TRAINER TESTIMONIALS

I lead a physically active life style until retirement when I allowed myself to become inactive. A few years ago, when I developed balance and strength problems, I rejoined the Center. At that time, I looked for a trainer who not only understood the loss of physicality during the aging process but also could provide guidance in combating the debilitating effects that accompany it. I decided to work with Jeff after a conversation regarding my concerns. This has proven to be an excellent choice. I have complete confidence in his knowledge. He has keen observational skills that allow him to assess progress and make corrections. Jeff knows the right questions to ask and is willing to change plans to meet immediate needs. He provides a variety of activities that meet my goals while keeping me engaged. In addition, he knows when to progress my program. Jeff encourages without being pushy and is quick to praise when small goals are accomplished. I enjoy the time I spend working with Jeff as he makes hard work fun. I am thrilled about the progress I’m making under his direction. I cannot recommend anyone more highly to you than Jeff. He’s great!

I am not an athlete. I never felt comfortable in a gym. I was intimidated by the rooms full of equipment and young, fit exercisers. My only two attempts ended in failure and pain. After a bad fall and fractured kneecap, I knew I had to work on my balance and strength– and overcome my dislike of the gym environment. Jeff was recommended by a friend who assured me Jeff would understand my concerns, help me gain the confidence needed to enter a gym again, and create an exercise program tailored to my needs. And he did! He devised a carefully calibrated series of exercises on the floor and with the equipment to strengthen my core, and improve my balance and flexibility. Patiently, Jeff explained how and why I should perform each exercise. I appreciated his ability to be kind, friendly, knowledgeable, and funny while always remaining professional. Recently, I learned I have osteoporosis in my hip. Jeff created a series of weight-bearing exercises to address it. We gradually build up the weight and add new exercises twice a week to keep me motivated. Thanks to Jeff’s skills, knowledge, and unusual dedication, I found the confidence to enjoy the Center’s resources and make exercise a regular part of my life.

I approached Jeff after being sidelined from my passion for distance running because of a repetitive stress injury. I saw him on the Fitness Floor, and could tell his approach to training was exactly what I needed. My goal was to create a more sustainable base from which to rebuild my running practice. My intuition about the range and depth of Jeff’s knowledge– and my sense of his intelligent, precise methodology– was confirmed and reinforced as I trained with him twice weekly. The result has been incredible. Jeff listens closely to his clients’ goals, assesses their unique needs, and designs personalized programs for each individual. He researched my specific condition and crafted workouts to support my rehabilitation. Our work together was collaborative and dynamic—the perfect supplement to my rigorous (previously imbalanced) regimen. Training with Jeff has been a tremendous benefit to me as an athlete. I know it also has contributed to a proactive approach to my long-term health. I highly recommend this skilled professional.

Jeff is a superb personal trainer. After a stroke in August 2016, I was in Acute Rehabilitation at Princeton Rehabilitation. I had many recommendations from physical therapists and friends for personal training at this Center. I overheard Jeff tell one of his clients he enjoys customizing his training to each person’s infirmities, abilities, and goals. He noted how he feels great satisfaction when his program is successful. Jeff does this for me at each session. He pays careful attention to me and my changing capabilities as I exercise. Jeff has a wide range of knowledge. Interacting with him is a pleasure.

I started working with Jeff in the Cardiac Rehab Program. He was excellent at helping me feel comfortable as I returned to exercise. I was very impressed with his attention to detail, including checking my blood pressure before and after every session. He was consistently concerned about how I felt throughout the exercises. He explained everything we were doing and the reasons why. Jeff stayed with me throughout the exercise period and monitored my situation. When the rehab phase of my journey was finished, I decided to stay with Jeff as a trainer. He demonstrates those same great qualities in his role as my trainer. I couldn’t be more pleased with Jeff as trainer and mentor. He definitely knows his profession, and is also friendly. It is a pleasure to work with him. Jeff is a huge asset to Princeton Fitness & Wellness. Definitely an A+.

I have been training with Jeff Esakov since June 2014. Working with Jeff and my nutritionist, I changed the composition of my body, swapping fat for lean muscle while losing over 20 pounds. I lost inches from my waist, hips, and other areas. I was able to reduce my blood pressure medication. Most importantly, I feel much better and younger! Jeff helped me address my muscle imbalance and flexibility issues, which were hindering my progress. He is an effective trainer and coach, offering both challenges and encouragement. I recommend Jeff enthusiastically to people who are ready to improve their fitness experience.

Jeff helped me revamp a stagnant fitness routine. Now, I exercise better and more efficiently. I also enjoy my workouts more. Training with Jeff helped me get more fit and lose 15 pounds. I love working with him. I highly recommend Jeff.

When recovering from my hip surgery in 2013, I was on my own after an initial training session. I observed a trainer on the Exercise Floor who always was smiling and helping people. It was Jeff. I asked him to be my trainer. For 32 sessions we have worked together, to great benefit for me. I recommend Jeff to anyone who wants to improve their fitness level.

Several years prior to training with Jeff, I had back surgery for spinal issues that still remained problematic at times. My workouts were boring, and also risky because of my spine’s condition. My goal was to maintain my fitness level without causing further injury. In less than a year of training with Jeff, I was able to maintain—and improve– my level of fitness while simultaneously strengthening the muscles that support my back. Jeff listens to my concerns and structures workouts around my health issues. He has a comprehensive knowledge of physiology. He researches my specific issues before preparing my sessions. At the beginning of each workout, he asks how I feel. Then, he modifies my workout, if needed, based on my reply. He shares detailed information about each exercise and is meticulous about correct form and function. He even follows up to see how I feel the next day.

Jeff always goes that extra step to ensure his clients’ workouts are tailored to their individual needs. I highly recommend him to anyone looking for a safe, effective, enjoyable training program!

Jeff honestly changed my life! He and I met over the blood pressure cuff at the Center’s trainer kiosk. He saw me checking my blood pressure and asked if I was okay. I told him of my recent heart attack and my effort to get back to working out as I recovered. Jeff suggested the Cardio Rehab Program to target my workouts to get my heart back to 100 percent. In the process of onboarding into the program, he took my blood pressure and listened with a stethoscope. He asked the magic question, “Do you know you have an irregular heartbeat?” He sent me to meet with my cardiologist who was quite impressed a trainer would notice this. It resulted in another cardio procedure to correct the arrhythmia. I am much healthier for it. I completed the cardio program with Jeff, which was great. He tailored my activities to match my progress. He was genuinely interested in my improvement. His attention to detail was terrific. He helped me develop an exercise regimen to target my general fitness while continuing to advance my cardio function. Thank you, Jeff. (Of course, behind every good man is a great woman. Thank you, Sharon, for teaching him everything he knows!)

Jeff was recommended to me by a friend who suffers from lower back pain like I do. I learned Jeff also suffered from back pain and was closer to my age than other trainers. He recommended exercises specifically for my scoliosis and partially fused vertebrae. He monitored my every move and eased me into new routines, assuring each exercise helped without hurting. Since training with Jeff, I have not had any spasms, which used to really impact me. It is now clear my former workout routine was doing more harm than good. Jeff helped me get strong without pain. He is punctual, personable, interesting, articulate, and a joy to work with and know.

I met Jeff while enrolled in the Cardiac Rehab Program. We met three days a week, during which he continuously presented me with challenging goals while monitoring my vital signs. He ensured I found my performance edge without overreaching. Jeff’s diligent approach to maintaining proper form helped me correct my body alignment, reducing unnecessary physical stress and further risk of injury. Jeff re-introduced me to interval training to improve my cardio fitness. I worked on speed and distance, and learned the value of the incline. It’s very easy to work with Jeff. His friendly personality adds value to your workout, making it less a chore and more a desired activity. At the end of the program, Jeff retested my strength and cardio. My performance levels dramatically improved from my initial test. Many thanks to Jeff’s training, the transference of his technical knowledge to my individualized workout, and his caring and motivating approach. No matter what your health or fitness level, Jeff is the right trainer for you!

I suffered for years from chronic inflammation in one leg and chronic rotator cuff pain in both shoulders. Occasional physical therapy dealt with the symptoms, but never with the underlying causes. After I stopped physical therapy, the symptoms inevitably returned. I was lucky to find Jeff. He carefully, purposefully helped me change my body’s dynamics so I am now completely free from pain. Jeff is a gift!

I came to Jeff as a formerly dedicated “gym rat” who devolved into a couch potato over the past few decades. No longer happy with the way I looked or felt, and too many years away from self-training to know my limits while in my 50s and out of shape, I thought it prudent to ask Jeff to help me train safely and effectively. I couldn’t be happier with the results! I lost 30 pounds and gained muscle, flexibility, and coordination. Jeff challenged me as a weightlifter while staying within safe (but not babied) limits. He varied our weekly routines, emphasizing core strength and total-body workouts, while closely monitoring my form and well-being. He demonstrated and explained everything. He was friendly without being overly chatty. He was an ideal workout partner as he retrained me to exercise properly for my age. If you are a lapsed fitness nut who has let years of physical inactivity go by, I urge you to get off the couch, walk (don’t run until you get back into shape!) to the Reception Desk at the Center, and sign up for training sessions with Jeff Esakov. He is a gem.

I first noticed Jeff while he was training clients. I observed how extremely helpful and professional he was. My friend recommended Jeff to help me gain strength and flexibility. I needed a post-therapy program from a fractured shoulder and torn rotator cuff. Jeff devoted himself to improving my condition. He customized a workout to address my shoulder problems. He is always pleasant. He explains, in detail, the purpose of each exercise. He frequently adjusts the program so it never grows boring. The results of training with Jeff recently became clear. I was playing tennis and realized I no longer needed to be hesitant. I actually had forgotten about my injury and was ecstatic. Thanks so much, Jeff!

I had been going to Princeton Fitness and Wellness for quite a few years and felt I had become stuck in a not very efficient routine. One day a floor trainer suggested that I should take some private training lessons and suggested Jeff Esakov. Jeff really changed my work-out life for the better. Shortly after starting my training with him I broke my wrist and was out of commission for several months. Jeff patiently helped me get back into shape, always careful to calibrate what I could do and could not do. Working with Jeff is great fun because he always comes up with something new, always with a good reason that relates to my own goals for fitness. And I truly appreciate his flexibility with scheduling: I work in a city far away and am in Princeton only every two weeks. Jeff always finds time for me and every time I come home I look forward to our work-out sessions!

This is the first time I have ever belonged to a gym. I have been training with Jeff on a weekly basis for six months now. There is no question that I wouldn’t go to the gym if it were not for Jeff. I really appreciate his patience, good humor and non-judgmental style. I really love working out now. I can’t imagine my life without it.

I suffer from problems with my spine, which cause a very painful back, hip, and knee condition. For many years, excruciating pain made it impossible for me to walk and function in everyday life. In the past, I worked with several physical therapists. Each time my attempts failed. The pain made it impossible to accomplish anything. I signed up for sessions with Jeff as a last resort. I had little hope. Jeff guided me cautiously through basic exercises. He knew my exact limits, so my pain did not have a chance to overwhelm me. As my routine progressed and became more challenging, he made adjustments. I slowly regained the ability to transition past the pain. After weeks of his patience and compassion, I now can control my pain level as I exercise. I am working on increasing flexibility in my joints and muscles to regain functionality. I always will be astonished at what we have accomplished together. I am sincerely grateful to Jeff for his work.

About two months ago, I decided to try the Center. Jeff asked what I was looking for in a trainer. I responded, “Someone with patience.” He said, “That’s me.” He was right. I am in my late 60s. I had not exercised steadily for several years. I needed clear direction and patience for slow and (I hoped) steady progress. After two months, I feel the improvement. I am stronger. And, I like Jeff so much that I encouraged my husband to sign up for training with him, too. Now, we are both training–and we both look forward to it. Thank you, Jeff. You make such a difference!

After three months of cardiac rehab following a heart attack, I began working with Jeff. I have been working with him for over a year and a half. I could not ask for a better trainer than Jeff. He has been patient in helping me achieve peak fitness. He varies my routine and pays attention to my form, which has helped me immensely. He understands each client’s goals and strengths and tailors programs to improve their fitness. Despite my bum shoulder, Jeff has worked a near miracle in helping me improve my upper-body strength without straining it. He explains each exercise and its target muscle group. He emphasizes proper form and works to help me meet my fitness goals. I highly recommend him.

After many years, I finally submitted to the “encouragement” of my wife. I joined the Center about three months ago without any intention of using a personal trainer. I signed up for a few sessions, and now committed to more. The reason? Jeff Esakov. Jeff has made my training sessions with him varied, focused, and purposeful. He has done this with concern to my overall well-being. It’s been a pleasure to be mentored by someone who has reinvented himself in pursuit of a profession he obviously loves. I cannot imagine a greater guide and teacher.

I have been training with Jeff since October 2016. He is an outstanding trainer. I have greatly improved my physical well-being. He is very thorough in preparing the workout plans. He monitors the execution of exercise movements with strict attention to detail. Jeff’s genuine concern for his clients’ health and wellness is easily apparent. His kind, caring demeanor puts you at ease during the training sessions. It is a pleasure to train with him.

For several years, I suffered chronic lower back pain. I searched the Center’s trainer bio page and found Jeff. His approach to focus on core and stability training spoke to me. I know I was not working out to strengthen my core. The day I met Jeff for my fitness evaluation is the day my lower back pain subsided. This was the result of Jeff showing me basic, gentle exercises for the hips and gluts. In addition, Jeff is very knowledgeable. His passion for fitness is infectious. Meeting Jeff has changed my life. Now, I look forward to getting stronger every day.

Not a workout goes by where I fail to note Jeff’s conscientiousness. His selection of exercises is planned, not spontaneous. Frequently, he seeks feedback from his clients to determine their progress. He uses that feedback to vary their fitness plans. His knowledge of exercise physiology is voluminous, and he takes a flexible approach with each individual. With Jeff there is plenty of nuance. If only I trained with Jeff years ago when I briefly pursued resistance training, I would not have injured myself and gotten discouraged. I think he may be missing his calling. He is so good, perhaps he’d serve his profession better by training future trainers rather than spending time on us novices. However, I’m glad he hasn’t figured that out yet.

Jeff was extremely helpful when I had back pain a few years ago. However, only after I suffered a severe stroke did I truly appreciate his excellence as a trainer and person. Jeff is guiding me through an exceptionally well-designed fitness program to improve my strength and balance. With every session, my admiration of his skill deepens. He is the most observant trainer I ever have encountered, as well as the kindest. Jeff notices large patterns, and tiny but significant details, in my deficits and then devises solutions that genuinely help, from suggesting a different type of exercise shoe to finding routines that ease and counter the most stubborn after-effects of right-sided stroke. A year ago, I did not imagine it was possible to return to a healthy, active, confident life. However, Jeff is a major reason why that rebuilding is well underway. I’m tremendously grateful.