1. What is your MFP name? Littlegumnut
2. What is your real name, or what name would you like to be known as? Emma :)
3. How did you learn about the 5% Challenges? I saw a a post in feed.
4. How many 5% Challenges have you completed? Please share some of the "Wins" that keep you coming back. This will be my first.
5. What major city do you live in or near? State? Could you tell us a bit about where you live? I'm in a village to the west of Brighton in the UK.
6. What are your health/fitness goals for this season? I've just started HRT and I'm looking to lose the 14lbs I've put on over the last 1.5 yrs .. that I cant seem to shift. So I'm concentrating on upping my muscle mass to improve my active calories. :)
7. Do you like Summer? Why or why not? I love summer, for the extra light and the time on the beach in the morning before everyone else arrives.
8. What are your favorite Summer activities? Allotment… handcycling.. going out after dinner, in the light.. lol
9. What is your favorite type of Summer exercise? Handcycling, gardening..
10. Would you rather take a walk, garden, or clean the house? Garden.
11. What always cheers you up? Planning the allotment for canning season.
12. Do you have a diet or fitness tip to share? Minimal processed food really..
13. Please share two fun things about you. I love fitness, and so does my dog. We share fitness equipment daily! Bosu … etc.. lol. I've gone back to uni to study math, and I'm loving it!
14. Is there anything else you would like to share? I'm paraplegic, but very active. But at 47 I'm no longer playing basketball, so I now handcycle daily and use a rowing machine for my main cardio.


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1. What is your MFP name? DGrodis
2. What is your real name, or what name would you like to be known as? Donna
3. How did you learn about the 5% Challenges? I'm from SparkPeople
4. How many 5% Challenges have you completed? Please share some of the "Wins" that keep you coming back. IDK I have been here a long time
5. What major city do you live in or near? State? Could you tell us a bit about where you live? Leighton Near Jim Thorp, Pa
6. What are your health/fitness goals for this season? To maintain between 100 and 105 pounds and ramp up my Healthy eating
7. Do you like Summer? Why or why not? Absolutely I don't like the cold weather
8. What are your favorite Summer activities? walking, biking, yard sales and flea markets and day trips
9. What is your favorite type of Summer exercise? Walking
10. Would you rather take a walk, garden, or clean the house? walk
11. What always cheers you up? Going for a drive
12. Do you have a diet or fitness tip to share? I believe in a vegetarian/plant strong diet
13. Please share two fun things about you. I love to talk and I love animals
14. Is there anything else you would like to share? Eat the Frog first!!

Please copy these questions to your post in the comments.

1. What is your MFP name? nbruns83
2. What is your real name, or what name would you like to be known as? Nancy
3. How did you learn about the 5% Challenges? I was on Spark People and received a group invitation from SunnyBeachGirl.
4. How many 5% Challenges have you completed? I started in Summer 2017, and have only missed one since. Please share some of the "Wins" that keep you coming back. I have made interesting online friends who keep me coming back.
5. What major city do you live in or near? Twin Falls State? Idaho Could you tell us a bit about where you live? The area is called the "Magic Valley" because it is a high altitude desert, which became a productive agricultural region because of irrigation from the beautiful Snake River in the early 20th century.
6. What are your health/fitness goals for this season? Maintain my walking and jogging routines, start swimming again, and eat minimally processed real food.
7. Do you like Summer? Yes. Why or why not? I love to be outdoors to appreciate nature.
8. What are your favorite Summer activities? Grilling, weeding, (Yes, really, it's so cathartic!)
9. What is your favorite type of Summer exercise? Jogging, it's my favorite in any season.
10. Would you rather take a walk, garden, or clean the house? Walk.
11. What always cheers you up? Sunshine and my husband's humor.
12. Do you have a diet or fitness tip to share? Cook from scratch and eat at home.
13. Please share two fun things about you. I met a friend here on the Fit Force, who lives in the same small county in Idaho; what are the chances? I actually am living in our winter "snow bird" home in hot and sunny St. George, Utah, at the moment.
14. Is there anything else you would like to share? A life of exercise is the best habit I ever developed.

1. What is your MFP name? jeanrichter320
2. What is your real name, or what name would you like to be known as? Jean
3. How did you learn about the 5% Challenges? Long ago on Sparkpeople I received an invitation
4. How many 5% Challenges have you completed? Please share some of the "Wins" that keep you coming back. Dozens of challenges at this point. I love the accountability and encouragement.
5. What major city do you live in or near? State? Could you tell us a bit about where you live? I live in the San Francisco Bay area, on an island in the bay near Oakland. It used to be the summer getaway place for San Franciscans fed up with the fog.
6. What are your health/fitness goals for this season? Get back on the losing track, and be more consistent drinking water
7. Do you like Summer? Why or why not? Mostly I do, except for the rare occasions when it gets hot here
8. What are your favorite Summer activities? walking, gardening, enjoying summer fruits
9. What is your favorite type of Summer exercise? gardening
10. Would you rather take a walk, garden, or clean the house? gardening for sure
11. What always cheers you up? interacting with my cats
12. Do you have a diet or fitness tip to share? If you didn't succeed at your goals today, try again tomorrow - don't give up.
13. Please share two fun things about you. I'm a serious iris nerd (hold offices in the American Iris Society), and I'm also a professional harpsichord tuner (though it's not my day job).
14. Is there anything else you would like to share? Go challengers - we got this!

What is your MFP name? changewewanttosee
What is your real name, or what name would you like to be known as? Nikki
How did you learn about the 5% Challenges? MFP suggested groups
How many 5% Challenges have you completed? Please share some of the "Wins" that keep you coming back.1/2 winter IBC and Spring I have cut out most sugar and refined wheat!
What major city do you live in or near? State? Could you tell us a bit about where you live? Northern Colorado
What are your health/fitness goals for this season? lose 20 lbs
Do you like Summer? Why or why not? YES!! VACAY! CAMPING! Kids are outside all day lol
What are your favorite Summer activities? camping gardening beach
What is your favorite type of Summer exercise? walk
Would you rather take a walk, garden, or clean the house? garden
What always cheers you up? Jesus
Do you have a diet or fitness tip to share? cutting out sugar is easier than i thought and feels good
Please share two fun things about you. I used to hitch hike ! I had twins at home and a single baby before the midwife showed up so I caught her myself!
Is there anything else you would like to share? … trying to get back on team slim possible

1. What is your MFP name? sunshineyourway
2. What is your real name, or what name would you like to be known as? Sharon
3. How did you learn about the 5% Challenges? Sparkpeople many years ago
4. How many 5% Challenges have you completed? Please share some of the "Wins" that keep you coming back. I lost count. My wins have been Maintaining weight loss and staying within a 3% range.
5. What major city do you live in or near? State? Could you tell us a bit about where you live? Raleigh, NC
6. What are your health/fitness goals for this season? Recovery from an injury while running. I have a Half Marathon Race 7-12. Later in the year, September. I will be running the State Finals for the Senior Olympics 10K. November and December another Half Marathon Race. My goal for the Senior Olympics is to win in my age group of (70-74) and move up to Nationals Competition.. Continue my Strength, Yoga, Pilates and Cardio.
7. Do you like Summer? Why or why not? Summer is fun, but it really gets hot and humid.
8. What are your favorite Summer activities? Swimming, Running much earlier and Gardening.
9. What is your favorite type of Summer exercise? Running, Walking, Cardio DVD on the Beaches of Hawaii, with Gilad, Fitness Center and Pool.
10. Would you rather take a walk, garden, or clean the house? Garden
11. What always cheers you up? Watching movies, meeting up with friends and running.
12. Do you have a diet or fitness tip to share? I follow a form of Low Carb/KETO/Mediterranean Diet to control BG.
13. Please share two fun things about you.
14. Is there anything else you would like to share? I am married for 41 years and have one son who is 35. My son is not married yet, so no grandchildren. We do have our Sweet Cleo who is close to 40 years old. She is a Salmon Crested Moluccan Cockatoo.

Please copy these questions to your post in the comments.

What is your MFP name? 

                         Dpecora653

What is your real name, or what name would you like to be known as?     

                           Please call me Debbie

How did you learn about the 5% Challenges?

   I have been doing the 5% challenges since I was on Spark.  

How many 5% Challenges have you completed? Please share some of the "Wins" that keep you coming back.

               I have lost count of the number of challenges I completed.    I never stopped doing them because they are fun, motivating and inspiring.   

What major city do you live in or near? State? Could you tell us a bit about where you live?  

I live in Fort Mill, SC which is right outside Charlotte, NC.  Right now Fort Mill is one of the most desirable towns. We are 15 minutes from Uptown which has so many events and the theatre.  This is a big change from NJ but being close to my daughter & grandkids makes it worth the upheaval.

What are your health/fitness goals for this season?    

             I will be going to the gastroenterologist next week, so hopefully I can get advice on healthy foods I can eat to have less gut issues and discomfort.

Do you like Summer? Why or why not?

I love the summer- can’t stay in the heat as long as I use to, but it is so relaxing and stress-releasing  atmosphere.  I love the beach and the ocean.

What are your favorite Summer activities?

       Reading & walking on the beach.  Miniature Golf and Baseball

What is your favorite type of Summer exercise?

         Walking on the beach and cardio

Would you rather take a walk, garden, or clean the house?

                  Take a walk hands down!

What always cheers you up?

                   My husband’s made up stories about people we pass or see.  His stories range from believable and others easy to know he made it up.  He used to fool me when we first married with stories of people we knew that I believed until I realized he was making them up.

Do you have a diet or fitness tip to share?

Never think of eating as dieting-always think in terms of healthy eating.  

                      Don’t diet, find what works for you, everyone’s body is different and you need to find what works for you.  Keep trying new things, if they fit into your life and it is sustainable, hone it until it is perfect for you. STAY CONSISTENT AND MAKE THINGS BECOME A NATURAL PART OF YOUR LIFE.

Please share two fun things about you.

Many of my friends first impressions were that I was a shy and serious person but later found out that while I am shy if I don’t know you – once I do I am silly and goofy.

When I drive I dance & sing with the music and many times people beep at me and give me the finger since they think I am doing rude hand signals at them.  

1. What is your MFP name? jeanhickokhaley1
2. What is your real name, or what name would you like to be known as? Jeanne
3. How did you learn about the 5% Challenges? I have been with the challenge since SP
4. How many 5% Challenges have you completed? Please share some of the "Wins" that keep you coming back. Too many to remember
5. What major city do you live in or near? State? Could you tell us a bit about where you live? Southern California, High Desert.
6. What are your health/fitness goals for this season? To lose a bit more weight then maintain.
7. Do you like Summer? Why or why not? I love the long hours of sunlight, but not the heat.
8. What are your favorite Summer activities? Watching wildlife and hiking/photography.
9. What is your favorite type of Summer exercise? Walking
10. Would you rather take a walk, garden, or clean the house? Walk or gardening
11. What always cheers you up? Sitting outdoors and chilling
12. Do you have a diet or fitness tip to share? Eat in moderation
13. Please share two fun things about you. I'm related to Wild Bill Hickok and I'm a 3rd great Auntie.
14. Is there anything else you would like to share? Everyone will go through hard times, just never give up.

1. What is your MFP name? Azhkrgrl
2. What is your real name, or what name would you like to be known as? Sue
3. How did you learn about the 5% Challenges? Through MFP
4. How many 5% Challenges have you completed? Please share some of the "Wins" that keep you coming back. Stopped counting after the 5th one. The encouragement, accountability, and the reminder that this is a journey of grace, not perfection. I’m showing up for myself in ways I never have—more mindful eating, celebrating non-scale victories, and resetting quickly after off days.
5. What major city do you live in or near? State? Could you tell us a bit about where you live? Madison, WI. We love our Packers team. We are America's dairy land.
6. What are your health/fitness goals for this season? I’m focusing on increasing strength, toning up, and staying consistent with my early morning workouts (yes, even when my bed tries to sweet talk me into sleeping in). Also: staying hydrated and enjoying fresh seasonal produce.
7. Do you like Summer? Why or why not? I do—minus the mosquitoes. I love the longer days, the abundance of sunlight, and how everything feels a bit more alive. Summer reminds me to pause and savor.
8. What are your favorite Summer activities? Hiking
9. What is your favorite type of Summer exercise? Hiking, gardening, visiting farmers markets, traveling, playing pickleball.
10. Would you rather take a walk, garden, or clean the house? Garden—hands down. There's something therapeutic about digging in the dirt, watching things grow, and pulling weeds (which, oddly enough, feels a lot like decluttering the mind).
11. What always cheers you up? An uplifting message/talk, music
12. Do you have a diet or fitness tip to share? Start with small, sustainable changes and don’t wait for motivation. Let discipline carry you until joy and habit catch up.
13. Please share two fun things about you. I recently took up baking sourdough bread but have learned (the hard way) not to overindulge. I love playing NYT Spelling Bee—it’s my brain’s version of HIIT.
14. Is there anything else you would like to share? Grateful for this community. You inspire me to show up better—not just on the scale, but in life. Let’s keep growing and glowing together.

1. What is your MFP name? lavalily
2. What is your real name, or what name would you like to be known as? Lucy
3. How did you learn about the 5% Challenges? I started years ago when we were SparkPeople
4. How many 5% Challenges have you completed? Please share some of the "Wins" that keep you coming back. This will be my 34th 5% Challenge, plus all the IBCs. I keep coming back because of the friends here and it keeps me honest with my weight.
5. What major city do you live in or near? State? Could you tell us a bit about where you live? I live on the Big Island of Hawaii. The major city Honolulu is on Oahu, a different island.
6. What are your health/fitness goals for this season? Keep strengthening my leg and stay healthy overall.
7. Do you like Summer? Why or why not? We don't have seasons like most people do, but that's why I love living here. It always feels like spring or summer!
8. What are your favorite Summer activities? Walking, sitting by the surf, reading, writing, doing what I enjoy all year.
9. What is your favorite type of Summer exercise? I guess it's walking
10. Would you rather take a walk, garden, or clean the house? I love to garden, but I can't do it the way I used to, so I'll stick with walking.
11. What always cheers you up? Talking to my adult children
12. Do you have a diet or fitness tip to share? Eat enough to stay healthy but don't indulge too often
13. Please share two fun things about you. I lived on my 37' sailboat for 5 years with my teen son - and I'm still going strong at 90 years of age.
14. Is there anything else you would like to share? I only retired as a college prof about 3 years ago (psychology). I'm also a retired UMC pastor.

What is your MFP name? Emilienewme

What is your real name, or what name would you like to be known as? Emilie

How did you learn about the 5% Challenges? I found it on the challenges in MFP forums

• How many 5% Challenges have you completed? Please share some of the "Wins" that keep you coming backThis will be my second term. I didn't reach my goal but it was still a positive term

What major city do you live in or near? State? Could you tell us a bit about where you live? I live near Cardiff in Wales, UK. Wales is a beautiful area with the sea, rivers and forests, mountains, and lots of castles

What are your health/fitness goals for this season? Lose more weight (slowly is fine) and focus on my general fitness to reach a good balance

Do you like Summer? Why or why not? Yes, I like that I get 6 weeks holidays with my children and that we can visit my family.

What are your favorite Summer activities? I love camping, going to the sea and visit places we haven't seen before

What is your favorite type of Summer exercise? Walking

Would you rather take a walk, garden, or clean the house? Definitely walk

What always cheers you up? My children

Do you have a diet or fitness tip to share? Try to balance different types of exercise

Please share two fun things about you. My daughter has decided that we are both learning to crochet this year... I have bought a book but haven't made more than a square yet

Is there anything else you would like to share?

1. What is your MFP name? My MFP name is Yiche912
2. What is your real name, or what name would you like to be known as? Lise (pronounced Lees)
3. How did you learn about the 5% Challenges? I have been doing the 5% challenges for at least 12 years now.
4. How many 5% Challenges have you completed? Please share some of the "Wins" that keep you coming back. I cannot tell you how many challenges I have completed because I did not keep track. My only 'wins' with the challenges is that they do keep me accountable and that is what I need. Being Hypothyroid is difficult to lose weight but it is not an impossibility.
5. What major city do you live in or near? State? Could you tell us a bit about where you live? I live in the suburbs of Ottawa in the town of Almonte, Ontario. EDT.
6. What are your health/fitness goals for this season? Losing the excess weight that I have put on since coming back to live in Canada. After that, I will continue on my journey.
7. Do you like Summer? Why or why not? I do enjoy the Summer but do not enjoy the excess heat. Give me a cloudy day with a bit of wind and I'm happy. I lived in West Africa for over 45 years and have had my share of heat.
8. What are your favorite Summer activities? Walking or riding a bike outdoors. Also, working in the back yard is enjoyable.
9. What is your favorite type of Summer exercise? Walking and gardening.
10. Would you rather take a walk, garden, or clean the house? I enjoy all three of them.
11. What always cheers you up? When my grands come visiting. Also, I enjoy my pup Ollie and my grand-puppies.
12. Do you have a diet or fitness tip to share? Measure your food. Listen to your body when exercising.
13. Please share two fun things about you. I am fully bilingual in both French and English and working on Spanish (yes, I do enjoy languages). Also, despite my 76 years, I LOVE to dance.
14. Is there anything else you would like to share? I enjoy doing the 5% challenges because my lifestyle is now basically homebound and it gives me the opportunity of communicating with others. Hopefully, with my husband's right knee having been replaced, he will be able to do more outdoors in the future.

1. What is your MFP name? besshaile
2. What is your real name, or what name would you like to be known as? Bess
3. How did you learn about the 5% Challenges? Former Spark People member knows challenge participants
4. How many 5% Challenges have you completed? none
5. What major city do you live in or near? State? Could you tell us a bit about where you live? rural farm about 45 miles east of Richmond, VA
6. What are your health/fitness goals for this season? lose 5%
7. Do you like Summer? Why or why not? I like all seasons but summer is my least favorite. Too hot&humid
8. What are your favorite Summer activities? cocktails on the wharf, visiting gardens, guests on the patio
9. What is your favorite type of Summer exercise? swimming
10. Would you rather take a walk, garden, or clean the house? Walk
11. What always cheers you up? Grandchildren most of all, but leading tours at governor's mansion and dogs dogs dogs
12. Do you have a diet or fitness tip to share? for me it's tracking.
13. Please share two fun things about you. Love to tell stories - have a YouTube channel for that former library director - got to buy books with other people's money. I mean - how cool is that?
14. Is there anything else you would like to share? no

1. What is your MFP name? SunriseInCentralFL
2. What is your real name, or what name would you like to be known as? You can call me "Sunrise"
3. How did you learn about the 5% Challenges? I remember them from SparkPeople, but never participated in one.
4. How many 5% Challenges have you completed? Please share some of the "Wins" that keep you coming back. This is my first one!
5. What major city do you live in or near? State? Could you tell us a bit about where you live? Orlando FL
6. What are your health/fitness goals for this season? Stay consistent with healthy eating, exercise, and feeling more confident when I go to my family reunions in August.
7. Do you like Summer? Why or why not? Have always loved it!
8. What are your favorite Summer activities? I love going to the beach, boogie boarding in the ocean, picking hot peppers from my garden, putting my toes in the grass, swimming, traveling around Florida with my husband and kids, and seeing family.
9. What is your favorite type of Summer exercise? I've been hooked on kickboxing lately - especially when it gets too hot during the day in FL to exercise outside
10. Would you rather take a walk, garden, or clean the house? Take a walk
11. What always cheers you up? My buddies in my art community
12. Do you have a diet or fitness tip to share? Go to bed earlier - I fought it for years, but once I started waking up with the sunrise, my body made me start going to bed around 9pm. It helps me to stay balanced.
13. Please share two fun things about you. I'm an artist and work for a tech company
14. Is there anything else you would like to share? I'm here to learn and meet new fitness buddies!