David spent most of his working life looking after others. As a dentist in the local community, his focus was always on patients, family, and the people around him. But after retiring, he realised his own health had quietly slipped down the list. What followed was a journey that saw him lose over 35kg, rebuild his fitness in his 70s, and rediscover the freedom to travel, cycle, sail, and enjoy life with his growing family.
Watch David share his story below.
For most of his career, David was the one helping everyone else.
Running a busy dental practice meant long days and a lot of responsibility. Like many people in demanding jobs, his own health and fitness simply took a back seat. There was always something else to focus on first.
Over time, things gradually changed without him really noticing.
The moment that made him stop and think was something simple. He found himself getting out of breath walking up the stairs. It was a small moment, but one that made him realise just how much his fitness had slipped.
After retiring ten years ago, David decided it was time to do something about it.
He began training regularly and slowly started rebuilding his strength and fitness. With the support and guidance of the coaching team at Glevum Fitness, what began as a step towards improving his health soon became something he genuinely enjoyed and valued.
Then six years ago, David faced another major challenge.
He was diagnosed with prostate cancer and needed surgery.
In the lead up to the operation, he made the decision to focus even more on his fitness. His training increased so he could go into surgery in the best shape possible.
Looking back, he says it made a huge difference.
David was able to return to the gym just four weeks after the operation. Being fitter going into surgery helped both his recovery and his confidence afterwards. In his words, it “made such a huge difference” to him and how he bounced back.
That experience reinforced something important.
Fitness wasn’t just about losing weight or looking different. It was about what it allowed him to do, how it supported his health, and the confidence it gave him moving forward.
Today, David is in his early 70s and living a very different life.
He has lost more than 35kg and built a lifestyle that allows him to enjoy the things that matter most to him. He travels regularly, rides his bike, spends time sailing with a close friend, and enjoys being outdoors whenever he can.
Perhaps most importantly, he gets to spend time with his family and embrace his role as a proud grandfather.
The physical changes have been huge, but the shift in mindset and outlook on life has been just as important.
And there’s one extra benefit he particularly enjoys.
As David likes to say, he’s now “loving the new wardrobe.”
His story is a reminder that it’s never too late to prioritise your health. It doesn’t require perfection or extreme changes overnight. It simply starts with deciding that your health matters and taking consistent steps in the right direction.
For David, that decision has quite literally changed the way he lives his life.
Could This Be Your Turning Point?
If David’s story resonates with you, and you feel like your own health has slipped down the list while life has been busy, you’re not alone. Many of the people who walk through our doors felt exactly the same way before they started.
At Glevum Fitness, we help busy adults build strength, improve their fitness, and feel more confident in their health through structured, coach-led training in a supportive environment.
If you’d like to see how we can help you do the same, you’re always welcome to come and visit us.
You can learn more about training at Glevum Fitness, or simply get in touch with one of our coaches and we’ll happily answer any questions.
