An injury on the football field forced Dennis Dlomo away from the game, making him rethink his health.

After being sidelined for a year, Dlomo gained weight and began searching for ways to regain his fitness. “I said, ‘No, let’s start running’,” Dlomo recalled, explaining how he and his sister began exercising together.

She later encouraged him to join a gym in Brixton, where he found the environment that would shape his future. At the gym, Dlomo’s enthusiasm for training and helping people caught the attention of the owner, who offered him an opportunity to become a part-time trainer and learn more about the profession. That encouragement proved pivotal.

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The owner also became a source of inspiration, demonstrating that fitness could remain a lifelong pursuit. Dlomo recalled being struck by the man’s physical condition at 55 years old, particularly his well-defined physique and involvement in martial arts. Two decades later, that commitment continues to define Dlomo’s approach to fitness.

Through his fitness club, Dlomo has built a community around outdoor group exercise, motivation and accountability. For members, the sessions offer more than a workout; they provide an opportunity to improve their physical health while forming connections with others who share similar goals.

Dlomo’s philosophy is rooted in the belief that fitness requires consistency and discipline, particularly when it comes to nutrition. He acknowledges that maintaining a healthy lifestyle is not always easy and that he, too, occasionally gives in to cravings for fast food. However, he tries to remain disciplined about what he eats, recognising that his own habits set an example for those he trains.

For Dlomo, leading by example is an important part of being a fitness coach. Members look to him not only for exercise routines and encouragement but also for guidance on maintaining the lifestyle they hope to achieve.

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His journey from an injured footballer trying to lose weight to a trainer with 20 years of experience has given him a personal understanding of the challenges people face when starting their fitness journeys. Rather than presenting fitness as an overnight transformation, his approach centres on showing up, staying consistent and making healthier choices over time.

His sister remains an important part of that story. She died in 2019, but her role in helping set him on his fitness path remains part of the journey he continues today.

What began as an effort to regain his own fitness has grown into a commitment to helping others do the same.

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