July AOTM: Mallory Ratke 

Mallory's experience with Solcana has been nothing short of empowering, invigorating, and joyful. Since joining Solcana, she has been amazed at how much her overall well-being has improved. "My progress with increasing weight for powerlifting has been a slow and steady process. Because I'm new to lifting, it was important to me to ensure I had the correct form before really going for it," she explains. 

This month, Mallory reached new personal records with a back squat of 115lbs and a deadlift of 135lbs (woohoo!!🎉)  She’s aiming to get her back squat to 175lbs and her deadlift to 200lbs by the end of the year!

Coach KK shares; “Mallory is a joy to work with and to have in class. I’ve loved watching her playful attitude while trying new movements, and her facial expressions crack me up. She’s incredibly strong!! I continue to be grateful for her presence in classes and her commitment to supporting her fellow fat athletes.”

Friends, Family and BBF fun! 🤩

Mallory loves spending time with her family and takes every opportunity to visit her hometown to catch up with her mom and dad. "I love being with my friends too, whether it’s going to happy hour, stand-up, karaoke, or a night in. I love being able to catch up and laugh with my besties!" she shares. 

This sense of connection extends to her new friends at Solcana. Big Body Fitness classes soon turned into outings, and now a weekly Sunday brunch. "I always look forward to spending the first half of my Sundays with my amazing big body friends," Mallory says with a smile.

Coach Hannah H. shares; “Seeing Mallory in class always brings me so much joy! She shows up with such a great attitude and her realness radiates! She may appear quiet, but she’s always singing (and seems to know all the lyrics) or is making some funny remark. I appreciate her curiosity around movement and is a fantastic athlete with the best looking shoes. I love and adore Mal!”

Mallory with her loved ones

Goodbye Hesitation👋, Hello Solcana Fam ❤️! 

When Mallory first started Solcana in October 2023, she was very hesitant. She hadn’t been in a group fitness setting for over 10 years and didn’t know what to expect in her first class. However, she was relieved to be welcomed by her coaches and fellow athletes with open arms from the very beginning. 

Mallory reflects, “Throughout my Solcana journey, I’ve had some of the most impactful experiences in my adult life. My eyes have been opened to endless possibilities of pushing my body to limits I didn’t think it was capable of.”

Coach Nikki also says; “When Mallory shows up for class I know we are going to have a good time! Mallory is hilarious and so friendly and warm, and so in tune with how her body moves. I love watching her perform her lifts- she is super conscientious about form and stays focused on her movements, even while cracking jokes and connecting with other athletes. Mallory is a joyful regular of BBF and we are so fortunate she found our gym. I love you, Mallory!”

Mallory hanging out with friends

Gratitude, Gains 💪 and Good Vibes Ahead 😎!

Mallory has never felt more in tune with her body and what it needs from her. Being able to move with so many different bodies has been liberating. "I’m so incredibly grateful for my Solcana community and all I’ve learned, and continue to learn, from them," she expresses with heartfelt appreciation. The supportive and inclusive atmosphere at Solcana has allowed Mallory to thrive, both physically and emotionally.

Coach Garett H. says “I’ve only had the pleasure of coaching Mal a few times. Each time, she showed up with enthusiasm and a willingness to try the movements. Plus, she’s super strong!! Mallory really does embody the spirit of Solcana.”

As Mallory continues her journey at Solcana, she is excited about the future and the goals she has set for herself. With determination and the support of her coaches and community (BBF and beyond!), she knows she can achieve anything she sets her mind to. 

Mallory lookin' fab at the Boston Marina

Thanks Mallory for sharing your story and journey at Solcana Fitness. We are so incredibly grateful for your presence at Solcana! Here’s to more deadlifting and Solcana BBF Sunday brunches!