May Updates & News

Featured in this issue: Monthly Specials • NEW Exciting Workshops & NEW Trainings Including Yoga Therapy * Healthy Recipe • 3-Day Silent Retreat

Plus...road detour for about 30 days.

Give mom or any special lady the gift of health and well-being this Mother's Day!


💐 Until Mother's Day, purchase any gift card with $100 and we will add $50 FREE!


Plus, on Mother's Day, we will draw 1 name from those who have purchased the gift cards for a special lady to win 3 FREE months of regular classes! 

* Current system credit cannot be used for the gift card purchases 

* Each person may purchase 2 gift cards total 


💐 CONGRATULATIONS to Cheryl Rosebrook for winning a FREE Silent Retreat from our “Love Yourself” February Drawing!  



Voting for the Best!


Essence has been voted into the finalists for best yoag studio in The Toledo Blade Reader's Choice Awards! Vote, now, daily, to help make us #1 again!


Vote Here!

Now until May 30th, vote essence as the best Fitness Studio and vote for any of our Personal Trainers in Mature Living!

Vote here daily!

Traffic Detour:


For the next 30 days, Ford St. at the Anthony Wayne Trail will be closed. When coming from the AW Trail, take Clinic Dr. which runs from the Trail to Fort St. behind the studio (right next to the Promedica ER) and then turn right on Ford St. The studio is only a couple driveways down.

Letter from Diana

Setting up for Summer Wellness Success!


It is so exciting to feel the changes in the weather and to have the amount of sunshine going up! This is the time of the year to come alive and to watch Mother Nature work her major as she blooms the work around us into such beauty. Each year at this time, I begin to get folks on my schedule who start to “go too far” with garnering or outdoor activities without working themselves up to it or pacing themselves. In addition, I witness many who want to shed the extra weight and inflammation they have acquired over the colder, holiday months. Here are some tips to help with all of these things and maybe some more:


Do not give up your workouts and/or classes for time outside. It is the structured workouts (especially mindful ones like Pilates and yoga) that keep our alignments healthy (mobile, strong, and balanced) and allows us to do the outdoor activities safely and to undo any misalignments caused by doing them. It may be tempting to say, “I am going to work in the garden today for exercise instead of class.” This is not an equal trade at all.


When it comes to diet changes, I highly recommend looking at what you have done and what took you “off” balance. The rollercoaster will only cause more issues down the road. Make changes that will be a lifestyle change and not just seasonal. At some point, it will all become something larger hen just needing to lose weight (like a clinical diagnosis). Eat to live…or as I say. “Eat to thrive!”. Instead of making a seasonal change for say getting into a bathing suit. This will serve you so much better in all seasons and your body will last you much longer and be able to grow wonderful new cells, fight off diseases effectively, and bring a vitality that will carry you to do fun things! We can not out-trick biology….no one can!


Take time to come out of “tournament time”. We often feel that we have to pack so much in to our warmer months and summer burn is a true thing. The silent retreat I have coming up would be fabulous or even booking days of quiet calm when no caring for things other than yourself needs to be done. Plan this equally as important as anything else. Even fun things if not paced out well can trigger our bodies into fight-or-flight. My newest podcast speaks to what I mean about “tournament time”.


I hope you can just us/me for any of the wonderful classes, workshops, retreats, trainings, health coaching, and more soon to help you stay your course to true health and wellness. Remember that self-care is an investment… not an expense. And, only you can do it for you… and you are SO worth it!


Namaste 🙏🏻

Diana

See a recording of Diana's recent performance here

Upcoming Workshops • Learning • Experiences

Has anyone ever told you that your mouth and its movements (like chewing) and alignment affects your core functioning? Or, that your eye movements dictate spine movement? Or how about that your tongue is connected to your feet? In this workshop, Diana will highlight things she has been teaching for many years and bring much more together while helping those that come improve their movements and function through the fascia system and much more. 

 

CEC's available for Yoga Alliance, IAYT, Pilates Method Alliance PMA and ACE. Others can be petitioned. 

 

 

See all of Diana's background here:

www.dianaspiess.com

Cost: $30 per person

Sign up online or by calling the studio 419-873-646

 

*Zoom option is available. Please call in. 



Sign up online here or by calling the studio 419-873-6463

More Yoga at Our Toledo Zoo!


Watch for 3 more opportunities to practice yoga at our amazing Toledo Zoo! We will be practicing in new areas that have never been used for yoga and have some behind-the-scenes educational opportunities, too! Areas for the classes: The retile house (that's Diana teaching in there and all LOVED it!), in the Tembo Trail (the new baby elephant!!), and the Arctic building (the polar bear twins!!).


Watch The Toledo Zoo's website here for more and we will also post as soon as we have more details!

Silent Retreats

*Now Offering a 3-Day Retreat in Spring 2024 at NO Extra Cost!


** If you cannot come for the entire retreat in May, we now have the option for 1 or 2 days of stay instead of all 3 days!

Spring 2024: May 9-12 *3 Days!

**Spaces are filling fast for this one! May 5th is the final day to register for our spring retreat.


Fall 2024: Sept 27-29


Check in 4-5pm Thursday

Check out 3:30pm Sunday


Lial Renewal Center in Whitehouse, Ohio

Book time for yourself to renew, restore, relax, and energetically cleanse in so many ways!


Silent retreats provide space for participants to experience the powerful impact of having an extended time and space to restore. Past participants are so amazed at the power of this retreat and many have attended more than one! The foods are wholesome and delicious (vegan/gluten-free), the grounds are stunning and so calming, and the guided meditations and practices will restore and relax you. Diana shares many techniques for finding balance, and her private energy sessions are powerful for those that choose to add them on.


Private Room with own private bathroom:

$650 (includes both nights, all 6 meals, and all that the retreat has to offer) ** If you'd like to come 1 or 2 days only, each day is $250. 3 meals per day, all activities/classes included, private room, and the option for private sessions with Diana. Please call in to sign up and specify which night(s) you'd like. Spaces are limited for his option.


* Yoga classes for all levels including beginners

* Guided meditations

* Multiple Sound Therapy Sessions

* Reiki

* Gluten Free & Vegan Meals Made Fresh

* Crystal Biomats

* NIR Red Light Therapy

* Sound Bed Sessions (NEW for 2024!)

* Decompressions Sessions (NEW for 2024!)

* Hypnosis Sessions (NEW for 2024!)


...and MUCH More!


Call the studio to sign up!

419-873-6463


Email Diana with more questions:

Diana@essencembs.com


Definition of Yoga Therapy

Yoga therapy is the professional application of the principles and practices of yoga to promote health and well-being within a therapeutic relationship that includes personalized assessment, goal setting, lifestyle management, and yoga practices for individuals or small groups.


Contact Diana asap if interested diana@essencembs.com.This program has an application process. To apply for this program and to receive more details, please submit your interest to Diana Spiess at diana@essencembs.com


Yoga Therapy Hours 1st Half 2024 

  •  January 27th 1-3:30 (studio) 
  •  February 15th 5:30-8:30 (Zoom)
  •  March 2nd 10am-3pm (studio)
  • March 28th 5:30-8:30pm (Zoom) 
  •  April 13th 11-3pm (studio) 
  •  April 25th 5:30-8:30pm (Zoom) 
  •  May 9th-12th (Silent Retreat Weekend Hours to be assigned)
  •  June 15th 10am-2pm (studio) 
  •  June 25th 5:30-8pm (Zoom)


Course layout includes:

  • Live training hours both in-studio and online
  • Self-paced course work on Teachable
  • Books to be read and reported on
  • I-AYT requires a minimum of 2 years of study

NEW for 2024!

'Essence of Yoga'

Yoga Therapist Training School


Diana has been working toward this for over 8 years! and here it is!


This course is for those who have completed a 200hr Yoga Teacher Program and aspire to become a Certified Yoga Therapist. Diana has been a certified yoga therapist for almost a decade and the school is now an I-AYT member school. This course will begin in January 2024 and is a 2-year program minimum. The course is open to 8 students and 4 spots are filled already.


Some Topics Covered Include:

  • Yoga for Autoimmune Diseases
  • Yoga for Children of All Ages
  • Pre and Post Natal Yoga
  • Yoga for Anxiety and Depression
  • Yoga for Orthopedic Needs
  • Detailed Use of Yoga Props
  • Yoga for the Aging Population
  • Yoga to Resolve Trauma Effects
  • Yoga for Neurological Conditions (Parkinson's, M.S., Lupus, Schizophrenia) etc)
  • Yoga for Mental Health Conditions
  • Detailed Training in Pranayama (breathing practices)
  • Meditation and Yoga Nidra
  • Yogic Philosophy and Lifestyle
  • Detailed Anatomy and Postural Assessments
  • Detailed Breakdown on Nutrition and Functional Medicine
  • Detailed Study and Practice on Communication Techniques
  • Observation and Clinical Hours with Diana
  • ...much more!


Upon completing this course, each student will have, along with their Yoga Therapist Certification, also acquired a certification in:

  • Children's Yoga (Yoga Alliance)
  • Prenatal Yoga (Yoga Alliance)
  • Trauma Informed Yoga Teacher Level 1 & 2 ('essence of yoga' and can be petitioned for CEC's in numerous organizations

LISTEN TO THE LATEST EPISODE!


Motivational Moments: Tournament Time


Join Diana Spiess for this powerful podcast about how we are way too often living in what she calls "tournament time" and trying to learn new skills during this time for self-care...this does not work. She gives wonderful analogies and helps the listeners gather very useful information to help pave the way for more balanced health and more ease in managing the "tournament times" in our lives.  


Listen to episodes at:




Catch up on previous episodes!


Motivational Moments: Understanding our Subtle Anatomy" (air date 12.05)


Motivational Moments: Instead of saying "I want to lose weight..." (air date 10.27)


Motivational Moments (LIVE) with Diana Spiess: The Stress, Itself, is Not the Issue (air date 10.01)

Yoga and Pilates Trainings

TRAINING PROGRAM REVIEW


⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 out of 5

Review by Lori Smith on May 12, 2023

300hr YTT Training Program held Dec. 1, 2020– Dec. 31, 2022


"Diana Spiess leads an in-depth teacher training program, which challenges students to learn and put into practice those lessons. The flexibility regarding timing to complete the program is helpful, and Diana will work with students as needed. The weekend classes, anatomy intensives, Yoga Enthusiast Practice classes, and other specialty classes are fabulous options, allowing students to explore a variety of areas that can be developed further, if interested. I was challenged personally and professionally, which ultimately helped me become a better teacher. I’m also grateful for the opportunity to meet other teachers and develop friendships that will last well beyond the teacher training program! Diana models healthy living, and I respect that she lives her yoga on and off the mat. In my humble opinion, the depth and breadth of Diana’s overall knowledge is second to none and I am fortunate to consider her a mentor as I continue additional trainings at Essence."

The Pilates Essential/Beginner Reformer and Cadillac, Chair, and Barrels Courses are also available with the Matwork!


The "essence of Pilates" Teacher Training is now fully accredited with the ITTAP!

See details below!


Sign up here and see details!


NEW Live Essential and Intermediate Matwork Dates:


2024 Dates:

June 8th 10am-3pm

June 18th 5:30-8:30pm

June 30th 12pm-3pm


Many folks do these trainings to go on to teach others and many do them to enhance their knowledge and practice.


These trainings can be used for CEC's for ACE, Yoga Alliance, C-IAYT, and petitioned for many others


Contact Diana for details and questions or to get registered: diana@essencembs.com

Trauma-Sensitive Teacher Training Level 1


2024 dates coming soon!


Trauma-Sensitive Teacher Training Level 2


2024 dates coming soon!



Cost: $650 (pricing plans available)


Contact Diana for details, to sign up and for questions: diana@essencembs.com 


These trainings can be used for CEC's for ACE, Yoga Alliance, C-IAYT, and petitioned for many others


Learn more on the 'essence of yoga' classroom site!

Congratulations to the newest graduates of the 200hr YTT program!


YTT 200 Started this January!



Contact Diana with any questions and details to get started! email Diana


2024 200HR YTT Dates


  • Jan. 19-21st
  • Feb. 16-18th
  • March 22-24th
  • April 19-21st
  • May 24-26th
  • June Sunday 23rd
  • (independent work to be done) 
  • July Sunday 21st
  • (independent work to be done) 
  • August 23-25th
  • Sept. 14th-17th (Graduation Weekend)


Thursdays 5:30-9

 * (Graduation weekend only)

Fridays 5:30-9

Saturdays 11am-6:30pm

Sundays 10am-5pm 


See more of the Lead Instructor's background here: www.dianaspiess.com

'essence of healing'

* new class forming now! Contact Diana for more information and to sig up.


Folks have been waiting for Diana to offer this course for some time! She has launched the first class and is taking sign-ups now for new class starting May 2024!


see more here


Dates for new course stating April 2024:


Tuesday, April 23rd 6:30-8:00pm ((ON ZOOM))

Sunday May 5th 1-3:30pm ((IN STUDIO))

Tuesday, May 21st ((ON ZOOM))

Sunday, May 2nd 10am-3pm ((IN STUDIO))

Thursday June 13th 6-8pm ((ON ZOOM))

Sunday, June 30th 10-3pm ((IN STUDIO))

Sunday, July 14th 10-3pm ((IN STUDIO))


  • the history and science behind sound and vibration on our health, meditation, the brain waves
  • sound therapy with numerous instruments for private sessions and groups
  • crystals and how their vibration effects us with crystal layouts for healing and balancing energy
  • aromatherapy and its effects on the body for healing
  • How to include all of these modalities for healing in private and group sessions
  • ...much more!


***Important to note: If you would like to do this course and certify with Diana, you will need to complete the Trauma Sensitive Course Level 1 with Diana and Soma Energetics Phase 1 with Diana in addition to this course work.

.

email Diana to sign up diana@essencembs.com

Recipes of the Month

Rosemary Garlic Fries

(Vegan + GF)


These super crispy fries are a winner with kids and adults!


Click to get the recipe.

Vegan Cauliflower Leek Casserole

(Vegan + GF)


This ultimate comfort food has been brightened up for spring with the addition of leeks.



Click to get the recipe.

Join Us Online for Great Classes on Zoom!
Important Zoom Class Reminders: 

  • For those participating via zoom, you must be visible on camera. We can not allow participants coming on with us without a camera option going forward for safety reasons.
  • Be signed up at least 2 hours before the class begins
  • Zoom link will be sent about 1 hour before class begins to your email 
  • Be signed in 15 minutes before class 
  • Ask all in your home to be off the internet for best reception for Zoom classes 
  • You will be on mute during Zoom classes and can send a chat message to the instructor if needed. 
  • For yoga classes, please leave savasana at the beginning or stay on the entire time to avoid being disruptive to the class. 
Here are links to products that Diana uses daily!


Reminder! Keep your Valuables Safe.

Please consider keeping valuables and things you do not need in your trunk or at home when coming to the studio. Due to space and safety concerns, we cannot have extra belongings in the rooms while classes are going on. Although we take pride in our amazing community and studio, Essence is not responsible for lost or stolen items, and we are hoping to help you prevent any issues while also keeping the studio safe and spacious for everyone.
Studio Policies

No recordings, photos, or copying of classes, workshops, or private sessions without written permission from the owner. Please leave all cellular devices on silent/off and in your bag during sessions/classes.

In order to make the space comfortable for everyone, please refrain from wearing colognes or perfumes to class.

Thank you! Namaste!

Standard Reception Hours

Mon-Fri 8:30-11:30am • Mon-Thurs 4:30-7:30pm • Sat 7:45am-11:30am

www.essencembs.com
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