Plasha Yoga At Discovery SQ

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 provide a commodity.paid for and delivered. Yoga is his passion and it shows in the experience he provides.

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!

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!

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

I have followed Michael for nearly 20 years now, through all levels of classes. I consider him a personal guru as well as spiritual friend. He teaches in a clear, easy-to-understand manner, and incorporates yoga history and theory into his postures and poses.

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).

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!

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. I have no interest in teaching, but the study enhanced my meditation practice in every way. This is yoga for your mind and body. Round bodies, old bodies, not just competitive gym yoga.

I feel the most peaceful in my entire week when I leave class Monday evening, and I am now pretty good at knowing how to welcome that peace into my daily life. These opportunities have been opened to me by one thing only, Plasha Yoga. I highly recommend, you are welcome there, wherever you are currently coming from.

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.

I have been a student of Michael's for over a year now and thanks to his guidance I now practice both yoga and meditation almost every day. It has helped tremendously with my stress levels and low back issues. His style is that of a teacher and you'll learn a traditional style of yoga that's applicable to everyday life. If your looking for an intense workout in your yoga, his class may not be for you. But if you are interested in a mindful approach that covers all aspects of wellness, he is the best and has been doing it for a very long time.