iGnite IS our members! They make us what we are, which is why we LOVE spotlighting them! Meet Austin Member, Amanda Seats, wonderful wife and mom to two amazing kiddos. So, here's why we love Amanda? She's fun, funny and always up for a having a fun. She's fearless, super smart, crazy kind and just an all around fabulous person. And so, without further adieu, meet our dear friend from Chicago, Amanda!
Where do you live and how do you iGnite?
I live in Clarksville and I do it all. I iGnite at home, in Rollingwood Park, with the swimmers, on the San Diego Retreat. I have yet to try Dance Fit!
Where did you grow up?
Peoria, IL
How did you get into iGnite?
I saw Allie working out with women in Pease Park back in 2013 when we first moved to Austin. I was there with my son who was 1 y/o at the time, and she invited me to join them. Later, I joined the swim team.
How long have you been an iGnite member?
Officially since Fall 2018; but I have been doing class passes and even worked out with Allie as early as 2013
What word do you mutter while doing burpees?
I often just mutter the old-fashioned "I think I can" and think of myself as a little train car chugging up a hill.
What's saving you right now?
a consistent workout routine!
What class do you most look forward to and why?
I love yoga with Amy & Muscular Max Out. And, of course I love the swimming class which will hopefully come back soon.
What's your favorite word?
At some point I started to reframe "I have to" or "I need to." I instead I say to myself "I get to." It changes my attitude towards the things I do throughout my day to one of gratitude.
What's your favorite exercise song?
The song "Yeah" by Usher is a good one. I also think the dance scene from Hitch with Kevin James is one of the funniest movie moments ever, so that song always makes me laugh.
What's your favorite local or otherwise social media accounts to follow?
Facebook is the main one. I'm afraid if I join Instagram I'll spend too much time on social media.
Who's your biggest motivator and what do they do for you?
I don't think I can name just one. But, I do have a lot of amazing friends and women in my life. I can always look to their examples and be inspired to take on a challenge.
What do you usually do right after class?
I'm usually hungry after class- I make breakfast!
What do you love most about iGnite?
I think the accountability that comes with working out with a group of supportive women is my favorite thing.
What's been your favorite job and do you still do it?
In a past life I was a fitness instructor with Stroller Strides. I don't do it anymore, but at the time is was the perfect job for me. I have a background in Occupational Therapy and I get to be a stay-at-home mom. (See- "get to be" in action!)
What's something about you that would surprise us?
When I did 23 and me, I found I have the CCR5 gene which is a natural immunity to HIV; it's thought to come from decedents who had natural immunity to the bubonic plague.
If you were going to invite a friend along to iGnite, what would you say to encourage them to come?
I always tell them about how it's such an encouraging group of women.
It's not competitive, everyone just cheers you on!