Thursday, October 1, 2026
Tenise Lewis, a Freeport resident who once weighed nearly 400 pounds, described courage as something that was in short supply for her not too long ago — before she took on a major weight-loss journey.
Lewis, a single mother of seven children who was burdened with mounting stress and low self-confidence, has spent the past 10 years developing better habits and making gradual progress toward a happier and healthier life.
As a result of her efforts, she has lost more than 200 pounds and now helps others reach their health goals as a fitness instructor at the Freeport Recreation Center teaching full-body aerobics classes. This came after the success of a few lessons she hosted right after Thanksgiving last year, which were targeted at people who wanted to get active after partaking in the large holiday meal.
Being a parent to five boys and two girls is not an easy undertaking, and Lewis, 45, detailed that she had been struggling with her health and weight for quite a while.
“I’ve been on a weight-loss journey for 10 years with a few setbacks,” she told the Herald. “I had the sleeve [gastric sleeve surgery] done in December 2015. I lost 130 pounds, and I gained it all back, plus more during Covid.”
The gastric sleeve surgery is a surgical procedure that removes a large portion of the stomach, leaving a narrow “sleeve” which is intended to reduce the amount of hunger the patient experiences. The surgery is often offered to those who are dealing with severe clinical obesity.
Feeling extremely disappointed with herself, coupled with possibly being impacted by the “highly significant levels of psychological distress” that National Institute of Health researchers say the Covid-19 pandemic may bring, Lewis truly believed that she had hit rock bottom.
“I felt like a failure, and I just had to make the decision to really change my life, save my life,” she said. “It was like, do or die. And I started from scratch. I had to change my whole life around because I realized that losing weight wasn’t my only struggle. I had to work on myself mentally.”
Lewis added that growing spiritually also was a priority for her, and she began attending the Greater Second Baptist Church in Freeport about a year ago.
As Lewis made a concerted effort to reclaim control of her health and life, she said it wasn't as important for her to focus on long-term ambitions, as it was to celebrate small achievements and the completion of short-term fitness and diet goals.
“I had to take one day at a time,” Lewis said. “I wasn’t looking for a quick fix. A lot of people look for quick fixes, and that’s how they fail.”
The resources she used for her gradual health improvement included reading self-help books, walking at least once a day in the Norman J. Levy Park and Preserve in Merrick and working on her agility and flexibility at the Iron Monkey Strength gym in Franklin Square.
Through developing good habits, building her confidence and becoming more consistent, Lewis dropped from around 380 pounds to under 180 pounds.
Now, in addition to serving as a fitness instructor at the recreation center, she's also starting her own small business, Intro-Fitness, focused on physical training and wellness for those who may be starting their journey toward healthier living, as well as those who may already have begun and since fallen off track.
Lewis moved from Hempstead to Freeport five years ago, crediting the welcoming community for being additionally helpful to her and her family.
“Everybody is so nice and welcoming,” Lewis said. “The school district is so much better. My kids, three of them, already graduated from Freeport High School, and they are doing well. One of my sons, he did a whole 360. He’s different kid because of the teachers in the school, and I’ve grown tremendously as well.”
One of her sons, Darren Colter, 18, said he has been inspired by his mother’s journey and determination. He and some of his siblings have participated in various fitness goals and activities with Lewis, such as 5-kilometer runs and out-of-state trips outdoors.
“I know that she has definitely had some times where she’s wanted to stop, where she felt that she couldn’t continue,” he said. “But no matter what, she has definitely persevered in what she has done. And I noticed she didn’t do it alone.”
One of her other children, Davon Colter, 20, said that her mom’s determination has inspired her to prioritize her own health and discipline.
“She’s a single mother, and she has a whole bunch of priorities on her back, but still able to still focus on herself once in a while,” Davon Colter said. “Just watching her behind the scenes is really just inspiring, even myself in my own journey.”
With her newly acquired confidence, Lewis now pursues other interests, such as acting and spoken word performances. She will be a part of an Oct. 10 production at the Bellmore Playhouse, entitled “Pink Ribbons and Cognac,” that follows breast cancer patients. She also took part in the Aug. 30 open mic night at Sparkle on Stage Cultural Arts Center in Freeport.
Asked what advice she would give those trying to emulate some of the health success she has experienced, Lewis said it is important for each journey to be personalized.
“Don’t compare yourself to anyone else,” Lewis stated. “You’re on your own journey. Don’t rush it, take your time. It’s not a quick fix. It’s a whole lifestyle change. Listen to your body and don’t overwhelm yourself.”
