October AOTM: Emily Petersen

The Gym IS a place for me

Emily remembers the nerves she felt walking into her first trial session at Solcana almost two years ago. Gyms had never been places where she felt excitement. Words like, “fun” and “acceptance” weren’t words she associated with the gym. But within just half a session, something became clear: Solcana was different.

Emily having fun at the beach

During her time at Solcana things started to change. Emily started setting new goals and growing more confident with each session. Having never picked up a barbell before, powerlifting moves initially seemed intimidating to Emily. However, the coaches at Solcana made each movement feel approachable and safe. Over time, she discovered something surprising; “I found joy in movements that feel good, empowering, but also challenge me. Each session, I’m not just working out—I’m learning what my body is capable of, which is, honestly, a lot more than I thought.”

“I friggin love working with Emily as an athlete. They try out movements they aren’t initially excited for, and then I get to watch their face light up when they say “Oh, this isn’t that bad!” Of course, there are times where they ask a question about a movement and say “oh, yeah, that’s a lot harder” after a quick correction, but no matter what, their sassy attitude is a blast to have in class. I know I’m in for a fun class when I look at Emily during a movement and they say “I don’t want to be perceived today, Kk.”’

-Coach Kk

When The Gym Is More Than Fitness, But A Community

What motivates Emily most about Solcana is the strong sense of community. “I get to see friends every time I walk through those doors. The coaches are always there to help, support, and cheer us on. That’s invaluable to me.” She loves that Solcana is a space where she can truly be herself. “I can laugh, have fun, and still get pushed to my limits,” Emily explains. “And on the tough days, I know the gym is where I can leave it all on the floor. It’s a place that’s there for me in every way.”

Just another fun day at Fat Fitness!

“Emily is a one-of-a-kind human and watching her grow as an athlete has been so cool! She always shows up authentically and approaches every human with kindness! Seeing Emily brightens my day 💛💛”

-Coach Hannah H. 

Emily shares that Big Body Fitness (now, Fat Fitness) was so revolutionary for her because she felt safe and supported. She shares, “I may have joined Solcana for Fitness, but what I found is a beautiful community of friends” Emily enthusiastically mentions that she’s learned so many things including how she can show up and advocate for those around her in the fitness space. “Special shout out to all of the coaches and specifically the FF coaches: KK, Kiki, Hannah, Kaitlin,— I have learned so much from all of you <3” 

“Emily is strong AF! She works hard every single class and has been an integral part of the fat community at Solcana. She is super welcoming and supportive of other athletes and is a joy to have in class!”

-Coach Kaitlin  

Goals on Goals on Goals!

Emily has found joy in discovering her strength and her goals include improving her favorite lifts like the clean and jerk, bench and back squat but also working through exercises she used to avoid. “The moves I thought I didn’t like… I’ve learned they just needed a little fine-tuning. I had to figure out how to make them work for me and move beyond those limitations,” she shares.

Emily Outside Solcana

Emily and her friend on an outdoor adventure!

Outside of the gym, Emily loves spending time outdoors, whether swimming, camping, or simply enjoying nature. Spontaneous adventures are her thing, whether it’s trying out something new or singing her heart out at karaoke. She also cherishes time spent reading a good book and spending time with family, friends, and her nieces and nephews, who are all a big part of her life.

“Emily constantly inspires me to push myself in the gym! When I see how dedicated she is to lifting heavy sh*t it reminds me that I am strong, too. Emily is an athlete always ready to find joy in the movements, test her limits, and throw down a hilariously snarky comment while doing it. She even convinced her awesome sister to join Solcana! Emily is a super fun, super strong, suuuuuper important part of the Fat Fitness community and I am so grateful every time I get the honor to coach her!”

-Coach Nikki

Solcana is a Home Away From Home

The gym has become a place where she can be herself, laugh, see her friends, have fun, and still push her limits. And on those tough days, Emily knows she can leave everything on the gym floor and walk away feeling accomplished. Solcana isn’t just a gym for her—it’s a home away from home.

Thank you Emily for being a part of the Solcana community! You are such a joy and we are so proud to have you. Here’s to more fun at Solcana!