THE BEST SPORTS PERFORMANCE TRAINING FOR ATHLETES ON THE UPPER EAST SIDE.

Seeking completely customized one-on-one programming and laser-focused attention from an elite-level certified coach to achieve big, hairy goals? We’re in on that.

 

The Ironworks

MONDAYS + WEDNESDAYS @ 4PM OR BY REQUEST

Our foundational strength and conditioning program, The Ironworks, builds resilient, confident athletes by focusing on technique, movement quality, consistency and mindset. The fundamentals they’ll gain are relevant to every sport — and they’ll have a blast doing it. The groups are kept intentionally small for maximum attention to form.

Athletes can expect to improve coordination, balance, mobility and cardiovascular fitness as well as gain strength, speed and power. They will improve their economy of movement, leading to better performance. Work smarter not harder.

We focus on laying a brick foundation for lifelong athletic success. If they make it to the next level, but they’re chronically injured or their hips/ankles/shoulders don’t move well — how long do you think they’ll last? We’re solving and preventing that now.

Have a group of teammates or friends of similar age/fitness/ability? Contact us to set up small group sessions around your practice and game schedule.

Coach Ken Szekretar

With two decades of experience as a leader in the fitness industry, Ken has helped hundreds of athletes heighten performance, achieve dreams and improve their lives. His unique “Ken-ergy” style and holistic approach to coaching set him apart and keeps athletes coming back to him for the long haul.

Through proper nutrition and highly customized programming, Ken meets his clients where they are, and helps them reach new levels of fitness and confidence. He's been sought out by many media channels for his expertise in the field, particularly in triathlon/multi-sport, including the New York Times, Men's Journal and Well & Good. Ken stays ahead of trends and is constantly expanding his knowledge base of innovations and methodologies to best serve his athletes. 

Now raising two young athletes of his own, Ken’s on a mission to help developing talent understand the importance of movement quality and technique over adding weight to the bar. His special sauce is that he cares deeply about his athletes’ goals and dreams, and gets them where they want to be.

  • USAT Level 1 Triathlon Coach

  • ACE and NASM Certified Personal Trainer

  • ACE Certified Fitness Nutrition Specialist

  • UESCA Certified Running Coach

  • NASM Performance Enhancement Specialist

  • ACE Sports Conditioning Specialist

  • ACE Senior Fitness Specialist

  • ACE Youth Fitness Specialist

Coach CHRIS MATTINA

Born and raised on the Upper East Side of New York City, Chris Mattina attended Xavier High School, where he excelled as a three-sport athlete, competing in basketball, football, and rugby. He also played soccer throughout his youth at Asphalt Green. He connects deeply with young athletes in the neighborhood because he knows firsthand what it’s like to live and train in this fast-paced, competitive environment while juggling academic demands.

Chris went on to the University of Delaware where he graduated with a degree in Exercise Science and double minor in Strength and Conditioning and Coaching Science.

Following graduation, Chris was selected for the USA National Rugby 7's Olympic Team and trained at the Olympic Training Center in San Diego. He competed with Team USA in the World Rugby Sevens Series before moving to the domestic competition Major League Rugby. For six years, he played at the highest level of rugby in the US and earned selection to the US Men’s National 15’s Team.

After his playing career, Chris founded CM Rugby Academy, which focuses on youth athletic development and helping athletes elevate their opportunities in rugby. He also runs Rugby 4 All, a program designed to introduce rugby to schools in the NYC area.

Chris believes in training all of his clients like elite athletes, balancing mental health, physical conditioning, cardiovascular endurance, flexibility, proper nutrition and discipline. These core elements mixed with his motivational personality build a solid foundation for his athletes’ success.

Coach Esme Hovekamp

Hailing from the Upper West Side of Manhattan and a graduate of the world-renowned School of American Ballet, Coach Esme is a classically trained ballerina turned Olympic weightlifter. Specializing in dynamic sports performance and kettlebell training, Esme is a powerhouse of knowledge, energy and enthusiasm. She is passionate about sharing her skills and teaching young athletes to TAKE UP SPACE and move with intention.

  • USAW Olympic Weightlifting Coach Level I

  • RKC (Russian Kettlebell Certification) Level II

  • Dynamic Sports Performance Certified Coach Level II

  • Kettlebell Coach University Foundations

  • NASM CPT