iGnite instructor and water sports enthusiast Kathleen Parker shares what it is that makes her tick and gives her that contagious enthusiasm we all know and love.

1. How did you come to love the water so much?

I grew up on the water.  Being blessed with a family lake house since childhood, my siblings and I were on or in the water all day every summer.  I am the youngest of 6 kids, so keeping up with 4 big brothers and a sister forced me into the water a little earlier than most.  I learned to ski at the age of 5 and was driving the boat and pulling skiers at the age of 9.

2. Any advice for someone who hasn’t ever tried water sports and is intimidated to try them now?

Water is a “happy place.”  I read somewhere that people are 60% happier when they are in, on or near water.  Wake surfing is a gentle sport for ALL ages.  The iGnite Lake Escape is a safe and fun environment with supportive and encouraging women cheering you on.  It does not get any better than being on Lake Austin on a Wednesday morning!!

3. What is your teaching philosophy?

I have always loved the saying “Challenge leads to change.”  I think this covers all of what we promote in iGnite.  Challenging the body, mind and spirit to reach new levels keeps us healthy and strong inside and out.  My dad always told us that if we keep our body fit and strong, our mind will follow.  Just like keeping a car running–when one part goes, the car stops running.

4. What is the best piece of life advice you’ve been given and from who?

I would like to share TWO.  My Dad is fearless in all aspects of his life. He wakes up every morning looking at the day as a “great adventure.”  He is 90 years old, a successful real estate investor and still wants to race me down his driveway.

Second, Neissa Springmann (the founder of iGnite) led me to find my passion and follow it and live each day with purpose.  I would not be doing what I am doing now if I had not taken that to heart.

5. What is something people may not know about you?

I have triplets!  And I can still do the “splits,” but I cannot throw a ball.

6. Outside of iGnite, what is your favorite way to stay active and fit?

Anything that involves having fun!  From April to October, water skiing and wakesurfing.  In the winter, snowboarding, but we were actually water skiing through December last year!

In Austin? Join Kathleen weekly this summer at one of her many classes:

Cross Training, Cardio Circuit, Total Body Strength & Toning, Lake Escape and Cardio Core

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