Inside The Studio, lululemon's newest strategic sales partner

Let’s back up a bit. Wondering what strategic sales is? Strategic sales partners are yoga, Pilates, fitness, Bar Method, Dailey Method, spas and other various fitness and health studios that we've partnered with. They give our guests access to our products right where they sweat. Many of our strategic sales partners are in regions where lululemon stores and showrooms haven't yet opened up.

Back to our newest strategic sales partner: meet Ann Asquith, founder of The Studio.

Ann with a Pilates student. P.S. Spot the manifesto!

A former bank manager, at age 50 Ann was introduced to Pilates. Immediately she was hooked, and in less than three years she was teaching locally. This past September, Ann made a total career change when she decided to ditch her business suits for stretchy pants, and opened her very own studio: sharing her love for Pilates with the world. This past February, she added lululemon apparel through our strategic sales program out of The Studio, which is staffed by the children of her students. How’s that for building community!?

Faded Zap and Senorita Pink: how to brighten up the Yukon Winter!

Ann's passion: Pilates.

We are thrilled to be a part of the Whitehorse community through Ann’s studio. If you’re interested in trying Pilates, visit the web page of your local store to find the closest facility (under "local resources"), or let one of our superstar educators tell you about their favourite place to practice. To find your nearest strategic sales partner, visit "Other lululemon locations" under the store finder at: http://lululemon.com/stores/

Above: Susie and Robyn are personal trainers at Elite Fitness for Women!

The greatest part of my job is connecting with different athletes in my community. With a range of gym-goers, yogis, runners and sports fanatics, a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm is waiting to be discovered.

Many active people decide to take their passion for fitness and sport to the next level by making it their profession. Personal trainers, fitness class leaders and yoga instructors are just a few that come to mind. Besides being an expert in their chosen industry, these individuals are keen in finding the perfect garment to play hard and sweat hard in.

As a community leader, I love listening to what instructors in my store as well as at the studios have to say:

"I wish you carried those crops all year around – they're great for outdoor and indoor training with my clients."

"This pocket would be better for running if it was lower on the jacket."

"I love the higher neck on this top when I teach spin! Does it come in more colours?"

We know it's not always a lovefest with our garments. We also know that we can’t get better without our athletes' positive and constructive feedback. Our research and development team members help us everyday in creating components for people to live a longer, healthier and more fun life.

Besides helping bring design feedback to life, our R&D team partnerships allow for instructors to broaden their health and fitness community through in store classes and demonstrations.

You might see them teaching at your nearest lululemon's Sunday morning yoga class. You might see them sweating hard while they lead you into the 59th minute of your hardcore spin class. You may even see them looking back at you in the mirror everyday! If you're interested in becoming part of our R&D team, visit your local store or click here for more information.