Weight Loss & Body Recomposition Personal Training in Pittsburgh

Lose the weight, keep the muscle, and build a powerful physique with our clinical metabolic program.

Start Your Transformation
Female client performing strength training for weight loss training in East Liberty
Body Composition Analysis

Transform Your Body The Right Way

Most weight loss programs destroy your muscle along with the fat, leaving you smaller but softer.

To keep your goals moving in the right direction, we want to make sure we are tracking more than just the number on a standard scale. Ask a trainer to get you measured on the Seca BIA scale - a medical-grade body composition analyzer that looks at body fat percentage and skeletal muscle mass.

  • For Women - Lean & Toned: Sculpt definition and curves without getting "too big," achieving that athletic, lean aesthetic.
  • For Men - Big & Defined: Pack on dense muscle to fill out your shirt while shredding the fat that hides your definition.
  • Composition Over Scale: We don't just want the number to go down. We want your body fat percentage to drop while your strength goes up.
Start Your Transformation

Inside the Analytics

Body Fat %
-8.4%
Skeletal Muscle Mass
+4.2lb
Visceral Fat Level
OPTIMAL
Phase Duration
12 weeks
*Typical results for compliant clients using our Seca mBCA analysis.
Results Driven

Build Muscle and Lose Fat

Our system is designed to turn your athletic potential into measurable results.

Progressive Overload

We use scientifically structured increases in intensity to signal your body to build dense, functional muscle tissue, preventing plateaus.

Proven Results

We train clients of all ages, gender orientation and fitness levels. We have programs designed to guide novices, train seasoned athletes to get the results they want.

Medical Nutrition Therapy

Meet Laine, Your Metabolic Strategist

Laine helps you navigate the nutrition and hormonal aspects of training. She ensures you're fueling for protection and preservation, not just deprivation.

Real Results

Hundreds of Pittsburgh clients have found their answer here after trying everything else. Stop looking for a solution and start seeing results.

The next person here could be you!

"I lost 60lbs and built 20lbs of muscle after 3 back surgeries"

After three back surgeries, I went from a college football player to a man terrified of movement. I had gained over 100 pounds and resigned to the "safe" area of the gym, I was stuck on the elliptical because I was convinced free weights would only cause more pain. That cycle of fear and weight gain seemed unbreakable until I came to Essential Strength. They stripped away the fear by teaching me proper mechanics, spinal relaxation, and how to hinge without hurting myself. Once my foundation was solid, they worked on helping me transform my diet.

I’ve lost over 60 pounds and built 20 pounds of lean muscle. It sounds crazy to say, but I am actually in better shape now than during my college playing days.

- Damian
Personal Training Testimonials

Hear From Our Pittsburgh Transformers

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The best gym in town. Great value for personal training. The individualized training plans crafted to meet your specific needs is what sets essential strength apart from other gyms. Whether it's strength training or recovery from injury – the trainers at Essential Strength get it done and help you move forward. Nutritionist is also fantastic.

Michael K.

★★★★★
Best gym experience I’ve ever had! I’ve gained so much muscle, power, and endurance since training here the last 9 months. Highly recommend for all ages.

Sarah Beth W.

★★★★★
They tailor exercises to you and make sure your physical health (pain etc) is a priority. The staff there are personable and I felt ES was the best place to start my strength training journey. I felt challenged, heard, understood.

Sophia R.

★★★★★
It’s my 3 year training anniversary with Sam and his team of amazing strength coaches who are highly attuned to my needs as an athlete and keep me motivated and accountable week to week. I highly recommend Essential Strength!

Lorrie K.

★★★★★
Everyone on the training staff is great! Happy with my progress so far! Definitely recommend if you want to get back on track!

Romit K.

★★★★★
Amazing 6-week program at Essential Strength. This was the perfect kickstart to getting back into shape. The trainers are incredibly attentive and supportive, with a strong focus on proper form and injury prevention. Every session felt purposeful and well-coached. I’ve built a solid foundation and am looking forward to continuing over the next year.

Rachel K.

★★★★★

"In January 2025 I booked my 40th birthday trip with girlfriends and I decided I was going to get in the best shape of my life so I could show up in a bikini."

t’s been one year since I started working out again. Did 50 workouts with a trainer at @essentialpgh. Number of walks? I didn’t count. I went all in and it worked. In January 2025 I booked my 40th birthday trip with girlfriends and I decided I was going to get in the best shape of my life so I could show up in a bikini. I hadn’t worn a bikini since my 30th birthday trip. I rocked that bikini.

There is only a 10 pound difference in the photos, but I reduced my body fat by over 10%, increased muscle mass over 10% and reduced my biological age 10 years.

- Alisha Gwen

Frequently asked questions

My schedule is packed. How will I find the time?

We design our programs for maximum efficiency. Each session is structured to deliver the greatest possible benefit in the shortest amount of time. By providing the plan and the coaching, we eliminate the wasted time and mental energy of figuring out what to do, allowing you to simply show up and execute.

Is this just a weight loss program?

No. While fat loss is often a result, our primary goal is a total health transformation. Our clients experience profound improvements in energy levels, sleep quality, mental focus, and the elimination of chronic pain. We are focused on building a body that performs optimally, both in and out of the office.  

I've tried personal trainers and diets before. Why is this different?

Most programs fail because they are incomplete. A trainer gives you workouts, a nutritionist gives you a diet. We provide a single, integrated system where your training, nutrition, and lifestyle habits are all aligned and managed by one expert team. Our scientific, diagnostic approach is the difference between a temporary fix and a permanent transformation.  

What is the investment?

This is a premium, comprehensive coaching program for professionals who are serious about making a significant, lasting change to their health. It is an investment in your most critical asset - your physical and mental performance. We can discuss specific options after your initial health audit.

Contact Us

Your Best Year is One Step Away.

After you submit this form we will be in contact within 24 hrs to set up an appointment to come into our East Liberty location for a physical assessment.

Location:

5877 Commerce St #120, Pittsburgh, PA 15206

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