Reviews

As a mother of three with a crazy schedule I was so thankful to find Jean-Sebastian. He worked with me on finding a good time and a choice of location between Longwood and Winter Park. The past six months have been a delightful challenge as he found new ways each week to push me to my limits! But my stamina and strength and grown leaps and bounds! In February I was able to confidently sign up for a mud run, which has been on my bucket list, and had a blast! Every week he incorporates something new. Never a dull moment with JS!! Taking the time out for myself hasn’t been easy, but absolutely worth it!!

After turning 40, I began noticing places on my body that used to be firm were no longer so. After trying crazy eating habits (that never lasted), I decided to find a trainer to help prevent the flab from expanding. Jean Sebastien has helped me with this quest. He is very knowledgeable in many health areas. He analyzed my eating (and drinking) habits. I have Type 1 diabetes, so he was able to take this into account. And he completely took my aging body concerns into consideration. My workouts are always different; I am never bored. (In fact just yesterday he had me boxing!) Jean Sebastien uses multiple exercise techniques: TRX, free weights, machines, boxing, running outdoors, and many more. No two days are the same. Jean Sebastien spends 100% of our time together focused on my workouts. He corrects my breathing, my form, and encourages me to work to my best ability. (I can be reluctant to putting out maximum effort) In six months I have noticed a change in my flabby parts. My quads show more definition. My arms have visible muscles. I would encourage Jean Sebastien services (Darwin Fitness) to anyone. He is incredibly professional, knowledgeable, dedicated and makes working out fun.

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Brianna

Winter Park, FL

I’ve been working with Jean-Sebastien for almost half a year and have seen amazing results in that time. I have lost 20 pounds of body fat and never felt stronger or healthier.

JS is passionate about fitness and it shows through the energy and enthusiasm he brings to every session. His easy going, friendly personality creates a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere. He makes each workout challenging, creative and most importantly, fun! He motivates me to push past my perceived limits to get results. I have seen an improvement in my energy levels and my strength has improved immensely.

When I met my Personal Trainer my goal was to run a 5K, 4 months later we ran 15K together without stopping. If you are serious about changing your life for the better, JS will lead you every step of the way.

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Kerry Merrigan Falconer

35 Years Old, Winter Park, FL

I have been training with Jean-Sebastien for over 4 years now. He really has incredible knowledge and helps his clients tremendously. My 50-yr old body feels (& looks) great because of him. Jean-Sebastien’s new personal gym located in Maitland is wonderful. Not only are you the only person in the gym with him (read: you don’t have to wait for machines), he has every conceivable piece of equipment. One of JS’s really good qualities that keeps me (& probably many of his clients) coming for so long is that he never does the same routine twice. Every day is something new and something geared specifically for *you*. In our current pandemic situation, Jean-Sebastien is incredible about his cleaning practices. I feel very safe and appreciate his diligence to sanitation. He has 5 stars for a reason.

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Julia

50 Years Old, Longwood, FL

I went to Jean-Sebastien in October 2018 at 215 pounds having never exercised consistently. He worked with me to improve at my own pace, developed a nutrition plan that was easy to follow and understand, and consistently challenges me with new, interesting workouts. I have lost nearly 40 pounds and feel as healthy as I’ve ever been. If you’re looking to genuinely change your lifestyle to be a healthier, happier person, J-S is your guy!

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Evan

27 Years Old, Orlando, FL

My name is Sean Ko, I am a 22 years old professional golfer, Canadian, originally from Vancouver. I got a scholarship at the University of Hartford, CT and played NCAA Division 1 golf.

I moved to Florida for 4 months, in October 2013, to complete a full time intensive preparation. I practiced at the Heathrow Country Club, played on Floridian Mini Tours and work on my swing under the supervision of a PGA golf coach.

Ultimately my goal is to qualify for the PGA Tour. The intermediate step is the Asian Pro Tour that should be able to join in February/March 2014.

In order to maximize my potential and increase my chances of success as a Pro, I also hired Jean-Sebastien, the owner of Darwin Fitness, as a physical trainer. Working with JS during 3 months now has dramatically improved my physical condition coming out of College. I have also created better eating habits and learned how to make the right choices on what goes into my body.

It has helped my distance as well as my stability on my golf swing. My endurance dramatically improved too. I can now play and practice for hours and keep everything, mind and body, in the right place. I highly recommend Jean-Sebastien as a physical trainer to any golf player. You will get the most out of your golf swing and feel fit as a complete athlete.

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Sean Ko

22 Years Old, Longwood, FL

By Sonya Oakes, Jonathon’s mother: My son is 11 years old and has played tackle football for 2 years. We were looking for a personal trainer to help with his agility and endurance for a new competitive season. We needed a trainer that would be willing to work with a younger client, and be able to adapt a workout routine specifically for him.

Jonathon started working with Jean-Sebastien a little over three months ago. We have watched as his physical ability and strength has improved. However, there was another improvement that I have seen as a mother that has made me ecstatic as well.

Jonathon has developed a great sense of self-confidence. He now walks with his shoulders back and exudes assurance in himself. As a mom, that was just as rewarding as seeing his physical changes.

Jonathon loves working with JS, and we are so happy with the results we have seen, that we have extended Jonathon’s time with JS. In addition, I am going to start working with JS myself.

I would recommend Jean-Sebastien to anyone who needs a personal trainer for their young athlete or help to make changes in their own life.

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Johnathon Oakes

11 Years Old, Longwood, FL

When it comes to working out I’m the type of person who has tried everything and not stuck with much of it. I knew that for me to be healthy and strong that I needed someone to help push me and Jean-Sebastien was that person. I can honestly say I love our sessions. Our workouts are unique to my body and my needs. This is not a one size fits all studio, and I’ve always felt so comfortable. Now that JS has opened his own facility I love it even more. I’m not distracted by others in the gym and I feel safe knowing that the equipment is being wiped down and everything is clean and sanitized. I can’t say enough good things about my experience and the fact that I’ve met a friend for life. Thank you JS!

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Joanna

40 Years Old, Winter Springs, FL

I started training with Jean-Sébastien because I wanted to lose weight for my wedding.

J-S, listened to my goals and put together a comprehensive fitness and nutrition plan to achieve them. I lost 35 pounds in six months, and had to have my wedding dress taken in six inches at the waist! I never could have done it without him. But make no mistake – there are no crash diets or easy fixes.

J-S teaches healthy, sustainable lifestyle changes that lead to long term health and fitness. Now that my honeymoon is over, I am going to continue to train with J-S for as long as I can.

I genuinely look forward to my workouts with J-S. They are always fun and different. I have experience with many fitness regimens – from ballet to martial arts, yoga to weight training – and like to think that I know what I’m doing. But J-S constantly surprises me with new exercises.

I can’t tell you what a difference having a personal trainer has made in my workouts and my life! If you want change – in the way you look, feel, and live – please call Jean-Sébastien. You won’t believe how great you can feel!

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Sonya Kasen-Kramer

34 Years Old, Orlando, FL

Jean-Sebastien Fabre works well with my 13 year old son. He takes his time explaining and focusing on proper technique. He is very focused on my son’s personal fitness goals. I would highly recommend him as a personal trainer for any age.

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Josh

Josh’s Dad, 13 Years Old, Longwood, FL

I have been working out consistently for years, usually 5 times a week. I was able to maintain a good physique and a very decent overall level of fitness, but I reached a plateau. I was looking for the help of a professional trainer to push my results a step further. A friend referred me to Darwin Fitness. When I started to train with Jean-Sebastien, I was 188 pounds and my body fat was 14%. After only four months of training with Jean-Sebastien, I was the same weight, but my body fat dropped to 10%. Essentially, I switched 8 pounds of fat for 8 pounds of muscle and I am very happy with the way I look today. Jean-Sebastien’s meal plans, and more importantly the global education he provided me about nutrition, helped a lot. Initially, I thought I knew enough about exercise to train on my own, but the way Jean-Sebastien teaches and supervises proper form as well as the ideal tempo and his management of my recovery times as part of the Darwin Fitness physical training program all made a huge difference for me.

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Raphael Lopez

29 Years Old, Longwood, FL

For over a year, I knew I needed to do something about my lack of exercise and poor eating habits but not being a fan of fitness, I kept telling myself I would do it “later”. Finally, in May of 2014, I got off the fence and went on a Google search for a personal trainer. I came across the website darwin-fitness.com, belonging to Jean-Sebastien Fabre (J.S). The information I found on his website alone was impressive but I liked the idea of a free session to see if I was up for the challenge of working out with a professional.

I had incredible anxiety the first workout because my performance was so low. Every exercise was a huge challenge for me… especially cardio. When J.S put me on the treadmill, I nearly passed out after jogging for one minute at 3.8. After our first session, I decided to give it a month and see how I did. One month later, I noticed a huge change in my energy level and my ability so I decided to continue on for another 3 months. Now, 4 months later, I can run on the treadmill at a 5.5 pace. I am running my first 5K in two weeks and I have gone from a 32 percent body fat to a 26 percent body fat. I am going to stick with Jean Sebastien’s training sessions for another 6 months to continue my progress and achieve new goals. Now my body craves exercise.

Some of the attributes that set J.S apart from other trainers are: (1) His knowledge, he knows his stuff and has dedicated his life to learning about muscle development, nutrition, injury prevention and endurance. It’s apparent when you ask him any questions about anything fitness related but he also has the certifications to back it up. (2) He’s not a drill sergeant. He will do workouts side by side with you. He pushes you to go further than you think you can with a positive approach. (3) He customizes his plans for his clients and their goals. It’s not a one-size-fits-all approach and he includes variety constantly. I am often doing new exercises at each workout so I never get bored. And he really listens to your feedback.

J.S could limit his training to elite athletes but he chooses to train with people of all ability levels, I am appreciative of all the things he has taught me so far and glad I finally got off the fence in May of 2014. I don’t think I would have stuck with my fitness journey if I did not have the support and encouragement I do with J.S.

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Kimberly Jones

38 Years Old, Winter Park, FL

I have been training with Js for the last 5 months wanting to compete in a fitness competition. He laid out a plan for me to build muscle and lean out. The training sessions were different each time so nothing was too repetitive. Just this last week I stepped on stage for my first NPC show, I wouldn’t have been able to do it without him!

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Valerie

27 Years Old, Orlando, FL

In 2013 I decided to pursue a long time goal of getting involved in action pistol competition. After progressing rapidly among local competitors during the first 6 months, I began to plateau and it soon became apparent that my fitness level was holding me back. After putting it off for several months I finally started looking seriously for a trainer about 2 months before my first major match.

I met with Jean-Sebastian and was impressed with the incredible depth of his health and fitness knowledge and his eagerness to understand my sport and develop an effective training program for it. I was also impressed with his fitness level; many trainers look like a massive pile of muscle with a man somewhere underneath but JS was lean and mean. I knew I had found the right trainer.

A few days later I arrived for my first workout, after which it was painfully apparent that my fitness level was near zero. I barely made it through the session and without Jean-Sebastian’s encouragement I seriously doubt I would have continued to work towards my fitness goals. However, I’m so glad that I have.

As we progressed, Jean-Sebastian quickly determined that the areas I most needed improvement in were flexibility and lower body strength. As I continued to work with him I gained stamina and within a month I was finding my sessions easier to get through, even though Jean-Sebastian was continually ramping up the difficulty. In fact, one of the things about working with Jean-Sebastian is that you literally never know what to expect when you show up for your workout, and I promise you that you will never become bored.

After my first month I began to feel a lot more confident at my matches, and started beating competitors that I never could before. Despite not being terrifically stronger yet, the confidence gained through pushing my body at the gym translated to faster stage times and better results at the match. More than one match official has told me that I’m the most rapidly improved competitor they’ve seen.

When my first big match finally came around, I was very grateful for my increased stamina and confidence. Unlike a regular local match, this was a very early morning to late evening affair, and maintaining the focus and energy necessary to perform well required a lot of my newfound strength. Many competitors had begun to break down by the end of the day but in my case, despite several mistakes and a couple of penalties, I came away from my first major match with a very respectable fifth-place finish.

As I’ve continued to work with Jean-Sebastian I’ve noticed a definite improvement in my overall health. I feel better, have much more energy throughout the day and I’m beginning to notice improvements in my physique as well. I started pursuing a higher level of fitness to gain a competitive advantage at my matches. I have achieved that. But instead of only gaining an advantage on match days, I’ve gained an advantage for every day and I am certain that I would not have succeeded without the help of one of the best trainers in the area.

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Jason Quick

32 Years Old, Deltona, FL

Jean Sebastian has been my trainer for about two years now. I have to admit I don’t like working out, but I do it because I love food! Plus I like feeling stronger. JS does a wonderful job by keeping it interesting, it’s never the same workout twice, so I don’t get bored. He’s very good at pushing you further, but not beyond your limits. I’ve made steady progress with my fitness thanks to his guidance. He’s also got a great sense of humor which I find necessary! Recently, he started training in his new one-on-one facility, and it is REALLY nice! I find I enjoy the privacy, and I feel a lot safer than I was feeling at the regular gym. I’m looking forward to making new goals with JS!

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Sandy

51 Years Old, Altamonte Springs, FL

I am a newbie to strength training. I have been working with Jean-Sebastien just over three months, and though a short time, I already feel an amazing difference in my strength and in my outlook.

My lofty goal before meeting Jean-Sebastien was to begin weight bearing exercises for healthy bones in a safe way that I would enjoy and continue for a lifetime. I wasn’t sure this was possible. It is with the right trainer!

I am thankful I found Jean-Sebastien. He is his philosophy. I appreciate that he takes the time to discuss and research my specific needs and develop a plan just for me. I feel secure with him because of his gradual approach and emphasis on correct form. He teaches me the “whys” behind my workouts and diet, so I can think through my exercising and eating for myself.

Because of his balanced approach, I do not become overwhelmed. I work out hard three times a week, but I rest my muscles on my days off. He has renewed my love for running, and this joy will by my impetus to continue building my strength and endurance. I have been in over thirty sessions, and no two have been the same!

Jean-Sebastien sets the bar very high for trainers; he is exceedingly professional, supportive, and intelligent with a passion for fitness that utterly inspires.

Lisa Hulsey

53 Years Old, Longwood, FL

Jean-Sébastien keeps your workouts interesting, challenging and designed for your personal goals. His gym, while compact, is spotlessly clean and neat – and you work out with him coaching you on a 1:1 basis. He is careful about correcting poor techniques or posture as you exercise, and mindful of prior injuries you may have, like neck or back issues. Always upbeat and encouraging, JS knows his stuff! Highly recommended. Allez-go!

Tom

55 Years Old, Altamonte Springs, FL

By Scott Tracy, Spencer’s father: ‘My son Spencer (who is 14 years old) came to me many months ago expressing a desire to join a gym so that he could work-out, get healthy and build/tone his body.

I have learned over the years that it is wise to go to experts to learn new skills. Body building, health training and the knowledge of how the body works is also a skill.

I did not want my son Spencer to learn bad habits, waste energy and time on inappropriate exercises, get injured, frustrated, or lose his motivation by not understanding these skills.

Spencer and I did research online and found Jean-Sebastien with Darwin Fitness. We met with him and after the interview we both had confidence that he was the Trainer that would fulfill our expectations.

My son Spencer is very happy with his on-going training (going on 5 months now), staying motivated and is meeting his goals. Spencer has learned, and understands, how to train properly.

This will assist Spencer for the rest of his life with on-going exercise, learning good habits and staying healthy and fit.

Thanks Jean-Sebastien for your mentorship and enthusiasm.’

Spencer Tracy

14 Years Old, Longwood, FL

Jean Sebastian has a fantastic private fitness studio in Maitland and is an amazing personal trainer. I have been training with him for a couple of years and have seen incredible results in weight loss and in building muscle, and most importantly in being consistent in those areas. He is a very talented and fun personal trainer and is committed to getting the results I desire. He cares about his clients and I consider him a friend. In my opinion he is the best personal trainer available.

Dermot

45 Years Old, Winter Park, FL

On my 73rd birthday I finally acknowledged that my body was showing its age. I had been a couch potato since retiring, had gained forty pounds, creaked when I got up in the morning, couldn’t walk more than a few blocks without stopping for breath, and didn’t have the strength to twist off a bottle cap.

Fortunately, Jean-Sebastien came into my life. With his encouragement and expert guidance, in fewer than six months I feel years younger, can do multiple squats and sit-ups, walk for miles, easily twist off bottle caps, and my balance – so important for preventing falls – is as steady as it was thirty years ago. Oh – and I look great in size 6 jeans! Bless you, Jean-Sebastien

Susanne Wright

73 Years Old, Orlando, FL

It was discovered that my otherwise healthy seven year old had low core muscle tone. He works out with Jean Sebastian twice weekly. Jean Sebastian is patient, knowledgeable and expertly tailors each session to my son’s ability level.

Grayson

Barb, Grayson’s Mother, 7 Years Old, Winter Park, FL

I signed up with Jean-Sebastien a little over 9 months ago. I had researched a few local trainers online and had tried out a couple of trainers short term that were associated with a gym I had joined. When I went to the initial assessment, what struck me the most was how knowledgeable he was. After the initial workout I sensed this was a trainer that could really help me.

I am so grateful that I have been able to work with Jean-Sebastien. He has not only been a trainer for me, but a coach, a teacher, a confidence booster and a really funny guy. He can make the workout a joy rather than a chore. I love to ask him questions because he actually teaches you about your body, how it moves and how it works. He is also patient and listens to your feedback to guide him in creating the best workout for you. He knows when to push you as well to make it count.

I have gained so much more than muscle and stamina. I have gained knowledge of my body. I have gained confidence. I have learned that with time and work I can achieve what I thought I could not do.

I strongly recommend Jean-Sebastien for anyone who is truly serious about getting fit. He will guide you on a path that will get you toward your goals.

Doug Emerson

62 Years Old, Lake Mary, FL

I’ve been training with Jean-Sebastian for some time now, and I’ve never looked or felt healthier! He’s the guy I trust to get me in shape for my wedding, because, quite simply, he delivers! You’ll leave each training session feeling stronger, more energetic, motivated and confident. Thanks, JS!

Phi

32 Years Old, Winter Park, FL

CATHY: Jean-Sebastien is a highly skilled PT trainer who provides a great personal instruction based on your needs. He is very personable and adds fun to our workout!!

We have completed our first (12) sessions and have signed up for an additional (12). He is the right trainer, if you are looking to meet and exceed your own expectations.

ALLISON: What I want from a trainer? Variety and Results!

Training with Jean-Sebastian is the best thing i have done for myself this year – I couldn’t be happier with the results.
If you are reading this because you’re ready to make a lifestyle change, then do so and invest in yourself by contacting Jean-Sebastian. –you won’t regret it.

Cathy Viola & Allison Edwards

52 Years Old, Lake Mary, FL | 52 Years Old, Winter Park, FL

Darwin Fitness is an amazing place. If you are looking for a private personal trainer in Maitland, this is the place! I feel very safe because the owner is very sensitive and caring with his clients. He personally cleans all equipment after use. He honors my discomfort during this pandemic and wears a mask to make me feel better. He is well educated and “knows his stuff”. He can work me to my limits at every session. He constantly attends his clients to be sure they are using proper form. He is so versatile, training young and old, I am 67, he also trains teens, all ages, each of us with different abilities and limits. You can’t go wrong by trying this gym.

Barbara

69 Years Old, Longwood, FL

Single parent, constantly working, and attending college full time I didn’t think much of my physical appearance or my health. As long as I didn’t look sloppy I figured I was ok. As I was getting ready for work one day I noticed I only has a few clothes to choose from. I had been pushing the clothes I could no longer wear to the back of my closet. At this point I knew things had to change.

I started dieting but I felt as if I was always starving. Then I joined a gym but I was embarrassed by my weight and the fact that I never joined a gym before, so I only used one machine in the far back where no one could really see me.

During my summer break from school I met Jean-Sebastien and the rest is history. I had a goal of losing weight, toning up and being healthier by my 38th birthday which was 3 months away. With my Personal Trainer motivation, drive, a little showing off on his part and enthusiasm to help me reach my goal I celebrated my 38th birthday 20 lbs lighter and healthier than I have been in years and I am not done yet. Thanks for changing my life and lifestyle.

Lasonji

38 Years Old, Winter Park, FL

Being in an office job I seldom get the exercise needed to stay fit. Sitting down for long periods of time strapped to a desk answering emails and phones is hell on the body.

When I met Jean-Sebastien I was in poor shape. After 3 months of working with him I was 17 pounds lighter and I felt like a new man. I had energy and vitality I did not have before.

He taught me healthy eating habits, how to build my own work out program, and inspired me to keep working out, even after I moved back to New England for work.

If I had stayed in Florida I would still be working out with Jean-Sebastien to achieve my fitness goals.

Everett Creighton

34 Years Old, Longwood, FL

As a massage therapist I have noticed I need to be healthy and fit. I needed to be able to handle 5 to 7 hours of straight massage. I changed my eating habits and quickly lost weight and I got stuck. It was very hard for me to lose any more weight. I did not like going to the gym and the thought of a Personal Trainer scared me.

I met Jean-Sebastien just after I joined the very big gym he was working for before he started his own business. He did the first step, came to me and offered me to discuss my situation and my goals. We defined a plan together. He made me feel very comfortable. Jean-Sebastien has a great sense of humor and he loves what he does and it shows. He treats me with respect and he is very up lifting. He is great at motivating and giving that extra push with its needed. Jean-Sebastien is there to help you not hurt you. If you have physical problems, he knows how to work around them in order to get the best results. He worked around my abdominal issues and worked me to my highest potential.

I can guarantee that an average fat loss of 2 pounds a week is realistic if you follow the French Personal Trainer!”

Melinda Rodriguez

37 Years Old, Orlando, FL

Jean-Sebastian has been my trainer for several years. He is very knowledgeable about the mechanics of the body. I always feel safe that I don’t have to worry about getting hurt. He always changes up the workout so I never get bored. He is training people individually right now with the virus. He disinfects everything after each person. His gym is all brand new and all the equipment is brand new too. He also knows about food plans. He is very interested in all his clients and you can tell that he has a passion about his work.

Laurie

57 Years Old, Mt. Dora, FL

I first met JS when I was a supervisor at Lifestyle Family Fitness and have known him for over a year now. JS is very passionate about personal training and truly cares about the people that he works with. It is his passion to help others reach their fitness goals and overall knowledge of training that makes him such a great personal trainer to work with and be around.

If you are an athlete looking for additional training to excel at your sport or someone who has never trained a day in your life, rest assure that JS can help you reach your goals. And I have been around many personal trainers.

John Plata

28 Years Old, Longwood, FL

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