Jeffrey Esakov

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!)