Stephan Forbes
Highbury Leisure Centre
London
13 votes
About
Qualifications
Specialisms
Location
Reviews
About
As a father of four, Stephan understands how easy it is to put your own health last while balancing work, family, and responsibility.
After years of prioritising others, he found himself weighing 120kg. Rather than turning to extreme dieting or unsustainable routines, he focused on making small, structured lifestyle changes that he could maintain long term. Through consistency and disciplined training, he lost over 35kg transforming not just his physique, but his confidence, energy, and overall wellbeing.
That personal journey led him to qualify as a Personal Trainer in 2020. Since then, he has built a reputation as an approachable, knowledgeable, and results driven coach who combines lived experience with evidence-based training principles.
Stephan specialises in sustainable weight loss, strength development, posture correction, and long-term lifestyle transformation. He also has a strong focus on working with clients aged 50 and above. His training for over-50s prioritises maintaining muscle mass, improving joint integrity, enhancing mobility and balance, and supporting metabolic health helping clients stay strong, capable, and independent as they age.
Whether working with busy parents or clients later in life, Stephan’s approach is structured, progressive, and realistic. He designs training programmes that fit into demanding schedules while delivering measurable, long-term results.
His philosophy is simple: build strength, protect your body, and create habits that last.
Instagram:
@elevate.fh
After years of prioritising others, he found himself weighing 120kg. Rather than turning to extreme dieting or unsustainable routines, he focused on making small, structured lifestyle changes that he could maintain long term. Through consistency and disciplined training, he lost over 35kg transforming not just his physique, but his confidence, energy, and overall wellbeing.
That personal journey led him to qualify as a Personal Trainer in 2020. Since then, he has built a reputation as an approachable, knowledgeable, and results driven coach who combines lived experience with evidence-based training principles.
Stephan specialises in sustainable weight loss, strength development, posture correction, and long-term lifestyle transformation. He also has a strong focus on working with clients aged 50 and above. His training for over-50s prioritises maintaining muscle mass, improving joint integrity, enhancing mobility and balance, and supporting metabolic health helping clients stay strong, capable, and independent as they age.
Whether working with busy parents or clients later in life, Stephan’s approach is structured, progressive, and realistic. He designs training programmes that fit into demanding schedules while delivering measurable, long-term results.
His philosophy is simple: build strength, protect your body, and create habits that last.
Instagram:
@elevate.fh
Qualifications
Level 2 Gym Instructor
Level 3 Personal Trainer
Spin (Indoor Cycling) Instructor
Circuit Training
Level 3 Personal Trainer
Spin (Indoor Cycling) Instructor
Circuit Training
Specialisms
Sustainable Weight Loss
Strength & Muscle Development
Lifestyle Transformation
Posture & Mobility Improvement
Health & Weight Management
Functional Strength for 50+ Clients
Strength & Muscle Development
Lifestyle Transformation
Posture & Mobility Improvement
Health & Weight Management
Functional Strength for 50+ Clients
Location
13 Reviews
13 out of 13
Stephan is a great P.T,
Kind, patient, friendly and understanding.
His personality creates an environment where you feel safe and supported to train and progress at your own pace.
Committed and motivational Stephan is great to have by your side!
Rachel
Kind, patient, friendly and understanding.
His personality creates an environment where you feel safe and supported to train and progress at your own pace.
Committed and motivational Stephan is great to have by your side!
I have had a great experience with Stefan as my personal trainer. He has always pushed me to remain consistent and with that I’ve seen a lot of progress over a period of months, he has motivated me a lot in our sessions. Would highly recommend.
Anas
I really enjoyed working with Steph. He made coming into the gym an enjoyable experience every time. He’s very knowledgeable, calm, encouraging, and just very easy to get along with. I felt we had become friends rather than feelings it’s just a transactional service.
Because of that, I was able to build a consistent routine and saw great progress. Steph was quick to spot areas where I could improve and helped me develop them effectively. I went from not being able to do a single pull-up to doing over 10 by the time we finished training together.
I also built a solid routine of training three times a week and became confident using different areas of the gym and a variety of exercises.
The only reason I stopped training with Steph is because I’ve moved away. I’d highly recommend him to anyone looking for a supportive, knowledgeable, and motivating personal trainer.
Olly
Because of that, I was able to build a consistent routine and saw great progress. Steph was quick to spot areas where I could improve and helped me develop them effectively. I went from not being able to do a single pull-up to doing over 10 by the time we finished training together.
I also built a solid routine of training three times a week and became confident using different areas of the gym and a variety of exercises.
The only reason I stopped training with Steph is because I’ve moved away. I’d highly recommend him to anyone looking for a supportive, knowledgeable, and motivating personal trainer.
This was my first experience with a PT and while I was familiar with the gym my main aim was to build more confidence in my strength training and get into a decent routine as part of wider prep for my next triathlon. While this was a fairly straightforward goal, Stephan helped me every step of the way and transformed my confidence in the space of just 10 weeks. He pushed me where he thought I could give more but was also tuned into my limits and what I needed to work on. He is positive, encouraging and overall a great guy to have by your side in training!
Tom
I’ve been training with Stephan for about eight months now and honestly it’s been a game changer. I’ve always been into exercise but I used to be pretty timid in the gym, avoiding barbells, steering clear of certain machines, not really knowing what I was doing when it came to form or putting a proper plan together.
Stephan changed all of that. He’s incredibly knowledgeable and I’ve learned so much from him over the months. He pushes me to my limit every session but in a way that feels encouraging rather than overwhelming. More than anything, he’s given me real confidence in the gym and I actually know what I’m doing now.
On top of all that he’s just a genuinely friendly and approachable person with a brilliant attitude. Can’t recommend him enough.
Carl
Stephan changed all of that. He’s incredibly knowledgeable and I’ve learned so much from him over the months. He pushes me to my limit every session but in a way that feels encouraging rather than overwhelming. More than anything, he’s given me real confidence in the gym and I actually know what I’m doing now.
On top of all that he’s just a genuinely friendly and approachable person with a brilliant attitude. Can’t recommend him enough.
Steph is simply the best there is out there. He just has the full package: personality, knowledge, experience, kindness, patience. I agree with all these reviews and feel the same way. He is an amazing person, and after training with him a year now, I think he knows my strength better than I do. He's more than a PT, he's a friend, someone I respect, look up to and I am grateful for😊
Seen him training different ages or physical conditions and I just think he is a good fit for everyone. He can tailor things according to your needs or injuries and will make sure you got the best out of your investment.
Don't think twice, just choose Stephan!
Malina
Seen him training different ages or physical conditions and I just think he is a good fit for everyone. He can tailor things according to your needs or injuries and will make sure you got the best out of your investment.
Don't think twice, just choose Stephan!
I trained with Steph for a year, who was personable, kind, knowledgable and pushed me when I was, frankly, knackered. We had a great session every week and became good friends.
Steph was great at creating a programme which suited my style and needs. I preferred to do whole body workouts each week and Seph helped keep them varied and fun whilst also upping my weights and ensuring I was lifting carefully and not causing injury.
I would recommend him to anyone looking to increase their strength, mental health and well being or lose weight. He is brilliant!
Olivia McDonnell
Steph was great at creating a programme which suited my style and needs. I preferred to do whole body workouts each week and Seph helped keep them varied and fun whilst also upping my weights and ensuring I was lifting carefully and not causing injury.
I would recommend him to anyone looking to increase their strength, mental health and well being or lose weight. He is brilliant!
I can’t recommend my Stephan enough. From the very beginning, he created such a welcoming and supportive environment that really helped build my confidence, especially with getting comfortable in the gym.
Stephan is incredibly patient, always taking the time to explain things clearly and make sure I feel confident with each exercise. His knowledge really stands out, and I’ve learned so much throughout our sessions.
Not only have I become much stronger physically, but I also feel stronger mentally and more motivated. Every session has been enjoyable, fun, and something I genuinely looked forward to. It’s truly been an amazing experience, and I’m so grateful for the support and encouragement along the way.
Denise
Stephan is incredibly patient, always taking the time to explain things clearly and make sure I feel confident with each exercise. His knowledge really stands out, and I’ve learned so much throughout our sessions.
Not only have I become much stronger physically, but I also feel stronger mentally and more motivated. Every session has been enjoyable, fun, and something I genuinely looked forward to. It’s truly been an amazing experience, and I’m so grateful for the support and encouragement along the way.
Stephan is a high quality professional pt who know what he teaches and help you with your strengths and weaknesses , he motivates me in our work out and teaches how important discipline and consistency is and how much progress can be made with these components.
Isaiah
I’ve been training with Stefan for the past year and a half, and he’s been outstanding throughout. He took the time to understand my goals from the start and has consistently tailored sessions to help me improve.
He’s knowledgeable, professional, and genuinely motivating, always pushing me the right amount while keeping things enjoyable. I’ve seen real progress in both my fitness and confidence thanks to his support.
I’d highly recommend Stefan to anyone looking for a dedicated and effective personal trainer.
Joseph Herzog
He’s knowledgeable, professional, and genuinely motivating, always pushing me the right amount while keeping things enjoyable. I’ve seen real progress in both my fitness and confidence thanks to his support.
I’d highly recommend Stefan to anyone looking for a dedicated and effective personal trainer.
I’ve been training with Stephan for over a year now, and thanks to him I’ve finally achieved a level of consistency I’d never managed before. He’s kind, supportive, and knows exactly how to challenge you to get the best out of every session.
He really listens to feedback and adapts the training to suit your needs, which makes a big difference. Even on days when you’re not at your best, he keeps you motivated and ensures you still get the most out of your workout.
Highly recommend.
Mariona
He really listens to feedback and adapts the training to suit your needs, which makes a big difference. Even on days when you’re not at your best, he keeps you motivated and ensures you still get the most out of your workout.
Highly recommend.
First experience with a PT and in the gym in general , he’s teaching me everything about the basics and exercises , the results and improvements are visible every session , great person and great training with him.
Matteo
He is a very postive man who pushed me to surpass my limits . I didnt realise i could but some how he convinced me and made me a better person. He is very calm and supportive and will never make you feel ashamed since he is proud to see you want to make a change.
Ellis