In this conversation with podcaster and Shakti community member Peter Horn, Michelle discusses her approach to yoga, why self-care is so important, and more. Shakti provides guidance and wisdom through the time-honored practice of yoga, qi qong, meditation and pranayama. Master Yogi, Michelle Gigante, along with a supportive team hold space for people to come together to experience the rhythm of breath.
Join us in our sun-filled three thousand square foot home with heated floors and high ceilings. Our parking lot is located near the rear of building on Boyd St. or park across the street from our main entrance in M&T bank lot. The studio has three gender neutral bathrooms. Rent Shakti's temple of a building for ceremonies, workshops or treatments.
Join us in our sun-filled three thousand square foot home with heated floors and high ceilings. Our parking lot is located near the rear of building on Boyd St. or park across the street from our main entrance in M&T bank lot. The studio has three gender neutral bathrooms. Rent Shakti's temple of a building for ceremonies, workshops or treatments.
Services
Shakti Yoga aspires to provide a nurturing environment in which to practice these principles. Shakti - Vital energy; creative force; vehicle of consciousness. Yoga - Process of uniting opposing forces in the body and mind in order to realize the spiritual essence of being. Asana - Position of the body which channels prana, opens the chakras and removes energy blocks.
Michelle Gigante has been guiding people toward energetic openings and spiritual awakenings for over two decades. She uses her instinctual gift to read the room and create a vibe that is meaningful for both the individual and the group. Her independent spirit fostered the opening of Shakti Yoga ten years ago.
I realize that being new can be daunting. Our team aims to do what they can to make you feel comfortable and ready to start your mat practice with us. Here at Shakti, there is nothing to get right and nothing you need to already know. Your time on your mat is for inward discovery rather than outward improvement.
A steady set of breath and motion to open energy channels and to deepen connections. The sequences given are drawn from, but not limited to, the hatha family of yoga. Qi qong and meditation is often incorporated. Creative expression is encouraged. Everyone is free to go at their own pace to find their own rhythm.
A concentrated session to promote realignment. Using Reiki (hands on touch), Qi Qong (chinese yoga), crystals, and or breath-work Michelle will unblock energy channels and create a more effecient internal flow. Spiritual guidance and sage advice based on intuition are provided to stear clients on a path of wellness.
Reviews (15)
June Knoerzer
Aug 14, 2021
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Svetlana P.
Apr 08, 2020
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Elise S.
Jan 29, 2020
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I've consistently been going to shakti for 3 years now, with no prior yoga experience. This yoga studio is heavily focused on the meditation aspects- not the physical work out. I love that the point is to show your mind down and be more grounded with your body. I don't do yoga for the sake of physical exercise, although some Friday classes will definitely make me sweat. Every Friday they have live music, which makes the practice so much more special. My flexibility has increased beyond what I ever though was possible. I also no longer have chronic back pain since attending a weekly
J. V.
Jul 19, 2019
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Shakti differs from any other studio that I have ever been to, both in the space and in the practice itself. It is located in a beautifully renovated bank with an outstandingly high detailed ceiling, huge windows, a heated wooden floor, and and glorious sound system (that is not used for every class) this all makes for a very soothing experience. The proprietor, Michelle is a gifted teacher who seems to read the room like a book, intuitively weaving movement with breath. All the teachers have the ability of creating a moving meditative experience. Before I joined Shakti, I had practiced at
Bridget M.
Jul 15, 2019
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Morgan B.
May 29, 2019
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The space is nice - they have plenty of mats, blocks, and bolsters to borrow (as well as a pair of inversion tables!). I went to two classes over the past week, a Vinyasa flow with Michelle (the owner) and a "Gentle Flow" class with Steve. I wasn't the biggest fan of either of them; I go to yoga classes in order to learn more about alignment and yogic philosophy, but both Michelle and Steve's classes came up short in terms of what I expect out of cuing and dharma talks. Michelle also offers hands-on assists without asking or letting you know that they're a part of her class
Brian B.
May 23, 2018
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I came here for a music event. The event was described online as free, with a recommended donation of $10. My group consisted of six people, five of which donated. One of my friends could not afford the cover and was pulled aside by the owner and scolded for not having money. In her words "You think you can just go places for free?".
My friend was eventually let in, but it ended up souring our night. We only stayed because we knew one of the people performing.
I certainly wouldn't go somewhere for relaxing yoga when the owner is a condescending elitist who shames the poor.
My friend was eventually let in, but it ended up souring our night. We only stayed because we knew one of the people performing.
I certainly wouldn't go somewhere for relaxing yoga when the owner is a condescending elitist who shames the poor.
Alex L.
Jun 25, 2015
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I found my favorite yoga class! In the hustle and bustle of life, sometimes we don't take the time we need to slow down our thoughts, minds, movements...but the slow vinyasa class here accomplishes that!
It's taught by Michelle on Thursdays and I believe a few other times. I went at 7:30pm. It was beautiful. Slow, but purposeful flow in a gorgeous venue on the West Side. It was exactly what I needed and just writing this review I'm thinking about how much I need to go back to something like this right now.
We all need to slow down a little. Shakti Yoga helped me accomplish that
It's taught by Michelle on Thursdays and I believe a few other times. I went at 7:30pm. It was beautiful. Slow, but purposeful flow in a gorgeous venue on the West Side. It was exactly what I needed and just writing this review I'm thinking about how much I need to go back to something like this right now.
We all need to slow down a little. Shakti Yoga helped me accomplish that
Nicole U.
Sep 20, 2014
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Looking for an absolutely beautiful yoga studio in the city? Shakti yoga on Grant Street is the brainchild of Michelle Gigante. She took an amazing old bank building and repurposed it. There are heated hardwood floors, huge windows, and parking in the back.
Aside from the stunning visuals, Michelle is the real deal. A true yogi who understands thee are eight limbs to practice, not just asana.
Monica Z., who teaches restorative, is another gem at Shakti. She creates an atmosphere of bliss while rebalancing and replenishing your energy. All in a supremely slow, healing practice.
Check out the
Aside from the stunning visuals, Michelle is the real deal. A true yogi who understands thee are eight limbs to practice, not just asana.
Monica Z., who teaches restorative, is another gem at Shakti. She creates an atmosphere of bliss while rebalancing and replenishing your energy. All in a supremely slow, healing practice.
Check out the
Lisa H.
Jan 12, 2014
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Compassionate & intuitive instruction! Great place to open your heart, mind, & body. There are several yoga classes offered, meditation classes, and several special events. The floor is heated making savasana a juicy and truly relaxing experience. If you are a person who likes assistance, be sure to note the difference between the led vinyasa sessions and the other sessions. The instructor will move with you during a led vinyasa session versus walking around and assisting clients during the other sessions. The schedule will indicate which sessions are led. I have been going here for years
Kelly S.
Dec 25, 2013
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I really enjoyed the live music class that we went to. The flow of the class was very good and I didn't have any pain from holding positions too long. The space and heated floor boards were great. The class was full but not too full. We all got several corrections during class as the instructor continuously was circulating around. There were people of all levels and it seemed that everyone had a positive experience. I will definitely come again when I'm in town and I highly recommend it.
Diana B.
Jan 16, 2013
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I am totally new to yoga, and this is my first "real" experience with yoga (other then having random classes at the various gyms that I've been to throughout the years). I have attended the Vinyasa and Slow Vinyasa classes (mostly going to slow vinyasa which are better for beginners). The instructor, Michelle, is awesome! She comes up with a theme for every class and really focuses in on it, always bringing the class back to the theme (e.g., non-judgment, traveling on breath etc.). The classes are interesting, and I always feel that I got a good workout even though I feel totally
Ryan W.
Nov 22, 2011
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It was one of THOSE days: I was running late, with too much to do, got lost and stuck in traffic en route to the city, and as a result, showed up late and frazzled to my first session at Shakti.
I walked out of this session feeling calmed, loved and wanting to go back.
What happened? As soon as we stepped through the doors of this converted bank building, I felt calmer. The lobby was welcoming, with a comfy couch and a bookshelf full of interesting titles, and a small dressing room (no shower) where we could stash our things. The staff at Shakti let us into the studio quickly and quietly, giving
I walked out of this session feeling calmed, loved and wanting to go back.
What happened? As soon as we stepped through the doors of this converted bank building, I felt calmer. The lobby was welcoming, with a comfy couch and a bookshelf full of interesting titles, and a small dressing room (no shower) where we could stash our things. The staff at Shakti let us into the studio quickly and quietly, giving
Jess O.
Apr 14, 2011
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This studio is beautiful. It is an old bank with great renovation. There are high ceilings, lots of light, and even an old bank vault in the back. Unfortunately, the space is the only reason why it gets 2 starts from me.
This is just not my type of studio. The woman who owns the studio teaches almost all the classes. She seems nice enough but she is mostly just doing her own yoga practice in front of you. Going to a studio should be something more than watching a DVD. She had an interesting routine, but a few of us couldn't understand the poses and she didn't even notice because she
This is just not my type of studio. The woman who owns the studio teaches almost all the classes. She seems nice enough but she is mostly just doing her own yoga practice in front of you. Going to a studio should be something more than watching a DVD. She had an interesting routine, but a few of us couldn't understand the poses and she didn't even notice because she
Heather W.
Oct 28, 2010
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MY first (and unfortunately only, so far) experience at the beginner's vinyasa yoga class at shakti on Saturday was great. I loved the teacher, the class was small, the music was perfect and there was not only a teacher showing us the poses in the front of class but one who walked around helping us with our poses.
There were even a couple moments where I started to feel a little bit of the flow, which I never have before at other yoga studios. I am really optimistic about the very strong feel of eastern tradition in this yoga class. It is not just a good work out, it truly is a spiritual
There were even a couple moments where I started to feel a little bit of the flow, which I never have before at other yoga studios. I am really optimistic about the very strong feel of eastern tradition in this yoga class. It is not just a good work out, it truly is a spiritual
