Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelly Stiglich.
Hi Kelly, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve always felt like I was destined for this path. My love for movement started early — in 9th grade, I led aerobic classes for my gymnastics coach while she was on maternity leave, and for four years I led dance classes in PE. I had no formal training back then, just a love of movement, coordination, and creativity. My sister and I used to make up routines when we were very little, and that was the beginning of my lifelong connection to teaching movement.
In 7th grade, I was diagnosed with severe scoliosis. My right hip hadn’t grown like most people’s, and my spine already had a 30-degree curve. The doctors recommended surgery, but I begged my parents to try a back brace instead — which I wore for almost two years. I grew four inches in one year, and while my spine never became completely straight, I learned something crucial: with consistent care, my body could stay strong, flexible, and pain-free. I also learned to work with limitations, whether from a curved spine, broken bones, or the changes that come with aging and pregnancy. Yoga showed me that strength isn’t just physical — it’s mental, emotional, and spiritual.
Yoga helped me see myself — the me inside, beyond social media or the mirror, beyond gray hairs and new lines. Who I am on the inside — strong, authentic, resilient — is reflected on the outside as a healthy, flexible, strong body. That’s one of yoga’s greatest gifts: growth, confidence, and a sense of self that carries beyond the mat.
Those experiences shaped not only my approach to yoga, but also inspired me to create a space where others could explore their practice safely, confidently, and with heart. That’s how Living Beyond Yoga came to be, and it’s also why our teacher trainings emphasize real practice, hands-on experience, and empowering trainees to grow, not just memorize sequences. Today, at 57, I’m proud of the life I’ve built through yoga — the studio, the students, and the teachers we’ve trained.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Oh, definitely not! My journey has been full of twists, challenges, and lessons — and I wouldn’t trade any of it because it’s shaped the teacher and studio owner I am today.
Physically, my body has been my greatest teacher. Growing up with scoliosis affected not just my spine, but also my neck and hips over time. I’ve broken bones in car accidents, was born with a foot turned inward, and navigated all the changes that come with pregnancy and aging. Growing up in the “no pain, no gain” era often caused more harm than good. Yoga taught me to slow down, listen to my body, and honor my limits. It helped me see myself beyond the mirror and social media — the me with gray hairs, lines, and wrinkles — learning, sometimes awkwardly, how to age with grace. Who I am on the inside — strong, whole, authentic — shows up on the outside too, as a flexible, strong body and nourished skin. That’s one of yoga’s greatest gifts.
Professionally, I’ve faced self-doubt too. Early in my career, I worried I was too young to be taken seriously; now, I sometimes wonder if I’m too old in a culture obsessed with youth. But those experiences deepened my empathy and shaped how I teach.
Opening Living Beyond Yoga came with its own worries — financial risks, long hours, and uncertainty. I even wondered, “Am I too old to open another studio? Shouldn’t I be retiring?” But today, at 57, I stepped forward anyway. Just yesterday, we celebrated our two-year anniversary — proof that it’s never too late to follow your calling.
We’re more than a studio — we’re a yoga school, and I’m proud of it. Over 60 graduates have completed our teacher training programs, and we’re known for making yoga approachable, especially for beginners. Unlike most programs, our trainees get more contact hours, ongoing support, and the chance to teach well before graduation. This builds confidence and skill, so completing the program doesn’t just mean memorizing a sequence — it means stepping into teaching authentically if they choose.
Yoga has never been just about poses for me. It’s about living beyond fear, self-doubt, and limitation. That’s why we call ourselves Living Beyond Yoga. My hope is that anyone who practices with us feels that truth — that yoga can travel with them wherever they go, helping them move, grow, and thrive no matter what life brings.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Living Beyond Yoga is more than just a yoga studio — it’s a community and a school dedicated to helping people discover and appreciate their authentic selves. We offer classes for all levels, from complete beginners to advanced practitioners, and we specialize in making yoga approachable, empowering, and accessible to everyone, no matter their age, body type, or experience.
What we’re particularly known for is our teaching style. While alignment is important, we know that every body is unique, and what’s “proper” for one person may be different for another. We approach yoga with humor, authenticity, and relatability, making each class approachable and welcoming. Many of our students call Living Beyond Yoga their Yoga Home because they feel like part of a family — comfortable, supported, and valued as real people, not a dollar amount. Our goal is to create a space where everyone can move, grow, and feel at home in their body and in our community.
We’re also a yoga school, and that’s something I’m particularly proud of. Our teacher training programs are different from most studios. Instead of having students memorize a single sequence to teach once at the end, our trainees get more contact hours, ongoing mentorship, and the opportunity to teach well before graduation. This approach helps build confidence, skill, and real-life teaching experience. Over 60 graduates have completed our programs, and many have gone on to teach successfully — but even those who choose not to teach leave with a strong foundation of knowledge, skill, and self-awareness.
What sets us apart is this combination of community, education, and empowerment. We emphasize not just the poses, but the deeper benefits of yoga — learning to listen to your body, honor your limits, and grow stronger inside and out. Our brand is built on inclusivity, authenticity, and living beyond fear and self-doubt. We call ourselves Living Beyond Yoga because we want our students to carry the lessons of yoga into every part of their lives, beyond the studio walls.
What I’m most proud of is seeing people transform — physically, emotionally, and personally — and watching our students step into teaching with confidence, knowing they can share something meaningful with others. We offer a range of classes, workshops, and teacher trainings, all designed to meet people where they are and help them move, grow, and thrive. Our hope is that everyone who comes through our doors leaves not just with a stronger body, but with a renewed sense of self and the tools to live more fully in every aspect of their life.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters most to me is helping people discover and appreciate their authentic selves — inside and out. I’ve lived through physical challenges, self-doubt, and the pressures of societal expectations, and I know how transformative it can be to have a space where you feel safe, supported, and empowered.
Yoga taught me that strength isn’t just physical — it’s mental, emotional, and spiritual. It’s about learning to listen to your body, honor your limits, and trust yourself. That’s what I want for every student who walks into our studio or steps onto the mat: the confidence to be fully themselves, without judgment, and the tools to carry that awareness into every part of their life.
I care deeply about community and connection. Our studio isn’t just a place to practice yoga; it’s a place where people feel seen, valued, and part of something bigger. Many of our students call Living Beyond Yoga their Yoga Home, and that sense of support and belonging is at the heart of everything we do.
Ultimately, what matters most to me is supporting growth — in body, mind, and spirit — and helping people live beyond fear, doubt, and limitation. When I see someone gain confidence, overcome a challenge, or step into their own power, it reminds me why this work is so important and why I love it every single day
Contact Info:
- Website: https://livingbeyondyoga.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lbykellyntedstiglich/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Livingbeyondyoga
- Other: https://www.facebook.com/kellyntedstiglich/
