From the Mouths of Monarchs

Like the butterfly of the same name, women who commit to the iGnite program undergo a metamorphosis as their bodies and spirits strengthen through exercise and inspiration. Below are the kind words of some of our most active Monarchs talking about how joining iGnite has impacted their lives.

Aimee Beveridge

My journey with iGnite began three years ago as I frantically looked into various forms of group exercise including boot camps and yoga classes. As a working professional and morning person, trying to juggle time for exercise is difficult. I love being outdoors but just couldn’t see myself enjoying gym workouts or being led by some young bloke half my age barking commands. Lucky for me, as I was getting ready to head into Barton Springs Pool one 6 am morning, I stumbled upon the answer to my quest. The lovely and talented Neissa was leading a group of Monarchs through their morning work out. That week, I joined the 6 AM class and now Ignite has become a very important part of keeping my promise to myself to take care of my health. I’ve improved my aerobic strength, toning, balance and confidence. I feel confident that Ignite instructors really care about your wellbeing as part of a fun-filled (laugh out lout sometimes) workout. I’ve had the great pleasure of getting to know the other Monarchs through class and other wonderful Ignite events.

This is how I would describe my iGnite experience as a headline: “Intelligent women share fantastic total body workout while enjoying the start of another glorious day in Austin Texas”.

Nancy Dacy

At the encouragement of a friend, Anne Jarvis, I stepped out of my comfort zone and attended my first iGnite class in August 2010. It was a cross training class that Neissa was teaching at Barton Springs. The only familiar thing to me that morning were several people that I knew who immediately embraced me and made me feel welcomed and less self-conscious. This was the beginning of many “firsts” for me; it was 7:30 AM, in mid-August, outside, exercising with udderballs and bands, followed by a swim in Barton Springs. Now that is stepping out! I have lived in Austin since 1975 and had never stuck my toe in Barton Springs. It was invigorating, to say the least. It was a great morning, and to be completely honest, every inch of me hurt the next day. But, it was the greatest feeling that I had really accomplished something and I could not wait to go back.

I have just completed my fourth journey. To look back at all I have done since I joined iGnite is amazing. I have attended classes at Rollingwood Park, Mt. Bonnell, Butler Park, Pease Park, Northshore Overlook, and the Austin High track. I have gone swimming at the JCAA and danced at Champions Westlake. I have experienced a variety of cardio classes, yoga classes and strength training classes all outside whether it is 32 degrees or over 100 degrees.

Not only have I gone Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) on Town Lake for the first time, I have done it with a Hula Hoop (don’t ask the end result). I have been water skiing and bike riding. I have attended lunches and dinners as well as shopping parties. I have attended, and even participated, in Whole Body Health talks and learned so much.

The icing on the cake was a Monarch Escape this past July with 16 women to Oyster Bay, New York to stay in the home of a fellow “iGniter.” We exercised, ran the streets of Long Island, played in the ocean, had a sailboat excursion, ate healthy meals, drank green smoothies and just relaxed and enjoyed girl time with some amazing, like-minded women.

iGnite is so much more than just an exercise program. It provides an environment to step out and explore new opportunities, try things you have never done before and embrace life as a whole. I have tried and accomplished things that I never would have dreamed of at 56 years old. iGnite encourages a zest for life and makes us all better people by feeding our bodies, minds and spirits. It has truly iGnited my life in so many ways!

Sam McClure

iGnite is the highlight of living in Austin! I have lived in Austin for 20 years and tried numerous bootcamps, pilates studios and gyms. Nothing has helped me to stay in shape, build relationships with women, and enjoy the outdoors like iGnite has.

As a small business owner, I love that it is a creation of another Austin woman, and supports young women, working women, mothers and overall makes us all stronger as we get older.

My greatest joy is sharing iGnite with my teenage daughter. The bonding time between us is precious, and I love that she has so many wonderful female role models as she transitions to adulthood.

Laura McCanlies

I believe in life balance, and as a working mom and wife, I need to exercise to keep my mind clear, calm and focused. At iGnite I have the opportunity to get my body and mind stronger, in a very positive and caring environment. I really love starting my week doing cardio or cross training, and finishing with yoga on the dock! I feel extremely lucky as I get to enjoy the early morning outside and the wonderful Austin parks at 6 am before my work day.

Maggie Crane

iGnite is a very unique health and wellness experience involving women from every walk of life. Having recently relocated to Austin, I was introduced to iGnite by a friend who told me I would enjoy the program. From the first class of my two week trial period, it became evident that this was something I wanted to do. I did not know one soul there, yet left feeling very welcomed by everyone. I returned the next day, and the next, and the next participating in different types of classes and meeting more and more women. At the end of the trial period, I decided that I wanted to “jump in” and purchased the unlimited package of classes…. The best decision I could have made!

Although there are many outstanding features of the iGnite program, one that resonates strongly is the fact that it is a woman-to- woman program. It just makes it a warm, welcoming environment. There is never a feeling of judgment as far as ability is concerned (and there are a multitude of ability levels), and each instructor is keenly aware of all of her participants. It is a challenging, uplifting, confidence-building program. I wish all women could iGnite their lives wherever they may be with a program like this!

Anne Wilfong

I was looking to add cross training and yoga to my exercise routine, without joining a gym, and found the perfect solution through iGnite. As a Registered Dietitian, I can confidently recommend iGnite knowing the philosophy is positive and balanced. As a long-distance runner, I have found the iGnite classes provide challenging and engaging workouts, which help me reach my fitness goals. No matter how I am feeling when I begin a class, I leave feeling much better as a result of the Leaders inspiring and engaging me throughout the entire workout. iGnite is much more than just sweating for an hour, it’s about building encouraging friendships, growing in spirit and reaching your goals.

Linda Benge

I joined iGnite because it was outdoor fitness and I was ready for a change in my normal work out routine. I have been running since my early 20s, so I enjoy the connection to the outdoors, but it did not take long for me to recognize that iGnite offered so much more. I appreciate the variety of activities available which has encouraged me to expand my fitness routine. iGnite offers strength training, flexibility workouts, yoga, dance, pilates, swimming – all of the offerings of a gym with the added benefit of nourishing me by being outdoors. It is a truly comprehensive program. I appreciate the weekly Journal with motivating & inspirational topics, the community awareness & involvement in giving back. I love the flexibility of the program since I travel a lot. I can go to class every day and then not go at all while I am traveling. iGnite has developed a community of women engaged in a holistic approach to fitness and provides numerous opportunities for social connection. I started with iGnite already fit and I can still say that my overall fitness has increased. I am inspired by the young women with whom I work out. I am more conscious from reading the weekly Journals. I really love being in iGnite!

Scarlette Barrow

I began iGnite as a college student and immediately benefited from the amazingly effective workouts. I loved exercising in fresh air with such a fun group of people. I quickly realized that no other program or gym compares to soaking in the scenery at Mt. Bonnell, yoga on Town Lake, or enjoying the crisp evening weather while circuit training at Pease Park. Now, as a young professional (and after a long day at work), iGnite continues to be such a refreshing part of my life.

The enthusiastic and compassionate instructors lead exercises that tone, tighten, and lengthen every muscle. This is something I could not even begin to do on my own. My friends and I have especially enjoyed the “skinny jeans” and “strapless dress” exercises!

The friendships I have formed through iGnite have made the experience extraordinary. There is a real sense of community within the program. Everything from the weekly journals to the fun, social events around Austin — iGnite facilitates a deeply personal and supportive experience.

The ample amount of classes provides a variety of workouts and also makes it very easy for me to regularly attend class. I have loved every minute of iGnite! Not only am I in excellent physical shape, I also feel happy, healthy, and balanced. I am thankful for every member of iGnite and I encourage anyone at any age to “iGnite your life!”

Cindy Haeglin

As an original member of iGnite (5 years ago!), I can truly say it was one of the best decisions of my life. My original goal was to get in shape, but there is so much more to the experience. iGnite offers so many different classes that there is something for everyone. As a 57 year old grandmother, my needs are ever changing. When my body is cooperating, I will attend a cross training class at one of the many wonderful outdoor locations. Having the choice for a low impact class is a bonus. Twice a week, I love to attend a swim class. I was never a swimmer before, but have found it to be a great option for lifelong exercise. We always relax and chat in the hot tub after our swim workout. iGnite also offers several refreshing yoga classes to “iGnite” the body and calm the spirit throughout the week.

I have had several accidents/injuries in the past five years (unrelated to exercising). Instead of stopping my exercise routine, I have always been able to adapt and find a class that is right for me while I heal. Being able to exercise outdoors when the weather is appropriate and having perfect instructors for every class makes you want to come back again and again! I must say, however, it is the nurturing of the spirit that has been the unexpected bonus for me. I have made so many new friends and participated in so many new experiences. I have a renewed sense of inner peace that comes from taking care of myself and the nurturing of my mind, body and soul at iGnite.

Louise Pincoffs

iGnite has been one of the most important things in my life since it was founded 5 years ago! While I always enjoyed exercising, I never stuck with one program for more than a year or so. iGnite has evolved and expanded over the years and kept me enthusiastic about working out since the beginning.
One of the reasons I stay involved is the opportunity to be outside in beautiful Austin all year long. Another reason I keep returning is the variety of classes that are offered from cardio work outs, low impact cross training, and yoga (just to name a few)! The main reasons I love iGnite are the Leaders and the wonderful friends I get to be with in the classes that I choose to attend. They nurture our minds, bodies, and souls and make us more positive people in this world! .

Janet Chastain

I signed up for the ‘unlimited’ plan for several reasons… I liked the flexibility, and the financial motivation helped (if I paid for 3x/week, then, by golly, I was going to go 3x/week). What surprised me was that I LOVED the workouts! Not one class has been the same as another.

Gretchen Huddleston

There’s no question that the Unlimited plan has allowed me to maintain a level of fitness beyond expectation, but more importantly the unlimited plan gives me permission to take care of myself every day. Because I can go every day, I am in the habit of protecting my morning time and the benefits are huge… I leave class with a noticeable lift every time.

Kathy Huffaker

I chose the unlimited plan to try to push myself to do more and also because of the price value… It is a wonderful way to start the day, it keeps me feeling strong and flexible. [All of the instructors] and all the women who iGnite inpire me to keep moving, to play and to love life!

Leslie McConnico

I like to try and exercise 4/5 days per week. I do not do well doing it on my own—except for walking the trail. With Ignite I don’t have to think about what I need to be doing for exercise that day. I just go to class and don’t have to think about trying to hit all my body parts and areas. It is there and all planned out for me whatever time works for me that day.

Margie Gaudin

I want to age with grace, and I realize that being strong and limber are two things that I cannot take for granted. What I like about Ignite is that it supports my goal of trying to be graceful. I don’t really want to ‘get at it’ in the boot camp sense of the word. I want something enjoyable that is regular without being routine. Ignite does that.

Vickee Byrum

After a three year hiatus from exercise, my weight crept up and my body stiffened. [My massage therapist] said, ‘There is nothing I can do for you if you aren’t going to take care of yourself’… I have not only re-connected with my body, I’ve re-connected with Austin… [iGnite] ensures I work all of the muscle groups. The Unlimited Plan enables me to choose as many days as possible so that I can truly embrace a healthy lifestyle… I’m more 60 days in and over fifteen pounds lighter. Thank you Neissa!

Palmer Quaroni

I joined ignite because I needed to shake things up… I had been doing the same old workout and had lost my motivation… Ignite has probably had the single greatest impact on my health. It pushes me out of my comfort zone, gives me a full workout—stretching, strength and cardio—in the most efficient way.