Hi! I'm Angelle and I'm 'new' here. I used to use iVillage boards back around 2007, so technically I'm not 'new', I'm 'old but has been away', LOL. 

I'm 41, I live in Michigan, and I'm 50 lb overweight. I used to be much more active, but I've really let things go in the past 5 years or so. My former favorite forms of exercise were Tae Bo, aerobics (primarily Jane Fonda/Richard Simmons), yoga, pilates, and walking. I learned how to rollerskate 2 years ago by joining a roller derby league (quit laughing, please!), but I got busted my piriformis muscle and had to quit, and wasn't able to skate for months, and that's when things really declined as far as exercising. I still have some problems with flexibility in the muscles on that hip/leg, and balance issues, but if I work at it I know those will improve. I also have a spinal fusion at L5/S1 from a surgery 20 years ago. I am cleared to exercise and theoretically can still do anything I ever used to do before surgery - just not supposed to carry over 15 lb. Because I'm 50 lb. overweight, my back aches a bit from trying to haul all of me around, also. :p

I used to do the South Beach eating plan, and felt great on it, and had good sucess. I'm not sure if I want to go that route again - I'm pretty anti-diet in general - but I would like to incorporate a lot of the healthier types of meals that I used to prepare from SBD. I think it will help. That and cutting out the Christmas cookies! ;)

Right now my goal is to lose the 50 lb., feel better and stronger, and eliminate the back pain and leg/hip muscle/tendon pain.

My partner is also looking to get more fit, so I do have support at home, as well.

Hopefully this board will be a good source of inspiration and support! Looking forward to meeting all of you.