Member Stories
Real Stories. Real Impact
At tmactive, we know that everyone’s path to better health is unique. Whether you’re taking your very first step into fitness, returning after time away, or pushing yourself towards a new personal best, your journey matters.
Our facilities offer much more than a place to exercise. They’re spaces where confidence grows, healthy habits develop, friendships are made, and personal goals become achievements. From the gym floor and group exercise classes to the swimming pool, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
The stories you’ll find below come from members who have embraced new challenges, overcome obstacles and discovered just how much they can accomplish. Their experiences show that progress looks different for everyone, but every success starts with the decision to begin.
Whatever your goal, tmactive is here to help you make it happen. Take the first step today and start writing your own success story.
David & Satish
‘It’s so relaxed, it’s so easy & such good fun’
For David and Satish, the Active Communities cricket sessions at the Angel Centre are about much more than the game.
Having never played cricket before, David joined to improve his fitness, meet new people and enjoy the camaraderie that comes from being part of a supportive group.
For Satish, who has played cricket for most of his life, the sessions provide an opportunity to stay active in a relaxed and welcoming environment. As he puts it, “You do as much as you can – there’s no pressure. We’re not out, we can still keep trying.”
Their stories show that no matter your experience or ability, it’s never too late to get involved, stay active and enjoy the benefits of being part of a community.
See their story below (courtesy of Everyday Active)
David & Satish
Sandie's Story
‘The Active Wellbeing Studio is the best thing since sliced bread!’
A friend told me about the Active Wellbeing Studio, so I decided to give it a try. From the moment I came in, everyone has been so friendly and welcoming.
I have a lot of mobility problems and I’m sure using the studio will help slow down my condition. I absolutely love it.
The power-assisted equipment has helped me so much, both physically and mentally. I really look forward to coming in, and it’s become a big part of my routine.
If you’re thinking about joining, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it. The staff are so lovely – they’ll guide you, make sure you’re using the equipment correctly, and are always there to support you. It’s such a happy environment.
Well done to everyone, and a big thank you!
Audrey's Story
‘I’m now 92 and still dancing weekly, it keeps me feeling energised!’
I started dancing at 8 years old at Sheila Wilshire’s School of Dance. Unfortunately, I broke my left leg which did put my out of action for around 11 weeks, but that didn’t keep me away from the dance floor. At the age of 16, I joined the Tiller troupe and performed in a variety of theatres – with friends I still have today!
I joined Prima almost 30 years ago, keen to get back dancing! Since joining, I’ve taken part in the Prima dance shows up until 2017 – it was amazing to be back dancing and now with a new wonderful group.
I’m now 92 and still dancing weekly!
I currently attend both ballet and chair tap, and I thoroughly enjoy it. Not only does it allow me to keep moving, it’s also been great to meet new people and be part of a community at Larkfield Leisure Centre.
I’d definitely recommend joining these dance classes, whether you’ve had previous dance experience or not, it’s such a welcoming and positive space. It’s allowed me to continue my love and passion for dance in a way that suits my mobility and fitness.
Coming to the leisure centre and taking part in these classes keeps me feeling energised, there’s a real warm feeling coming here.
Andrew's Story
‘It gives you a great sense of achievement and feeling of success!’
Simply after suffering a major cardiac arrest event in 2010 it was time to re-evaluate this life changing event. I was placed in an induced coma and incubated on machines to to take over my breathing, I was relatively young at the time and the Dr’s had forewarned my family on the worst possible outcomes.
Thankfully, I proved the clinicians wrong!
At the time of the event I could see no possible ending. However, this was only the start of my recovery back to some normality. I had been very sporty playing squash to a decent level, running marathons & half marathons, cycling and even took part in the Three Peaks Challenge – climbing the three highest Peaks in the UK within 24 hours. But my diagnosis wasn’t going to stop me enjoying my sport, exercising and having fun.
In July 2024 I decided, assisted by a family member, to join Larkfield Leisure Centre. Danni showed me some basic balancing exercises to aid posture and of course balance. Since this initial introduction she has always been a significant sounding board to demonstrate to me what can be achieved. My positive steps include a greater walking distance, personal involvement on selected classes, plus the real benefit for me is getting my BMI down and my Diabetes markers back to almost pre- diabetic.
I have to say that looking around the establishment it was and still is an inspiration to me. I am constantly reminded by others that it’s worth giving things a try under supervision. The class schedules are varied and full of practical things with Primetimer’s as an example. It gives you a great sense of achievement, and that feeling of success when seeing positive results.
No pain, no gain! What a journey it has been, and a big thank you to Danni and all at Larkfield Leisure Centre.
Tom's Story
‘Without the team, I could not have achieved the results I have!’
At first I was very apprehensive, as due to my mobility problems I thought that the only exercise that I would be able to do would be swimming. I was assured by Danni that other forms of exercise could be achieved and she was proved right!
Together, a plan was put in place, starting with one class a week with added swimming. Each week we started adding more classes, progressing after 12 weeks to four classes a week plus swimming and gym work on the fifth day.
My weekly routine is as follows:
- Mon – Water Therapy
- Tue – Aqua Action
- Wed – Referral Circuits
- Thur – Swim for Health
- Fri – Gym and swim
Since starting the referral I have lost approximately 2 stone in weight and my insulin for my diabetes has been reduced by 50% .
I would like to thank Danni for her kind words of encouragement and making me believe that I can do more than I expected. To all of the instructors that I have across my classes, without them I would not have and could not have achieved the results that I have.
I recommend anyone that needs help with their health, fitness, weight or even social life to join this wonderful community here at Larkfield Leisure Centre.
The Swimmer's Story
‘Swimming is now a non-negotiable part of my weekly routine!’
I had a suspected stroke in 2019 and then a diagnosed TIA in 2020. I recovered well from the first, but the second really affected my mobility and my recovery was slow. I was told to ‘accept’ my mobility how it was at that stage – my left side slumped with little feeling and restricted movement.
When you have a sudden, life changing condition, everything in your life changes, and I found changes to my social life and how I interact with others really difficult. But being in the water at Swim for Health with the guidance of kind, patient people in a safe environment and with lifeguards who are caring and encouraging, gave me a different type of confidence to work on getting stronger.
Prior to my fist TIA, I was doing spin and body combat classes, ballet training and swimming most days every week. I have always swam a lot, before my stroke I used to do 104 lengths a few times a week. After my second TIA, I couldn’t swim at all; I could barely stand up in the water.
A few months ago, I enrolled in beginner adult swimming lessons, and could soon swim two lengths. Then I started swimming 6 lengths every week at Swim for Health after the exercises had finished. I then joined the pool as a member and started doing 10 lengths twice a week. I now do 20 lengths 3 times per week, and I have done my first Swimfit sessions at the pool on a Monday night as well.
Swim for Health is now a non-negotiable part of my weekly routine.
My goal now is to keep my improving my physical stamina – to be in the pool four times per week and keep commuting to work, eventually without my stick at all.
The Class Attendee's Story
‘I would recommend the classes to anyone – no matter what age!’
My friend suggested Stretch & Move classes as she had been going for years. I was concerned about going, but I did and I’m so glad that I now go regularly. At first I joined in with chair-based exercise. Gradually, I gained more confidence to do more standing tasks, and now I can join in with most of them!
I really look forward to Stretch & Move sessions. Meeting with other people, chatting and having things in common has given me confidence. I’ve really enjoyed making friends, having a laugh with our instructor and knowing that the exercises are doing me good – I’m definitely feeling better for it.
It’s so good to feel part of something, and my confidence to talk to people has greatly improved. We all have various health problems, but being able to chat and be with others really lifts the spirits.
I was doubtful at first, but now I’m confident. The instructor always suggests alternative ways to do different exercises if we need them and checks we’re all okay. I am so grateful to my friend for making me join this group, I’d highly recommend it!
The final words from my consultant from my hip replacement were, ‘by doing regular exercise, the recovery was so much better!’ That speaks for itself!
I would recommend Stretch & Move classes to anyone – no matter what age. I am so glad I started!
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