Let’s embark on this fitness journey together!

Welcome to my website!

I’m a 66-year-old grandmother of nine who enjoyed a fulfilling career as a Chartered Accountant. I ran my own accountancy and tax specialist practice in a charming Cotswold town for a good 30 years before retiring in 2018. My interest in fitness, health, and wellbeing has been a constant throughout my life.

I started off as a walker and transitioned to running in my late 30s. I’ve achieved quite a bit, including completing the London Marathon four times. However, in 2001, life took a challenging turn when my husband passed away, leaving me to raise our four children aged 16, 15, 13, and 10.

As my children grew up, I found solace and inspiration in ultra marathons. One of my notable accomplishments was conquering the Marathon Des Sables, enduring the scorching Sahara for five days with temperatures soaring to 40 degrees Celsius. In 2006, my daughter Alison and I braved a 100-mile race in the freezing Yukon, Canada, with temperatures plummeting to minus 25 degrees Celsius.

In the same year, I met and married Jon Whyte, who was also widowed. Together, we embraced the world of ultra running and cycling. Jon even built a tandem bicycle, and in 2007, we completed the 6633 350-mile arctic challenge, facing temperatures as low as minus 40 degrees Celsius. From there, we ventured back to the heat of the desert for the running Gobi challenge.

Our adventures didn’t stop there. We tackled numerous ultra-distance runs, ranging from 50 to 130 miles, both in the UK and Canada. In 2018, I turned my passion for exercise into a small business, becoming an exercise instructor in the Cotswolds, offering face-to-face classes in various disciplines.

The onset of COVID-19 prompted a shift to virtual platforms, and I embraced the change by launching daily online community exercise classes on Zoom. These classes are not only beneficial but also fun and diverse. Although running has taken a back seat due to severe spinal stenosis and spondylolisthesis, I’ve found joy in walking, often with poles. My journey continues, filled with resilience, adventure, and a commitment to staying active and healthy.

Why join Denise for your exercise journey?

We share the same age and retirement status, making our sessions relatable and tailored to your needs. I understand the nuances of aging, acknowledging the aches and pains that might come with it. Recognising that balance can be a concern, I’m here to help you move more effortlessly and comfortably.

At your pace and on your wavelength, I provide a supportive environment. I offer plenty of modifications, progressions, and alternatives to cater to your individual capabilities. We aim for more than just a workout; we aim to make you laugh and leave each session with a positive boost, both mentally and physically.

Who am I looking for in my ideal participant?

If you’re retired (our sessions are designed with your schedule in mind) and open to trying different exercise disciplines, you’re the perfect fit. Whether it’s seated exercises or standing routines, your willingness to explore is valued. Honest communication about your physical concerns, along with approval from health professionals if needed, ensures a safe and personalised experience.

Having access to Zoom, punctuality, and a readiness to enjoy and relax into 45 minutes of exercise make you an ideal participant for our sessions.