Oldbury lady’s fitness journey to feeling young again
A Sandwell resident says her life has been turned around since joining Portway Lifestyle Centre in Oldbury.
Denise Holmes, age 53, lives in the town and since attending the Newbury Lane facility – one of eight centres maintained and run by Sandwell Leisure Trust (SLT) on behalf of Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council – has quickly lost well over a stone, gone down two dress sizes and reduced her biometric age to 43, via a variety of fitness and gym classes.
This was after a visit to her GP at the start of the year which confirmed exceedingly high blood pressure, plus weight, self-esteem and wellbeing issues that were affecting her health and causing her to be off work.
Denise explains: “It was time for a real change. I needed to feel healthier, stronger, and more confident—not just physically, but mentally too - and honestly, joining Portway has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
“At first, I was nervous. I didn’t know if I’d be able to keep up, or if I’d even stick with it. But from day one, the support at Portway was incredible. The atmosphere is friendly and inclusive, the trainers are really warm and encouraging, and the classes are challenging in all the right ways. Now I feel completely different. I have more energy, I’m physically and mentally stronger, plus I actually look forward to working out regularly.”
Denise’s favourite classes are HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) for the full-body workout, Box Fit which helps her de-stress and feel empowered, plus Sprint which pushes endurance and makes her feel unstoppable.
She also works out in the new EGYM at Portway, which is an AI-powered smart fitness platform providing the ultimate in tech-enabled, flexible and personalised workouts.
Husband Paul, age 61, has started attending too, to get fit and stay active, and he can usually be found on the rowing machines or the exercise bikes, cheering Denise on.
She adds: ““To anyone just starting their fitness journey: take that first step, don’t wait to feel ready, just go for it. Find what you enjoy, be patient with yourself, and keep going. Every small effort adds up. You are capable of more than you think. Thanks so much Portway for helping me become the strongest version of myself—inside and out.”
SLT Site Fitness Coordinator, Natasha Swingler, says: “What Denise has achieved in such a short space of time is nothing short of incredible. Her story is a reminder of what’s possible with consistency, support, and the right mindset. She’s truly an inspiration to us all. Her positive energy and enthusiasm is infectious and she has just won the women’s rowing challenge, posting an excellent time that beat most of the men!”
