In 2006, Michael traveled to Mysore, India to study with Yogacharya V. Venkatesha, who embodies the virtue of yoga as a self practice that must be experienced first-hand to be of greatest value, and also with V. Sheshadri, who teaches the traditional Ashtanga Vinyasa style. Studying in India was life-changing for Michael, who experienced the culture in which yoga arose, and being taught in the traditional Indian manner showed him how much yoga has been adapted to western students since its introduction to western culture. It is Michael’s endeavor to embrace and further the western evolution of yoga, while remaining true to its original roots and purpose, which are the pursuit of enlightenment.

Among the many students Michael has seen, he has worked extensively with dancers and athletes, but uses his skill in adapting yoga to those with special needs such as seniors, people with weight issues, those with injuries, and even those who simply desire a heightened degree of physical fitness and a deeper connection to the body/mind. He worked with the McGill Triathlon team, yielding great results among the athletes; his restorative yoga classes are among the most popular in Montreal; and has been a mentor to students in Hart’s teacher training programs.

Last year, Michael started his own teacher training program in Restorative Yoga, and is currently the yoga advisor for the YM/YWHA. This year Michael has the privilege of teaching alongside Mr. Lazer in United Yoga Montreal’s teacher training program, and a program at the YM/YWHA geared towards teachers who want to refine and improve their skills. Michael has given workshops in Montreal, Calgary, and Mexico City, and is looking forward to continue spreading the Adaptive Yoga system through workshops in your city. Refer to the schedule and workshops page for more information.

Michael does not teach therapeutic yoga. However, many students he has worked with have therapeutic needs, and due to the versatility of Adaptive Yoga, many do nonetheless find it therapeutic. 

Yoga is a great way to manage, prevent, and even diminish injury and disease, but is in no way meant to replace professional medical help. Please consult with your medical professional before embarking on any yoga program, and advise your yoga instructor of any serious medical conditions, as some poses may be contraindicated or may need to be adapted for you. Due to potential contraindications, Michael may ask several questions as their relevancy occurs with regard to lifestyle, medical condition/history, and pain patterns, usually in a private setting, and all information is confidential.

As a teacher and student, Michael combines his keen eye and attention to detail with ongoing Ayurvedic, Tantric and restorative yoga practices, as well as modern anatomy, physiology, and other bodywork techniques to enrich his and his students' consciousness of the inseparable aspects of mind, body, and spirit.