Ismael Essilfie-Quaye
Ismael Essilfie-Quaye
Barnet Copthall Leisure Centre
London
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27 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.
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
Specialisms
Kickboxing/Boxing
Fat Loss
Body toning
Fitness Training
Location
27 Reviews 27 out of 27
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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
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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
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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 Ismael’s mentorship, I now look forward to each session and am much healthier and fitter than ever before. I can’t thank him enough for what he has done for my fitness journey!
The ideal personal trainer!
Adam S
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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
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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
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A year ago, I would never have believed that I’d be capable of doing a triathlon. I joined one of Ismael’s kickboxing classes in late 2020 and knew I would like him when he insisted there was no such thing as “women’s push-ups” - there’s full and half push-ups, and gender wasn’t the issue. Since then, I’ve 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. I’ve struggled with knee issues, which has made exercise very challenging at times, but I’m now 52kg and deadlifting 70kg, leg pressing 180kg, and bench pressing 40kg (to list a few) - and he’s 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 he’s pushed me towards my limits in a way that has been gradual, safe, and has guaranteed results/ rewards. You know he cares because when you’re not in a session, he’ll 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 you’re looking to do great things, then Ismael is your man.
Venessa
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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
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I have been training with Ismael for over a year now and I can honestly say it’s 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
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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
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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
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I'm in my 40s and I really wanted to tone up and feel better in myself. I’ve tried everything before and it didn’t work and then thought it’s 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
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As a former elite athlete with a number of stress injuries, it’s 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 it’s 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
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I’ve 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. I’m 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 Ismael’s personality and banter aren’t that bad either so the hour flies by.
Shila K
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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, it’s not all about losing weight and getting fit – Ismael also got to the root of my food issues through patience and asking the right questions. It’s a pity I couldn’t continue any more with the one to one’s 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 “YOU CAN''T OUT TRAIN A BAD DIET” a quote which has stayed at the forefront of my mind when I want to have another slice of anything!!!
Nicola W
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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 hasn’t 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
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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 ‘lose weight’ only but he focuses instead on building stronger and fitter bodies – the weight loss and dropping dress sizes is then just a bonus!
Anosha Saleem
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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
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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 “just one more”! Having previously battled with neck/shoulder issues for years I did not believe in my ‘later years’ I would be able to achieve what I have. With Ismael’s 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. It’s 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
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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
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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
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I’ve been working with Ismael for over a year now. I’m 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 ‘macho’! I started off with a free kickboxing trial so that could be a good way to go if you’re hesitating…
Lesley Trenner
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I’ve 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 - he’s encouraging but persistent in pushing me a bit further (not easy as I’m very negative!). I love the fact that he’s calm and quiet - there’s none of that shouty ‘go for the burn’ stuff. I enjoy boxing most of all - highly recommended if you haven’t tried it before - and I come away exhausted (happily exhausted). I almost look forward to seeing him each week (but don’t tell him or he’ll be impossible....)
Claire Calman
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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 Ismael….
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
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Ismael is an Amazing Trainer! I had a “trainer” 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. That’s when Ismael will show you! that’s 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
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Ismael is an Amazing Trainer! I had a “trainer” 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. That’s when Ismael will show you! that’s 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
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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 haven’t had a great session he will pick out the positives – don’t get me wrong, he will call you out too! Be prepared to work as you won’t want to let him down! Everybody should have an Ismael in their life!
Sam Majumdar
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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 you’re looking for a personal trainer for motivation and change, look no further.
Shahid Jooma

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