Scott's deep knowledge, patience and experience has helped me to improve my strength significantly. Essential Fitness has a lot of equipment that you don’t see in regular commercial gyms: there all ranges of kettlebell weights , sleds , maces and sandbags, truly a unique gym.

Super excited about becoming a member here. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable. Monthly rates are average. A comfortable place to work out. Looking forward to trying new challenges here.

Essential Fitness NYC really came into my life right when I needed it. I had spent many years working in an office, taking care of my children while overlooking my own health. Scott Hansen changed all of that. He worked with me from the from the beginning giving me tasks that I could do in the studio and outside while teaching me small ways that I could improve my health. Today I am in better shape than I was in my twenties and looking forward to being even better in the future. Essential Fitness NYC changed my life.

Essential Fitness and Scott have not only been a huge fitness /strength motivation for over the past 3 years, but also a place for mental guidance. The positive attitudes and the comaraderie with other clients is amazing. Definitely recommend to friends and anyone seeking these things.

I started training with Scott a few months ago to take control over my neck and shoulder pain, and I couldn't be more pleased. Scott uses a standard approach from his many facets of training and takes you through a personalized program made just for you, as you are now. As I've gotten stronger Scott has veered away from the mobility exercises into actual strength training. I have learned so much from Scott about how my body works, how to reduce my pain and increase my strength. It also doesn't hurt that I accidentally lost 8 pounds in the first month without even trying. After personal training I started the classes and have been very satisfied with those. I will continue to train with Scott at Essential Fitness and I would recommend his training and classes to anyone who wants a genuine expert.

I can't recommend their classes highly enough. If you are thinking about going, just go! In fact, I've been referring all my friends and even my girlfriend. And everyone who has gone to one class has kept coming back. The classes focus on kettlebell training, though they draw from other styles as well. Everything is well organized an has a purpose, and each class is slightly different and tailored to the level and strengths/weaknesses of people who show up. Matt and Scott are both very friendly and make the classes fun to attend. The classes are an incredible value -- it is almost like personal training. Classes I have been to have had 2-6 people, but even with the small classes, there are always two trainers. You will get a ton of individual attention and your form will improve dramatically. All levels show up, don't worry about being ready for the classes, just go. Anyone who is new gets a LOT of individual attention until they are confident you won't hurt yourself. It will take a little while for everything to sink in. But when it does it will be well worth it. Matt and Scott clearly care a lot about their clients -- they make sure they know your injury history and will also volunteer their own time before/after classes to demonstrate stretching/foam rolling/whatever you need. Don't be afraid to speak up or say that an explanation doesn't make sense to you. Between the two of them, they have many ways to teach each of the movements. I have been going for about a month now after sitting out with a partial tendon tear in my knee and an unrelated surgery. I started very out of shape, and after just a month I feel like my legs/back/core are as strong as they have ever been and any residual pain in my knee has gone away. People have commented without prompting that my posture looks better, that I seem taller, etc. I couldn't be happier with the results so far.

After dealing with multiple sports injuries for years, I found Scott while looking for a trainer focused on functional strength and mobility. Since then I’ve been seeing Scott for 1 - 2 hours every week. His commitment to his clients’ long term health and wellness is undisputed. Not only do I feel stronger but my nutrition has improved as well. He is willing to push you as hard as you want to be pushed but is also realistic about expectations and what is practical. I genuinely look forward to my sessions with him. It’s a great way to spend an hour or two on a Saturday.

I attended a Zumba class instructed by Juancho Vitangcol and had a blast! Not only was his energy contagious but, the workout was solid. My arms and legs were the good kind of sore. The dance steps were easy to follow and the music selection was great. The best thing about Juancho was that he made me feel comfortable to really let loose and dive into the workout. It's hard not to feed off of his positive energy. It was definitely the pick me up I needed. I will definitely be back for a recharge! I strongly recommend attending one of his classes.

What I enjoy most is the personal attention to detail -- Scott's emphasis on correct form and difficulty based on YOUR body and its condition THAT day are critical to my successes in my health goals. I also value his knowledge about food intake and how it affects your specific goals as well as his genuine concern for how your mental state plays a factor in not only your performance that day, but your overall health. FANTASTIC PROGRAM!

I've been working with Matt and Scott for about 3 months now and I can say I'm kinda obsessed! :) I originally wanted to work with them so they could help with my movement patterns and mobility as some of my form was hindering my gym performance. Matt and Scott both have paid super close attention to my form and how EVERYTHING is connected. It's cool because maybe one time I'm like "my back is hurting" on a set of kettlebell swings, and they make stop and do a movement that focuses on my core or inner thighs, etc. for a few minutes. When I go back to swinging, my back doesn't hurt. These guys are super smart.They understand how the body works and how it's all connected... even the signals our movements are giving our brain and how we can correct them! (Most people don't even know to know that... but these guys are LEGIT!) I feel confident when I go to their class. These guys are super smart and laid back. They practice what they preach. The classes are fun and are small so you get really great and personal feedback. My squats are definitely improving and although I do still love powerlifting, I continue to make kettlebells a crucial aspect of my training. I would DEF RECOMMEND for ANYONE to come see Matt and Scott. Working with Kettlebells and the functional movement patterns WILL help you move and FEEL better-- not to mention get stronger. Pretty sure no one can argue there :)

I must say if you are looking for a fitness class and or trainer in NYC that offers originality and a great workout then i highly recommend signing up with Scott Hanson. I have seen remarkable results in a short period of time. I have taken his kettle bell classes which has strengthen my core and has given me great results. Scot has a lot of patience and is very personable. Sign up and see for yourself.

I started seeing Scott a couple years ago because of chronic aches and pains. I'm in my 40s and after working with Scott, I have a new understanding of my body and feel better than I ever have. My strength and mobility has improved so much. I continue to work with Scott and I highly recommend him. He is extremely attentive and knowledgeable.

I had the opportunity to attend classes at Essential Fitness in summer of 2019, and loved my experience! Scott is a great coach who treats all his clients with respect and kindness. He modifies all activities to fit a variety of fitness and mobility levels, creating a welcoming but appropriately challenging environment for all clients. His focus on safety, correct body mechanics, and lifting techniques changed the way I work out for the better. Before working with Scott, I regularly experienced low back pain when doing squats or dead lifts. Scott provided coaching around muscle activation and technique that completely eliminated this pain. I've been able to take what I've learned from Scott and incorporate it into all other fitness classes and ventures. I would highly recommend Scott and Essential Fitness to anyone wanting to improve strength, body mechanics, fitness, and confidence.

I've been training with Scott for two months now and I'm hooked. I came in a bit discouraged because training injuries have made it difficult to keep a consistent schedule particularly of squats. But, his approach is different than any program I've found. We do compound movements along with lots of mobility exercises that seem to reduce injures. So far I've been able to continue training - even squats. I was in the Army in my youth, but these days I usually sit at least 10 hours a day. The small group classes are ideal to correct my form so I can keep working out.

Scott has been able to accomplish what drs couldn’t. I recommend Scott as a trainer that hears the issues and attacks things to make you not just more fit, but healthier. I couldn’t recommend him more. He has been everything he said he would be and more.