Maya
bireley
Cardio Sculpt
Fitness Background:
Some of my earliest memories are of watching my mother Jazzercize in the 80’s. I loved everything about it: the music, the routines and especially the outfits. In my teenage years, when not playing sports, I became a group fitness enthusiast myself and over the years went on to teach everything from Step Aerobics to Cardio Dance. I love to combine music and movement in a way that keeps exercise fresh and fun. Working out with friends is just the icing on top.
A Bit About My iGnite Journey:
I was introduced to iGnite by a friend and fellow iGnite instructor, Carissa Seaton, in 2020 when my family and I relocated to San Diego from the East Coast. Carissa and I first met when we were both living as expats in Switzerland and raising our young families.
When our paths crossed again years later, she knew that I would love this incredible community of women and she was right. iGnite quickly became the lifeline I needed to get me through the challenges of moving across the country- this time with three teenagers during a global pandemic!
I will forever be grateful to Carissa for welcoming me to the iGnite family.
Make exercise fun! Find something that you love and stick with it.
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My Teaching Philosophy:
Make exercise fun! Find something that you love and stick with it. Invite a friend and keep each other motivated and accountable
Something people don't guess:
Many people would be surprised to know that I played Rugby in college. I played for one year only and somehow managed to escape with just one broken bone (a finger).
Favorite Quote:
My favorite quote is from Maya Angelou (who I'm named after):
"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."
When I’m Not Working I'm…
Driving my kids to their various activities, walking my dogs or planning our next family vacation.
Guilty Pleasure:
I'm sure it sounds crazy but my guilty pleasure is watching silly dog videos online. Years ago I made it my New Year’s resolution to stop reading the news first thing in the morning. I found it just made me anxious and started my day out on the wrong note. Instead, I replaced the news with dog rescue stories. Eventually it became all things dog related- the more misbehaved and the sillier the voice-over the better. There is simply nothing better than starting out your day with a good laugh.
What inspires you?
I'm inspired by all of the women in my life. For me that includes family and friends both near and far. The older I get, the more intentional I try to be about the people I surround myself with. I try to focus my time and energy on people that I can learn from, laugh with and who push me to be better. Fortunately for me, I've found that community here in San Diego with iGnite.
Family life:
My husband Doug and I met in college at Bucknell University and have been married for 23 years. We have three wonderful children: Ella, Quinn and Reese. Our oldest just started her freshman year at the University of South Carolina. We're adjusting to life with only two kids at home and looking forward to cheering on our new football team. Go Gamecocks!
Can't live without...
I could absolutely not live without my puppies. I have two adorable golden retrievers. They are the sweetest and cuddliest and almost never talk back.
