Your studio is called One Yoga for the People. What’s the philosophy behind the name?
Yoga is for the people, regardless of age, gender, social status, financial situation, height, weight, etc. I chose the name One Yoga a few years ago for my yoga school in Saskatoon. The name symbolizes our interconnection of all beings, the oneness of mind and body (in the heart) that yoga brings, and the truth that we all share One Love.

Why is it important for you to have a donation based studio?
We realize that people often stop coming to classes because they are broke or struggling financially and we want to be available regardless. Yoga can be a tremendous support in times of trouble and we believe so strongly in its power that we will give classes for free if we have to.

We’re always looking for great books. What are you reading right now? Feeling The Shoulder of The Lion and The Essential Rumi by Coleman Barks are two books that are either at my bedside, in the yoga room or in my backpack. I'm also reading Start Something That Matters written by Blake Mycoskie (the guy who started TOMS shoes!).

Tell us about your charity! What makes you so passionate about kids yoga?
I few years ago I started a charity called Vinyasa Yoga for Youth. It empowers youth ages 3-23 through the practice of yoga.

Gandhi said, "peace begins with the children." I believe that through yoga, children can learn to be their highest selves, not the selves that succumb to negative influences and peer pressure.

One Yoga recently worked on a design collaboration with the lululemon lab. What interested you in working with the lab?
When I walked into the lab, I felt the positivity, vibrancy and creativity that the staff there had. I wanted to be around the people working there. I loved that they were working directly with other yoga practitioners and teachers in the community and designing based on their feedback.

What did you learn?
I learned how supportive the lululemon community really is. The crew at the lab really wanted to work together to create new, innovative clothes that can be worn in or out of the studio and that they weren’t afraid to colour outside the lines and be creative with what they were making. I can't tell you how much fun it was to do the collaboration!

We hear you’re teaching at Wanderlust Whistler this summer! What are you most looking forward to?
I am most looking forward to seeing all of the yoga peeps from all over Canada and the U.S. Many of my teachers/students/friends from other studios around North America are coming to hang out, practice and dance! I’m also stoked that Michael Franti is coming to rock with us!

I’ve noticed that there’s almost always music playing at OYFTP. Do you have any favourite songs to practice to?
For Vinyasa practice, I'd say Hijomalind by Sigur Ros, Exercising by Lee "Scratch" Perry, Lotus Flower by Radiohead and I’m also loving Holocene by Bon Iver.

For Savasana, definitely Healing Room by Sinead O'Connor and Beth Rest (Piano Version) by Bon Iver.

Curious about all the brainstorming going on in the pics? Check out the Liberty Crop, one of the lululemon lab and One Yoga collaboration pieces!

Alexis, our digital copywriter has one very particular happy place: getting lost in deep, dark wiki-holes in a pair of Wunder Unders, a Scuba Hoodie and some super cozy slippers. For her, the Scuba is the perfect piece for Whistler weekends and heading to and from spinning.  Oh, and Vanity Fair, if you’re watching this, Lex has a special message just for you.

Well, that’s all folks! Missed part of the series? Check out the entire under the hood series here.

I can’t help but feel that we live a bit of a charmed life here in Vancouver. With moderate winter temperatures and no serious threat of ice or snow, our biggest winter running obstacle is soggy feet. Charmed as it is, naïve we are not. We asked some of our favourite runners how they combat winter running in some of the bitterest cities.

1.injinji toesock
“With Vibrams® making a big splash this summer, these toe socks are a winter necessity for all ‘barely there’ barefoot running enthusiasts.”
–Jonas Caruana, ambassador, Montreal

2. brisk run toque
“A beanie is a must!”
–Tom Cripps, ambassador New York City

3. brisk run gloves
“Hands can get chilly (especially if it’s windy) so I turn to these gloves. I especially love the touchscreen-friendly finger tips!”
– Andy Nelson, ambassador, New York City

4. yaktrax® crampons
“When the road is super snowy or icy, I strap a set of Yaxtrax onto my runners to help me get a grip on the slippery spots."
– Sam Sykes, ambassador, Toronto

5. wind and water resistant jacket
“Winter runs along the rivers here in NYC only happen when I wear a windproof jacket. My new go-to is the Run: Essential Jacket.”
– Abby Bales, ambassador, New York City

6. little hotties®
“If it’s super cold (below 20 degrees) I put warmers inside my sneakers on top of my toes. They keep my feet warm for the whole run!”
– Terrance Gerchberg, ambassador, New York City

7. cytomax® energy drink
“For long runs, I heat up a Cytomax® Energy Drink (my personal fave) and put it in an insulated water bottle so it doesn't freeze. It also helps if you mix a more saturated drink - more powder less water. It’s a chemistry trick that will slow down the freezing process.”
– Dawn Nida, ambassador, Boston

8. gor-tex® running shoes
“These are a game changer! They look and feel exactly like regular runners, except they keep your feet completely dry while running in rain, puddles or through trails. Wet, soggy feet are a thing of the past.”
– Lindsay, video/photo producer, store support centre

May these products keep you warm, dry and upright during your coldest, iciest winter runs. And hey, if Mother Nature really unloads you can always get yourself a pair of running snowshoes. Anyone ever tried them?

what is something unique or surprising about you?

I'm a happy person. My positive energy is contagious. If you have a chance to meet me, you will understand why.

what is one of your biggest passions?

Yummy food. Come on, who doesn't like to eat?

where is your favorite place in the world?

I love to travel, but the place I call home, Vancouver, is my favourite place in the world.

what do you want to be remembered for?

I would like to be remembered as a lovely wife, a caring daughter, a trusted friend, a reliable colleague, a good person. However, when I left my last job, many of co-workers said that they will really miss my distinctive, genuine, happy laugh.

what gets you up in the morning?

Not coffee. The idea that I'm one day closer to achieving my goal helps me to jump out of my cozy bed. Also, I can't wait to experience the unexpected day to come. As we all know "life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're gonna get" - right?

coolest thing about being a technical designer?

As a technical designer I'm fortunate to see the progression of our product from the initial design on paper to the end of ready-to-buy garment. Each product to me is like a baby - I nurture and shape them- I take care of them until they are ready to fulfill their purpose in this world - how cool is that?

We are incredibly excited to have Catherine on the team contributing to the creation and production of our technical clothing for yoga, dancing, running, and most other sweaty pursuits! Check out some of the amazing possibilities available for your own future contributions at lululemon athletica.

Meet Jen, from Merchandise Planning!

what are you most passionate about?

Absolutely without a doubt I am most passionate about my husband. He is my favourite person! We have a blast playing and travelling together. We are also very real; we talk it out when we have to. I have so much passion in making our relationship the best that it can be. I am also very passionate about reminding the people in my life just how awesome they are.

Jen and her husband in Egypt, touring the pyramids of Giza.

what is the scariest thing you've ever done? Are you glad you did it?

Jumping out of an airplane was the scariest thing I have ever done. I was absolutely terrified during our ascent in the plane. I couldn't speak. And I’m fairly certain that I screamed for the entire freefall. Oh yes, I am glad I did it. Oh no, I will never do it again.

what is your favorite way to sweat?

I am a big fan of sweating. The sweatiest I have ever been is during a hot sweaty Bikram yoga class. I L-O-V-E yoga. Currently I am drawn to the very deep and restorative types of yoga. But I go through phases where I am all about the muscle-y power yoga or the hot-hot-hot yoga. I also love the feeling of a run in the sunshine, and I absolutely dig surfing, scuba diving, backpacking & snowboarding.

Jen finishing the famous Oregon Hood to Coast, 180 mile (290k), 12 person team relay.

what is the best place you've travelled to (or the place you'd love to go to)?

It is so incredibly difficult to choose one place, but I have to say the island of Bonaire. My experience snorkeling and diving around that island was so dreamy, the memories are so vivid. And there is a sea turtle swimming those waters right now that still holds a very special place in my heart. Runners up are Thailand, Sydney, Australia, and my oh-so-dreamy honeymoon in Belize. Next on the list is somewhere in the Pacific Islands.

Jen snorkeling on the Island of Bonaire, 80km of the coast of Venezuela.

coolest thing about being a merchandise planner?

The coolest thing about merchandise planning is that we really dig into the biz. We know how the business did last year. We know what our targets are as a company for the future. And we know how we are tracking to those targets. We are always waist-deep in what is working and what is not. It’s cool to know all that stuff and apply our learnings to the future. Plus, partnering with the merchants we are always close to the product, which of course we are all wild and crazy about.

Attention all passionate, fun, energetic, constantly aspiring embodiments of greatness: you could be the next Jen. If you think you have some greatness to bring to the Merchandise Planning team, check out the lululemon careers page.

In celebration of moms everywhere, we asked some of the lululemon product designers to introduce us to their moms.

cara and her mom gail

Mum, thanks for encouraging me to follow my passion no matter what - I wouldn’t have turned my hobby into my career if it wasn’t for you! I <3 U!!
- Cara: Assistant Designer, Men's

chelsea and her mom, elaine

I want to thank my mom for being my best friend and never treating me like a kid. She’s always looked at me as an equal and been there for me. I couldn’t ask for anything else. She’s the best mom ever! Love you mom!
- Chelsea: Assistant Designer, Yoga

natalie and her mom colleen

I want to thank my mom for always believing in me and helping me with all my unfinished sewing projects until all hours of the night. Mom, you are my best friend and I am so lucky to have you. You are always up for anything, whether its a shopping marathon or an afternoon run. Thanks for being you! I love you!
- Natalie: Assistant Designer, Yoga

janine and her mom, marilyn

thanks for being strong and gentle at the same time, for doing what you love and inspiring me to do the same, for being truly the best listener i've ever met, and for teaching me what both family and a beautiful relationship look like.
- Janine: Design Manager

colin and his mom, lydia

I want to thank my mom for letting me draw, paint and doodle on my bedrooms walls growing up. Most kids get into trouble when they do that, but not with my mom, she encouraged it! Now I just happen to draw all day for work, so thanks mom! I love you.
- Colin: Graphic Designer

lina and her mom, vickie

I truly treasure every moment we get to spend together. I appreciate all you contribute to my life and all the life experience that you so graciously share with me. I feel so fortunate to have such a successful, resilient, passionate and powerful woman as a role model in my life. Thank you forever and always for all the support and encouragement.
- Lina: Assistant Designer, Run

The Project:  We used the Robson lululemon athletica location in downtown Vancouver as our testing ground and asked our own guests to give their input – blindfolded!  We placed an item in their hands (our Run: Swiftly Tech made of silverescent) and let them express whatever came to mind…

The Participants:

• Gemma, our educator at Robson was more than eager to help out

• Two of our wonderful guests, (they were a little shy to reveal their names to our online crowd), were also kind enough to offer their time to our little experiment

The Results:

Our first guest took hold of the Run: Swiftly Tech and the word she came up with was “lightweight”.  This is because our silverescent fabric is exceptionally breathable.

Next, she thought it was “soft, but not too soft.”  This is because of the silver fibre they hide so well in the fabric!  (Check out the close up next.)  That silver fibre is the reason silversecent provides anti-stink.  Anti-stink means that the silver inhibits, or slows; the growth of odour-causing bacteria that we all know can run rampant after a tough workout!

Our next guest revealed to us that she is an avid runner – who better to give feedback on a run-inspired fabric?!

She was quick to fire off excellent descriptors for us:

• We heard lightweight again – 2 for 2!
• She also thought it was soft
• The comment that rang so true was: “It’s so stretchy; it would have to be breathable.”
• When we asked about a possible use for such a fabric, she immediately suggested running – a good sign indeed!

There are a few other things about silverescent that even touch cannot tell you, but not to worry – that’s what educators are here for:

• silverescent is a seamless knit fabric with mesh venting in high sweat areas
• Along with anti-stink, silverescent has anti-static properties too!
• silvescent includes Lycra for shape retention as well.  This prevents your clothing from bagging out after repeated use.

We offer silverescent in both our men’s and women’s lines.  Find it in store or online by following any of the links below:

Women:
Run: Swiftly Tech
Run: Skim Singlet
Inspire Tank

Men:
Olympia Tech SS
Metal Vent Tech SS
Metal Vent Tech LS

A couple, who sweats together, stays HEALTHY together!

I would like to introduce to you Liz and her fiancé. Liz is an educator at the GEC and recently enrolled her fiancé to attend beach yoga with her. Weather and schedule permitting, he ended up attending two more times and did a circuit training class with her. Liz then shared with me that they do try to hit the gym and go for runs together. She says they both are competitive and it adds a different aspect to their time together. Their story inspired me. Why not love working out WITH the one you love?

What he liked about his Metal Vent Tech SS:

- He was sweating hard during their Circuit Training class but he didn't feel the moisture. Why? The fabric is treated to wick sweat.

- As the class progressed, he noticed that he was still relatively cool. Good to know that the added detail of integrated mesh venting was doing it's job.

- With Rob from Endorphin Junkies putting him through squats and lunges, there were no itchy seams to distract his from his task at hand. Men: you don't know what flat seams can do for you until you try!

SWEAT ONCE A DAY!!

Why We Made This:

- Performance top with integrated mesh venting for high breathability and heat management
- Anti-stink Silverescent™ using X-Static, the silver fibre
- Seamless body construction and flat seamed for chafe resistant wearing experiences
- Preshrunk for sizing confidence
- Wicking

Look for your own Metal Vent Tech in your lululemon store or online at:

http://shop.lululemon.com/Metal_Vent_Tech_SS/pd/np/720/p/1035.html

"Thank you for calling lululemon! It's Elissa speaking."

Curious about what goes on behind the scenes at the Guest Education Centre? I'm going to tell you - a lot. More than you'd expect. Today there was even a piñata. Intriguing? Read on...

Over the course of any given day, we wear a lot of hats. I am a product expert, a solution seeker, a community guru, and an order specialist. I can tell you what the name of that favourite shirt is. (You know the one from Fall 2006? Yeah. I loved it too.) I'll listen to your concerns and ideas, and make sure they get heard by the team at our Store Support Centre. You want to apply for our Strategic Sales program? Sure! Check out our website. Team Sales? No problem! Right this way. There are days when I feel like Tamara Taggart’s stand-in, sharing Vancouver’s weather with our friends around the world. (And in case you're wondering, it is 21 degrees Celsius and partly cloudy.) If you're planning a trip to Vancouver, I’ll tell you my favourite place to put in 10K and who teaches a mean hot yoga class. I can help you find exactly what you need to help you sweat once a day and like it.

It's a happy place to work. The room dazzles the eyes with bright colours, much like your favourite local store, and our goals bring the walls to life. The aforementioned piñata was a fundamental part of today's fiesta, as we said goodbye to one of our favorite educators, Gab. We have pancake parties and potlucks to celebrate each others successes and achievements - we even helped our Ta Ta Tamer, Melissa Content, on her fundraising journey for The Weekend to End Breast Cancer.

The best part of working at the Guest Education Centre is going above and beyond for you, our guests. We delight in being people, not automated recordings, and we love to interact with you. Have you met us yet? Give us a call at 1.877.263.9300. We'd love to chat.

The Tight & Mini came out recently and I was skeptical at first sight. What was that flap of fabric? Did I really need another pair of leggings? How different could this pair be? Of course, the minute I put them on, I found all the answers to my questions.

The mysterious flap of fabric turned out to be a great little detail that created coverage over my bum (the look of wearing a tunic without having to wear all the layers) and hips. The design of this extra piece is smart too as the waistline is stitched down and tacked in the back so it doesn't fold or roll up.

The rise on this style is a lower waist than any other legging we've done so far. I personally am a fan of a lower waistline and really like where they sat on my hips. With something so low, it was great that a drawstring waist was added to the equation for extra support should I need it.

Bonus: You can alter the length of the tights! 5 bar tacks can be found on the inside seam on either leg. As long as you cut just under that seam, the inside seam will not unravel. Genius!

With so many features packed into this design, it's everything BUT Tight & Mini!

The Tight & Mini gets me from work, to yoga, to play!

For more info and some Tight & Mini close-ups, visit: http://shop.lululemon.com/The_Tight_and_Mini/pd/np/560/p/1485.html

(Psst... This is so 2009. Check out the details for the 2012 lululemon warehouse sales happening in Ottawa and Chicago.) 

There has been months of secret preparation. A total of 210 educators have been hired. And one stellar city has been chosen to surprise and delight our guests: Hamilton Ontario!

Starting tomorrow we are touching down in Hamilton for 4 days between Thursday, July 23th - Sunday, July 26th at the Hamilton Convention Centre for the warehouse sale to end all warehouse sales!

Our team has been in this community for a few weeks checking out yoga studios and fitness centres, hanging out with athletes and yogis, cheering on the Tiger Cats at the home football game, and eating yummy food - all while being welcomed with open arms!

We chose the perfect location in the heart of downtown, received the product drops, have had late night set ups, organized everything, got the sound system set for bumping beats, have deals that will make you think we are calling fouls, and have done this all with smiles on our faces! Yes, we really are this chipper!

Place: Hamilton Convention Centre

Game time:
Thursday, July 23, 2009 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Friday July 24, 2009 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Saturday July 25, 2009 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Sunday July 26, 2009 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

More information:
Facebook: bit.ly/lululemonWHS
Twitter: twitter.com/lululemonWHS
More Pics: flickr.com/

But shhhh ... don't tell too many people otherwise you'll have to fight twice as hard to get your paws on that Shape Jacket you were eyeing!

Above: We love the Game Day Jacket so much, we wanted to give you a full 360 view!

I often sulked at the idea of having to springerize/summerize my wardrobe; to put all my winter clothes aside and bring my spring/summer clothes to the forefront. So when the Game Day Jacket came in, I was more than thrilled. It's a cotton/lycra blend, so it's not only a good layering piece in the winter, it's functional enough to wear as a spring/summer/fall jacket.

Who doesn't love a jacket that can take them through the ENTIRE year!?

Modeled after a motorcycle jacket, it's got all the attitude of James Dean with all the comfort of your favourite lululemon hoodie! Pair it with the Squad Crops for a match made in light french terry heaven!

Why We Made This:
- A perfect to and from jacket for the rebel on her cruiser bike
- Deep pockets with secure zipper closure for all your necessities
- Light french terry with Lycra® so it won't bag out
- It's also preshrunk!! Nice.

Check it out in grey (as shown above), in dark grey or in pink from our online store, or pop into your local lululemon!

Take a peak at a front and back view of Jessie wearing it below:

From the front!

And now from the back! The crops she's rocking with it you ask? The squad crops of course! Check them out in your local store.

Above: Abbey is wearing the Savasana Wrap in the colour combination Ivory / Vancouver.

When I was a little girl rarely was I seen without my "blankie" in tow. Not only was it a soft and cuddly security blanket that kept the boogie man away at night, but it was a multipurpose piece of gear in my day-to-day life as a toddler! I wrapped myself in it to stay warm when sneaking downstairs to watch Saturday morning cartoons; threw it over my head as a ghost costume to scare the family cat; and even used it as the tablecloth for fantasy tea parties with my large cast of dolls.

The Savasana Wrap is like a grown up version of my "blankie". While I haven’t played ghost in almost thirty years, it is the perfect flexible wardrobe staple to make me feel warm and snuggly all over before or after a workout; an easy and casual sweater to toss over jeans or shorts; and, by its very name is THE thing to put on during meditation at the end of yoga class. This is also an ideal transitional maternity garment as the a-line drape of the body allows for a lot of growth.

To ensure that it doesn't look frumpy, the shoulders and arms should be fitted - I had to go down a size. The snaps can be done up however you want – try a cowl neck for day and a more cape-like look for night!

The Savasana Wrap: three different snaps = three different styles

1. All the way

2. Snap it one time

3. Let it loose!

Take a peak at the Savasana Wrap online or in your local store.

Slipping and sliding is for the water park, not for yoga practice!

For my hot yoga classes I bring my yoga mat and a large beach towel to layer on top. I don't usually have any issue with slipping but after hearing rave reviews from my fellow lemons about the skidless towel, I was convinced to try it. My review? AWESOME. In addition to the extra grip, the material helped absorb all my sweat so I couldn't slip.

Gone was the distraction of having to rearrange my towel after a few poses or staring at beads of my sweat. Getting a grip never felt so good!

Why We Made This:
-Is the only tool created to prevent slipping while practicing yoga. It's super absorbent, and puts a -hygienic layer between you and the yoga mat or any exercise equipment.
-The nubs are made with 100% silicone, healthy for mother earth.
-Mat size: 24" x 68"

Want your own skid-free experience? Visit your local lululemon store or check it out online. Check out some more photos from my test drive below:

You aren't sliding around at all on this thing! Even when wet!

The mat doesn't bunch up!