Yogi-in-love

I have been an educator at lululemon athletica for three months now: the job is lots of fun and the people I work with are truly amazing.

That being said, the best part about working @ lulu is inspiring and educating. Inspiring people to try yoga, hoping that they will fall in love as I did 4 years ago. For the ones already enamoured, I love chatting them up, finding out what they love about it, what type they practice and its benefits.

Educating guests about our product: helping them find clothing and accessories that will be functional as well as fashionable is easy, because I whole-heartedly believe in the product.

Seeing women in my yoga class that I had helped in the fitting rooms the previous day is rewarding; I understand that sometimes all it takes to motivate you to get up early on a Sunday morning and get to a class is a new workout outfit.

In the locker room after wards, when I overhear her telling her friend all about their latest purchase, explaining all the features and useful compartments of the endeavor duffel bag ("they thought of everything!"), or the perfect amount of suppurt of her built in bra in her power Y tank, I cannot help but crack a smile. I have done my job.

Just last week, I myself fell in love... with a tank that is. The no-limit tank is perfect for a demanding hot flow yoga class, it's like a power Y bra and a circle-mesh tank all in one fabulous shirt! The bra is medium support, ideal for yoga, and offers a full range of motion, while the tank is quick-wicking and fast drying, the flowing style hides any tummy bulge you may still have from holiday gluttony.

I've been to yoga 4 times this past week, taking every opportunity I can to spend with my loves ;)

Peace. Love. Namaste.

Fun ways to keep your NY resolution.

It's that time of year: the season of over-indulgence has passed and is followed with the time for resolutions. If you are among the many who have vowed that 2011 is the year you will be more active, in an effort to shed those extra pounds you are not alone. Getting fit and losing weight are among the top New Year's resolutions made. They are also often broken by January 15th.

Although hitting the gym might seem like your best bet to get fit and slim down, pumping iron isn't for everyone. You will find more success if you find an activity that you actually enjoy and that you will stick to. Here are some ways to keep your resolution without having to set foot in a gym.

Join a team. Re-discover your favorite sport, or try something something new. Team sports are a great way to be active without it feeling like a chore. Check out the Winter Leisure guide for ideas.

(www.winnipeg.ca/cms/Leisure/pdfs/LG_W11_online.pdf)

Heat thing up. Hot yoga is an increasingly popular way to get your sweat on. A series of yoga poses are practiced in a heated room, increasing flexibility, building strength and toning the muscles while detoxifying the body. A great way to get in shape, and to thaw out in the chilly winter months.

Moksha Yoga offers classes for all skill levels, at all times of day, at it's three Winnipeg locations. Introductory rate of $20 for one week unlimited classes, $40 for one month unlimited. (www.mokshayogawinnipeg.com)

Climb the walls. Indoor rock climbing is physically and mentally challenging, a fun way to get fit. Rock climbing is a great way to build strength in your upper body, back and core while building your agility and endurance. A great activity to do with friends.

-Vertical Adventures, located 77 Paramount Road, offers Indoor rock climbing facilities for all sill levels, a day pass is $14, with harness and shoe rental an extra $3 each. (www.verticaladventures.ca)

Dance the night away. A salsa dancing classes is like a great aerobics class, only spicier. Salsa dancing is a cardiovascular workout and will tone and define your arms, back, legs, and butt. Olé!

Ted Motyka Dance school, (460 Main St) offers Salsa classes open to all skill levels (no partner required) on Wednesday nights 8 - 9 pm with open salsa practice to follow for $8. (www.teddancestudio.com/)

The benefits to being active are aplenty: more energy, stronger muscles, and a sunnier disposition from all those great endorphins that are released when you break a sweat. So get out there and be a happier, healthier you in 2011.