Meet Kathleen Parker, our longest standing iGnite member turned Leader! In October 2006, Kathleen attended iGnite's very first class and a year and a half later she received her fitness certification and became an iGnite Class Leader. Kathleen's enthusiasm, passion and love for life, fitness and people iGnite the lives of our iGnite family and community at large. Check out Kathleen's Q & A and we encourage you to adopt Kathleen's excitement for life and motto to "Don't be afraid to be amazing, everyday!"
Roots
I was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas. The youngest of 6 children, I was raised in a chaotic, active and fun household. Playing outdoors and in the water was a huge part of our childhood. We were blessed with parents that encouraged an adventurous lifestyle. My father wakes each morning looking forward to his “adventure” for the day, and he turns 90 this year! His philosophy is “a healthy and active body keeps a healthy and active mind.” He is still the smartest man I know.
Family Life
I am married to Brad, my college sweetheart while he was in his 3rd year of Med School. We have four daughters, my oldest, Paige, and Claire, Kristen & Courtney who are triplets. I have also been blessed with four beautiful grandchildren, Solomon Scarlett, Naomi and Ester.
Professional Career before becoming an iGnite Class Leader
I graduated from the University of Texas Austin with a BA in Business Marketing. I worked as a corporate recruiter in Dallas
Top Three Favorite Exercises & Why
BURPEES, PULL UPS AND SPRINTS! These combined make the PERFECT workout!! They will work every muscle in the body and leave you exhausted and energized all at the same time!
Favorite Piece of Fitness Equipment
I can’t do without my pull up bar! I love doing ab work on it too!
Life Philosophy / Motto
DON’T BE AFRAID TO BE AMAZING—EVERYDAY!
What do you love most about being an iGnite Leader?
I love the iGnite community!!! These women energize and “feed my soul” every morning!! I cannot wait to lead class each day and still get such a thrill out of planning and seeing my workouts get conquered!!!
What have you learned the most from your iGnite Leadership experience?
I have learned how important it is to have a supportive fitness community.
Is there a goal you are working toward?
Yes!! too many to list!! Teaching many more people to ski and surf, getting my 360’s every time on my surfboard, getting lower to the water on my ski turns, being the best leader I can be, staying strong and healthy, and staying God-centered in all that I do.
As it relates to your classes, what would you say is your “special sauce”
The 3 E’s—Enthusiasm, Excitement and Encouragement
Aside from loving on iGnite members and empowering so many women to be healthy and strong, what is/are your passion/passions?
Teaching these women to ski and surf—this Summer has been the most empowering one for ME. I have loved seeing so many get back out behind the boat and loving it!
Who Inspires you the most and why?
Neissa Springmann—She took a chance and gave me an opportunity of a life time and it truly changed my life forever.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given? I know it sounds trite, but living each day with gratitude really really really does change your life.
When you’re not leading iGnite classes, someone would find you doing this…
sneaking off on my boat : )
What are you looking forward to?
The next 50 years of my life!!
How do you enjoy spending free time?
Anything on the water, traveling, Ninja gyms, and looking for something new to try : )
What do you typically eat throughout the day?
I love a good smoothie in the morning with bacon : ) and a protein bar. Lunch is always a green salad with lots of goodies added in, a half avocado and a rather large piece of protein on top—salmon, chicken or a burger. Lunch is my biggest meal of the day. Dinner is just a balance of lean protein with greens and a big glass of chocolate milk.
What is your favorite post workout recovery food/drink?
Homemade protein bars and a big glass of chocolate milk!
What is your fitness/health philosophy?
If you never stop doing it at what point will you not be able to do it!!?? Keep moving!
What does a typical week of “working out” look like for you?
5 days a week of a challenging strength/cardio combo workout along with 5 days of water skiing and surfing a week—which is the most fun way to get a work out in. I try to do hill runs once a week too.
What life, health, fitness, lifestyle, marriage, parenting advice do you have for women?
Keep a good group of girlfriends, keep challenging yourself with new adventures, get some good adrenaline in every day, remember why you fell in love with your husband and don’t forget that, love the heck out of your kids, and LIVE EACH DAY WITH GRATITUDE—you will NEVER have a bad day : )
Kathleen's Class Schedule
Check iGnite schedule here
Monday
Metabolic Circuit Training @ Rollingwood Park
8:15 a.m & 9:15 a.m.
Rollingwood Park
Tuesday
Power Circuit @ Rollingwood Park
8:15 a.m. & 9:15 a.m.
Wednesday
Power Up @2517 El Greco Cove
8:00 a.m.
Lake Escape Skiing & Surfing @ Lake Austin
9:30 a.m.
Thursday
Total Body Conditioning @ Rollingwood Park
8:15 a.m. & 9:15 a.m.
Friday
Bonnell Blast @ Mt. Bonnell
8:15 a.m.
*Rotating Class Leaders