November Newsletter & Specials

November Specials: 

Thankful for YOU! 

This season of gratitude, we are so thankful for all you and can’t wait to end this year and begin a new one with you all. 

Purchase any 10 session class package and get 3 FREE! 

• these packages are good for 4 months from date of purchase.
• only available until Nov. 15th 
• system credit can be used for this special

Look to our ad for our nominations 👇🏻 to get a sneak peek 👀 at our Black Friday deals! You do NOT want to miss those! 😃

New Classes & Changes

• Saturday 8:00am yoga with Rachel!
• Watch for Diana's upcoming new class... "Walk-N-Learn"

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

Q&A session: Join Diana and some of the former students and current 300hr and Yoga Therapy course students for a Q&A session: Thursday, December 4th 7-8pm on Zoom. Contact Diana to be added to the list for the session: diana@essencembs.com or text to 419-944-9794

Believe it or not... it's time to vote again!

Thank you for your nominations!

Please vote for us in the following categories:

Diana Spiess for Best Life Coach • Nutrition Counseling • Personal Trainer • Naturopath • Yoga Instructor 

Essence for Best Yoga Studio • Boutique Fitness Studio • Holistic Health Center 

Click here to Vote!

Recent Awards

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 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

Toledo Blade Readers' Choice Awards

2024 Winner • Best Yoga Studio

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 plants because they are just too big. They were all14’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.

TESTIMONIALS

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. 

Pam G.

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! 

This year's classes are now all full! Watch for the 2026 dates on The Toledo Zoo's web site soon!

Join Diana and other essence staff for several 'Zen at the Zoo' yoga classes this year! We have new locations this year and many great experiences! Sign up soon...they fill fast!

Zen at the Zoo Information and Sign Up

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."

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 

Mini Pumpkin Pie Tarts

(Vegan + GF)

Click to get the recipe.

Green Bean Casserole

(Vegan + GF)



Click to get the recipe.

Traditional Crockpot Stuffing

(Vegan + GF)



Click to get the recipe.

Click here to Download our How To Zoom Guide (PDF)

Standard Reception Hours

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