Sometimes the hardest step in a health and wellbeing journey is not running a 5K, lifting weights or attending fitness classes.
Sometimes it's simply walking through the door.
For High Life Highland member Denise McKeever from Grantown-on-Spey, that first step changed her life.
In just over a year, Denise has lost almost eight stone, reversed her type 2 diabetes, come off blood pressure medication and discovered a new confidence she never thought possible. But for Denise, the transformation goes far beyond the number on the scales.
"My mental health is the best it's been in years," she says.
My mental health is the best it's been in years
Highlife member
A turning point
"What was my inspiration? Do you know what? I didn't really have an inspiration," she explains. "It was more to do with my health and people's attitudes towards me.
"Over the years I've had the abuse and name calling. In the end, I just thought, 'I'll show you all.'
"And that's what I did."
It was seeing a photograph of herself at a concert in early 2025 that finally convinced her it was time for change.
Determined to improve her health, Denise contacted the Craig Maclean Leisure Centre. Even making that phone call was a daunting prospect.
"I phoned up the day before and spoke to Lee Beckwith and told him how nervous I was and that I had anxieties about coming in," she recalls. "He just said, 'Come in and we'll have a chat.'"
One small goal
While many people begin a fitness journey with ambitious targets, Denise's first goal was much simpler.
"It might sound silly but my initial goal was simply to get through the door," she says.
For anyone who has ever felt intimidated by a gym environment, it's a feeling that will sound familiar.
Fortunately, Denise quickly discovered a welcoming and supportive community waiting for her.
"The team were so welcoming and kind," she says. "After that I started setting little goals, like losing half a stone here and there. I didn't want to set anything too ambitious in case I failed."
Those small goals eventually led to extraordinary results. Today, Denise is 47 kilograms lighter and feels healthier and happier than she has in years.
"Physically, I am lighter, I can see my collarbones and I have definition in my legs," she says.
"But what is more important is that medically I am no longer a type 2 diabetic and I no longer have to take high blood pressure medication."
More than just weight loss
For Denise, the benefits of becoming more active have extended far beyond physical health. Routine, structure and a sense of belonging have become an important part of everyday life.
"I've got routine and structure which I enjoy. None of this feels like a chore," she says.
"I've gained a new social group that I never thought I would have. It genuinely makes me smile more."
What began as an intimidating first visit has developed into six days a week at the Craig Maclean Leisure Centre, where Denise takes part in swimming, Box Fit, Functional Fitness, Hyrox and circuit classes, while working around her busy job as a carer.
Even more remarkably, she completed the Loch Ness 5K in October 2025 despite having never run before. Her most recent challenge was the Banchory Beast Race 10k earlier this month.
A team behind the success
Denise is quick to credit the team at Craig Maclean Leisure Centre for helping her achieve her goals.
"I would say 99 per cent of my success is down to the staff and the facilities," she says.
"Their smiles in the morning, asking how I am and recognising the little goals I've achieved. I couldn't have got this far without them."
Personal Trainer Innes Bryce has worked alongside Denise throughout much of her journey and has witnessed first-hand the determination that has driven her success.
"When Denise first came to us, we could see the determination," he says. "Simply walking through the doors was an achievement in itself.
"We wanted to make sure her exercise experience was enjoyable because enjoyment leads to consistency, and consistency delivers results."
According to Innes, it's Denise's commitment and positive attitude that continues to inspire everyone around her.
"She is incredible and should be very proud of herself," he says.
"It's as much about what's happened on the inside as what's happened on the outside. The confidence she's built and the progress she makes every week are fantastic to see."
A message for others
As Wellness Week shines a spotlight on the importance of physical and mental wellbeing, Denise hopes her story encourages others who may be struggling to take that first step.
"I really hope I inspire some people, even if it's just to come through the door for a chat," she says.
"That's a brave first step in itself. Speak to the staff about what you realistically want to achieve and what your goals are. If I can do it, anyone can."
When she looks back to 2025, Denise still finds it hard to believe how much her life has changed.
"I never imagined this would be me standing here today in my gym clothes and lifting weights."
And what has taken the most getting used to? She laughs "Buying smaller clothes."
For Denise, the journey started with a single step through the doors of Craig Maclean Leisure Centre. Today, her story stands as a powerful reminder that positive change is possible for everyone, no matter where they begin. The hardest step is often the first one, but it can also be the most important.
Ready to take your first step?
Denise's journey started with one phone call. Claim your free 7-day membership trial and see what High Life Highland can do for you — no pressure, no judgement, just a chance to try it for yourself.
