What did you get up to last weekend? Lateesha, a key leader from lululemon Soho, practiced with global yogis, declared new goals and got her dance on with a live DJ and drum circle. Read on for her other New York Yoga Journal conference highlights.

making new friends at the photo booth
I spent much of my weekend at our photo booth, where yogis looking for a place to relax would stop by, like the group looking seriously yoga-stoned after their all day intensive with Ana Forrest. Yogis from all over the world visited to have conversations, make new friends and strike a pose. The atmosphere was so fun which is probably the reason I pitched a tent and camped out here all weekend!

getting my dance on
Dancing at a yoga conference? This was no ordinary dance party. Part energetic yoga class, part free form body bumping dance party and a whole lotta fun. Elena Brower, Dana Flynn and Shiva Rea lead the evening and created a space that was both meditative and playful. How often do you get to meet up with hundreds of friends (both old and new) to shake your booty to a live DJ set and drum circle? Highlight of the evening: the entire class on their mat singing along to a soulful version of Empire State of Mind. A New York moment that can never be repeated!

creating a life i love
On Sunday, our eastern U.S training manager, Tricia Prange, shared tools to make powerful choices and build a future that inspires and moves us, at our Create a Life You Love workshop. If you missed it, check out our goalsetting page for some of the juicy info.

practicing with seane corn
My 10-year vision includes having Seane Corn on speed dial and the opportunity to practice with her was by far the highlight of my YJC experience! Each year Seane’s organization Off the Mat, Into The World sponsors an international service project called the Global Seva Challenge that challenges yogis to raise $20,000. I plan to raise the funds and join OTM next year in India to raise awareness for the issue of sex trafficking worldwide.

Sounds like fun, right? If you live on the West Coast, good news! The first-ever Yoga Journal Conference in San Diego is happening July 12-16. We’ll be there with bells bandhas on.

Whether it’s for the good of our heart or out of the goodness of our heart, inspiration is what keeps us putting one foot in front of the other, even at mile 23.  Watch our Brentwood Ambassador

Zoe runs for Shoe 4 Africa, others run for that hit of endorphins or peace of mind. For me, it’s always been about that decadent slice of Billy Miner Pie. What do you run for?

want more?

• find even more reasons to run
• get inspired with tweets from Blue
• learn how Jen took on the NY marathon

teaching bryant park yoga

“I love teaching at Bryant Park because there is yoga everywhere: the yoginis on the mats; the people watching; everything that is alive in nature around us. The collective vibe is amazing - you reach people with the spirit of yoga and the unity that is created...even if they aren't on a mat! I work best with big crowds...my music is loud and, quite frankly, I am loud, so the big yoga party works for me!!! My idea of a successful class is 300 people singing ‘We Are Family’ in wheel pose."

finding inspiration and energy

"I get inspiration and energy from many sources: my lululemon family at 66th street and the new york area. They inspire me with the way they roll and they humble me with their support. I am inspired by all my yoga teachers and students who have the courage to laugh and play and look within. I am inspired and energized by my seven-year old daughter, Maya, who enables me, at 48, to be playful, wonderous and inquisitive again."

things you should know about halle becker

"What I want you to know about me is that I had a troubled past filled with anger, self-doubt, addictions and bad choices. The path of yoga has given me strength and the grace to open up parts of myself I never knew existed. I live each day to the fullest and I am always learning and I am very, very grateful for the opportunity to be on the path."

If you want to find out more about Halle, check out her lululemon ambassador page or go to her website, homegirlyoga.com.

I am an athlete and I live for the endorphin high from a great sweat and workout. I'm also a food and wine ‘over-indulger’ (come on, isn’t that why we work and work out so hard?!). Here are the things I love:

Websites:

http://www.keepitchic.com
http://www.elementsofstyleblog.com/
http://www.goop.com
http://www.whowhatwear.com
http://rebeccapacheco.com/omgal/

Workout accessory: Garmin Forerunner 110. This magical watch tells me everything I need to know when working out.

Items to work out in:

- lululemon’s Flow Y Bra
- a Cool Racerback in a bright and fabulous colour
- Wunder Under or Run:Inspire Crop

Way to sweat: A spin class at Flywheel in NYC or Aerobarre at Aerospace in NYC (a workout that combines jumping rope, boxing, weights and some ballet).

Yoga move: Legs up the wall (Viparita Karani). I am constantly on the go and this helps me reset.

Place to run: My all time favourite place to run is along the coastline in Victoria, BC. This is where I really fell in love with running, and the thought of the fresh ocean air brings a smile to my face.

Current obsession: Shoes! I recently purchased the ‘Sissy Suede Sandal’ from Tory Burch and I also dream of the Swedish ‘Hasbeens’ high heel jodhpur: love, love, love!

Magazines: Vanity Fair, Vogue, Dwell, New York Magazine

Place: Fisher’s Loft in Port Rexton, NL, Canada. Breathtaking.

Restaurant: Neptune Oyster Bar in Boston, MA. Best lobster roll of all time.

Way to get motivated: When I look at the vision I have created for my life and think about what I am doing today to get there. I consider this my 'jump out of bed' factor.

Place to unroll yoga mat: On the fresh summer grass at Bryant Park with hundreds of other New Yorkers amongst the skyscrapers and craziness of all that life in New York brings.

A photo from the Barefoot in the Park event at Bryant Park

Way to celebrate: I want to say red wine and dark chocolate, but that means I celebrate most evenings. Aside from my every day celebration, I would say I celebrate by going to dinner at a great restaurant with great friends.

Book: The Art of Racing in the Rain. If you love dogs or have a dog, after reading you will remain in constant wonder about why your dog has come into your life and what lessons they are here to teach you.

Inspired by: Greatness. I love watching athletes cross the finish line of a marathon or ironman because of what is involved in getting to that point.

Here are some photos of the lululemon community last Sunday:

appreciate the moment

The lululemon New York stores offered complimentary yoga for runners before the marathon and reminded everyone to breathe deeply, appreciate the moment, and take it all in.

cheer stations

The lululemon cheer station was at Mile 23 in Harlem. Cowbells, tambourines and vocal cords were the instruments of choice.

signs

The right message can literally motivate or inspire a runner when they need it the most -- and hopefully induce laughter. Laughter makes your muscles hurt less: it's a fact.

friends and family

As Caity wrote in her pre-marathon blog post, running often makes you feel gratitude and thankful for the people in your life. After the marathon, the streets were full of tired, happy, and grateful runners.

The day ended with a yoga demo from our New York ambassadors and a post-race party at lululemon Lincoln Square.

Marathons build athletes, but they also build community. And community is what supports a marathon. We were proud to be part of this inspiring celebration of athletics and of the human spirit. See you next year, New York!

Looks like 2010 is my year of fours. I turned forty, and I’ve headed to the Big Apple to run my fourth marathon. Oh - and it happens to be the 40th running of this renowned race. Coincidence? Not a chance. I’m achieving a long-standing personal goal: running NY and doing it in my 40th year.

To those thinking of training for a marathon, I highly recommend it. And not because of the fitness benefits, but because of the new things you discover about yourself – mentally and physically. Training is a roller coaster ride. And it’s worth every peak, valley, twist and turn.

how i trained for the marathon

• Jeff Galloway’s Marathon Training Program (with a goal time of 4:15).
• yoga once a week
• personal training to work on my functional strength

what i wore to train in

• All-Sport Bra (love the luxtreme and thick straps)
• a Cool Racerback
• Run: Fast crops (they have 3 pockets where I stored my gels – fantastic!).

For race day, I'm wearing Run: Dash crops and the Run:Reflection vest.

With only a few sleeps til the big day, I’m experiencing every emotion, including frustration. Acute achilles tendonitis set in following my last long run. Everything was going so smoothly and then WHAM! But this is where having a solid support system is priceless. My friends rallied around me, keeping me sane and positive.

With this recent setback, I’m readjusting my goal time: I don’t have one. I am enjoying the moment (and building a longer playlist on my ipod). And, to quote the Tragically Hip from the first song on my running playlist, I plan to do it all with “Grace, Too”.

From all of us at the Store Support Centre, good luck to Jenn and all other runners on Sunday!

Will you be in New York this weekend? Come support the marathoners with lululemon. We'll be at a cheer station at Mile 23 in Harlem, or join us after for a post-race day party at lululemon Lincoln Square - 1928 Broadway (at 64th Street).

NYC educators busting out a yoga pose on Wall Street after our earnings call last month!

julie - eastern us training manager

why do you have the most amazing job?

I love my job because it’s people first, and then we see the financial results again and again. Travelling around talking to people about their goals and helping them feel comfortable and confident in their job gets me up every day. I also think our product ROCKS so that helps.

how has working at lululemon made a difference in your life?

I’m more self-aware then I have ever been because of the tools offered at lululemon (Brian Tracy, Landmark, goal setting). Self awareness brings peace of mind. Peace of mind allows me to let go of my worries and create a future based on what’s possible, not what happened. Thank you lululemon!

what is your big hairy audacious goal?

My big hairy audacious goal was to move to New York City – and I just made it happen! I simply shared it with everyone around me and when my dream job finally opened up, I got it. Just one of many goals I have achieved while working with lululemon. It’s not ‘work’ – it’s a community of people standing for you and your goals, so long as you’re committed by giving back and never accepting anything less than greatness in your life. Guess it’s time to set a new hairy audacious goal. Hmmm....

monique - store manager of union square nyc

how did you come to lululemon?

I had a career as a project manager in technology and was looking for a part time job so I could have social interactions with real live people - I loved yoga and the website and lululemon at the time was opening the first store on the East Coast of the USA!

why do you have the most amazing job?

lululemon attracts people - employees, athletes, loyal fans - who are committed to creating incredible lives. Sometimes they are aware of it, sometimes they aren't, but they find themselves drawn to our stores and our educators. They read our manifesto, wear our clothing, take classes at our stores, hang out with our team. They find themselves running marathons or enrolling in yoga teacher training. Sometimes they work for us. In small steps or large leaps they take on their lives, transform their relationships, set goals, and create new futures.

Every day is different. In the stores, we have to rise to each day's unique set of challenges. My intellectual side gets to analyze numbers. My creative side gets to dream up events and windows and rewards for my team. My passionate side gets to have meaningful conversations every day. For every side I have, it finds expression. What more could I ask for?

Each day in the stores is unique!

how has working at lululemon made a difference in your life?

I've made close friends with people I have worked with, become a yoga teacher, moved to a new city - and I discovered I've grown up. And yet I feel younger at heart than ever before. Younger, and lighter.  None of that would have happened without being inspired, challenged, and motivated daily by the people I work with. I have so many role models that I learn from every time I am in their presence. And I've never worked harder or had more fun at the same time.

what is your big hairy audacious goal?

I am a self-supporting artist!

cara - regional manager nyc

how did you come to lululemon?

I kept going into the Victoria, British Columbia store and was in awe of how cool the people were and I never wanted to leave, plus I was in love with my black stretchy pants that I would never take off. I began working part-time as an educator while completing my Master’s degree and then absolutely had to be a part of company as the culture totally resonated with who I am.

why do you have the most amazing job?

I get to wake up every single day and work with the most amazing people on the planet. They constantly inspire me, push my limits and truly stand for greatness. Moreover, I have had the opportunity to live and experience the coolest places in the US, Boston and now, NYC. I am still pinching myself that I live in NYC. Lastly, I love who I meet everyday in the store and in the community. It is so cool to hear about people’s goals and just get to know who comes into our store and how we can help them. Ultimately, I feel I make a difference everyday in someone’s life. What could be better than that?!

how has working at lululemon made a difference in your life?

I am a better person, a better daughter a better sister, a better friend, a better wife, and a better leader. Personal development and goal setting have demonstrated that anything is possible and that you can love every single second of your life.

Cara on a stroll in the Big Apple

what is your big hairy audacious goal?

I am the CEO of lululemon athletica.

Learning about these amazing ladies stories inspired me -- not only to plan my next vacation to NYC, but also to embrace the possibilities and open doors surrounding me. If you find yourself attracted to greatness don’t miss your dream job and explore some of the possibilities waiting for you on the lululemon careers page.

The ladies at Crossfit!

The Summit Showroom in New Jersey is embracing CrossFit! Our ambassador, Karianne Dickson recently placed first in her division at the New York/New Jersey CrossFit Sectionals. A novice like myself couldn’t ask for a more motivational instructor to lead the introductory Ramp Class. My friend Jill and I started the month long course with Karianne on Monday April 6th. Our goal is to leverage CrossFit conditioning to gain a competitive edge when we run the Morristown Half Marathon on May 16th. We will be at on ramp twice a week with Karianne and are committed to the program and embracing the Paleo diet to further enhance our performance.

In our Northern New Jersey community CrossFit is steadily growing in to the next big movement in fitness. Once a dedicated newcomer gets involved, the workout is addictive!

The vibe that New Jersey CrossFitters generate is spirited, supportive and competitive in the healthiest of ways. They often travel in packs and the energy is palpable. You might run in to a few munching on a handful of nuts in our showroom, drinking a paleo friendly coffee with a splash of heavy cream at Starbucks, or picking their kids up at school with that tell-a-tale 4 pack peeking out from under their run swiftly tech top. Although CrossFitters are committed to the athletic benefits of the Paleolithic diet, this cool crowd is not afraid to indulge in a few Paleo Margaritas on occasion.

Not surprisingly, the entourage of women at CrossFit Morristown look fabulous! If eliminating sugar, grains and dairy from my diet while squatting and doing burpees will get me that glow and shape, then count me in!

Have you tried Crossfit?

There are more than a handful of people at lululemon that are sure they have the world’s coolest job. Some of us get to educate in stores all day, some travel the world on the hunt for new fitness and fashion trends, others get to host gigantic pre-run spaghetti dinners and guerrilla yoga classes for a living. Meet Liz Eustace – one of these people that pretty much has the raddest job around!

How would you describe your job in a nutshell?

Well - it has a LOT of layers! One of my favorite things is that I get to hang out with some of the funniest, quirkiest, smartest people I've ever met . I go into stores all across the east coast and work with teams  and support them in their community goals.

I seek out fitness trends, look for ways to support our ambassadors in their goals, work on larger regional initiatives like run, try weird and fun classes, go to events and make friends, host events and make more friends... and get to work with publications like the New York Times, Washington Post, Boston Globe... to name a few. I could go on and on - but at this point, I’m just gushing!!!

What does a typical Tuesday on the job look like for you?

 Tuesdays are my call days. I get to talk with my amazing Regional Managers who are all inspiring women! I also work a floor shift and catch up on admin "stuff". I do most of this on Tuesday since I travel Wednesday - Saturday. It's also date night with Kristin K, a great manager, and I as we hit a class and grab a smoothie afterwards.

What was the weirdest thing you did in the name of “work”?

Hmmm, weirdest thing that I witnessed was standing next to Mayor Bloomberg (mayor of New York) while he was in his boxers and knee-highs about to jump into a pool. It was a little awkward having a conversation with him . But the weirdest thing I did by far was host a 12 hour yoga / dance festival in Times Square the day of our IPO... my day started at 4am and finished at 11pm and I still sort of twitch whenever I pass by. There are too many stories to tell but I met some very interesting people that day!

How did you find yourself at lululemon?

Well I am Canadian, lived in Vancouver for five years and then found myself in New York at Manhattan's largest yoga studio as the GM and the Retail Buyer... then Kerry Brown (who was prebranding NYC at the time) comes into the studio to "introduce" me to lululemon... well as a Canadian, it's in my blood... so as soon as I found out they were looking to build their team... the rest, they say, was history.

Who do you think has the second most rad job at lululemon, after you?

Allison Forsyth - definitely! The most recent event with Mohammad Ali - I mean - does it get cooler than that? And working with all of those elite athletes - the work she does is totally inspiring. PLUS - she is probably one of the funniest people I've ever met - have you talked to her?

Read about Allison Forsyth's most recent journey with the Spirit of the Torch!

Meet Shannon, our amazing St. Louis Showroom Manager!

What is your role at lululemon?

Community Creator (a.k.a St. Louis Showroom Manager)

What is the difference between a showroom and a store?

A showroom is a "cozier" version of a lululemon store; small and intimate, and more boutique-like... it’s like stopping by a friend's home to catch up and see what’s new. We operate just like a retail store in terms of offering tons of great product, but we spend as much time out in the community as we do in the showroom, so our hours are a little funny as we are not open every day and may close early for private events and trunk shows. We do our own painting and arranging. Some may call it "kitschy", but I prefer "homey", perhaps even "endearing". The showroom atmosphere engenders such a personal guest experience that ultimately creates authentic relationships. It's so amazing!

How did you come to lululemon?

I received my first pair of Groove pantsa few years ago and fell in love with the product. After completing my Masters in Spanish Literature and realizing the academic route was not for me, I began researching companies and met MK Letchworth who came to St. Louis to open the showroom here – her energy was INCREDIBLE and her enthusiasm for lululemon, contagious. It was an instant connection; we had so much in common! I applied online for positions in New York, was contacted by lululemon and ended up finding the best fit and opportunity right here in St. Louis with the fabulous MK (now lululemon masonville assistant manager!).

Tell us about your community:

St. Louis is friendly, loyal and authentic. It is a cosmopolitan city with world-class restaurants, museums, sports teams - but all coupled with a quaint, small-town feel. In terms of health and fitness, this is a running and fitness community where yoga is really taking off!

Inside the St. Louis Showroom!

What is a typical Wednesday like for you?

No typical day really – but in general I rise early, take a cardio class or go for a run, eat breakfast, participate in a conference call, grab a coffee and head to the showroom where I hang out with friends and make new ones talking about the latest and greatest lululemon gear, fave yoga class, new restaurants, goal setting, etc., and receive new product! After work I will drop in on a yoga class (or as of November in St. Louis, run with the lululemon run club!) make dinner and spend time with family and friends.

How do you usually sweat once a day?

I love to run, spin, practice yoga and take crazy cardio classes with some of the amazing instructors we have in St. Louis.

Why do you have the best job in the world?

Because I enable people to live longer, healthier and more fun lives by being a hub of health and fitness knowledge in my community. We offer complimentary yoga and fitness classes and educate the community on super high performance gear for however they choose to sweat!

No two days are ever the same. I wear stretchy pants to work and get paid to work out and have authentic conversations with people about health, fitness and living a GREAT life. My company is constantly challenging me to create a life of possibility and never settle for mediocrity, providing me with the developmental tools and support to make that happen! And, seriously, our manifesto includes such words of wisdom like "Dance, sing, floss and travel"and has monthly challenges that include dancing the running man once a day!

What piece of advice do you have for future showroom managers?

Be yourself and have fun. Sounds simple, but you are hired into this incredible company because you are incredible, so just keep doing that thing you do. And, well, if you are not having fun every single day, then you are doing something wrong. Get out there and connect in your community - love, laugh, sweat and breath deeply every day! Honestly, just read the manifesto, it’s all there!

What makes your showroom unique?

Simple - our community makes us unique: from the educators to the guests, to the ambassadors and R&D team, to our fantastic Central West End neighborhood. There is no showroom like it!

What's your Big Hairy Audacious Goal!?

My BHAG is to bring lululemon into Spanish speaking countries, uniting my passion for the Spanish language and culture and sheer enthusiasm and desire to continue to spread the lululemon love… en español!

See the amazing opportunities at lululemon with the new showrooms opening up!

In the heart of New York City there is an inspirational man who lets nothing stop him. Matt Long was a New York City firefighter who was struck by a bus and was severely injured with broken bones and internal bleeding. He went on to complete the New York City Marathon, and most recently an Iron Man.

The lululemon athletica family is thrilled to be part of his journey. If you’re in New York or ANYWHERE close, please join the lululemon Soho store for a night of inspiration and motivation as we celebrate all things running. Get ready for the New York City Marathon! We will be spending the night with Matt and hear about his I Will Foundation.

This is an event not to be missed. The night will be magical. Wednesday, October 28th at 8pm, 481 Broadway, New York – be there!

What is your lululemon story? How did you find out about us and get started at lululemon?

I first heard of lululemon my freshman year in college. Nathalie, my friend and teammate (and who now works for lululemon!), was wearing a pair of Groove pants and I was amazed by how great they looked on her!

It was not until much later that I really learned about lululemon. After I graduated from college, my husband and I moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota. About the same time that we arrived, lululemon opened a showroom there. Through the showroom I learned about not only about the great products, but more importantly the values and the lifestyle that lululemon promotes. I knew I wanted to be involved with lululemon from that point on!

We moved to New York City a month ago. Before we moved, I was already scouting out jobs on lululemon’s website. One week after I arrived, I applied for a job at lululemon and I got it!

What was the interview process like?

I applied online on a Tuesday and by Thursday morning I got a call from one of the key leaders at the store inviting me to a group interview. The morning of the group interview I was quite nervous because working for lululemon is what I wanted to do for the past year.

The group interview was casual and friendly. We sat down on some yoga mats and started by introducing ourselves and were asked to describe our accomplishments, goals, and values.

After the interview we were informed that they would call us later on if we made it for a second interview. The day went by and I was next to my phone waiting for that call to happen. It was getting late and my hopes were almost gone until a call came in from an unknown number. I answered and I was informed that I was selected to go back in. I was so happy! The second interview was much shorter and it was one on one. At the end of the interview they offered me the job and I accepted it right on the spot!

Now that you’ve got the gig – what are you doing?

I am an educator! I educate our guests and the community about the features and benefits of our products, values, and what lululemon is all about! I also get to find something amazing about every guest and engage in great conversations. Being an educator is something that brings happiness into my life. There is nothing better than helping our guests find what they are looking for and making their day.

What is your favourite part about working at lululemon SoHo?

My favourite part about working at the lululemon Soho store is the dynamics of our team. It is just an amazing group of young people who help each other to be great in and out of the store!
Also, the Soho store is unique in that many tourists from all over the world visit the store each day. Being from Argentina allows me to use my Spanish on a daily basis and communicate with our Spanish speaking guests. I love that I can communicate with them and make them feel at home! There is nothing better than seeing their faces when they learn all about lululemon and ask if lululemon is coming to their country!

What is the best part of your day at lululemon?

I am not sure that there is one single best part. I wake up each morning excited to go to work and I do not want to leave when my shift is over…so I would have to say that the whole day is the best part!

Do you have an athletic background?

Yes, I do! I was an elite gymnast at the age of 11 and member of the Argentinean national team for 8 years. Gymnastics took me all over the world competing in the Pan-American Games, World Championships, and many other competitions. When I was 19, I moved to the United States where I attended the University of Iowa on a full scholarship and was a member of the gymnastics team. Now, I am a certified yoga instructor and an exercise maniac!

What do you do in your spare time?

I love spending time with my amazing husband. We love going for long walks in the city and drinking coffee. If I am not spending time with him, I am out in the community taking fitness and yoga classes with Meghan (our community leader) and some of the other Soho girls.

What are you most passionate about?

I am passionate about my family, friends, and building relationships! I believe that happiness is found in those amazing relationships that we create every single day.

What is your 5 year goal?

I have three goals I want to accomplish in 5 years:

1 - Be a store manager of one of the lululemon stores in New York City.
2 - Be a certified prenatal yoga instructor
3 - Have a solid plan of how to introduce lululemon to Argentina!

At lululemon SoHo, in times of adversity it seemed like the "lemon" in lululemon was smothered with mold and damp clothes and a pipe bursting on the third floor of our building. But that lemon has resurfaced and is being squeezed of all its yummy juices. After re-opening a few weeks ago I think it is fair to say that with the help of an amazing team, we have made some top-notch lemonade.

It began with rebuilding the store from just a slat-wall skeleton and morphed into a beautiful, rich space: full of bright chi and swelling enthusiasm. Team SoHo, although not fine-tuned in the art of construction, most certainly is in the art of fitness. Our re-opening celebration began with a four-day fitness blitz (16 classes total) where we reconnected with our neighboring studios. We learned how to throw a mean punch in kickboxing, played with our equilibrium in an inversions yoga class, and collectively groaned as we rapidly pumped our fists in the Pilates 100’s. Our overwhelming sense of accomplishment and inner and collective strength beamed out from the top of our heads and smothered any feelings of doubt we had about making it through our fitness marathon!

At the end of the day we dragged ourselves home, and although sweaty and fatigued, we were all so grateful to have had this unifying experience. It takes a strong-willed team and positive energy to turn a challenging experience into a deeply fulfilling one. Our blitz provided us with the platform to go back into our space in SoHo and rally with our superstar helpers to create a kick-ass store. We now have cultivated the environment to provide an unforgettable guest experience, with the best product, hands on knowledge and some very tasty lemonade, I might add.

Ps, a huge thank you to Summer Starling who took the above pictures! 

It seemed like Barefoot in the Park, an hour and a half yoga sampler featuring 7 different styles of yoga, was destined to be a rain date. So it was appropriate that on this glorious summer evening, lululemon Regional Community Guru Liz Eustace expressed her thanks to Mother Nature in addition to all the people who made this event possible.

The Lawn at Bryant Park was filled with 417 people young and old, experienced and just starting out, on top of a sea of yellow, blue and red mats. The soft lull of the sitar and the driving rumbling of the drums, created by the group Yoga Organix, provided the atmosphere for an open mind and open heart and accompanied the seven different teachers who were sharing seven different styles of yoga, everything from Kundalini, to Iyengar, to Vinyasa flow.

For those of you who have never done yoga outside, you must drag your mat out into the sun and experience your practice in a completely new environment under completely different elements. As New Yorkers, it's hard to find time to wind down and establish a consciousness that is solely centered on indulging in your yoga practice. In a city where its pure expansiveness can swallow you whole, it can also act as the perfect backdrop to embrace the fresh air and join with strangers in a unifying Om.

On a recent trip to New York City, I woke up early on a Saturday and walked 30 minutes to the lululemon East 66th store (let me just say, I know now why New Yorkers are in such great shape—they walk everywhere!). Rebecca Kordecki, the founder of Booty Slide, seemed energetic and excited to share her fitness regime. I would do Booty Slide everyday if I could get her results! We used colorful, silk booties and bands to use our body weight to tone and strengthen. As an avid fitness enthusiast, I have tried anything and everything. It's unusual to find a fitness class that combines toning exercises with cardio. My heart was pumping as I did lunges, mountain climber, and plank pose exercises.

There's always a great variety of complimentary class at all the lululemon stores from yoga or pilates to bootcamp or belly dancing. Whenever I go on vacation (even before I worked here) I check the lululemon site for studios in the area or classes at the store. It's a great money-saver to scout out the free classes when you're on vacation because it's often difficult and pricey to find suitable gyms.

The next day during my walk through Central Park, my legs were definitely sore (of course in a good way). My cost for the workout weekend in New York $0 and my body definitely loved it.

Want to try booty slide out for yourself? Visit their site below!

http://www.rebeccakordecki.com/bootyslide.html