A 70-year-old gym bunny has ditched the idea of finding a man so she can become the "fittest granny in town."
Denise Wallington, from Bedfont in west London, retired from work in 2010 but vowed she'd never become a "boring" nan.
After joining her local gym so she could go swimming, Denise's attention was caught by the dance music blaring from an exercise class one day.
Since then, she's got herself a gruelling workout routine which sees her in the gym every day for two and a half hours.
She said: "I was dreading turning 70 in September 2021, but I don't feel my age at all.
"I broke up with someone recently and I'm even fitter now I've made the gym the number one love in my life!"
After quitting work, Denise knew she needed to get active and decided to get herself a gym membership. She recalls feeling tired and lethargic in her younger years, when she didn't exercise at all.
As her confidence in the gym improved, she barely spent a day without going to the gym and made sure she worked out just after doing the school run for her grandchildren Maisie, 11 and Harry, eight.
"When I first started, I would come home feeling exhausted," she said.
"Every muscle ached, but as I progressed, my fitness levels improved and I got better.
"I would never have believed in 100 years that I would be so hooked on the gym or that I could be this strong."
Due to suffering with osteoarthritis, she uses a wrist splint when lifting weights.
After her recent break up, Denise even used the gym as a distraction to help herself feel better - and she claims she's now even happier.
Denise said: "Working out and staying fit stops things from getting me down."
Last summer, Denise dipped her toes into HIIT workouts with FORTIS after being invited to a special VIP session at her gym, Spelthorne Leisure Centre.
She now uses battle ropes, slam balls, and press machines during her 30 minute intense workouts and says she's "so much stronger."
Denise said: "I get such a buzz in there and I feel so impressed with myself because I see those 30-something yummy mummies and I can give them a run for their money."
The nan has had a lust for live since losing her partner Phil in 2002, when he was just 58 - making Denise realise life is precious.
She said: "Phil died very young and very quickly. He became ill in February, was diagnosed in March and died on April 22.
"No one could believe it. It knocked everybody for six. When Phil died, it made me take stock of my life and I am quite a confident and strong person as a result."
Since becoming fitter than she's ever been, Denise reckons she's a better grandmother.
She said: "A little boy said to my grandson Harry at school that he wishes his nan was like me, because she just sits in a chair all day, while I'm fun.
"I was very pleased, as I'd be devastated if my grandchildren just thought I sat there doing nothing.
"I do lots with them. I took them rowing on the Thames the other day and I take them swimming."
She also spends her pension on making sure she looks tip top in the gym and has a wardrobe full of workout gear.
Denise said: "I have 10 pairs of trainers now, too, because I like to have ones in different colours so I can be colour-coordinated."
Every day when she does her workouts, Denise meets up with a group of pals who help keep her young.
She said: "I've made brilliant friends. As soon as I step in the gym, there is banter with the receptionists, the trainers, the cleaner - everyone.
"They all think I'm mad, but in a nice way."
For now, Denise is happy being single and fit - and she urged others not to let their fear of the gym stop them from getting in better shape.
She said: "I'd advise other people in later life not to be daunted by the gym. Give it a go, because it's just great."
