January Newsletter & Specials | | |
New Year Specials
Start your new year off healthy, strong, peaceful, mobile, and ready for all that 2026 will bring!
20 Yoga and/or Pilates Mat classes for only $190! That’s $100 off!
- this package is good for 4 months from date or purchase
- this special can be used for any of our yoga classes and Pilates mat classes
Purchase any 10 class package and get 2 FREE classes!
- these packages are good for 4 months from date of purchase
- both regular class packages and Pilates equipment/WOW class packages can be purchased with the special
For January ONLY!
Start Diana's Comprehensive Wellness Program for $250 off! See all the details below and contact Diana to get started!
diana@essencembs.com
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YTT Scholarships Available!
The 2026 'essence of yoga' 200hr Yoga Teacher Training Dates are now set! See below for the details and contact Diana to sign up soon!
This course is not just for those wanting to teach... but for anyone wanting to learn the skills of yoga for life. See the testimonials of those who just finished the course.
Don't miss the early-bird rate to sign up! Tuition, classes, and workshops are all included!
** We have two $900 scholarships available for anyone interested. Please email Diana if you'd like an application diana@essencembs.com
Exciting news for those who take the 'essence of yoga' training program beginning in 2026!
For the first time ever and as the only yoga school in Ohio to offer dual accreditation...the 'essence of yoga' training program is embarking on a new and very exciting journey in 2026! Those who complete the 2026 program will receive dual accreditation with both the Yoga Alliance and the American Yoga Council.
See below for all of the details for this program or email Diana directly. Start your 2026 learning how yoga can help you be the healthiest version of yourself living in the state of ease versus disease.
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Mature Living
Reader's Choice Awards
Diana Spiess Voted Best Trainer
2019 • 2020 • 2021 • 2022 • 2023 • 2024 • 2025
Essence Voted Best Fitness Studio
2021 • 2023 • 2024 • 2025
Toledo Blade
Readers' Choice Awards
2024 Winner • Best Yoga Studio
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Toledo City Paper
Best of Toledo Awards
2024 Winner
Best Naturopath— Diana Speiss
Best Life Coach — Diana Spiess
2024 Runner Up
Best Personal Trainer — Diana Spiess
Yoga Instructor — Diana Spiess
Nutrition Counseling— Diana Spiess
Yoga Studio— Essence
Boutique Fitness Studio— Essence
Holistic Health Center— Essence
Diana Spiess Voted Best Yoga Teacher
2017 • 2018 • 2019 • 2020 • 2022 • 2023 • 2024
| | Comprehensive Wellness Program | | |
This entire program is HSA eligible!
Some of the most recent success stories from Diana's Comprehensive Wellness Program:
"I have to tell someone 🤭🤭🤭
I went to Lululemon to replace all of my cargo pants because they are just too big. They were all 14’s and now I’m in an 8... Unbelievable. I thought maybe I better replace my T-shirts as well. They don’t carry them in store but they carry similar ones so I tried it on so we get the size right... I went from a 2X to a medium. I just can’t believe it. I’m all tickled. Thank You for not giving up on me! I just can’t say it enough!" ~ J.C.
"The list of my improvements to now:
- doubled my deep sleep and have never slept this good!
- all of my nasal congestion is just gone! No allergies this season and in 6 months I have not been sick at all!
- my skin is SO soft and I can't stop touching it!
- I do not stress about foods in any way and my weight is trending down non-stop! I enjoy all that I eat and never have to worry about portions being too big or too small.
- I have so much more energy and a clear mind all day
- all of my stomach issues are cleared up completely
... and I know you will keep me going for much more!" ~ A.S.
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Diana's Video Message
"Happy New Year all! I am hoping you will take a few minutes to listen to the beginning and end of our power New Year's class that I hosted on the 1st. So much to 'remember' that can bring ease to us all for 2026!"
namasté ~ Diana
| | Diana's endless knowledge and compassion for her clients is nothing short of impressive! As a first time mom in my third trimester, I cannot imagine the pain and discomfort I'd experience without our sessions and daily homework! Even when I call her on a Saturday in a panic after pulling something overnight, she got me in the same day!! I left that session feeling lighter, empowered and hopeful I can manage my newest pregnancy ailment! I couldn't be more grateful for her guidance and support during this physically challenging season for me, and looking forward to digging even deeper into my misalignment/compensation patterns post partum! –Lisa B. | | |
I am immensely grateful for the transformative care I received from Diana Spiess, a multifaceted health and wellness professional with over 30 years of experience . Despite consultations with various doctors and undergoing X-rays that revealed no issues, I continued to suffer from persistent foot pain. Diana's keen observational skills allowed her to identify, within just 45 seconds of watching me walk, that a hip misalignment was the root cause of my discomfort.
Her holistic approach, encompassing therapeutic training and personalized stretching routines, not only alleviated my foot pain but also enhanced my overall mobility. Her dedication to understanding the interconnectedness of the body is truly remarkable. –Nicholas B.
| | Diana has been integral to my wellness lifestyle for the past five years. Diana is a well-informed, caring coach, from yoga and weight training to nutrition and naturopathic healing modalities. I feel safe doing body work with her. As an elder, that’s important! Her nutritional coaching has helped clean up my gut, improved my immune system, and increased my awareness of the importance of clean eating every day. Diana continually motivates me to be a healthier, stronger person. Essence Studio is a wise choice for anyone ready to meet the challenge of improving their fitness and overall well being. Diana is the perfect guide! –Bonnie C. | | I came to Essence studio in my late 50s about six months ago. I had always wanted to try yoga. After researching I decided on Essence. I made the right decision. I was drawn to the variety of classes. Yoga, Pilates, weights, dance. Diana is extremely knowledgeable as an instructor. Her commitment to health and wellness was obvious after our first conversation. I was apprehensive to begin the Yoga Teacher Training journey, also, but I'm so glad I was open to it and it’s been wonderful! All of the instructors are awesome. This has been an enlightening experience. I love this place and look forward to continued health and learning! –Theresa M. | | |
I was very hesitant to come in to see Diana. I have lived with pain for so long. I guess I just got to the point that it was going to be part of what’s left of my life. It made me sad, but I didn’t think there was any other choice. I’d had lots of tests done to try to find a diagnosis, but it was of no help. Then my oldest daughter heard about Diana and her studio.
I didn’t know what to expect on my first visit. Diana put me at ease from the very moment I met her. And I believe it was within five minutes of her, watching me walk and checking the placement of my hips she felt confident, not only did she know what was wrong, but she also had a plan on how to help me. We can’t turn back the clock and make ourselves young again, but it’s nice to know that there’s people like Diana, who can help to make us better with the time that we have. I don’t recommend much to people… I think people have to make their own decisions, but I would recommend Diana and her knowledge to anyone who is willing to put in the work! –Betty K.
| | "Have you ever thought about teaching yoga?" Me "No way!, I just want to be a student. I wouldn't be good enough, I'm not skinny enough." Fast forward to January 19th when my yoga studio hosted a Sound Bath with Diana. At the end of the session she asked if anyone would be interested in doing Yoga Teacher Training that she is starting on the 24th. I wasn't even going to come to this because I waited too long to sign up and it was full. Well, a spot was saved for me so I went and I am so glad I did! I was going through some stuff and I was led to stay after to find out more about it. She said to put the teaching part on the back burner. Not everyone that goes through YTT actually ends up teaching… they do it for themselves. I didn’t know what that meant until I went to our first night and I realized I needed this for me and if teaching is in my future that will be a bonus! Diana is such a wealth of knowledge with degrees and certifications I am learning not only yoga, how to meditate (which I struggle with), but also how to take care of myself physically and mentally. I have learned so much already and am so excited to see where this journey takes me. –Jessie T. | | I’ve been going to Diana for a year on the recommendation from a friend and a doctor who told me I needed physical therapy from someone with knowledge of the function of a women’s hips and pelvis area. I tried traditional PT for 9 months unsuccessfully prior to seeing Diana. She has saved me! After two years of debilitating hip pain, I am now pain free. I can exercise again without worrying if it will cause my hip to hurt. Her “homework” of stretching the entire body and working on the fascia has done wonders for me. Not only are my hips better, but also my entire posture and flexibility are, too. I highly recommend seeing her for any type of joint/muscle pain! – Natalie P. | | |
Many of you have been asking for this... and it’s finally here! AND...now it is mobile-friendly! This is Diana's official launch of her first app with SO much information to help anyone on a true, full wellness journey! There’s a 7 day free trial window for the app when you set up a new account and sign up for full access. Diana will be adding more all the time including live opportunities to learn and practice with her for those subscribed.
www.essenceofwellness.app
What’s included:
- many of Diana’s workshops with the PDF slides
- guided meditations and breathing practices
- tips and inspirations
- nutrition guidance & recipes
- classes
- Diana’s “Homework”
- ….much more!
| | 2026 Yoga Teacher Training | | |
2026 Yoga Teacher Training
Sign up now! The next ‘esenece of yoga’ training program is getting ready for January 2026! You do not want to miss this powerful, life-changing opportunity to learn skills and practices to take your health and well-being to a whole, new level.
Contact Diana with any questions and details to get started!
See more of the Lead Instructor's background here: www.dianaspiess.com
| | Congratulations to the newest graduates of the 200hr YTT program! | | | |
See what this past year’s student have to say about how their lives have changed:
The skills you acquire extend far beyond the mat. You learn how to breathe through challenges, navigate stress, and approach life with more balance and authenticity. -ES
‘Yoga Teacher Training (YTT)’ Is a lesson of life balance and finding strength in your home; your body. I have learned and continue to learn how to notice all the little things and how everything is connected. How choice is our super power. And Intention drives everything. My perspective and outlook have been enhanced through this experience. - Becky M.
I entered yoga teacher training not with the intention to teach, but with a desire to deepen my understanding of yoga. What I gained went far beyond the physical practice. This journey taught me more about who I am, helped me grow in ways I never expected, and shifted my perspective on how I treat myself and others. - Holly S.
When I started my YTT journey I knew I would learn about yoga and meditation. What I found is that I can heal my body not only with yoga stretches but the food I put in my body. After the our first weekend I was adamant I was not going to change the way I eat. Gluten and dairy free, veganish… not me! 9 months later I am making vegan ranch and making food with only clean ingredients. Who’d have thought? - Jessie T.
2026 YTT 200hr Weekends:
Jan. 23-25
INTRO TO YTT, COURSE WORK & EXPECTATIONS, BEGINNING ASANA & PRANAYAMA (BREATHING TECHNIQUES)
Feb. 20-23
INTRO TO MEDITATION, ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY, UNDERSTANDING FLOWING (VINYASA) YOGA
March 20-22
INTRO TO THE CHAKRAS AND CONTINUING ANATOMY, HOT YOGA CLASS, BREAKDOWN YOGA STYLES, CONTRADICTIONS AND MEDICAL CONDITIONS
April 17-19
INTRO TO USING YOGA PROPS (IYENGAR STYLE), YOGA ADJUSTMENTS, YOGA PHILOSOPHY AND LIFESTYLE, EATING FOR OVER-ALL HEALTH AND WITH AWARENESS
May 15-17
PARTNER YOGA, ANATOMY, YAMAS & NIYAMAS, STUDENTS BEGIN TEACHING
COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUES, DETAILED POSE-BREAKDOWN, HEALING MODALITIES
June 21
ETHICS AND TEACHING SAFETY, INVERSIONS, ADVANCED POSTURES, AND STUDENT PROJECTS
July 19
EATING FOR OVER-ALL HEALTH AND WITH AWARENESS
August 21-23
STARTING YOUR YOGA BUSINESS, RESTORATIVE YOGA, DETAILED POSE BREAKDOWN, UNDERSTANDING MALAS, MANTRA AND CHANTING, UNDERSTANDING YOUR STUDENTS/AUDIENCE, STUDENT PROJECTS
Sept. 17-20
LAST ASANA CLASSES TOGETHER AS A CLASS, GROUP HEALING SESSION, QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS, GRADUATION LUNCH WITH FAMILIES
Times:
Thursday (last weekend only) 5:30-9pm
Fridays 5:30pm-9:00pm
Saturdays 11:00am-6:30pm *1 hour lunch
Sundays 10:00am-5:00pm *1 hour lunch
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Caring for Your Knees…which means caring for so many things that effect knee function.
Come learn with Diana Spiess all about the structure and mechanics of our knees and learn ways to preserve their function for year to come. Even if you've had knee injuries or surgeries, this is a workshop for anyone.
Diana's 34+ years in the fitness, wellness, and clinical industries has allowed her to work with 1000's of folks from all walks of life. She has helped many prevent surgeries, hold off on surgery until the body is more ready, and recover from surgeries along with many other special circumstances. You can see all of her background on her web site www.dianaspiess.com.
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Date: Saturday, January 17th
Time:12-3pm
Cost: $30
Location: 725 Ford St. B, Maumee, Ohio 43537
Sign up soon! Her workshops fill quickly.
www.essencembs.com
419-873-6463
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The ‘Zen at the Zoo’ with Diana classes are up on the zoo’s web site for sign up. She will be teaching all of the yoga classes in 2026!
Wake up your senses with the wild things and get grounded at your Zoo!
Unwind and recharge with an hour-long yoga session led by Diana Spiess. Every class is followed by an exclusive Zoo experience! After your practice, refuel with protein-packed bites, energizing refreshments, and—if you're 21 or older—a meditative mimosa to sip and savor.
Make the most of your visit! For morning classes, enjoy a peaceful stroll through the Zoo as the animals begin their day. For afternoon sessions, arrive early to wander through the Zoo and witness them winding down for the evening. For classes taking place during the Lights Before Christmas, stay late and take in the magic of the lights!
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View all of the dates and register online with the Toledo Zoo at https://www.toledozoo.org/events/zen-at-the-zoo
Questions? Please call 419-385-5721 ext. 2078.
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Lial Renewal Center, Whitehouse
Call the studio to sign up!
419-873-6463
Email Diana with more questions:
Diana@essencembs.com
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Spring Silent Retreat
May 7-10th, 2026
Check in 4-5pm Thursday
Check out 3:30pm Sunday
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:
$775 (includes 3 nights, all 9 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 this 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 Sessions
* Sound Therapy Sessions
* Hypnosis Sessions
* Reflexology Sessions
...and MUCH More!
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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
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
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'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
| | Essence of Yoga Children's Yoga Teacher Training
The ‘essence of yoga’ Children’s Yoga Teacher Training has just begun!
It is not too late to join us and learn how to teach yoga to kids of all ages! | | |
Essence of Yoga Children's Yoga Teacher Training: an accredited program with the Yoga Alliance.
Diana has been certifying and training yoga instructors for over a decade and her school has been credentialed for certifying children’s instructors the entire time! If you are interested in learning to teaching children how to practice yoga for health and wellness, contact Diana right away and get started now! diana@essencembs.com
Children can benefit from yoga in all of these ways and SO much more:
- stress management
- physical exercise
- easing test anxiety
- learning about their bodies and how they work
- building autonomy
- learning to work in groups in a healthy, collaborative way
- breathing practices to aide many conditions like asthma
- balanced posture
- self-regulation
- meditation (working with calming and channeling the mind) in many ways
- ….and so much more!
| | Email Diana for all of the details and get started today! | | | Just recently, Diana taught one of her children's yoga classes for a 3rd grade class and they all LOVED it! They asked very enthusiastically for her to come back and the plan is to do so before state testing to help the kids with stress. She has done this many times through the years and children with rest anxiety have had very successful outcome with the work she does to help them. The children so love yoga and the adults are usually so in awe of how well the kids do and how relaxed they are at the end of the class. 😍🥰 | | |
Trauma-Sensitive Teacher Training Level 1
Dates & Times Beginning 2026:
Feb. 28th 12-3pm
March 12th 6-8pm (Zoom)
March 29th 10am-2pm
Cost: $500 (pricing plans available)
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Trauma-Sensitive Teacher Training Level 2
NEW Training Dates/Times Level 2
Coming Soon!
Cost: $500 (pricing plans available)
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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
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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."
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Recipes of the Month
Warm Up with these Delicious Dishes
| | 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.
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For yoga classes, please leave savasana at the beginning or stay on the entire time to avoid being disruptive to the class.
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Here are links to products that Diana uses daily!
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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.
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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!
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Standard Reception Hours
Mon-Fri 8:30-11:30am • Mon-Thurs 4:30-7:30pm • Sat 7:45am-11:30am
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