Michael Plasha, Yoga, Ayurvedic, and Meditation Educator, is also an Addiction, Trauma and Chronic Disease Specialist. Michael Plasha, founder of Plasha Yoga, has over 40 years of experience providing students with both community yoga classes and private lessons, which cater to each individual's experience level.
Michael has over 1,000 hours of training from Integral Yoga, the American Institute of Vedic Studies, Iyengar, Ashtanga, Kripalu, and Viniyoga. He has taught over 11,000 classes; over 16,000 hours of teaching experience. Michael offers safe and thorough alignment, precise verbal cueing, a nurturing non-competitive atmosphere, creative sequencing of over 150 postures, compassionate assists and sophisticated breathing, and more!
Michael has over 1,000 hours of training from Integral Yoga, the American Institute of Vedic Studies, Iyengar, Ashtanga, Kripalu, and Viniyoga. He has taught over 11,000 classes; over 16,000 hours of teaching experience. Michael offers safe and thorough alignment, precise verbal cueing, a nurturing non-competitive atmosphere, creative sequencing of over 150 postures, compassionate assists and sophisticated breathing, and more!
Services
I am first and foremost a Yoga, Ayurvedic and Meditation Educator; and an Addiction, Trauma and Chronic Disease Specialist. We honor traditional Yoga with the most respected level of training and the most experience available locally. It all started with free classes I began offering in my living room in 1982.
I aspire in each class to integrate the psychological, philosophical and spiritual roots of Classical Yoga in a multi-modality Hatha Yoga classes. The art of hands-on assists at Plasha Yoga begins with permission to give them. Then the gentle directional assists support a safer practice and an increase in pranic flow.
Increases GABA - the neurotransmitter that helps calm your brain down - and also works to regulate anxiety. If you are new to yoga or my yoga studio, the first class is $10; otherwise, drop-ins are $15. If you are preregistered for a session, your class is included. If you want to drop in to another class, it is $10 or you can join the class if you need to make up your regularly scheduled class.
Upcoming or past events and workshops have included: Meditation, Pranayama, The Yoga Sutras, Resolve to Evolve, Yoga Psychology, The Bhagavad Gita for Daily Living, Ayurveda, Prenatal Yoga, Back Pain, Forest Bathing, Mindfulness Bushcrafting, Yoga for Athletes, Postural Yoga Clinics, Partner Yoga, Cooking Classes, Thai Yoga Massage for Couples, Valentines Program, Conscious Communication and Kidding Around Yoga.
Below you will find information about the private lessons and classes we offer at Plasha Yoga, including:. Special Package: 6 private lessons for $299! This is for individuals or a married couple. I can go to your home or meet you at the studio or we can do a Zoom format which is great if you live outside of Erie.
Reviews (10)
Erika Agnew
Sep 14, 2019
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Where to start?! I have been taking yoga with Michael for the past few years and I can honestly say, I have not found a studio quite like it. I have done yoga for years and taking yoga here has completely transformed my practice. This is a warm, encouraging space if you are just starting your yoga journey or if you are well versed in postural yoga and want to dive in deeper to other aspects of yoga like meditation. I loved it so much I completed the 200 hour yoga teacher training! Run, don't walk people!
Erik Z.
Jun 25, 2019
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I started practicing yoga to relieve stress and to learn skills to help me live a more meaningful, spiritually rooted life. I have tried many places and I find Michael's wholistic approach to be the most helpful. The atmosphere is calming and feels to me like the most authentic and traditional space I have practiced in. Each class also has readings or topics to reflect on, conversation, meditation, breathing techniques and more. I love that Michael discusses aspects of his personal life, both his struggles and his strengths. I believe that he wants a deeper relationship with us and NOT just to
Lo Myrick
Jun 06, 2019
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I wasn’t ever very comfortable in my own skin, so when I started yoga, I’d go in self-conscious and also try to compete with everyone because it was what I knew and what I was comfortable doing. I was stuck in a total athlete’s mindset. Michael Plasha was the first instructor who really got me excited about my practice. He is such a jolly man. He is so full of life and happiness and energy. He keeps the classes informative, but not so stern that it was serious. He has an amazing setting for all people to come and practice, whether you are brand new or returning.
Michael was also the first
Michael was also the first
Kathleen Ryan
Dec 08, 2018
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I have been taking classes at Plasha Yoga for almost twenty years. Michael's warmth, kindness, and depth of knowledge are beyond compare. Not only have I gained physical strength and flexibility through his classes, but I have been challenged to examine my thoughts and actions through the practice, which is far more than poses alone. If you want a trendy, westernized hot yoga experience, this isn't the place. If you want to explore a holistic approach to mind, body, and spiritual health, deeply rooted in tradition, this is the best place for it in Erie!
David Alfieri
Nov 06, 2018
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My bride got me involved with Restorative Yoga and Michael. It is GREAT!! I look forward to our sessions every week. I have learned techniques and practices that help me with work, play, and life in general. Many times the best I feel all week is after our time with Michael. We are very lucky to have Michael and his yoga in Erie. Thank you Michael 😁😁 David Alfieri
Heidi Zuck
Oct 25, 2018
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Rob Hoff
Oct 07, 2018
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Yoga is yoga, and if you are seeking only a path to enhance some aspect of your physical functioning, there are gyms and fitness centers. If you like exercising with four-legged companions, maybe goat yoga is for you. What passes for "yoga" is big business and there are different 'flavors' for every taste, which is fine. But if you seek the real deal, with a person who will meet you where you are and guide you in your transformation, may I recommend Michael Plasha (and he smells better than goats).
William Lamont
Sep 23, 2018
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I have been taking Restorative and Mindfulness classes from Michael for many years. I started to take classes because of a cardiac issue and needed to learn relaxation and deeper introspection. Because of Michael's classes I am calmer and relaxed and therefore healthier!! Michael is very personable, very diverse, and knowledgeable on the broad topic of yoga. Michael lives what he presents to his students and exposes his students to multiple options and challenges in their own lives. Very broad minded and thoughtful of others!!
Jan Pytlarz
Aug 02, 2018
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I am a woman in my late 50’s who is not athletic, and I started attending Plasha Yoga about 3 years ago. While I really appreciate that attending the classes at Plasha Yoga weekly means that I CAN get down on the floor, do downward dog, sweat, and try postures that are challenging to me, I am always encouraged to listen to my body and go out of the posture as soon as it does not feel right for me where I am now. The biggest benefit I have gotten from my classes at Plasha is that I have been inspired to follow a path to serious meditation, and I took the 25 hour class for Meditation Teacher training
Halle Kostansek
Jul 12, 2018
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It's always a great experience at Plasha Yoga! I started as a newbie about 8 years ago and have benefitted immensely from Michael (Plasha)'s approach that prioritizes finding a comfortable home within one's own body, regardless of ability or flexibility. He combines the physical and "spiritual" aspects of yoga in an approachable yet challenging way, and the annual summer classes in natural settings around the region are a ray of light at the end of a long Erie winter. Great for beginners or advanced students.