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From Contestant to Instructor

Bernie Berania
Posted 7/13/16

She is 52 and her current fitness goal is meet the U.S. Navy Physical Readiness Test for females aged 44-49 with an “excellent” rating. So by the end of this year, Shannon Klein has set out to complete 75 crunches, 30 pushups, and 1.5 miles in …

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From Contestant to Instructor


Posted

She is 52 and her current fitness goal is meet the U.S. Navy Physical Readiness Test for females aged 44-49 with an “excellent” rating. So by the end of this year, Shannon Klein has set out to complete 75 crunches, 30 pushups, and 1.5 miles in 14 minutes, all within one setting.

“Hi Bernie, my name is Shannon Klein and I got your name and email from the owner of the fitness studio where I exercise and teach. Karen B. at Fleming Island Jazzercise said you were looking for a fitness success story. I’m not sure exactly what you are looking for, but below is a recap of my story from a walk-in customer to instructor.

Klein’s story goes like this:

I received a postcard in the mail advertising a “Forever Fit” contest that was being held at a local fitness studio right down the street from where I lived. I wasn’t too sure what to expect as I’d never attended a class before, but this 12-week challenge sounded interesting. I needed to lose weight and felt that this might be the motivation I needed to get started, and all I had to do was enter, pay a small entry fee, and lose at least 15 pounds if I wanted to win, of course.

Gyms intimidate me, and I’ve tried many at-home aerobic DVDs. But I didn’t feel pushed enough and I also found myself going through the motions. I just wasn’t motivated. So, when I received this postcard, I must admit that Jazzercise sounds dated and low-key. One of my co-workers said, ‘I didn't even know that program was around anymore. My mom used to do it.’ But I still called the center. They were very nice to me, told me to come in, and try one class. If I liked it, I could sign up for 12-week contest.

I went and was totally blown away by the class. It was awesome, challenging, current, and so much fun. The hour flew by and that never happens when I exercise. I signed up for the contest and couldn’t wait to start. Over the course of the 12 weeks, I lost 24 pounds (more than the other contestants) and won the contest with a cash prize!

After the contest, I continued to attend classes because I had finally found a program that worked for me. Not only were the classes great, the people that attended were fantastic as well. I made new friends and got healthier all at the same time. Support groups and accountability was something I really needed.

Several months passed when I was approached and asked if I would be interested in becoming a studio instructor. I was nervous about that idea as I knew I needed not just the accomplishment of losing weight, but also personality, confidence and enthusiasm to be one. I decided to try, and after a somewhat thorough screening, three months later, I became a Certified Jazzercise Instructor.

To date I’ve lost over 50 pounds, and have improved my eating habits as well with six meals a day. I still have more to go, but I know that I will get there. I love the health benefits, weight loss and I got my cholesterol to a healthy level – No more medication – Yay!

Klein is a Clay County resident for over 5 years, married to her career Navy husband, mother of three, and feels like she is still 30 years old. She encourages those who are trying to lose weight by themselves, to maybe join a group of like-minded fitness pals. She also suggests finding something you like to do, set reasonable goals, and always have a plan. She says “It’s a process, a journey, a habit to be built. You just have to be patient.”

What are you waiting for? Have a personal fitness or nutrition success story that you would like to share? Ran or competed in your first race or exercise program? Lost or losing weight? Gained some muscle or mass? Email or contact me at bernie.rom828@gmail.com. Tag/follow me on Instagram @berni3trirun. Facebook Clay Today Newspaper. Instagram @claytodaynewspaper #claytodaynewspaper #claytoday #claytodayfitlife #fitlife