Today we’d like to introduce you to Roman Plaks.
Roman, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
In the Srping of 2019, we had two choices to open a Yoga Studio. Pittsburgh, PA or Batesville, AR. We chose the small town with a population of 12 thousand. Taking a chance on being the first Yoga studio in a small town was quite the task as this area is considered to be the Bible Belt, and most folks thought we practiced Buddhism. After locking a small space inside an active gym, we launched Yoga7Studio. It went so well that we were going to open a second studio in the town of Searcy, AR. We prepared by developing an online class schedule that was live on Facebook, free to members, and a small monthly fee for non-members. Then COVID-19 hit. We were fortunate to be in a small town and not Pittsburgh. The small town of Batesville was so supportive during this period that we did not lose one member. We continued by abiding by Covid regulations for spacing and our online presence of several live classes per day. In 2021, Yoga7KIds was created. A complete in-home yoga experience for children that included a certificate of achievement. This program is now in 5 languages and offered on ETSY as a download or card-stock copies delivered to the buyer’s home. In 2023 I became a certified Pilates teacher. We then launched Yoga7Pilates, offering Pilates mat classes. In 2024 Yoga-7 became a Yoga School under the Yoga Alliance set of standards. We now offer our Yoga Teacher Training program. During this time, I achieved an additional 300 hours of training, obtaining the highest level as a yoga teacher E-RYT® 500, YACEP®. On June 16th, 2025, we began Pilates Reformer classes, securing the full level of a yoga and pilates studio. We have certified 22 yoga teachers, 6 of whom work or are a part of Yoga7PIlates. To date, I have logged over 9600 teaching hours.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Overcoming the stigma of a yoga studio that was thought to be Buddhist in a small town that sits in the Bible Belt. I kept letting folks know that I am Catholic and a member of the Catholic Church. We quickly stopped the AUM chant and removed any standard Yoga symbols from the lobby and studio floor.
Also COVID-19. I thought we would not survive and members would quickly cancel their memberships.
The gym space we shared was the only available space in the city. At times, the noise was a bit noisy
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Yoga7Pilates?
What should we know? What do you do, what do you specialize in / what are you known for?
We are a Yoga and Pilates studio as well as a Yoga school
What sets you apart from others? We offer the most diverse class schedule, with the highest number of classes per week.
What are you most proud brand wise? Formulating a Yoga school in a small town as well as a kids program
What do you want our readers to know about your brand, offerings, services, etc?
A full kids yoga program that involves a certificate of being a ‘ Kids Yoga Teacher’ when completed. We have this in 5 different languages.
What matters most to you?
Continuing the acceptance of Yoga and Pilates as systems of wellness and longevity
Assisting my students and clients to reach their maximum goals in these areas
Also, the Yoga7Kids program is near and dear to my heart as it involves kids to work with the adult parent figure to achieve the end results of becoming a Kids Yoga Teacher (on paper)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.yoga-7.com/#/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yoga7batesville/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yoga7batesville
