Business of the Week: Youssef Strength Gym & Personal Training Academy, Formby

Formby Bubble
Sep 15
3 min read

In the heart of Formby on Chapel Lane sits Youssef Strength Gym & Personal Training Academy — a powerhouse of fitness that has grown into one of the area’s most respected training facilities.

The gym is the creation of John Youssef, a highly decorated competitive bodybuilder whose passion for strength training, discipline, and personal development has inspired countless people locally and internationally.

From Vision to Reality

John founded Youssef Strength Gym to give Formby something unique: a serious, results-driven training environment paired with a welcoming, community feel. While many gyms focus solely on cardio or light fitness, John built his space to cater to everyone — from complete beginners to competitive athletes.

The gym itself is spread across two levels:

Downstairs: a full range of strength and bodybuilding equipment, heavy dumbbells, racks, and specialist machines for every muscle group.
Upstairs: cardio and conditioning facilities, giving members the option to combine weight training with stamina-building sessions.

But Youssef Strength is more than just a gym. It also houses the Personal Training Academy, where John and his team deliver accredited Level 3 PT courses. This means the gym doesn’t just train clients — it produces the next generation of personal trainers, providing both practical sessions in the gym and online learning support.

Members can access the gym on flexible terms, including an affordable £11 drop-in rate, and opening hours are designed to suit early risers and evening trainers alike:

Monday–Friday: 6:30am – 8:00pm
Saturday & Sunday: 9:00am – 1:00pm

The Man Behind the Gym: John Youssef

John Youssef is more than just a business owner — he is a champion bodybuilder whose achievements have put Formby firmly on the international fitness map.

🏆 Winner of the PCA UK Open Masters Championship in Hull.
🌍 Represented the UK at the PCA World Championships in Amsterdam.
💪 Placed Top 10 in the Bodybuilding World Championships in Spain.
🥇 Multiple other titles this season including PCA North East, BPA Masters Allstars, Mr Celtic, and the 2 Bros RF Coaches Cup.

Competing in the Masters category, John has proven that dedication, discipline, and passion can deliver world-class results at any age. His success inspires his gym members daily, showing that hard work really does pay off.

John’s philosophy is simple: strength isn’t just physical — it’s mental and emotional too. His approach creates a supportive environment where members feel encouraged, motivated, and proud of what they achieve.

Community Spirit

Youssef Strength Gym has become a hub for the Formby fitness community. Whether it’s people working on weight loss, teenagers learning the ropes, or seasoned lifters preparing for competitions, everyone is made to feel welcome.

The PT Academy also attracts people from further afield, with students travelling in to complete qualifications under John’s expert guidance. Many of them go on to launch their own careers in fitness — a testament to the high-quality training provided here in Formby.

Why We’ve Chosen Youssef Strength Gym

At Formby Bubble, we celebrate businesses that not only succeed commercially but also give back to the community. Youssef Strength Gym does exactly that — offering people the tools to change their lives while flying the flag for Formby on the international bodybuilding stage.