Local mom sticks to resolution, loses 100 pounds

One local woman has stayed true to her goal for three years and is now 100 pounds lighter.

Shannon Flynn, 34, is a regular at The Umstead Hotel and Spa in Cary, a big change from her life three years ago as a single mom with three girls.

“I think finally it was what I call the ‘aha moment’ when I finally realized it was time,” she said. “I wanted them to have a positive role model, and having a mom who weighed 264 pounds wasn't positive for them.”

Personal trainer Suzanne Brown says that's the only way to succeed with a new healthy lifestyle. She helped Flynn find the routine that works best for her, but it must involve a healthy diet and some form of exercise every day.

“You have to decide that this is your life and you've got to do it,” Brown said.

Flynn manages to squeeze exercise into her schedule, because it's a priority.

“I run three times a week. I try to run a total of 15 miles a week … and then I also teach aerobics at different gyms,” she said.

When going to a gym, it may be confusing which piece of equipment to use. The answer is to try all of them and choose the one that you like and that you're going to use the most.

“People that put it off, one day, they wake up and they say, ‘Oh, I wish I had.’ But it's time to stop the wishes. It's a new year,” Brown said.

Flynn says another key to her success is working out with a friend, someone who will hold her accountable to her commitment.