Donna, from Moltisanti crew. I'm 55 years old, married for nearly 32 years, have two older daughters who live too far away, and my mom lives with us. I have always had a lot of energy, and I can still "fake" that energy. However, over the past 10 years, and especially the last 5 since I've been caring for my parents, I find I have to push myself much much more than I used to. I am overweight for my stature and the extra weight is causing issues with hip, knee and back pain. I joined MFP January 1, 2013, and shortly after joined Planet Fitness in Flemington, New Jersey. (I am a premium member, so if anyone is within range of me and wants to try the gym, I can take guests!) My overall goal is to lose the pounds I've gained over the last 10-15 years, to tone up so I can feel comfortable wearing summer clothes, to improve my eating and exercise habits, and to generally feel healthier. My goal for this challenge is to lose 4-5 pounds, complete all the challenges, and be the best teammate I can be through my participation and through my encouragement. I also completed the 50 crunches for today.

Hi everyone!

My name is Deanna in the Paulie Walnuts crew and while I'm originally from Chicagoland and have lived all over the United States, I'm currently hanging out in the Pacific Northwest. I'm working on my 31st year and am stressed to the max dealing with a house purchase, trying not to kill my mother-in-law (we're currently living in the same place), and dealing with the big kid otherwise known as my husband, Luke.

My goal here is to have someone else come up with what I need to do (thanks!) so half the battle of thinking about working out is taken away. I'm aiming for a healthier lifestyle and to shed some of the excess fat I've picked up over the years. I would love to be stronger so my joints continue to keep me moving.

Personally, I'm a geek at heart who loves computer games, fantasy books, and movies. Workout-wise, I really enjoy martial arts, but can't afford a dojo, so I'm liking how many of the challenges encompass this. I like when I feel I'm not just working out, but actually gaining a useful skill. I'm one of those jocks from high school and college who got into real life and sat on my butt when I didn't have the constant coach yelling in my ear. Motivation is the hardest thing when it comes to exercise for me.

Nice to meet you all and I look forward to spending the next month with you!

Hello everyone!! My name is Jenn and I'm from Boston. I'm super excited about continuing into May with this challenge, after the last few weeks I need some motivation & fun. I'm looming forward to getting to know everyone, but just remember that the Paulie Walnuts crew is where it's at!!

Hello to all, my name is Mary Ann. I am 51 yrs. old. I'm originally from Ohio, transplanted to Michigan 12 years ago. I am happily married to my husband of 28 years. We have 3 kids, all in college. I am unemployed at the moment, so time is not an issue for me. I joined MFP in Sept. and has lost 33 pounds so far. I weight lift 3 days a week and walk 5 miles and or ride my recumbent bike daily. Warmer weather is finally here so I will be able to get outside and move! I am here for all the same reasons everyone else has. My goal is to just continue on this path and become a better, healthier me! I wish you all the best. We can do this!!!!!

My name is Liza, I am 36 (37 this month). I am married and we have 1 amazing son anx as a family we are foster carers.
I have lost 37lb sine 2nd January, and run my 1st ( and hopefully not last) Marathon in April.
In May I would like to continue losing weight, enjoy the challenges and feel good about would for the team.
Also in May I need to set myself a new fitness/exercise challenge. ....any ideas welcome!!!

Hi I am Michaela 31, of the Blundetto Crew!
Last month I gained like 5 lbs back after my grandma died and I could not get a grip on myself even though I partaked in both the soprano and a walking challenge!
Starting at 189.3 lbs my goal is to get near 180lbs this month and walk walk walk!
My little Furball Kayla is my walking buddy when I am not at the gym.
However I am now in the first of 2 weeks vaction and want to get back into my routine!

Another significant event will come up in October when a dream of a long time will come true, we are going to south africa!
As you can imagine this is not a trip you will do every couple of years, so it is important for me to look as good as possible, so that I will be happy to look back at the pictures where I felt i wanted to jump right in to be in the picture, not just the one who is taking them!

My name is Jodi and I am 41yr old from Manitoba. I am a returning Paulies Walnut!! I farm with hubby and we have 4 amazing teens. My goals for May are to lose a minimum of 5lbs and get that much closer to my final goal! I intend to continue eating smart (but not denying myself), moving everyday (this is where the Sopranos challenge comes in!) and work on my own self image issues. I have a 14yr old daughter (and 3 older sons) who I dont want to have the same body issues I have - i want her to be comfortable in her skin and love her self for the beautiful young lady she is on the inside and the outside.

I am Diane from Kentucky. This is my second challenge. I love the team spirit and competitiveness! I can't say I loved the challenges as many pushed my limits although I completed them. My weight loss has stalled a bit since I started strength training, however I know May is the month. I would love to lose 8 pounds! May is also a big month, my sn graduates High School, several birthdays and of course the Derby!!
Go Team Blundetto!

Hi, I'm Flyinghawk2012. I'll be 61 this year. I've retired. I live in Ohio (near Cleveland) with hubby. I consider myself "young-at-heart" and I try my best to stay active and alert. I enjoy walking my dog, dancing and golf.

Hi everyone
My name is Jennifer. I am a mother of a beautiful 2 and 1/2 year old and a toddler preschool teacher. As for weight goals, I hope to drop a total of 140 pounds, 90 gone so far (over 1/2 way). I hope to use this group as a fun motivator.

Oh...50 crunches complete

So my name is Joanne. My goal is to lose 5+ lbs this month and work on the courage to put my bikini back on. I have two wonderful daughters, one of whom will be making me a grandmother within the next couple of days. I am Canadian so Glenner you are not alone...LOL....I so enjoyed this challenge last month and I am excited to work with the team this month. Paulie's we ROCK...Pom Poms up

Hello All! Representing Team Dante!!

I am a happily married 29-yr old Mom of 2 little girls (3 and 4 yrs old) and I work full time outside of my home. Needless to say life is awesome and hectic.

In November I really decided to focus on a healtier lifestyle and I have been able to change a lot of my habits, though the old ones still show through every now and then. I started running then too. When I started running, I mean I couldn't even run half a mile without feeling like I was dying. Now I run 3 to 4 times a week and I am slowly increasing my running pace as I work to train for my first half marathon on May 11th! Yikes. ( I aim for the impossible in my goals ) I have been working hard for this race and I am determined to finish it feeling great. I know I will be in the lower half of finishers but...I will finish it! I am very excited. I have done a few 5k races to train for the experience I love talking to other runners, especially those like me who don't really feel like runners, just people who put their feet one in front of the other at a faster pace than walking.

This challenge is to help keep me accountable and to help me do some cross training. After my marathon I am going to keep running but go back to lifting heavy things and doing more body weight exercises. This challenge gives me new ideas every day and helps me make sure I am at least doing something each day!

Good luck to all and again....GO TEAM DANTE!

Hi everyone,

I'm Joe, 23 from Bristol, South-West England. I'm officially a university drop-out having studied at Aberdeen uni for 3 years and coming home without a degree, but carrying an additional 5+ stone! I've lost that most of that weight but I could have done with losing a few pounds before I left anyway, so the mission continues! I live with the 'rents at the moment in Somerset with my brother, 2 cats, 3 orphan lambs, 2 sheep and 4 pigs...yeah, we have a smallholding (only the cats are pets, i'm afraid)! Since moving back home degree-less, fat and feeling sorry for myself i've transformed myself from lazy, binge-drinking, chain-smoking, drug-taking student slob to hard-working, early-rising, clean-shaven, cigarette-alcohol-and-drug-free enthusiast. I work in a supermarket, which is a means to an end really...just something to pay the bills and keep my car on the road until I graduate (yeah, I decided to study for my degree again through the Open University).

I've just started Insanity: The Asylum with a couple of good friends I met on this site (Day 2 today) and i'm combining it with Stronglifts 5x5 (3 workouts of each program per week) with a rest day on a Friday. I managed to lose alot of weight on a VLCD which wore away at my lean body mass as well as shifting the fat, so now i'm left at an acceptable weight, but with ~22% body fat. I'm hoping to get sub-15% and then use a round of Beachbody's 'Body Beast' to bulk, before another cut. It's not going to be a quick process, but hopefully one that will set me up for the rest of my life physically and mentally.

Sorry for the essay...I have a habit of waffling on and on...and on!

I don't know where to report this, but 50 crunches also done! BOOM! x

I'm Michelle, 37. I live in Iowa, and I've been trying to lose weight for quite some time now. In April this challenge really helped me stay on track, so I'm looking forward to this month. My goal for May is ten pounds gone!

Hi Everyone! I'm Kristy! I am 33, and will be 34 on May 7th, so it's my birthday week! After struggling with my weight my entire life, I had lap band surgery on Nov. 16. I've lost a total of 66lbs. I'm ecstatic with my progress, and want to lose about 50 more lbs to be at my goal weight. The Sacrimoni Team kept me accountable last month, and I lost right at 10lbs, which is just awesome! I'm very excited to be part of this challenge for May. My goal is to just keep my weight lost consistent, and be as healthy and fit as possible.

I completed my 50 crunches this morning before work! WOO-HOO!!!