iGnite IS our members! They make us what we are, which is why we LOVE spotlighting them! This week, we invite you to meet At Home Member, Masha Nehme! Though Masha is a mom, wife and has a full-time job, she always finds a way to iGnite...and like the picture above, you will never see Masha without wearing that beautiful smile of hers.
How long have you been a member?
I became a regular in August of 2021.
Where do you live and how do you iGnite?
I live in Austin, and iGnite at home a lot, but try to pop into Austin classes, when my schedule allows.
Most favorite word?
I am a words person and cannot single out just one! Language is a powerful thing. I do love iGnite's focus on being bold in 2022. Trying to follow suit.
Where did you grow up?
Yekaterinburg, Russia. I moved to this part of the world after living in Washington, DC for a year as an exchange student in 1999-2000. Then I was offered a scholarship to pursue graduate studies in Public Communication at American University, so I came back there a year later and have since built a life and a career in this country. I moved to Austin in 2010 with my husband. We met while living on the East Coast, but decided to settle and start a family here.
Favorite exercise song?
I have many favorites, but the other day, I was thinking about lunging to 'Under Pressure" by Queen. I go through periods of exclusively listening to one artist, and at one point, had a period of only listening to 'Queen'.
What do you do right after class?
Run back home (or step back from my back porch where I do my at-home classes), shower, get ready and get to work!
How did you become a part of iGnite?
I was invited by Alli Phillips. I first met Alli through a fantastic prenatal fitness class she led at a yoga studio in my neighborhood 10 years ago. I was pregnant with my first and was looking for challenging workouts my body was asking for. Later on, both my boys became active with Austin Youth Fitness running and biking groups. I love exercising outside!
What's been your favorite job and do you still do it?
I work in project/program management, currently for a company that builds software for hospitals. I love my job - there's never a dull moment, I get to work with people from all walks of life, and lead teams to accomplishing things that are difficult and complex. Love all the creativity and constant motion this job requires.
Who’s your biggest motivator and what do they do for you?
Depending on the day or situation, it's my husband, my boys, my friends, and my colleagues. I have a whole cheer squad and I need it! I am extremely self-critical and self deprecating, so having multiple people encourage me, ground me, and cheer me on really helps.
What do you mutter while doing burpees?
I find it comforting to count in rounds of four (1-2-2-4; 1-2-4-8, and on, until it's over).
Favorite socials?
Brene Brown - she cracks me up & inspires me. Also, my two favorite New Yorker cartoonists - Roz Chast (@rozchast) & Liana Finck (@lianafinck). They're very different and I need both of their perspectives, daily.
What’s saving you right now?
Now and always, laughter.
What class do you most look forward to and why?
I love them all! Each week, as I look at my work schedule, I check workout options and block my calendar to make sure there's time for exercise. Always look forward to mornings when I get to exercise live or in person! There's definitely a special energy to a live group class.
What do you love most about iGnite?
iGnite is always a highlight of my day, which is why I keep coming back!
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