questions. Giovanni mentions “I've enjoyed the challenging cycles, particularly the fall challenge; I appreciate the work that goes into making something like that happen. The opportunity to see our progress after the test-out is a valuable reminder of our ability to accomplish hard things.”

Coach Lara kindly says;

“Giovanni brings positive energy to every class he participates in and a receptive, can-do attitude.”

Additionally Coach Garrett H shares;

“I love coaching AND working out with Giovanni. He is just the sweetest AND the strongest. He’s such an encouraging and motivating community member.”

When asked about motivation, Giovanni says “What doesn't...?” From the smiling faces that welcome him at the gym's entrance to the health benefits derived from physical activity, every facet of Solcana contributes to Giovanni's driving force. The unwavering support from his partner and kids adds another layer of determination, with the ultimate goal of achieving the status of a 1000-class athlete serving as a constant motivator.

Coach Cate sees Giovanni’s dedication and says;

“Giovanni is the BEST!!! I love having him in classes I coach and taking class with him. He's such a determined athlete and is really invested in improvement and understanding the "why" behind workouts and movements!! He is also so kind and always makes a point to introduce himself to folks he doesn't know and helps create such a welcoming environment in classes. Love when I get to see him at the gym!”

Setting and achieving goals is an integral aspect of the Solcana experience for Giovanni. Giovanni hopes to conquer toes to bar and mastering double-unders to striving for an unassisted pull-up and handstand “just for fun”, the journey is filled with exciting challenges for him. With his 84th class completed, Giovanni has celebrated numerous personal records, eagerly anticipating continued improvement in his body's capacity.

Beyond the gym, Giovanni brings a west coast vibe to the Minneapolis fitness scene, originally coming from Hollywood, California. Described as funny by his partner, silly by his son, and skilled at creating nicknames by his daughter, Giovanni is not just a fitness enthusiast but a well-rounded individual. Additionally, his son thought it was important to mention that he likes scaring them with his Jurassic Park raptor impersonations! His children also share that he makes the best-grilled cheese sandwiches!

In addition to fitness pursuits, Giovanni finds joy in playing with the kids, indulging in creative activities like drawing, and exploring the outdoors on a mountain bike. These diverse interests mirror the love languages shared with friends and family.

Coach Jeff Lockhart says that;

“Giovanni recently had a schedule change that necessitates him being at 6 am classes more frequently, and I could not be happier. He is so warm and kind toward EVERYONE. He is a hard worker who doesn’t take what he’s doing too seriously but is so eager for feedback. He’s just a freaking joy!”

Reflecting on the time spent at Solcana Fitness, Giovanni expresses gratitude for being part of a vibrant community that values inclusivity, growth, and unwavering support. Giovanni says “thank you, Solcana, for including me in your time capsule. Here's to many more years of growth, fitness, and community!”

Thanks again Giovanni for being such an amazing part of our Solcana fitness family. We are so happy to have you!