Fitness Matters

Fantastic experience: My sister and I go to Sarah’s class on a Monday night. The craic is great with all the girls there and Sarah is really encouraging and informative, pushing us to our limits and making us more confident in the gym. We come away feeling refreshed and ready for the week.

Fantastic experience: Sarah is amazing love my Monday/Fridays and Saturday sessions! Feeling stronger already

Fantastic experience: Couldn't recommend strongly enough. I'd let my fitness level get low so I was feeling a bit intimidated to start training ~5 months ago but it was the best decision I could have made. Stefan's is a very knowledgeable, encouraging and accommodating trainer and the sessions are always varied and challenging. I'm so pleased with the improvements in my form, strength and energy levels already- looking forward to continuing!

Fantastic experience: Absolutely fantastic and knowledgeable trainer and a top class place to get fit. Started training with my wife a few months ago and Stefan has hugely improved both our fitness and motivation as well as continuing to push us to improve each time we attend a session! Cant recommend enough!

Fantastic experience: Been going to Sarah at Fitness Matters since March for 1-1 strength and conditioning training. She is just fab - has introduced me to the equipment and set me challenges to improve upper and lower body strength at a pace and level which is perfect while stretching me . Already seeing the benefits and loving it. Great to have her expertise and knowledge progressing me on, all with good craic and banter ️‍♀️

Fantastic experience: I have found training with Sarah at Fitness Matters to be a wonderful way to ease back into training. Her warm personality and endless patience make each session rewarding and fun!

Fantastic experience: LOVE the classes. I started coming to Sarah in January after having two kids and needing a kick to get back in into exercise. Not only have I lost weight but I feel stronger and fitter attending a PT session weekly and a strength and conditioning class. Having never done much weight training before I feel Sarah is very patient and motivating especially after many sleepless nights!! The classes are great fun and you feel great after

Fantastic experience: Excellent purpose built facility with all modern equipment allowing for complete 1:1 training without having to feel self conscious around others like you would do at a commercial gym, Stefan is very knowledgeable and keen to help move you along and progress should that be training for competition or purely to improve your own health and wellbeing.

Fantastic experience: Only been training with Sarah for a few weeks, but already feeling the benefits. Sarah makes training fun and tailors the class to everyone’s needs. Can’t wait to continue my fitness journey!

Fantastic experience: Stefan’s small group classes are motivating, professional and personal. I have been attending his small group training sessions for over 4 years and there’s no better place around. Fantastic facilities combined with a great trainer and community of people have enabled me to grow in strength both physically and mentally.

Fantastic experience: Have been attending the small group strength and conditioning classes up at fitness matters with 3 friends for the past 6 months . In that time my strength and fitness have improved immeasurably and ive even managed to lose 4 kg . The sessions are varied , enjoyable and we are pushed at just the right pace . HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Fantastic experience: I started beginners’ strength training classes with Sarah at the start of September having had very little experience in the gym/lifting weights. With Sarah’s help (and patience) I have become so much more confident in my ability and have seen my running performance improve. I love the mix of indoor and outdoor facilities and the fact each exercise is tailored to your ability. I’m so glad I decided to start training with Sarah - bring on the next 8 weeks

Fantastic experience: I have been training with Stef for some time now and his knowledge and experience is invaluable. I am completely amazed at what I am able to do with his motivation - I am stronger and in better shape now than I have ever been in my life. Thankyou Stef.

Fantastic experience: Truly excellent Trainer. Lovely setting and top class equipment. Stef keeps me on track gently but firmly enough to get me where I should be. Very much recommended.

Fantastic experience: Great PT sessions with Stef and over the past 12 months he’s helped me progress well. Would recommend.

Fantastic experience: Excellent facilities and location I have been attending with Stefan for the past 3 years Great motivator

Fantastic experience: Thoroughly enjoy the training here, you have me motivated again. Fantastic.

Fantastic experience: I’ve been going to Stefan for 7 years. Over that time I’ve built up my strength and fitness through changing and challenging sessions. I’m a 65 years old and I did a 90kg deadlift last week. Thanks Stefan.

Fantastic experience: Signed up with Stef in September 2022 and am delighted with how it has gone. My fitness and health have improved as a result of consistent action taken under Stef's expert coaching

Fantastic experience: I have been training with Sarah at her small groups strength and conditioning classes for the last few months. I love and dread them in equal measure. Sarah (the_unexpected_pt) is a brilliant coach, she is knowledgeable and enthusiastic. She puts a great deal of thought into her programme for each class, they are varied and never fail to work us hard whilst allowing us to repeat and improve. Because the class is kept small she is able to keep an eye on individual form and adapts for injuries and abilities, demonstrating everything in the run through before we begin. The hour certainly goes by in a sweaty whirl! The facilities allow for training both indoors and out which is so much more pleasant than stuck inside a normal gym environment. The group is supportive, welcoming and friendly and we get through whatever Sarah throws at us together!

Fantastic experience: My hubby and I have been going to Stefan for 4 years - his set up is great with both indoor and outdoor space and it’s super convenient for us. Really enjoy our sessions and Stefan keeps it really varied and interesting - he’s also super reliable and available all year long - highly recommend

Fantastic experience: I started training with Sarah 5 weeks ago, at 11 weeks post partum. Sarahs knowledge of post natal training is amazing. After nearly a year of not working out, Sarah made it so easy for me to enjoy being back at the gym again. I honestly cannot recommend Sarah highly enough. After just five weeks with Sarah's help and advice, I am already more confident in my own skin.

Fantastic experience: Stef is one of the best trainers about. Supportive, helpful and motivational. Offering a mix of group sessions and one to ones you couldn’t find a better person to help you with your fitness journey.

Fantastic experience: Great set up and personalised training sessions which allowed me to continue exercising through pregnancy. I was new to weight training and noticed big improvements in strength and fitness since I started training with Stefan, would definitely recommend!

Fantastic experience: Absolutely love Saturday circuits with Sarah. A great way to kick start the weekend with a small friendly group of people. Sarah will ensure you push yourself to help achieve your fitness goals. Highly recommend you give it a go!

Fantastic experience: Have been going to Stefan for close to 2 years, it’s the most confident I’ve felt and the strongest I’ve been. Definitely recommend as he is very supportive and keeps the strength activities fresh so going to the gym never feels like a chore!

Fantastic experience: Since beginning personal training sessions with Stefan 2 years ago, my strength and fitness levels have improved beyond my original expectations. Stefan is able to guide and motivate you through each exercise to help you reach your full potential while also respecting your physical limits. With equipment both indoors and outdoors at the premises, workouts continue to stay fresh and varied. I have Stefan to thank for making me the strongest and healthiest I’ve ever felt as I enter my 30s and I highly recommend!

Fantastic experience: I've been training with Stefan for about a year and a half and would thoroughly recommend him. In terms of facilities, the gym space is really well kitted out with varied equipment, inside and outside space for training. I have never enjoyed being on the floor of a gym and always preferred classes, but doing sessions here, I've started to love lifting weights and combining that with conditioning. When I leave a session, I always know I've worked hard. I never realised the value of a good personal trainer, but having someone take time to work on technique and tailor training to you has been brilliant. I've lost weight, changed my body composition for the better and managed to maintain it, thanks to Stefan and Fitness Matters.

Fantastic experience: Stefan is a superb personal trainer tailors the sessions not only to your overall goals but how you present at each training session, getting the best out of you at all times. The equipment and training space are all excellent and the training space is private. Would highly recommend.

Fantastic experience: I’ve been training with Stef for about 6 months doing weekly 1-1s and classes. The results have been excellent. I’ve been recovering from an injury and Stef has tailored each session to my needs. No 2 sessions are the same. I’m the fittest I’ve been in years and I can really see the changes in my body. Can 100% recommend Stef to anyone who wants to get in shape!

Fantastic experience: My husband Aaron and I have been working out with Stefan since we moved here from the US 18 months ago. He's by far the best personal trainer either of us have worked with and while I can't say we look forward to every single session, I can tell you that we both feel fantastic afterwards! The gym is well stocked with every piece of workout gear you could ever need and there's even a nice outdoor space for those days when our Norn Irish weather cooperates. Stefan's thoughtful and measured approach is just perfect - trust him and you will see the results in no time.

Fantastic experience: I've been training at Fitness Matters for 2.5 years, doing a mixture of 1:1 and small group training with Stefan and more recently with Sarah. The small group classes help you push your limits (don't come here if you aren't prepared to work hard!) with the assistance of professionals and the 1:1 sessions have completely transformed the way I train. They are incredibly knowledgeable, always pays close attention to safe exercise form and put programmes together, which are responsive to what works best for my body type/personal preferences. I've also been given some insightful nutrition guidance to support fuelling for performance. I've trained in other gyms with Personal Trainers in the past, but Fitness Matters is a different level. The location is superb and being able to train outside is a game changer.

Fantastic experience: I've been going here for a number of months now and Sarah Irwin has been my PT. I cannot recommend Sarah highly enough. I was new to fitness and she made me feel at ease from the very start. Her knowledge and expertise are first class and I would recommend her to anyone. Thanks Sarah for all your hard work! Sarah Arnold

Fantastic experience: I’ve been attending one to one sessions with Stef for 6 months now. My aim was to get stronger, build muscle and enjoy greater fitness levels! The sessions are excellent and really push me out of my comfort zone. Stef is very knowledgeable and knows how to get results. I thoroughly recommend

Fantastic experience: Absolutely brilliant setup. Equipment and space are top class and the exercises and workouts that Stefan designs are challenging and varied. No week is the same as the previous. It’s a really relaxed, chilled setup but one that gets results. I’m as fit as I’ve been thanks to Stefan and the classes!

Fantastic experience: I have been going to Stefan for 4 years and would highly recommend. Stefan is a great PT, extremely encouraging and very aware of proper form to avoid injury etc. He produces fun and varied workouts and will amend to suit individual goals etc. The gym and all the equipment is top quality and he has both an indoor and outdoor space which is fab - very nice to be able to train outside when weather permits.

Fantastic experience: I have been training with Stefan for almost 2 years now. In these 2 years I have lost the weight that I gained during lockdown, gained strength and I am the fittest I've ever been. Before training with Stefan I never enjoyed fitness and always found it to be such a chore. I can honestly say I look forward to my sessions and feel amazing after each one. He has a wide variety of equipment inside and outside which keeps things fresh and fun! He is great at pushing you to your full potential and doesn't take any excuses, I definitely need someone like that to keep me motivated. For the first time in a long time I actually love how I look and feel and it's all down to Stefan!

Fantastic experience: I was totally convinced I hated the gym, but Sarah has convinced me otherwise! In just 8 weeks she has given me so much confidence, taught me how to do exercises properly and kept me motivated throughout. I will keep working towards my goal of an overall stronger body so that I can keep enjoying exercise long into old age.

Fantastic experience: Really enjoyed the starter classes with Sarah on strength and conditioning and have now moved on to further classes. Each week I learn more and more about all things weights and fitness. I had not got a clue beforehand. I love the option of being able to train outside as well. The craic is great too!

Fantastic experience: I've been training with Sarah (the unexpected PT) for the past month doing a specialised strength and conditioning small group session. Sarah's knowledge and efficiency has given me the mindset to train again after a long layoff through injury. Highly recommend Sarah and thank you for making me feel comfortable in my own skin again ☺️

Fantastic experience: Stefan is the best trainer you will find i challenge anybody to find better he is very enthusiastic incredibly focused friendly fantastic listener works you really hard which I love cos I like being pushed hard very helpful as well as I suffer from mental health problems he has been brilliant in helping me a real genuine guy he owns an excellent user friendly gym very highly recommended.

Fantastic experience: I have been training with Stef every week for the past 3 months and the difference he has made to my personal fitness is incredible. The gym is very well kitted out, is really bright and has amazing views of Hillsborough which makes a big difference! Stef's a great motivator, really knows what he is talking about and has a different tailored workout planned for me every week and I couldn't recommend him highly enough!

Fantastic experience: I would like to say I have just noticed ,and I am astonished at the review left by Francesca. I have been attending Fitness Matters 3 times a week for the last 6 years and have nothing but praise for the work Stefan does with his clients . He judges quite quickly his clients maximum capabilities to know how for the drive them as their safety and health are paramount. He brings humour to each session, so as for supposedly there being frightening atmosphere this is frankly nonsense . Nothing pleases him more than to see one of his clients making genuine progress under his watch . As for music not being acceptable this is someone just trying to find fault. You are fully able to bring your own and play what you like!. I don't normally write reviews but when I see someone trying to hurt someone's livelihood and business I feel the need to put my side as one of his long term clients. and I'm sure other clients will feel the same, and suggest you ignore Francesca's spiteful and unjust review of what is a good gym, and a professional trainer cares about his clients . This is why so many clients have been going to him on a regular basis since he opened in Hillsborough and will continue to do so .

Fantastic experience: I have been training with Stef now for over 3 years, and cannot believe the difference it has made to my life. At 48 years of age, I am in better shape now than I was when I was in my early twenties. I can even handle stress better now. My only regret is that I didn't start training with him earlier.

Fantastic experience: Stefan has shown me how to not only get fit, but live a healthy lifestyle. He keeps things at a pace I can keep up with while at the same time pushes me a little further every week. I'd highly recommend.

Fantastic experience: I have been training with Stefan for over three years and I find that each session is different and challenging.I look forward to going training and I can not recommend Stefan highly enough.

Fantastic experience: All of our office staff attend spin classes and some of us train one-to-one with Stefan Rodgers (owner of Fitness Matters). He is a complete professional - inspirational, motivational and dedicated. He is constantly changing up our exercise routine, making training fun. The gym is so well equipped with all kinds of state of the art machines - its so refreshing to experience one-to-one training on them by an expert. Each week Stefan suggests new recipes for exciting healthy meals and sweet treats to keep us on track. We cannot recommend him and his private gym highly enough.

Fantastic experience: I have been training with Stefan for over 3 yrs and I can't recommend him highly enough. I have lost 2 stone and kept it off. I've toned up, my energy levels are through the roof and I feel like a different person. Stef makes each session fun and challenging and I look forward to our sessions every week.

Fantastic experience: I've been training with Stefan for just over a year. We started with weekly sessions however, I found myself enjoying it so much I began training twice a week. I had a goal..... to improve my strength, stamina & muscular imbalance from a previous injury. I'm definitely stronger and, any aches & pains I complained of initially have gradually dissipated as my fitness levels have improved. Stefan is great to work with and, he has been very helpful with dietary advice & exercise technique. The training routines are regularly changed which is both challenging and motivating. More importantly and, seeing how I've physically improved in such a short time, I have immense confidence in Stefan's knowledge and abilities in continuing to challenge me and keep me free from injury. I'm really pleased with my results so far. At 56 yrs of age I had begun to struggle with my weight & felt tired a lot of the time. My GP recommended strength training and it has been a great success for me. I've lost a stone in weight, my body composition has become more defined & less soft. I'm stronger and have more energy. However, and most importantly, my bone density levels have improved (back up into the normal range from being osteopenic in one hip) and, I'm having fun keeping fit; last year, with Stefans training programme, I cycled 100 miles around Lough Neagh. I highly recommend Stefan and 'Fitness Matters' and his measured approach to personal training.

Fantastic experience: This is undoubtedly the best experience I have ever had from a personal trainer. From the start a holistic approach was taken, including diet, and across a range of exercise types. After a detailed analysis over a number of sessions to establish existing fitness and strength levels, Stef designed a training program that suited me. They get the balance right between pushing hard but encouraging at the same time. I would recommend Fitness Matters to anyone who is genuinely serious about getting - and staying! - fit

Fantastic experience: The best thing I did in 2017 was sign up to Stef and his personal training. I'm 46 but in better shape now than I was in my 20s. Stef is excellent at building the routines and gradually stepping it up week on week. The sessions are full of good energy and motivation. If you want to make a difference to your fitness and how you look and feel I would highly recommend contacting Stef. He's a really friendly guy too.