iGnite IS our members! They make us what we are, which is why we LOVE spotlighting them! Meet San Diego Member, Maya Bireley, who moved to San Diego from Rhode Island in August of 2020. Despite the difficulty of a cross-country move in the middle of a pandemic (with three children!) she jumped right into iGnite and the rest is history! We love Maya's can-do spirit and her all-in approach to life. We feel like she's been iGniting for at least 10 years and we love Maya!
How long have you been an iGnite member?
Since moving to San Diego (from Rhode Island) in August of 2020
Where do you live and how do you iGnite?
I live in San Diego and iGnite in-person with Rory and Carissa M, W, F
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in New Hampshire and have lived on the East Coast most of my life before moving to Switzerland.
How did you get into iGnite?
I was welcomed to iGnite (and San Diego) by my dear friend and iGnite leader, Carissa. Carissa. I became friends while both living abroad as expats in Switzerland. It is such a small world that our paths crossed again years later.
If you were going to invite a friend along to iGnite, what would you say to encourage them to come?
Come for the workout but stay for the friendships. It is the most amazing combination of motivation and support.
What word fo you mutter while doing burpees?
Ughhhhhh!
What do you usually do right after class?
I ride home with my friend, neighbor, and workout partner Allyson. We chat about our families, our dogs and always share a laugh.
What's saving you right now?
My two fur babies. I have two adorable golden retrievers who want nothing more from me than treats and love and give so much more in return. They also aren't embarrassed to me be with me in public, so that helps too.
Who's your biggest motivator and what do they do for you?
My friend Kate in Rhode Island. I honestly couldn't do life without her. She is my sounding board, my confidante and my partner in crime.
She has the most amazing ability to see the best in everyone and everything and we just have the best time together no matter what we are doing.
Being away from Kate and her family has been one of the hardest things about moving cross country.
What's been your favorite job and do you still do it?
Will my kids see this!?!? Being a mom of young kids was my absolute favorite. It was exhausting but I loved it. Now that my kids are 12, 15 and 17, I miss those days.
Parenting teens today is stressful and challenging. It can still be rewarding, but you have to work harder to find that connection with them.
What class do you most look forward to and why?
All of them but especially Fridays. The extra stretching that Carissa gives us feels like a treat for the hard work that we've put in all week.
Favorite local and not local social media accounts to follow?
Because I'm still new to San Diego, I love to follow local sites like sandiegomag and visitsandiego that give me ideas of fun places to explore in my new hometown. I also love any dog related content because what is better than dogs?
Favorite exercise song?
I used to teach cardio dance so pretty much anything with a good beat makes me want to move.
What's your most favorite word?
I never really thought about this one but I guess pamplemousse. It is french for grapefruit (which I love) and it is just fun to say.
What's something about you that would surprise us?
I think because of my size (I'm only 5'2"), most people would be surprised to know that I played Rugby in college. I may be small but I can be scrappy.
What do you love most about iGnite?
The people! All of the women are friendly and supportive.
I always learn something from them, laugh about something with them and just have a great time working out!