Lisa Bragaw

She has satisfied requirements for the E-RYT 500-hr, and is qualified through Yoga Alliance as a Continuing Education Provider (YACEP). Lisa has been practicing yoga since 1996, and instructing since 2008. After going back to school to earn her Doctorate of Pharmacy, the next logical career move, of course, was to open a yoga and cycling studio-Zen & Now in Niantic, CT! In all seriousness, Lisa has found a balance between her pharmacy career and her passion for yoga and fitness, and is very excited to incorporate both roles in a wellness center. In her role as consultant pharmacist and providing medication management counseling services to patients, Lisa often recommends exercise and breathing techniques to complement medication regimens in an effort to improve her patients’ health and well-being. In fact, Lisa came to practice yoga regularly to improve her own health after suffering repetitive strain injuries in her neck and back related to work. She found yoga to be a great way to release stress, reduce pain and create balance in her body and her life. Lisa is also a Holy Fire III Master Reiki Practitioner, certified TRX and group cycling instructor. In 2019, Lisa satisfied completed training and met the American Canoe Association (ACA) requirements to teach Level I Stand Up Paddle Board (SUP) and holds an endorsement from ACE to teach SUP Yoga. She loves group cycling, as well as road biking, running and swimming and has completed 6 sprint triathlons. She believes that her yoga practice complements other modes of exercise and makes her a better athlete. Lisa mainly teaches a vinyasa flow style yoga class that focuses on breath with movement, as well as Yin, Slow Flow, Restorative and SUP (Stand Up Paddle Board) Yoga. She loves introducing yoga to people who have never practiced, and watching them fall in love with it. Her classes are taught with many options or modifications so yogis of any ability, level of experience, or flexibility (or lack thereof) can find what they need in the class. Lisa is kept classes going online via Zoom during the COVID-19 quarantine. Starting or maintaining Yoga, breathwork, mindfulness & meditation practices are so important during this time because she believes that people needed yoga and mindfulness now more than ever! Even though it wasn't profitable for her studio, it was the right thing to do for the community. Lisa's studio, Zen & Now has re-opened after the quarantine and is thriving in this new "normal" with safe physical distancing (we believe that we need to socialize and prefer to say "physical distancing" over "social distancing"). Life is hard, and yoga helps us maintain calm and equanimity during times of trial and strife.