TESTIMONIALS
Testimonials
What People Are Saying About
Essentrics with Steven Gray
Students appreciate Steven's attentive and patient teaching style, and they appreciate his ability to personalize exercises based on individual needs. His calming demeanor, sense of humor, and friendly nature combine in a way to let the students feel comfortable and at ease during his Essentrics classes.
Some common elements students have experienced are improved flexibility, mobility, and strength after taking Steven's Essentrics classes. Overall, Steven's personalized and calming teaching style and ability to improve students' physical abilities set him apart as a unique and effective Essentrics instructor.
"The Essentrics technique builds strength, flexibility, and coordination. I have found it especially helpful in counteracting computer-related upper back and shoulder tension. Steven is a talented teacher who knows what he is doing." Lisa Warenski - Essentrics Student
"I initially signed up for Essentrics to just get some movement and flexibility during the pandemic. I never expected it to be so satisfying and for it to make me feel so good! The slow, intentional stretches and movements are regenerative to my muscles and joints and bring oxygen seemingly to every cell of my body! I find Steven’s instruction immensely helpful - he is somehow able to simultaneously demonstrate the stretch while verbally articulating every the movement nuance for the students. Unlike in other classes I have taken, I never feel overwhelmed with trying to keep up - nor do I feel out of sync with the movements being asked of the class. Steven amends movements based on the particular needs of the student, which has been very helpful to me and my struggling hip. I am so happy to have found Steven’s Essentrics class! Thank you Steven!" Elizabeth Shaw - Eccentrics Student
“Steven’s Essentrics class combines Tai Chi, Yoga, and other disciplines working the body gently and powerfully, engaging areas often neglected by other disciplines…it’s a 360-degree approach. Steven uses imagery, playfulness, and humor to create a personal connection you feel right away. Working out with Steven is like exercising with your best friend." Cynthia Ammon - Eccentrics Student
"It has been 8 years now since I have had the pleasure of working with Steven. He is very attentive to one's physical abilities and guides you accordingly as you progress. He does not rush, prod or push you to work harder since he does not believe in having the client in pain nor being stressed out with some of the exercises. A calm, happy and professional instructor Steven's personality and ease of delivery are all very important attributes as a teacher. I highly recommend him as an instructor." James Percell - Essentrics Student
"I've worked with Steven for over 12 years, first in his capacity as a gyrotonics instructor and more recently as a teacher of Essentrics. Steven plans his lessons well and has a natural, easy-going style of teaching that makes you feel comfortable. He is patient and supportive and is considerate of one's ability as he guides you through exercise patterns. Steven's friendly manner and great sense of humor are important assets in helping one to progress. I highly recommend him as a teacher." Shirley Tennyson - Essentrics Student
"I’ve been taking an individual class from Steven Gray for about two months, and he’s been terrific. He’s been a great help in improving my flexibility and mobility. I’m new to this sort of training, but he explains things very clearly, and is very observant of how I’m doing the movements and at explaining ways of doing them better. I think he normally trains people with a background in dance or things related to that, but he’s excellent at adjusting to my level. He’s always very encouraging, and has been a pleasure to work with. And it’s clearly been very good for me." Hartry Field - Essentrics Student
What People Are Saying About
Luigi Jazz Dance with Paul Liberti
Paul receives high praise for the Luigi Jazz Dance class (formerly Pure Jazz Dance) for his energizing and rewarding classes. As an expert in the Luigi jazz dance technique, Paul challenges his students with original Luigi choreography and, occasionally, with his choreography inspired by Luigi's technique, and acts as both a dance teacher and mentor. His holistic approach to teaching dance focuses on nurturing both the body and soul, with warmups that have helped cure injuries like plantar fasciitis and chronic pain in the Achilles. During the pandemic, Paul provided additional support to his students through meditation sessions to help them cope with difficult times. Overall, Paul's exceptional passion for teaching dance and commitment to his students make him stand out amongst other dance teachers.
"Paul is a one-of-a-kind teacher who is able to lead students of many dance levels with professional instruction. I always had fun in his classes! During the pandemic, he was there for all of us by providing meditation sessions. For me, that was extremely important, as these were difficult times. I will always be appreciative that I took his classes.Paul is a one-of-a-kind teacher who is able to lead students of many dance levels with professional instruction. I always had fun in his classes! During the pandemic, he was there for all of us by providing meditation sessions. For me, that was extremely important, as these were difficult times. I will always be appreciative that I took his classes." Judy Rubin - Dance & Mindfulness Student
"Dancing with Paul through the years has been a gift, particularly since the pandemic when we have been dancing remotely. Paul not only brings creativity and talent to every class, but also his good nature and passion. Having been a dancer my entire adult life, I find his choreographic challenges both rewarding and fun and energizing." Diane Bartell - Pure Jazz Dance Student
"If I can take only one dance class, it has to be Paul's pure jazz dance. The Luigi technique that he teaches will make you strong, and his combinations are a joy to dance. Paul is simply the best teacher of Luigi jazz in New York City." Lisa Warenski - Pure Jazz Dance Student
"I have much gratitude to MotionalCORE through which I have gained amazing insights into my body. After not having taken a dance class in 30 years I was welcomed by Paul to discover my body anew. My 50 something body is a new and blank canvas, very different from my 20 year old body that took class. Paul’s Luigi technique warm ups have cured my plantar fasciitis and removed the chronic pain in my left achilles heel. I see definition and feel flexible in my hips despite my congenital hip dysplasia. It all makes me feel younger and nurtures both body and soul. Paul's belief that caring for the body daily allows one to dance forever is a great philosophy. I love that concept and enjoy working the dance routines over multiple sessions. Thank you for the fun and flexibility." Gilbert Mendoza - Pure Jazz Dance & Pilates Mat Student
What People Are Saying About
Pilates Mat with Paul Liberti
Paul is a phenomenal Pilates instructor who creates a welcoming and supportive environment for his students. His classes cater to all levels of experience and physical limitations, thanks to his deep understanding of the body and unique class structure. Testimonials praise his ability to help students progress gradually and adapt to their personal needs, as well as the effectiveness of his classes in strengthening and lengthening muscles. Beyond physical benefits, students also appreciate his classes' meditative and spiritual quality and the sense of community Paul fosters. Overall, Paul's compassionate teaching style and unique approach to Pilates have profoundly impacted his students' lives, helping them physically and mentally achieve their fitness and wellness goals.
"I started taking Paul's Pilates matte class around 2003. Not only is he a terrific person he is an amazing teacher. Paul understands the body and how to structure a class that flows and gets you warmed up and strong bit by bit so you can handle the exercises at what ever level you are at. Even when he is across the room I know when he is talking to me with corrections and encouragement. He asks a lot but always insists that we work at a level that is appropriate for what is going on that day. Hurting is not part of the deal. Because of the core work we did I was able to stand at a drafting board for 10 hours a day and 10 years ago when I had to switch to digital drawing (which leaves many people crippled) I was able to get through the day by remembering the lessons about posture and core strength. I honestly dedicate my well being these last 17 years in part to his training. I have been with Paul through surgeries and broken bits and when he decided to teach on Zoom because of the pandemic I was ecstatic. I've occasionally done his other classes but I remain addicted to mat Pilates. It worked so well - even from 3,000 miles away! Now that I am semi retired I look forward to more classes online." Barbra Matis - Pilates Student
"Paul has been a guide and inspiration to me for twenty years. If I had to narrow down how he has influenced me, I would say that his approach to fitness and wellness is always about self love. It is never about how the outside world views you or judges external beauty. He has helped me become stronger both physically and mentally, and for that, he will always have my loyalty and gratitude!" Carol Kalista - Pilates Mat Student
"I have been taking Paul LIberti’s Pilates Mat class for years, first at the gym he taught at and then during pandemic from home. I can depend SO MUCH on Paul’s Pilates class to stay connected with my physical and emotional self. When I broke my foot and was on crutches for 3 months, I was so grateful to Paul for welcoming me in class despite the accommodations to some of the movements I had to make. Paul is an unbelievably supportive and caring teacher. The class itself is an all-encompassing and mindful workout. Paul’s class proceeds very logically with a sensitive progression of movements. I am a former professional dancer, and the class encourages my body to remember my dance training as it strengthens and lengthens muscles. I love focusing on my form and on keeping the movements fluid as Paul calls out instructions and corrections. The simple music and basic (yet very challenging!) movements allow me to drift into a meditative state as I take the class. Paul’s Pilates Mat class keeps me in fit physical — and spiritual — condition." Kayla Schwartz - Pilates Mat Student
"Paul is an exceptional and caring teacher, highly knowledgeable and deeply human. After taking his classes in NYC for many years, I was ecstatic that he offered his Pilates and Barre classes online when things shut down in 2020. Paul’s classes were a lifesaver both physically and mentally. They kept me strong and also provided a wonderful sense of community. Now that our schedules have gotten somewhat back to normal, his on-demand classes continue to fill an essential need, allowing me to work out when it works for me. The 72-hour access window offers exceptional value for such a great service." Mary O'Brady - On-Demand Pilates & Barre Student
"I'm a devoted member for over 20 years of Paul Liberti's Pilates Mat classes, in person and online. His routines cover you from neck to toes. They are organized in a way and at a pace that make you aware that he's an experienced teacher. Although there may be a good number of participants, he has his eye on each one and will comment to adjust a faulty position. He always projects a positive attitude, and you end the class feeling better in mind and body." Joyce Bodig - Pilates Mat Student
"Paul is an exceptional and caring teacher, highly knowledgeable and deeply human. After taking his classes in NYC for many years, I was ecstatic that he offered his Pilates and Barre classes online when things shut down in 2020. Paul’s classes were a lifesaver both physically and mentally. They kept me strong and also provided a wonderful sense of community. Now that our schedules have gotten somewhat back to normal, his on-demand classes continue to fill an essential need, allowing me to work out when it works for me. The 72-hour access window offers exceptional value for such a great service." Mary O'Brady - On-Demand Pilates & Barre Student