When I think back over the past 15 fifteen years of iGnite, I crack up because we've experienced infinite amounts of unpredictable (and weird!) moments..and yet we (our Team and you, our community) always persevere and have fun. Some unpredictable examples are:
During a 6:00 a.m class in ATX, a man stalked us and tried to intimidate us because he didn't like us using the location. We eventually confronted him and told him we had the same right to use the park as he did. We never saw him again.
We've shown up at our usual locations to have a birthday party or tree trimmers (chainsaws, etc) completely take over the area. We quickly pivoted and changed locations.
During an evening class at Pease Park in ATX, a very angry woman was insistent that we shouldn't use the park. Every time we showed up she would hostilely tell us why we couldn't use the park. She even called the cops on us! When the cops showed up they told her we had every right to use the park and we did.
Keys to indoor locations haven't worked so we pivoted and used the parking lot.
Several times in San Diego an angry woman berated our babysitter because she and the children were drawing on the sidewalk...with chalk. We pivoted, changed locations and kept iGniting.
Plenty of times the air conditioning (in indoor locations) haven't worked. We sweat a lot and had fun.
Ironically and annoyingly, just when classes start, park maintenance crews think it's a perfect time to start mowing and use their blowers, over and over again. We talk really loud and keep iGniting.
Then, when factoring in the majority of our classes are outdoors and weather is always a consideration, the memories really get funny! Storms and cold fronts have blown in during the middle of class, with yoga mats flying everywhere! We've gone from sweating to freezing..in a matter of minutes. As a result of wind, udderballs (physioballs) blew all the way across fields and into bodies of water (like Lady Bird Lake). Did I mention we've been rained on, a lot?
While I crave predictability, the unpredictable nature of being outdoors is one of the many reasons I love using the outdoors as our "gym". Just as life is completely unpredictable, so is the outdoors. Working out outside has taught me to be more flexible and tolerant of change, and to appreciate change, as well. With iGniting outdoors being the most unpredictable, unpredictability is inevitable in all class scenarios (indoor or At Home) too, such as what occurred during last week's At Home Total Body Tabata Class. I knew it was going to rain but had no idea a storm was going to blow directly into my space and onto all of my technology. Just watch the video above and you'll see the whole hilarious situation unfold.
What I love most about last week's class is despite the literal train wreck that occurred on the other side of the screen, no one logged off. Everyone finished Total Body Tabata and everyone tuned back in to attend Total Body Stretch that immediately followed. This is the embodiment of our core values, is the iGnite spirit and is the experience in all iGnite classes. It's truly remarkable!
As I think back over the past 15 years to present time, the ongoing commitment to our core values is awesome! I am in awe of the daily execution of our core values, by our team and you, our community.
Fun- Keep things fun and don’t take yourself too seriously. Fun and laughter help us keep perspective. They renew our spirit, keep us energized, and help us think more clearly.
Integrity- Demonstrate an unwavering commitment to doing the right thing in every action you take and in every decision you make. Mean what you say and say what you mean.
Growth- We always welcome a challenge. Challenge situations and experiences produce growth.
Family- Our relationships go deeper than simply working out with one another. We genuinely care for and about each other. Whether it’s a kind word during a tough stretch, a friendly smile each morning, or a helping hand is stressful times .We stick together and support one another, always.
Optimism- Be positive. You have the power to choose your attitude. Choose to be joyful, optimistic, and enthusiastic. Your attitude is contagious. Spread optimism and positive energy.