It’s Never Too Late
Hi, I’m Lisa — founder of Lisa Yoga N2L.
“Never Too Late” isn’t just a phrase I teach; it’s something I remind myself of daily. Whether you’re beginning again, finding your way back, or starting for the very first time, I believe there’s always room for grace, movement, and renewal.
My Journey to Yoga
In my 30s, I was still trying to find a form of movement that felt like home. I tried running, aerobics, trendy classes — you name it — but my body pushed back every time. Chronic back pain eventually led me to Pilates, and I found a rhythm with home workouts — especially those old Denise Austin DVDs I’d squeeze in before work while raising my kids. When my children were little, I even did Mommy & Me sessions when I could.
However, as the years went on and arthritis started affecting my knees, even Pilates became a challenge. That’s when a colleague introduced me to hot yoga. I was skeptical at first — but something clicked. I started going once a week, then twice, and eventually I was practicing five days a week at Hot Yoga Naperville. It transformed more than just my flexibility and strength — it helped me feel better again, both physically and mentally.
From Classroom to Yoga Teacher
For over 25 years, I was a high school teacher. I turned to yoga for myself—sometimes quietly at home, sometimes with a group of teachers after school. I used to say, “Someday, I’ll get certified.”
In 2023, at the age of 57, I finally did it. I traveled to Playa del Carmen, Mexico, and completed my 200-hour yoga teacher training at Yoga Loft. The ocean air, the vinyasa flow, and my teacher Ellen’s guidance stirred something deep in me.
Truthfully, starting over in my late 50s hasn’t been easy. It’s humbling to be a beginner again — to feel like you’re stepping into something brand new while carrying the weight of so many lived years. But that’s precisely where Never Too Late was born. I chose the name Lisa Yoga N2L not just to encourage others — but to encourage myself. This is my daily practice: showing up, starting again, and believing there’s still something beautiful ahead.
Faith and Movement
As a Christian, I’ve spent time reflecting on how yoga and faith can share space in my life. While yoga’s roots aren’t part of my religious background, I’ve learned to approach it with openness, discernment, and respect.
Years ago, I co-led a Christian yoga class with my pastor — a simple, quiet offering where breath, movement, and Scripture came together in a meaningful way. That experience showed me that yoga could become a space for prayer and presence, not just poses.
These days, I continue to explore how my faith and my practice intersect. Yoga gives me space to slow down, to listen, and to reconnect — body, mind, and spirit — with the One who created me.
Read my Disclaimer to learn more about how I balance faith and yoga.
Teaching & Continuing Education
I’ve had the opportunity to teach yoga in a variety of settings, including schools and community spaces. While working with young people was meaningful, I’ve felt called to move in a different direction — one that aligns more closely with where I am now.
My focus is shifting toward adults and older adults, with an emphasis on physical, mental, and emotional well-being. I’m especially drawn to practices that support mobility, balance, rest, and nervous system regulation — for bodies that may be tired, changing, or carrying a lot of life experience.
This year, I plan to continue my training with a focus on chair yoga, followed by restorative yoga. These practices offer accessible, supportive ways to move and rest, particularly for those who benefit from a slower pace, added stability, or individualized attention.
I’m most interested in working with small groups and individuals, creating spaces that feel calm, respectful, and responsive. This may include adults seeking gentle movement, those navigating stress or life transitions, and older adults looking to stay connected to their bodies in a safe and supportive way.
Where I Am Now
I’m still listening, still learning, and still allowing this work to unfold naturally. Lisa Yoga N2L isn’t about perfect form or advanced poses. It’s about meeting ourselves where we are — moving, breathing, and resting with care.
This practice continues to evolve, guided by experience, faith, and a growing understanding of what it means to support well-being at every stage of life.
Let’s Connect
I’d love to hear from you. Feel free to contact me if you have questions, want to learn more, or simply want to say hello.
Additional Reading: Yoga Journal’s guide to Vinyasa Yoga.