First Post ~ Shannon

Hi Readers!
My name is Shannon, and along with Jully, I am a spokesperson for Jumping Frog Pilates. We are in the "weight-loss" category of the several of us who are going to be speaking on behalf of Pilates, and what it can do for our bodies. I am currently twenty-nine years old and will be turning thirty in January. When Jessica, the owner of JFP, put an ad in the paper looking for people willing to give Pilates, exercise and nutrition a shot at changing their lives... I thought, "What perfect timing!"

See, in the past year or so, I have gained some weight, even in places that have never had given me problems before. I had been starting to increase portion sizes and eat when I was happy, sad, gloomy, excited, bored, you name it- basically I was eating way too much, way too often. Also, I had neglected my exercise routine. I have always, since I was in grade school, been active, played sports and gone to the gym. I am very aware of the physical AND mental benefits that go along with being active. Basically, I was in a rut. I am about to climb on out of that rut along with the support and encouragement of the team from JFP, my new friend Jully, and you, my readers.

We have met and started to work out with Virginia, our Pilates trainer. She is awesome! Her explanations of the equipment and exercise during the first few sessions have made me feel secure and confident in my training. Now, we are starting to really challenge our bodies to do things that they are by no means used to doing. I am extremely happy to have Virginia on my side! Jully and I are supposed to meet with the nutritionist and a trainer from Metro Golf and Fitness in Tenafly, NJ who will be supplementing our Pilates sessions at some point this coming week.

Last Saturday, Jully and I met with Jessica to go over our goals for the four months and to get weighed and measured. Oh, and have pictures taken. So, when you see the Irish girl with the red face whose booty is in the air on the blog, yes folks, that is me. Needless to say, I was not thrilled to be weighed. I have number issues so bear with me. If you really want to know what I weigh, feel free to drive to Tenafly and take a look at the blaring bulletin board in the front hallway. For purposes of bashfulness, I am going to ease myself into revealing "numbers". So, let us just say that I am at a starting weight that is the biggest number I have ever seen when I have stepped on a scale. Ugh. For the time being, I am going to do -# and +# (God forbid) to let you know each week how much I have gained or lossed. Hopefully I will have a minus something to report tomorrow. Inches, I will share. 34"waist, 45 ?" hips (obviously pear shaped and I think 45 is accurate, must've blocked that part out) and a bunch of other measurements I honestly can't remember. I'm looking to shrink the hips and thighs. Luckily the whole Kim Kardashian/Beyonce look is in, but I have to lose a bit before I can start comparing myself to those gals.

My goals are to lose 35 pounds, increase my energy, run 3 miles in 27 minutes, control portion sizes of food and avoid emotional eating. I am also willing to bring you along on the journey from a personal place and hope you enjoy and respect what I am doing.

Right now, I am trying to figure some stuff out with an ex-boyfriend who I can't just let go. This is putting a strain on my ability to focus on me so I really need to cut that tie. I also have a very active social life and love to go out so the Holidays are going to be interesting for me. I like a glass of wine- or three- and I love good food. Jully and I have so much in common... We are definitely going to have to come up with some strong strategies to get through the most wonderful time of the year. Even now, I am in Starbucks and the cozy feeling I get from the red Christmas cups and soothing music makes me want a coffee cake, or an Old Fashioned Doughnut. Isn't it reasonable to try to pack on some extra lbs. for the cold months coming? Yeah, probably not for me. I am so glad to meet you, hope to get to know you better and thanks for rooting for me (:

P.S.- Pilates session tomorrow night at 7 pm! Tell y'all about it Thursday.