★ 5

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★ 5

Great workout plan. Even part of the body gets targeted in the 6 week program.
Seeing growth each week!

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★ 5

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★ 5

After back surgery, I was still in daily pain even after 9 months of physical therapy. My PT referred me to Sam and his team. Their 6-week program got rid of my lingering drop foot and eased the pain. I’ve kept going because I’m still making progress. They tailor the routines to my goals…whether it’s building strength/flexibility or getting back to the recreational sports that I enjoy. The staff is fantastic, especially Josh and Noah, the two who I work with most often.

I referred a friend with hip pain, and she also had great results.

Highly recommend! Honestly, they helped me get my life back.

Source: Google

★ 5

Sam and crew are our Dream Team! They have rescued me and my husband from debilitating pain after months of physical therapy failed us and when surgery was on the horizon. Sam’s vast rehab knowledge coupled with his personalized strength program and soft tissue work (as needed) is unmatched. And the icing on the cake is his extremely well-trained personal training team who step us through the exercises at each visit! After 6 weeks, we are truly forever grateful for Essential Strength! Sam has changed our lives and the future is looking bright.

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★ 5

A really great combo of personal touch and community camaraderie that really motivates me to get stronger in a way that just "going to the gym" would not. Sam built a unique training regiment for my very specific problems and the progress has been real! I've got motion and strength back in ways that I never had previously. The whole team is super friendly, helpful, and the good vibes keep me coming back. Thanks, y'all!

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★ 5

Incredible training facility with an even more incredible team. No matter what your goal is, Sam and his staff will help you get there. Cannot recommend enough!

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★ 5

Ugggg I love you guys

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

I had an incredible experience at Essential Strength! Managed by Sam, this fitness center stands out due to its amazing team of instructors like Josh, Nowa, Don, and Alex. They are not only knowledgeable and professional but also deeply caring and supportive, making every workout enjoyable. I love coming here four times a week—the environment is motivating, and I’ve made significant progress. I feel stronger and more confident than ever, having lost a lot of weight since I started. I highly recommend Essential Strength to anyone looking for a positive and effective workout experience!

Source: Google

★ 5

I herniated a lower back disc in December and was not walking most of January and February, with pain at a 12 always. Since starting with Essential, Sam and Mary, I’m doing 3x a week workouts with minimal pain, down to a 1 or 2, and always leaving feeling better than when I arrived. If you have back problems and feel hopeless and are trying to feel your best without surgery, look no further.

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

I’ve been inconsistent with working out for over 5 years. Decided to try the six week program as a jump start to building healthier habits. Team here is grounded/ not pushy. Focused on good posture/ form motivated. Overall the feel of the gym is relaxed despite the intense workout. Def recommend for all health and fitness levels.

Source: Google

★ 5

I love working out with Mary and Sam! They have helped me so much to have a pain free pregnancy!

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★ 5

Essential Strength is truly exceptional. The trainers are not only highly skilled but deeply committed to helping you move and feel better. When I started, I was dealing with persistent pain that had sidelined me from activities I once loved.

Through thoughtful, personalized strength training, I’ve become pain-free and stronger than I’ve been in years. I’m back to doing the things I never thought I’d return to—and enjoying them.

This isn’t just a gym; it’s a place where smart training meets real care. If you’re looking for lasting results and expert guidance, this is where you’ll find it. Its not just a gym but a community that wants you to move forwards together.

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★ 5

Sam and his team are truly amazing! I came to this gym looking for guidance and accountability in both my workouts and diet. Essential Strength has both and more!! Their six week starting program is a good way to try it out and I couldn’t recommend them more or thank them enough. I now have a healthier lifestyle and coming to the gym is something I actually look forward to every week. Even when I feel like doing anything other than doing my workout the guys provide just the right amount of encouragement and feedback. Thank you guys for all you do!

Source: Google

★ 5

Sam Josh and crew are unbelievably talented at what they do. I had years of chronic back pain evaluated and treated with different forms of physical therapy, but the only place that has led to lasting improvement is my work with Essential Strength. I gve them the highest recommendation possible to anyone looking to recover and build strength.

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★ 5

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★ 5

Doing the 6-week. It is intense.

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★ 5

The trainers, their philosophy, expertise, and approach to movement and strength is unmatched. My whole family goes now (including my teenage kids) and we look forward to our strength sessions every week.

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★ 5

Sam, Noah, Josh, Donovan are amazing! Knowledgeable, friendly. I always feel great after every session at essential strength.

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★ 5

Been working with Josh since last year and it’s been an awesome experience (I followed him here from a prior gym). I had minimal to no experience in strength training and have never felt at ease in the free weight section. My confidence
in this domain has def skyrocketed all in thanks to Josh’s patience and gentle approach, pushing my limits but not beyond what I can handle.
The people here are really friendly and not judgemental at all, which is incredibly helpful for people like me. Oh and I finally can do several chin-ups/pushups now.
Thanks guys!

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★ 5

Nice equipment, tight-nit community, constant attention from knowledgable trainers. The people and trainers here will encourage you to better yourself.

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★ 5

I came to these guys as broken person. Fresh out of a divorce, and completely, totally lost. No joke- this revived and saved me. I feel better than I have in so long. The trainers are so empathetic and motivating. They push and prod and make you believe you can do it, whatever the task. I absolutely love it. Right down to them just greeting me when I walk in. They all know my name, and work hard to see *me* work hard. Even when I feel like I won't get through it, I get there. They know their shit.

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★ 5

Same and team are amazing! Very knowledgeable and helped get my workouts back on track. Only gym in the south hills that is for people serious about the gym.

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★ 5

I’m into my 5th week training. I have to say hands down the best training facility/gym and staff!!!! The meaning behind their symbol is exactly what it IS. They treat you with respect and understanding that if your beginning your fitness journey or if your advanced either way they are right there with you. They encourage you. They hold no judgement!!! If you need to start somewhere. Swear on everything essential strength is the right place for you.

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★ 5

I’ve been working with Sam for a while now, and I can confidently say he’s played a huge role in keeping me on the field and helping me push forward in my football career at the University of Richmond. When I came in with a torn labrum in my shoulder, Sam orchestrated a full rehab plan that not only got me back to 100% but also helped me build long-term strength and stability.

What sets Sam apart is, he doesn’t just treat the injury, he looks at the bigger picture. He’s helped me work through a multitude of other issues as well, from nagging tweaks to movement imbalances, always with the goal of keeping me performing at a high level.

If you’re serious about recovery, performance, or just staying strong and healthy, Essential Strength is the spot and Samuel is the man who always has a plan.

Source: Google

★ 5

I’ve been working with Sam for the past two years, and I can confidently say he’s one of the best personal trainers out there. His approach is smart, supportive, and personalized — and it shows in the results. Over time, I’ve dropped body fat, gained lean muscle, and feel stronger and healthier overall.

Sam’s team is also fantastic — knowledgeable, encouraging, and great to work with. The gym itself is in a really convenient location, the space is clean and well-organized, and the equipment is top-notch. It honestly makes you want to show up and put in the work.

If you’re looking for a trainer who actually knows what he’s doing and a team that helps you stay on track without the ego or fluff, I can’t recommend Sam and his crew highly enough. Five stars, easy.

Source: Google

★ 5

As a mature female with years-long muscular skeletal issues, with no relief in spite of the best medical and non-medical treatment……..Sam and team provided the only relief I have felt. Because of a different knowledge base, their therapies are unique and very targeted. Breath work, acupressure, stretches, and so much more have provided me with ways to get rid of the pain on my own by duplicating their efforts. (Nothing like them
Doing it, though!). They rebalanced my very “crooked” body, and the strength training made a very noticeable difference for the body parts targeted.

If you have chronic issues and are simply done with it, head over to Essential Strength!

Source: Google

★ 5

Great Gym with Friendly Staff!
I’ve had a really positive experience here. Everyone is super nice and always willing to help. The environment is welcoming, and it makes working out much more enjoyable. Highly recommend!

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★ 5

Nice clean gym. Great staff, great workouts!

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★ 5

Great service hill sprints are fun

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★ 5

I came six weeks ago as someone who is extremely overweight and out of shape. The changes I've seen from the six weeks of workouts are amazing. I'm not running any marathons, but have become noticeably stronger in that short time. If you're someone like me, who is older, out of shape and hasn't been to a gym for at least a decade, don't hesitate to come here; they will have you up and running in no time.

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★ 5

The staff is incredibly knowledgeable and motivating!

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★ 5

I’m so glad I found Iron 24 Fitness + Recovery! I just wrapped up their 6‑week Essential Strength back recovery program after dealing with an old injury, and the progress has been incredible. Every week I noticed less and less pain, and by the end of the program my back feels stronger and more stable than it has in years. 💪✅

Sam and his team are absolute gems—super friendly, knowledgeable, and always ready with tips or encouragement. The gym itself is refreshingly uncrowded, with a welcoming vibe that makes it easy to focus on your recovery without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. If you’re serious about getting your back (or any nagging injury) back on track, you couldn’t ask for a more solid, professional setup. Highly recommend! 👍🏼📜
Thank you Sam!

Source: Google

★ 5

As a woman in my 40’s experiencing strange new pains from just putting my shoes on or getting out of the car 😂, it is wonderful to know that Sam and Josh will take care of me, answer my questions, and tailor my workout to my body. I bring my mother here as well and it puts me at ease to know she is gaining strength and confidence to take care of herself as she ages. Also, you might get to pet cute dogs which is always a nice bonus.

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★ 5

Awesome trainers and a program to build muscle and bone health to age with grace, and more confidence.

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★ 5

Intentional and effective strengthening and mobility training. Great for regular strength conditioning and also for specific guidance and care for any issues. The staff is super welcoming, supportive, and fun. Highly recommend!

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★ 5

Very supportive environment with the trainers and the individualized programs are very detailed. Would reccomend!

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★ 5

Essential Strength has an extremely knowledgeable and delightful squad. They have helped me stay on track and get to where I wanna be both physically and mentally. From addressing my muscle imbalances due to shoulder injuries and a car accident to now being able to lift and simply move my body without fear of further injuring myself.

Sam and his team have made every step of my journey possible by keeping things challenging but always comfortable and enjoyable!!

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★ 5

Hands down the best gym in Pgh! Sam and his team are not only knowledgeable, but they make working out enjoyable.

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★ 5

Sam and his staff are very impressive in their knowledge and approach to address each clients’ needs. This isn’t just a gym. It’s a program designed to treat the source of your issue and not mask it. The space is broad yet efficient and the program is outstanding. Highly recommended ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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★ 5

Sam and his Team at Essential Strength are Incredible! I sustained a serious injury (proximal hamstring tendon tears) to my leg a year ago and I have tried several different treatments to get FULL function of my leg, a year later and I still can’t do all the things I did prior to my injury. I was referred to Sam by my Orthopedic doctor. This experience has been nothing but Amazing. I'm doing things, I never thought I would do again with my leg. I'm getting stronger everyday and soon I will be doing all the activities I did prior to my injury, pain free! I’m so grateful for Sam and his Team. I highly recommend Essential Strength for Recovery and Prevention of Injuries. They are Fantastic!
And Leo… helps me get through the tough workouts! ❤️

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★ 5

I truly cannot give Sam, Noah, Josh and all of the trainers at Essential Strength enough credit. I have been dealing with lower discogenic issues for years and most recently underwent a L5-S1 spinal fusion. They have helped me get over mental and physical blocks in my recovery that no other PT has been able to. I love how knowledgeable they are and how they integrate PT with strength training. My biggest regret is I wish I would have met them prior to any surgical intervention because I truly think they would have helped me never go down that path. Despite that, they have me doing movements I never thought I would ever be able to do again. I plan to continue to train with them for a long time. I cannot recommend Essential Strength enough!

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★ 5

Fifth week of my work out and all I can say is wow. Feeling 200% better. Every single instructor is amazing and dedicated. You still get back what you put in your workouts but it feels like a true partnership here. Highly recommend.

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★ 5

Very skilled and respectful staff delivering strength and healing.

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★ 5

Great staff and facility! I’ve been going here for years and have experienced major improvements in strength, injury resistance, and overall wellness. I’ve had friends and family members join their training programs with the same results and will continue to recommend!

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★ 5

I can’t recommend strongly enough! The training is designed specifically for me and I feel very supported by everyone there!!

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★ 5

Essential Strength is responsible for my FULL RECOVERY from a debilitating injury. After breaking my leg in two areas, two different surgeries, six month in PT my prognosis was fair at best. Sam and his team are more than strength trainers. They are experts in the skeletal system, body physics and healing from any type of injury. There is no one I would trust more than Sam and his team. Whether you have an injury you want to recover from, strengthen your body or be in the best shape of your life, Essential Strength is the place to be. They customized a program for my body, my goals and they are the best in the business. I am now hiking, playing tennis and pickleball and have my life back. Thank you Sam!

Source: Google

★ 5

I highly recommend working with the trainers at Essential Strength no matter your age or injury. I had neck and arm injuries when I was younger that became increasingly painful as my body aged. I was nervous about starting with Sam and Josh because my experiences at previous gyms were not positive.
The intake with Sam and Josh was so thorough and personal, immediately felt I was in good hands. I was in Amazing hands actually. The discomfort and stiffness from my past injuries is long gone and I’m shocked at my newfound strength. Josh’s easy going manor, encouragement, and expert knowledge make working out fun.
Another big plus is the space! It is full of light - super clean, nice large bathrooms and lockers for anything i bring with me. In summation, the training at Essential Strength is a gift everyone should give themselves, not only for the body but for a peaceful and healthy mind.

Source: Google

★ 5

I love this gym! I started working out with Sam and Josh and the rest of the crew about a year ago because I could feel myself getting creaky and sore with age, plus discovered I have osteoporosis because of chemo I had 20 years ago. I feel like a different person now, a year later, stronger and healthier and so much better physically than I would have been if I hadn't started with Essential Strength. Didn't want to resign myself to getting creakier and less able with age. And even though I whine about the workouts because the trainers make me work hard, this feels like I gift I give myself over and over.

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★ 5

Absolutely love this place, been coming here for years and have no plans to ever stop. Sam is so knowledgeable and all of the trainers are friendly and encouraging! Highly recommend!

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★ 5

I’ve been coming to Sam for years! He has helped with my many complications from my sport. All the trainers are so nice. Highly highly recommend

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★ 5

Great trainers that really know what they are doing. Sam and the others helped me get back to playing in less than a month when I thought I wouldn’t play the rest of the season.

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★ 5

Best gym in all of Pittsburgh!

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★ 5

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★ 5

Best gym in pgh! Followed them here from the previous location even though it's farther for me because the people - staff, trainers, clientele community - truly are that good. I'd keep following them anywhere!

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★ 5

Formerly SXP Training, Essential Strength is in a new, independent location in East Liberty. The space is larger than the prior space within X Shadyside. All equipment is brand new. The training team, led by Sam, remains the same and is fantastic. Regardless of who’s working with you, they provide you attention and assistance relative to your tailored program.

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★ 5

Truly a great spot! They not only have helped me recover from my climbing injuries, but have also ensured I minimize future injuries through resistance strength training. Have never felt stronger!

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★ 5

I have been training with the staff at Essential Strength for over 3 years, and it has truly changed my life. The personalized workouts, expert guidance, and strength training I've received have helped me achieve my fitness goals and beyond. The personal trainers are knowledgeable, encouraging, and genuinely care about their clients. I highly recommend Essential Strength to anyone looking to for a personal trainer. They are the best personal trainers in Pittsburgh!

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★ 5

Smart, focused workouts with thoughtful knowledgeable trainers. Great job!

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★ 5

I’ve been working with them starting over six years ago. Very professional and you get what you pay for. Highly recommended if you’re serious.

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★ 5

Everyone here is great! I recommend stopping by and meeting Sam for a consultation.

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★ 5

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★ 5

This place is beyond lit

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★ 5

I was weak after an ankle fracture on my left side after a fall. I was worried about falling and injuring myself. After working with Essential Strength with Sam’s individualized training program and with the assistance of his team, I am not just stronger but confident that I will not fall. An additional bonus is the fact that the team will iron out any issues that require a physical therapists expertise avoiding extra visits to a healthcare provider. The entire team is interested in your progress and looking to maximize the benefit of any day’s workout or problems that might crop up. As a physician, I enthusiastically recommend them for any age group for routine strength training but also for those injured accidentally or post-operatively or wanting to improve their sports performance.

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★ 5

good gym👍

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★ 5

Wow Essential Strength has had such an amazing impact on my family! I am in the best physical shape of my life. A decade of nagging sports injuries have disappeared after a year working with Sam, Josh, Leo and all the Essential Strength staff. They also gave my father-in-law his mobility and his life back, rehabbing him back to full mobility after multiple back surgeries. Essential Strength is the 1st and only stop in Pittsburgh if you want to improve your strength, improve your mobility, train for a sport, rehab an injury, or just in general improve your health!

Source: Google

★ 5

I can’t recommend the Essential Strength Program enough for athletes recovering from an injury! Over just 6 weeks, I saw incredible results—not only physically but mentally too. Sam was beyond amazing. He really understood the balance between pushing my limits safely and helping me mentally reconnect with the parts of my body that were still healing.

The program is thoughtful, challenging in the best way, and truly designed for recovery and growth. I appreciated how personalized everything felt, and Sam’s encouragement made all the difference. If you’re an athlete looking to get back to 100% (or even better!), this program is a game-changer.

Don’t hesitate—this is the recovery solution you’ve been looking for!

Source: Google

★ 5

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★ 5

After swimming for my entire life, I encountered chronic shoulder problems that prevented me from lifting. After getting an assessment and training with Essential Strength for a few months, I now lift without pain, and I am also stronger than ever before. Essential Strength has greatly improved my quality of life.

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★ 5

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★ 5

Excellent workouts, great attention to detail for my specific needs..
Great vibe as well..

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★ 5

When I first started going to Sam 2 years ago, I was dealing with a running injury that wouldn’t go away. Sam, Josh and the rest of the trainers have helped me recover, keep me consistently in the gym, and have me in the best shape of my life.

Source: Google

★ 5

Previously I have never had any gym or strength training experience beforehand, but after having a shoulder injury that was rehabilitated at physical therapy, the next thing to do was to strengthen it & that’s how I met Sam, Josh, & the rest of the team at Essential.

The space is open, machines are modern and new, and CLEAN. Everything is not only cleaned, but maintained, with people who know how to use it. Big ceilings, natural light, turf floor, and a turf ramp! They care and invest in the space, which is a nice feeling.

Not only has my injury prevention been taken care of, but having guidance for proper form and technique for training has been incredible. On top of trainers who care about you, they have multiple recovery tools and methods to make sure you are getting the most out of your workout.

Coming from the perspective of not knowing how to begin with personal fitness and being nervous in a gym, learning proper form and technique with risk of no injury has been great. They listen to me when an exercise feels uncomfortable, and work with me to make it comfortable.

On top of the trainers, everyone else I’ve met here has been friendly as well, and I have never felt out of place or somewhere I don’t belong. Having people who care about your fitness is great, and Essential Strength takes personal interest.

Source: Google

★ 5

I started coming to essential strength about a year ago and I didn’t know I could be this strong or flexible. They have a one of a kind program that can be tailored to fit your needs. I was an unfit software engineer before I met them and now I feel like I can fight a bear and win. All of the trainers are incredibly knowledgeable and kind and it feels like a community!

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★ 5

Really appreciate the one-on-one training. Workout plans are tailored to my goals and the coaching gives me the confidence to push myself.

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★ 5

Sam and his team are amazing. I really appreciate the individualized attention that the trainers give. Josh, Noah, Mary, Donovan, Anthony & Alex promote a fun welcoming environment where the workouts are taken seriously, and the clients are treated with a lot of care

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★ 5

Sam and his team cured me. I've suffered with herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, strained ligaments for the last 4 years, been to multiple physical therapists, many doctors, and the pain continued to impact my quality of life. Sam and his staff had me pain free in 6 weeks! I continued lifting and working out all through a pregnancy and post partum. They go above and beyond for their clients. All of the staff is so knowledgeable and work hard to get you feeling your best.

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★ 5

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★ 5

First and foremost you aren’t going to find a better Coach or person than Sam Pitcarin. Pittsburgh finally has a performance driven gym!

Source: Google