
Ismael Essilfie-Quaye
Barnet Copthall Leisure Centre
London





33 votes
About
Qualifications
Specialisms
Location
Reviews
About
I have been training in and teaching martial arts for over twenty years and been in the fitness industry for over fifteen years. During this time, I have helped many clients to achieve their fitness, fat loss and weight loss goals through classes and/or personal training whilst some have gone on to become Personal Trainers themselves.
Helping others to change their lives through training is my passion and I believe training should be challenging but always fun. After my sessions, you should feel challenged yet energised and ready to face the world.
Whatever your goal, contact me for a free initial consultation and personal training session.
Helping others to change their lives through training is my passion and I believe training should be challenging but always fun. After my sessions, you should feel challenged yet energised and ready to face the world.
Whatever your goal, contact me for a free initial consultation and personal training session.
Qualifications
Active IQ Level 3 Personal Trainer
CYLevel 2 Gym and Fitness Instructor
Black Belt Kickboxing
First Aid Qualified
Enhanced Fitness Boxing I & II
Enhanced Fitness Suspension Training
Enhanced Fitness Kettlebells
Enhanced Fitness Circuits
Kettlebell Training Academy Level 1 Instructor
CYLevel 2 Gym and Fitness Instructor
Black Belt Kickboxing
First Aid Qualified
Enhanced Fitness Boxing I & II
Enhanced Fitness Suspension Training
Enhanced Fitness Kettlebells
Enhanced Fitness Circuits
Kettlebell Training Academy Level 1 Instructor
Specialisms
Kickboxing/Boxing
Fat Loss
Body toning
Fitness Training
Fat Loss
Body toning
Fitness Training
Location
33 Reviews
33 out of 33





To be honest he has cost me a small fortune. Why...I quickly needed to buy a new wardrobe as all my clothes became to big and loose...apart from footwear ....oh yeah, he works you hard....so if you don't want to get fit, lose weight and you hate clothes shopping then don't go to him..š
Gary B





I have been attending weekly Boxfit classes with Ismael for the past 6 years and really look forward to the high intensity but fun sessions. It is a great combination of cardio, strength and balance work in a relaxed, friendly class. After I started I quickly felt much fitter and stronger and someone even commented on how lean and strong my arms looked (bye bye bingo wings!). My core strength is much better and I also like the stress release of the boxing side of the class, whilst the kicks have improved my balance alongside a yoga class I attend.
Ismael is very down to earth and easy to get on with. He makes classes fun and varied and pushes you to do your best, even when you don't think you can go any faster/harder/lower! Highly recommend his classes if you want to get fitter and stay fit.
Lorma Hetherington-Dennis
Ismael is very down to earth and easy to get on with. He makes classes fun and varied and pushes you to do your best, even when you don't think you can go any faster/harder/lower! Highly recommend his classes if you want to get fitter and stay fit.





I've been attending Ismael's kickboxing class on a weekly basis for the last 5 years and can't rate it highly enough. Ismael is a really warm and welcoming trainer who pushes you to achieve your goals in a safe, fun, and supportive way that has massively boosted my confidence and self esteem as well as my fitness.
Alison wright





Ismail has been my PT for a couple of years now and l can highly recommend him to get you where you need and want to be with your health and wellbeing. I am achieving things that I thought I would not be able to do. I am going to continue to see Ismail to continue on my journey to a healthier lifestyle.
Karen Charles





I have been training with Ishmael over 2 years Ismael He gets you to your target, makes you sweat and reach your goal...he is focused and passionate about his work...if you looking for a PT I highly recommend him.
Chandani





Ismail is both a great trainer and a great motivator. He makes the gym a less scary place, pushes you to your limit and beyond, but cares for the whole person, not just their bench press! I canāt recommend him enough for anyone who wishes to challenge themselves, no matter your starting point or your goals
David





I've been training with Ismael for a few years now and, as a runner, have knocked minutes off my time and achieved feats I didn't think I was capable of. Ismael is a lovely guy who pushes and makes sure you work, but in a way that makes you feel good rather than drained. I'd highly recommend working with Ismael to achieve your fitness goals - I look and feel fitter, as well as having enhanced my performance.
Vicky





Highly recommend Ismail.. He gets you to your target, makes you sweat and reach your goal...he is focused.. always punctual and passionate about his work...if you looking for a PT then je is your guy!
Neelu Gogna





Ismael is without a doubt the person you want to go if you need guidance with fitness and training. He is incredibly knowledgeable, experienced and understanding, which helps you feel comfortable and able to train to your maximum.
I always found it difficult to stick to a consistent routine, however under Ismaelās mentorship, I now look forward to each session and am much healthier and fitter than ever before. I canāt thank him enough for what he has done for my fitness journey!
The ideal personal trainer!
Adam S
I always found it difficult to stick to a consistent routine, however under Ismaelās mentorship, I now look forward to each session and am much healthier and fitter than ever before. I canāt thank him enough for what he has done for my fitness journey!
The ideal personal trainer!





Ismael is a fantastic PT. He listens to what you want and gets you results! He has helped me build so much strength and muscle and has taught me so much about form and technique. He genuinely cares about helping his clients and has helped me develop so much confidence in myself to continue working towards my goals!
Shay





This is now almost 6 months of having PT and I think I have made my best decision of my life and maybe I was very lucky to have this gem as my PT.
Farhad





A year ago, I would never have believed that Iād be capable of doing a triathlon. I joined one of Ismaelās kickboxing classes in late 2020 and knew I would like him when he insisted there was no such thing as āwomenās push-upsā - thereās full and half push-ups, and gender wasnāt the issue. Since then, Iāve been training in PT sessions with Ismael every week since January 2021, both over Zoom and in person. He had set an ambitious, but realistic training plan and has given me the confidence to reach goals I never thought possible for myself. Iāve struggled with knee issues, which has made exercise very challenging at times, but Iām now 52kg and deadlifting 70kg, leg pressing 180kg, and bench pressing 40kg (to list a few) - and heās assured me the weights will continue to go up. In addition to the weights, he structured a diverse endurance training plan and after 8 months of training I went out and raced in my first triathlon. I still find it hard to believe! As a coach heās pushed me towards my limits in a way that has been gradual, safe, and has guaranteed results/ rewards. You know he cares because when youāre not in a session, heāll still check up on your progress throughout the week. I cannot imagine having accomplished what I have as an athlete without him as my PT. If youāre looking to do great things, then Ismael is your man.
Venessa





I had personal training with Ismael for a year. He came to my house which was very convenient. My goal was to increase my fitness and fat loss.
We focused on weight training and kick boxing techniques punches and kicks
Ismael was very good at teaching the technical side of each movement and gave me confidence to increase the weights and repetition.
I improved very quickly, gain strength, improved overall health. Side effect 7lb weight loss and drop 1 dress size from 16 to 14 in first 12 weeks.
I would strongly recommend Ismael if you want to achieve your fitness goals too
Georgina Edwards
We focused on weight training and kick boxing techniques punches and kicks
Ismael was very good at teaching the technical side of each movement and gave me confidence to increase the weights and repetition.
I improved very quickly, gain strength, improved overall health. Side effect 7lb weight loss and drop 1 dress size from 16 to 14 in first 12 weeks.
I would strongly recommend Ismael if you want to achieve your fitness goals too





I have been training with Ismael for over a year now and I can honestly say itās my favourite time of the week! I look forward to our sessions and enjoy being pushed to my maximum potential.
I began training with Ismael in June 2021 in order to loose weight that I had put on over the previous lockdowns, as well as to enhance my gym experience. We began with trying to increase my stamina and overall general fitness. Ismael quickly trained me to deadlift weights and over a short period of time I found that my strength had significantly increased - as well as that my body had changed (for the better)! I saw my clothes fitting better and my waist getting smaller, both of which were signs that Ismael was training me correctly and that I was competent to mirror these exercises within my own workouts.
The progress continued but I then left for university in September 2021. However, I found myself coming back for sessions whenever I was back in London for the holidays!
As of summer 2022 we have continued with weightlifting, but Ismael has also encouraged me to take up boxing (an activity which I had wanted to try for a while but lacked the confidence to do so). Each week I have noticed my technique improving, as well as my stamina (allowing me to be able to box for longer periods of time without shortness of breath).
Our sessions are perfectly tailored to my needs and goals, in addition to being enjoyable and non-repetitive. Ismael is very encouraging without being aggressive or condescending. For this reason I would highly recommend Ismael as a personal trainer! He makes every session an opportunity to develop skill and help you reach your full potential, whilst giving you 100% of his attention.
Gabriella B-Y
I began training with Ismael in June 2021 in order to loose weight that I had put on over the previous lockdowns, as well as to enhance my gym experience. We began with trying to increase my stamina and overall general fitness. Ismael quickly trained me to deadlift weights and over a short period of time I found that my strength had significantly increased - as well as that my body had changed (for the better)! I saw my clothes fitting better and my waist getting smaller, both of which were signs that Ismael was training me correctly and that I was competent to mirror these exercises within my own workouts.
The progress continued but I then left for university in September 2021. However, I found myself coming back for sessions whenever I was back in London for the holidays!
As of summer 2022 we have continued with weightlifting, but Ismael has also encouraged me to take up boxing (an activity which I had wanted to try for a while but lacked the confidence to do so). Each week I have noticed my technique improving, as well as my stamina (allowing me to be able to box for longer periods of time without shortness of breath).
Our sessions are perfectly tailored to my needs and goals, in addition to being enjoyable and non-repetitive. Ismael is very encouraging without being aggressive or condescending. For this reason I would highly recommend Ismael as a personal trainer! He makes every session an opportunity to develop skill and help you reach your full potential, whilst giving you 100% of his attention.





Before my training I had really bad knees, to the point that I would sometimes have to go upstairs on my hands and knees and at times use a walking stick.
Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that after a few months of training I could walk up and down stairs holding heavy things in both arms. And as for kneeling down and getting back up forget it. I can't believe the huge impact training with Ismael has had on my life. Know I don't have to think twice about stepping up on to a chair. I've started Badminton again as I feel fitter and stronger. I'm 53 have been over weight for a long time but now I've dropped weight, and have overall way better muscle tone and much more energy. I highly recommend Ismael, he's a great trainer and a really lovely but no nonsense trainer who always has a smile for you.
Sarah Quist
Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that after a few months of training I could walk up and down stairs holding heavy things in both arms. And as for kneeling down and getting back up forget it. I can't believe the huge impact training with Ismael has had on my life. Know I don't have to think twice about stepping up on to a chair. I've started Badminton again as I feel fitter and stronger. I'm 53 have been over weight for a long time but now I've dropped weight, and have overall way better muscle tone and much more energy. I highly recommend Ismael, he's a great trainer and a really lovely but no nonsense trainer who always has a smile for you.





I started the gym back in June without any knowledge on how to achieve the physical strength goal I was aiming for. Thankfully I bumped into Ismael who kindly enough showed me how to use a few of the equipment and I began sessions with him shortly after. Since then I've definitely seen a massive improvement from my workouts. Our sessions have certainly shown me my capability and pushed me to lift weights I never considered I'd be strong enough for. I've learnt a lot from the sessions and will always incorporate them in any of my workouts. Thank you for supporting me and pushing me. :)
Muna





I'm in my 40s and I really wanted to tone up and feel better in myself. Iāve tried everything before and it didnāt work and then thought itās time I invested in a personal trainer. I found Ismael and in the short time I been training with him I have in fact noticed a difference in the way I look and feel. I have from my own personal experience found Ismael to be professional, positive, understanding, and good in his approach. I would highly recommend him.
Leyla A





As a former elite athlete with a number of stress injuries, itās incredible to see what your body is still capable of. No session is ever the same and Ismael is very understanding when certain exercises are not possible due to injury and always finds a way round it. I have never been so strong before and itās completely down to the dedication and perseverance Ismael has with you when you want to give up. Always push for one more. I look forward to going to my sessions each week and would thoroughly recommend him to others!
Amy Hyman





Iāve been exercising for over 10 years on my own but realised that after my initial weight loss the pounds I had lost were slowly creeping back because I eventually became bored of exercising. Ismael changed all that when he showed me the correct way to do things and introduced me to a whole new range of workout techniques to mix up my routine. Iām now so much more stronger and energised than I used to be and most importantly my gym visits are no longer a chore. I should also mention that Ismaelās personality and banter arenāt that bad either so the hour flies by.
Shila K





I originally trained in kickboxing at the North Finchley Venue and decided I would be better off having Ismael for one to one sessions. You get results with Ishmael, itās not all about losing weight and getting fit ā Ismael also got to the root of my food issues through patience and asking the right questions. Itās a pity I couldnāt continue any more with the one to oneās and I am yet to get myself back to any of the many venues he runs kickboxing. But what he has said to me during our time training was āYOU CAN''T OUT TRAIN A BAD DIETā a quote which has stayed at the forefront of my mind when I want to have another slice of anything!!!
Nicola W





Nine months ago, when I first consulted Ismael, I was ready for a zimmer. I have suffered from severe arthritis for many years and adapting my bathroom to a disabled one was next on the agenda. In that nine months I have achieved a level of strength I would have been happy with pre-arthritis. It hasnāt been without its difficult moments when I felt he was asking too much of me but a week later I was doing the impossible. He is a hard taskmaster but he knows his stuff and how far to push. I have gained confidence as well as strength and would heartily recommend him to anyone who feels they are not ready to give up. I still have arthritis but the disabled bathroom is a long way off.
Mary Stephen





I have had numerous PTs over the years and I can say that Ismael is by far the most honest, dedicated and reliable trainer I have had. He goes the extra mile for clients so they can achieve their goals and he makes sure that goals set are realistic and achievable. I appreciate now that he does not help people ālose weightā only but he focuses instead on building stronger and fitter bodies ā the weight loss and dropping dress sizes is then just a bonus!
Anosha Saleem





I used to do kickboxing and Sensei Ismael (as you refer to your teacher in kickboxing) taught me. I Stopped going but after having had an awful experience with my previous PT. I was recommended Sensei Ismael (the name caught on). I have been training with him for two months now and I can feel a difference already. My stamina has improved significantly and I am seeing changes in my body. He really pushes you in the sessions beyond your perceived capabilities and you feel surprised at what you can do. He listens to your needs and tailors sessions taking into account any injuries or health issues. Every session is challenging and pushes you to a greater extent. More importantly he is honest about what he does which makes all the difference. If you are at a point in your training where you have come to a standstill and feel like giving up I would recommend getting in touch with Sensei Ismael.
Khunsha S





After many decades of doing my own thing, I approached having a personal trainer with some trepidation. I need not have worried Ismael encouraged me to go further than I ever believed I could. He knows just how to push you to your limit then ājust one moreā! Having previously battled with neck/shoulder issues for years I did not believe in my ālater yearsā I would be able to achieve what I have. With Ismaelās reassurance, encouragement and support I am now seeing the benefits in my everyday life, being much stronger and fitter enables me to comfortably do the more strenuous things that can start to become more difficult as we age. Itās all about being able to do what we want & live a healthy life to the full!! Ismael is definitely someone who can help you achieve this goal.
Beverley W





A wrist and ankle injury rendered me very sedentary and I always felt like I had no energy. I was very tentative about exercising post injury. Ismael helped enormously to regain my energy and become a lot stronger than I have ever been. He always listened to any injury limitations I had and worked with me to improve my strength, stamina and endurance. He always seems to know how far I can go before me!
Recently, during lockdown, I started the online zoom kickboxing classes with Ismael. These sessions really improved my aerobic capabilities.
Priti S
Recently, during lockdown, I started the online zoom kickboxing classes with Ismael. These sessions really improved my aerobic capabilities.





Taking on Ismael as my personal trainer has been the best decision that I have made for myself in a very long time. I started training with Ismael around October last year and I have loved every session since. Initally we trained twice a week and now we train once a fortnight - as I have become more confident with the exercises and gym equipment, this system now works best for me and Ismael has been nothing but supportive of this by still offering his advice and knowledge outside of our booked sessions. I have had PT's in the past and the experiences with them have not been the greatest - I always felt pressured to lose weight and constantly weigh myself and not once has Ismael applied that sort of unnecessary pressure onto me. He has made me feel so much more body confident and has taught me a lot about suitable ways of eating and exercising for my body type and body goal - this is beyond what any other PT in the past has done for me. He understands my own personal needs and straight off the bat was very understanding and read up on my condition (PCOS) and how we can work to manage it. I have seen crazy improvements in my condition and also with my body strength and shape since training with Ismael and I couldn't be more thankful. Realising quite soon into training that I work well with weights, I have found a passion for weight/powerlifting and I am even considering joining a powerlifting gym as a result. Ismael saw this potential in me and nurtured it. This is the first time in my life I have found a passion for sport/exercise and something I have stuck with for more than a few weeks, so that's saying something! You just need to read the other reviews to see how highly Ismael's clients respect him and that starting training with him is a no-brainer.
Sofia Eugeniou





Iāve been working with Ismael for over a year now. Iām much fitter and stronger and really enjoy our sessions, despite a few grumbles! Ismael makes a point of finding out your needs and adapting his sessions accordingly. His style is gentle and respectful but also encouraging and he manages to push you just outside of your comfort zone and change the routine to keep it interesting. He seems to work well with all kinds of people especially the slightly older client and those of us who are less āmachoā! I started off with a free kickboxing trial so that could be a good way to go if youāre hesitatingā¦
Lesley Trenner





Iāve now been training with Ismael for a year and I am unquestionably fitter, stronger, slimmer and a better shape. I have knee problems and was pretty unfit when I started with Ismael so he has really had to tailor exercises to suit my capabilities. I like his style - heās encouraging but persistent in pushing me a bit further (not easy as Iām very negative!). I love the fact that heās calm and quiet - thereās none of that shouty āgo for the burnā stuff. I enjoy boxing most of all - highly recommended if you havenāt tried it before - and I come away exhausted (happily exhausted). I almost look forward to seeing him each week (but donāt tell him or heāll be impossible....)
Claire Calman





After a long and on going illness I decided it was time to try and see if any part of the old me was still in this body of mine that had let me down.
Enter Ismaelā¦.
After just 3 sessions with Ismael I felt I had the confidence to trust in my mind and body again
And with the help and positive training i get with Ismael I am beginning to think that maybe this battered brain and body still has a lot to give .
So thank you Ismael ( and keep smiling)
Even though I know I can drive you mad!!
Helena Charalambous
Enter Ismaelā¦.
After just 3 sessions with Ismael I felt I had the confidence to trust in my mind and body again
And with the help and positive training i get with Ismael I am beginning to think that maybe this battered brain and body still has a lot to give .
So thank you Ismael ( and keep smiling)
Even though I know I can drive you mad!!





Ismael is an Amazing Trainer! I had a ātrainerā before, a good 10 years ago, that wasnt a trainer, Ismael is a TRAINER! I started in August last year and its been absolutely awesome! He knows what your body is capable of doing way way before you even realise it. He explains why he chooses the exercises he does and how they impact your body. He definitely knows how to push you to your limits and beyond but he also knows when to pull back and even approach the same goals from different angles. Very early on he realised I had a neck/shoulder problem which was holding things back from the pace he wanted, and despite other injuries along the way (due to the lack of exercise for such a long time) I have come such a long way! I feel great, stronger fitter and look alot slimmer. He is great at motivating you and encouraging you, because ever session will be tough and you will have to give everything you have to it, you will be completely drained after, and because it will always seem like a struggle you wont realise how far you have come. Thatās when Ismael will show you! thatās why you will keep coming back for more! Have Ismael as your trainer, then try go in for a workout without him there, you will see how important and amazing he is! If you want to get stronger, healthier, fitter get Ismael now!
Dhruve Patel





Ismael is an Amazing Trainer! I had a ātrainerā before, a good 10 years ago, that wasnt a trainer, Ismael is a TRAINER! I started in August last year and its been absolutely awesome! He knows what your body is capable of doing way way before you even realise it. He explains why he chooses the exercises he does and how they impact your body. He definitely knows how to push you to your limits and beyond but he also knows when to pull back and even approach the same goals from different angles. Very early on he realised I had a neck/shoulder problem which was holding things back from the pace he wanted, and despite other injuries along the way (due to the lack of exercise for such a long time) I have come such a long way! I feel great, stronger fitter and look alot slimmer. He is great at motivating you and encouraging you, because ever session will be tough and you will have to give everything you have to it, you will be completely drained after, and because it will always seem like a struggle you wont realise how far you have come. Thatās when Ismael will show you! thatās why you will keep coming back for more! Have Ismael as your trainer, then try go in for a workout without him there, you will see how important and amazing he is! If you want to get stronger, healthier, fitter get Ismael now!
Dhruve Patel





Ismael is kindly and very generously helping me with a weight loss and 10k run challenge for charity. His approach is very much encouraging you. He assesses your limits and capabilities and then pushes you to them and beyond and pushes you abit further again- all the while encouraging and challenging you at the same time. He is a genuinely nice guy, and he explains what each of the exercises do how they benefit you. Even when you havenāt had a great session he will pick out the positives ā donāt get me wrong, he will call you out too! Be prepared to work as you wonāt want to let him down! Everybody should have an Ismael in their life!
Sam Majumdar





I have worked with Ismael for 2 months, and been thoroughly impressed by both his knowledge and enthusiasm. I have seen significant changes in a short period of time. Ismael takes the time to understand your individual requirements and addresses any concerns around injuries or restrictions. If youāre looking for a personal trainer for motivation and change, look no further.
Shahid Jooma