More Than a Gym. Your Pittsburgh Community

A dedicated Pittsburgh community building resilient bodies and stronger minds, together

Strength in Community

Our Pittsburgh Gym Culture

We've built a space where training is delivered in an environment that feels like home.

Inclusive Environment

Elite, results-driven training doesn't have to mean an intimidating atmosphere. You’ll step into a welcoming, diverse space where members are just as invested in cheering on your progress as they are in their own.

High Standards

A supportive culture never means compromising on our clinical excellence. Every coach on our floor holds a Master’s degree or higher, ensuring you receive elite, scientifically-backed programming every time you walk through the doors.

Lifelong Support

Fitness is a lifelong journey, but it’s not one you have to do alone. Beyond the programming, you’ll build lasting friendships and find an uplifting community that supports you inside the gym and out.

Events

Community Events

We believe in celebrating hard work outside the platform. Here is what you can look forward to as a member.

Friendly Competition

We hold monthly competitions for various events but you can get onto our wall of records anytime! Some of the events we've done is a total step count challenge. The client who beat Josh's record of 492,821 steps won a free nutrition session with Laine and LMNT electrolytes.

Summer Pickleball Tournament

Our annual outdoor social event. We head to the Pickleball Courts at Longue Vue Country Club for a day of fun competition. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just here for the vibes, come move, laugh, and connect.

Salvation Army Toy Drive

This past Christmas, we sponsored 30 local children (infants to 13 years old) for the holidays. A massive thank you to Jill for spearheading this initiative and giving us the opportunity to deliver hope, love, and community to kids who need it most.

The 10:00 AM Women Strength Collective

The Collective rolls in with fierce focus and unwavering support. With every session, they bring an unshakable “we’ve got this” energy that transforms effort into progress and camaraderie into motivation. Whether hitting new milestones or simply showing up with purpose, this crew reminds us that strength thrives in both persistence and community.

Reviews From Real Clients

Member Voices

Hear from some of our clients

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!

Erin K

★★★★★
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.

Jamie L

★★★★★
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.

Joleen S

★★★★★
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!

Annelle F

★★★★★
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 G

★★★★★
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 confidencein 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!

Audrey L.

★★★★★
Our Culture

Great Gym Community

We have an amazing gym community. Come be apart of it! We are located at 5877 Commerce St. If you're heading east from Bloomfield, take Liberty Ave past the Target in East Liberty, turn right onto Commerce St, and we are right around the corner from the Bank of America and Verizon building.

Join The Community

Meet Our People

All of our trainers have advanced degrees in areas related to fitness and sports science.

Josh Kashiwsky
Manager

Josh has over a decade of experience in athletic performance and holistic health. He graduated from West Virginia University (WVU) with a degree in Multidisciplinary Studies, emphasizing strength and conditioning, sport and exercise psychology, and business.

During his time at WVU, Josh interned with the Mountaineer Football program for three years. He then went on to Glenville State College as an Assistant Strength Coach, where he designed and implemented training programs across 15 collegiate sports. He served there as the Director of the Strength and Conditioning Program.

He has spent the past four years in the private fitness sector, helping athletes, professionals, and everyday clients achieve lasting transformation.

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Noah Swaby
Sports Performance Coach

Noah Swaby is currently the assistant coach for Carnegie Mellon University track and field team.

Swaby is the Costa Rican National Record Holder in the decathlon. While competing at Penn State he achieved NCAA Second Team All-American and All-Big Ten honors. While at Arkansas he contributed to multiple team SEC Championships (2022, 2023) and placed fourth in the SEC decathlon.

In addition to his coaching role, Swaby is also a decathlete, strength and conditioning coach and a rehabilitative training specialist at Essential Strength in Pittsburgh

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Laine
Metabolic Analytics practitioner

Laine has a MS in Food & Nutrition Science and a BS in Exercise Physiology from Ohio University. She spent 10 years as a RDN LDN CSSD focusing on hormone health and sports nutrition. Her approach combines Medical Nutrition Therapy with motivational interviewing for lasting behavior change.

She helps move clients from clinical confusion with diet and nutrition to self-sufficient confidence. She has worked with thousands of clients to find individualized approaches to meal planning and macro nutrient programming to get the results they are looking for.

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Bella
Trainer and PT Student

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Donovan
Trainer

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Alex
Trainer

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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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