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Yoga studio Meditation center Meditation instructor Wellness program Yoga instructor Yoga retreat centerAbout the Club
2024 SW Lake Michigan Retreat Dates are:
3-Day (Fri-Sun) and 4-Day run May-October
In-person and Virtual Private Yoga Therapy and Meditation sessions.
YOGA TEACHER TRAINING RYT200, RYT300, RYT500 - ROLLING ADMISSIONS.
Flex Start/Finish Dates. Study with a Master Teacher.
New: Yoga and Meditation Self-Care Course Starts 1/12
Chakra Meditation 2-Day Seminar January 25-26
Beginners and pros are welcome!
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Reviews
Yizhou Chen
★ 5
Ema is fantastic!
Source: Google
Dandan Shan
★ 5
Highly recommend. I really enjoy doing yoga with Ema. She is caring about you and knowledgeable in traditional yoga. I feel better with my body and decide to take more sessions with her. I previously did not believe in yoga but the experience with her totally changed my mind because it is effective for my back pain and helps me gain more relax and inner peace.
Source: Google
Jeremiah McCoy
★ 5
Ema is Absolutely Awesome! I left the retreat relaxed and more solidified in my practice and teaching. And from one Martial Artist to another she will defiantly improve apron your mobility and breathing. I absolutely can't wait for my next retreat with her!!!
Source: Google
Brian Burke
★ 5
Enriching retreat in beautiful location. I learned new techniques to go deeper into meditation while better understanding Hindu philosophy and different yoga paths. Ema’s rich experience and intuitive approach make her an ideal spiritual guide.
Source: Google
Cori Sanford
★ 5
Taking private meditation classes with Ema was a game-changer in my life. As someone who suffers from moderate to severe anxiety and insomnia, I truly feel that Ema's instruction has provided me with meaningful tools that I can carry through my life. With these tools, I have noticed a huge change in my attitude and quality of sleep and life.
Ema is very engaged, gentle and customizes her lessons for the individual. I was 6 weeks pregnant when I started lessons with her and she kindly provided different breathing techniques and practices that were tailored to the later months of pregnancy.
After working with her, you can easily recognize her genuine nature and care for her students. I would not hesitate to sign up for more sessions in the future.
Source: Google
Greta Bossenbroek
★ 5
I started taking yoga and meditation with Ema just a few months ago. I was looking for a practice that was rooted in the tradition of yoga, and I also wanted to incorporate more meditation to help with anxiety. Working with Ema is not like going to other yoga studios. There is a playfulness and not taking yourself so seriously, but also a deep learning from her style of teaching. Her knowledge of breath and the body movements in a safe way have already helped me so much. Every class I go to I leave more calm and relaxed. I have also taken a personal lesson with her and found it very helpful to deepen my understanding of meditation. I also really enjoy that she gives you tips for practicing at home and integrating it more deeply into your life. It's only as good as the person willing to do the work, but for me, I've really enjoyed getting knowledgeable tools from her so I can continue my practice at home.
Source: Google
David VanArsdale
★ 5
While I was visiting Ann Arbor last month, I had the chance to join Ema for 4 classes (both inside a studio and outside at a park) and they were beautiful experiences.
To be honest, I'm mostly a YouTube yoga person, which I have to admit is my main reference point for yoga...but her classes deliver a more holistic perspective and fuller experience. Classes are much more open and free flowing; she's generous with the amount of attention she pays to each person in providing specific adjustments and direction for you to improve; in addition to the physical practice, there's also exposure to the inner/broader yoga perspective.
She clearly has a deep expertise of yoga, which you can sense (if that makes sense). It's the type of experience that comes from practicing, constant study, and living a certain type of way for decades. There is a natural, open quality to the classes, which was new to me, in a very good way.
Source: Google
outlying data point
★ 5
Ema is exactly what I needed for both yoga / body and mind .
Source: Google
Analía Lessenberry Valdez
★ 5
When one has certain difficulties in life, or perhaps, feels lost, it can be really hard to take advice from people who have not gone through what you have gone through.
I am choosing to be very candid in my review, in hope that it might help or encourage someone else who is in the place that I once occupied.
I came to Ema a little over 12 years ago. Only 19 at the time I wanted to learn more about yoga, one of the only things that made me "feel better". I had a very high score of "Adverse Childhood Effects". This manifests itself in many ways in those who have suffered trauma, but in me it manifested itself in: depression, anxiety, insomnia, emotional, physical and other types of imbalances in my mind and body. Simply put I had never seen what it was like to have a good, happy, balanced life. Many things about society had me questioning. Why were my instincts so different than what society told me they had to be? Couldn't I just be myself? First I had to meet my "self" and that is where Ema came in.
At the time I was studying the 500hr Yoga and Meditation Teacher Training, but now as an adult I realize I was really receiving a sophisticated form of Yoga Therapy. Learning the techniques that Ema taught me, helped to save me what would likely have been thousands of hours in talk therapy and even more money in medication. I am so grateful I found a natural way to bring about harmony and balance in my life. Not to mention grateful that I was exposed to "real yoga" which encompasses a wide scope of topics well beyond just physical postures. I notice friends and acquaintances who have completed yoga teacher trainings elsewhere often have no clue of certain topics I bring up to them that are integral to my personal practice.
During that period I was able to enjoy around 3 yoga retreats with her in amazing locations around Michigan. The Lake Michigan retreat really stands out to me and I look forward to returning this summer.
Now at 32 years old I have begun studying with Ema again. I was going through another transition period in my life and wanted to learn deeper forms of meditation. Ema was right there for me as if no time had even passed. Since I live on the East Coast now she was willing to do private virtual lessons with me. I felt like that experience would not be the same as in person classes. To my surprise, even over the internet, Ema is able to transmit a special energy. It is hard to describe but with some simple instructions, meditation feels easy and natural with her.
Without her guidance and the acquisition of a yogic lifestyle I would have never been able to be at the point I am at now. I have a good full time job, many fulfilling artistic hobbies, as well as meaningful friendships and relationships. When I started studying yoga with Ema over 12 years ago I never could have even conceived of viewing life in the way I do now. The world is no longer a horrible place where everyone was out to hurt me. I am able to be happy, but without the manic ups and downs. Younger me still cannot believe what I have been able to accomplish.
Ema showed me how to be a "balanced" creative person and follow my natural intuition. This has given me unspeakable opportunities and experiences.
Thank you Ema! I am eternally grateful for you and for the grace of yoga! I look forward to doing Continuing Education courses towards my Teaching Certification with her.
Source: Google
Pugal Janakiraman
★ 5
Awesome teacher with really deep knowledge who have transformed my life in less than 5 sessions.
Source: Google
Karen Stevens
★ 5
Hello! I went to the Retreat at SW Lake Michigan, last weekend (July 29-31/2022) and I have to say it was one of the most touching experiences I have had in my life, the place is so peaceful, special, it's magic!! However that was nothing compare to Ema, she is such an amazing woman, she has a lot of knowledge and his energy is very special. Words can't describe very well what I experienced. But if you made it to this comment, just go!! You won't regret it!
Thank you Ema!!
Source: Google
Cass Donakey
★ 5
Ema is really knowledgeable at her craft. Her training is admirable.
Source: Google
Brandon Lewandowski
★ 5
To say that I enjoyed my experience and that I am glad I did it, is an understatement; this experience is difficult to put into words. Ema is extremely knowledgeable and it is apparent how she has dedicated her life to learning and teaching. I admire Ema and strive to be like Ema in the way that she operates from heart and passion only! I intend to return again someday and hope to experience other adventures offered by Ema, along the way, as well.
Source: Google
Judy Bradford
★ 5
My weekend retreat with Ema was soooo relaxing and informative. She is very sensitive to each individual's needs, and won't move on to the next exercise (whether yoga or mediation) until she is confident everyone "gets it" and is ready to move on. I learned so many new ways to get into a meditative state, and I will continue to use these methods to reduce anxiety and help with my sleep.
Source: Google
Fay Ghoujeghi
★ 5
Source: Google
Kyle Kleeberger
★ 5
I attended a 3 day retreat back in April of 2021. The instruction was genuine, thorough and positive overall. I look forward to my next encounter with Ema Stefanova!
Source: Google
wesenf peterson
★ 5
Ema is a great instructor. I have known her for more than 22 years and really enjoy her classes.
Source: Google
Jasper Z
★ 5
I am new to yoga and have worked with Ema for only a month and a half... and the results are immediately visible. I have a Fitbit watch and it has shown a dramatic decrease in my resting heart rate that visibly correlates to the start date of my yoga lessons. I usually have liver and hip issues around this time of the year from season changes and doing yoga with her has significantly helped me cope with those things... and I'm just starting. Her instructions are very well geared towards addressing my immediate issues and are tremendously helpful for everyday life. I would highly recommend her.
Source: Google
Chris Traugott
★ 5
Source: Google
Jennifer Toothnanny
★ 5
For the best yoga experiences, look no further. Ema provides her students with excellent classes for yoga and meditation. The retreat experiences were incredible. Ema is a professional with years of experience and the yoga is very traditional and authentic. This center will help your mind and body!
Source: Google
Russell Quillin
★ 5
Ema Stefanova is a knowledgable and skilled yoga instructor. She is competent in working with students with a variety of experience and skill levels in yoga and meditation.
Source: Google
Tanya DesJardins
★ 5
Ema is a very knowledgeable Yoga and Meditation teacher. She is patient and caring and has a great approach. Ema takes time to get to know her students, she make everybody feel welcome and is very encouraging. I highly recommend her to anyone looking for a traditional approach to yoga or meditation.
Source: Google
Nick Szpond
★ 5
Ema is very passionate, patient, and willing to teach. Being a beginner student, I learned a lot about meditation and yoga and was able to use some of the techniques at home as well. I highly recommend Ema whether you are experienced or new to meditation.
Source: Google
Eric Ederer
★ 5
I took the 500 hour Yoga Teacher course. The course empowered me to make authentic, safe, and personalize Yoga routines with postures, breath, and meditations for overall health and well-being. It is a good course for committed students.
Source: Google
Rho Ostrowski
★ 5
Ema taught me a great foundation of yoga years ago. During my yoga practice, I often find myself remembering the foundation and structure both energetically and physically that Ema instilled into me. Her depth of Yoga knowledge is refreshing. I would highly recommend anyone looking to get in touch with their body and inner self to take a class with Ema.
Thank You Ema! :)
Source: Google
Tina Green
★ 5
Ema is a very knowledgeable yoga and mediation instructor. Her teaching is not your typical westernized yoga classes. She is true to the practice. The retreat atmosphere that she offers is perfect for self reflection. The balance between group practice and self practice was perfect. I love her guided Yoga Nidra. I opted to take my yoga teacher training from Ema after researching all the available trainings in the area. I believe that her training is extremely comprehensive and much more in depth than others that I reviewed. I know I will be a successful teacher because of her guidance.
Source: Google
Doug Wathen
★ 5
Ema's teaching style is very personal; what works for you. This is not trendy yoga but traditional with high quality instruction. Like many of her students, I have been studying with her for years.
Source: Google
Emmak9
★ 5
Amazing knowledge and insight on traditional yoga and meditation, improved my practice and general out look. Definitely recommend.
Source: Google
Robin Jameson
★ 5
Ema is a traditionally trained and authentic yogic practitioner. Studying with her transformed my life. Twenty years later I still observe the effects of her caring instruction upon my life and practice. I heartily recommend her classes!
Source: Google
Alyson Parker
★ 5
Ema has the ability to lead people in the direction of their best lives and selves by putting aside vanity and ego while serving authentic yoga to the public.
Source: Google
Theresa Klein-Hansen
★ 5
I searched intensely to find Emma, I wanted to learn from someone who had True base in Meditation. I hope someday to be half the Meditation teacher Emma is. Namaste
Source: Google
aleksandra rakic
★ 5
She is very knowledgeable yoga instructor, her classes are different then all other cookie cutter classes in the area. Last 10-15 minutes of meditation is something that nobody offers anywhere else, even if they claim relaxation and meditation at the end of the class. Ema definitely brings yoga to the next level, the level that we always expect of yoga but been lost in a sense.
Source: Google
Karen Burke
★ 5
Ema is a very knowledgable and skilled instructor. I have practiced yoga for many years and came to Ema after injuring myself while practicing at a different studio. Her one on one therapy session was very useful in identifying areas to focus my attention while practicing, as well as exercises and resources to strengthen and correct muscular imbalances. In group classes she gives excellent personalized attention and makes the effort to get to know each individual. Additionally, the breathing and meditative components of these classes were very accessible for me.
These are not a fast-paced vinyasa style classes, but if you are looking to deepen a yoga practice with personalized attention I highly recommend Ema Stefanova.
Source: Google
Alicia Abbott
★ 5
Ema Stefanova is a quality yoga teacher. I went to her because I have permanent nerve damage as well as chronic insomnia due to stress. I wanted to learn how to meditate as well as learn yoga poses that would help keep my body flexible. Combined, this is the perfect solution in reducing stress and managing pain.
The class sizes are such that Ema is able to ensure you are doing the poses properly. She also teaches breathing techniques that coincide with the poses for optimal health benefits. This is very important. Doing yoga improperly can result in injuries or over stressed muscles.
I have been seeing Ema for 5 months. I can’t imagine not going to Yoga and Meditation. In 5 months I have made huge strides in pain management and sleep quality.
Source: Google