Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger

• CrossFit Games: Canada East • 

 

 Spotted @  The International Convention Center

 Who:  A whole lot of unbelievable top CrossFitters from Canada East competed in Regionals! Marlene and Carla (our store manager) went to cheer on the CrossFit Select team - the team consists of our rock solid educator, Pamela Evans, alumni ambassadors, Chris Baillie and Tommy Gunn, crossfit trainer, Holly Mcillroy, Pete D’Amore and Lesley Naumowich.

  
 What:  Back in March, CrossFitters of all levels around the world participated in the CrossFit Games Open which consisted of 5 WODs over 5 weeks. At the end of the Open, the top 48 men, 48 women, and 30 teams from each region were invited to compete at their CrossFit Games Regional Competition. The Crossfit Select team was invited for the third time this year after just missing second place two years in a row to move onto the CrossFit Games. Throughout the course of the three day competition, each region will see these top athletes perform brutal combinations of workouts to test their range and depth of their physical and mental capabilities. Athletes will give it their all, and after the end of the weekend, no more than three men, three women, and three teams will receive invitations to the 2013 Reebok CrossFit Games. On Sunday, Marlene and Carla made it to cheer on the team’s final WOD!

Final WOD (for time):
One male and female will each complete 3 rounds of:
15 ft Rope climbs, 2 reps
2 Squat clean (225/135)
Then, one male and female each compete 3 rounds of:
15 ft Rope climbs, 2 reps
3 Squat clean (225/135)
Then, one male and female each compete 3 rounds of:
15 ft Rope climbs, 2 reps
4 Squat clean (225/135)

 

With a final time of 17:18, Crossfit Select polished off their final WOD and ranked second in the competition! Yay! After years of hard work the team has finally reached their goal of heading down South to California for the CrossFit Games - the final competition where athletes and teams compete for the title of the "Fittest on Earth." We could not be more proud of them and are so excited to see them off taking on their next BHAG!

 Wore:  With a room full of fit athletes tackling intense workouts there was no shortage of lululemon - from spectators to athletes, people were decked out ..it was pretty awesome being in a room full of so much colour outside of our store!


 When:  Sunday May 26, 2013. The CrossFit Games will be taking place on July 22-28 and will air on ESPN so be sure to tune in and cheer them on from home!

 Why:  Because there is nothing better than cheering on the ones you love and watching them smash their goals!


Want more? Watch Pam beast the WOD #yougogirl!


Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Peace, Love & Deep Flow

 • Find Bliss On Your Mat 



 Spotted @  PYC Etobicoke
                  1092 Islington Avenue
                 

 Who:  Susan's Deep Flow class is just what the Doctor ordered for Alison! Susan is a triple threat - An alumni ambassador at lululemon Sherway Gardens, the co-owner of PYC Etobicoke and a rockstar mom! Initially a fitness class instructor, Susan's passion for yoga and personal yoga transformation turned her into a kickass yoga instructor, with over 10 years of instruction currently under her belt! Yoga has provided her with the tools to become authentic and powerful in her own life, and she teaches her students to look inside themself to find everything they need to be happy and content. Yes, inspiring is an understatement - Susan is constantly radiating with love, compassion and joy and is our sunshine on the cloudiest of days!



 What:  Deep Flow with Susan
Deep Flow is a restorative yoga practice. This 90 minute class is a slower practice that will take you through a flow of modified & supported poses, with plenty of time to melt into each posture. Practice begins with a gentle flow of sun salutations, utilizing the knees and incorporating child's pose. The following hip opening series focuses on holding postures for an extended period of time (~1 to 5 mins). To top off the relaxation, class ends with a long and peaceful savasana.

 Wore:  Alison wore a low support bra and singlet with Wunder Under Crops, while Susan paired a Cool Racerback with Wunder Unders. Because this class is slower paced and more restorative, there is no need to worry about finding the right coverage or fit - anything breathable and moisture wicking will do the job!

 When:  Deep Flow classes are scheduled regularly throughout the week. Check the schedule for teachers and times. 

 Why Deep Flow: 
We all need to take time from our busy and demanding lives to relax. Deep Flow allows us to slooow down and encourages relaxation, resetting the body, mind and spirit, leaving us nourished and well rested. Restorative yoga is considered "active relaxation" and is truly the best pick-me-up when we're sore, tired, exhausted, sick, injured, etc. With a focus on deepening our postures as opposed to mastering advanced poses, Deep Flow takes things down a notch, giving the body a chance to surrender to each pose, allowing us to widen our breath, deepen our stretch and slow down our "monkey mind." Due to the nature of the practice, this class is definitely accessible to all levels. And don't let the 90 long minutes intimidate you, this amount of time is essential for us to rest deeply and relax completely; I promise, you'll wish you had 90 more minutes when the practice ends too!

P.S. You will discover parts of your body you've never felt before and you will feel like a million bucks afterwards!!


Wednesday, May 15, 2013

WOD Makes You Beautiful

• " Strong is Beautiful " 


 Spotted @  CrossFit Select
                  2480 Cawthra Road, Unit 22


 Who:  Marlison attended Holly's Workout of the Day following her packed 9:30 class. Holly, a Level I Certified CrossFit Coach started CrossFit 3 years ago (thanks to a good friend at lululemon) and was instantly hooked! A past educator at lululemon Sherway Gardens, Holly is a certified yoga instructor with PYC and brings her yoga background to the CrossFit box everyday. As a teacher, it is the classes she took and the people she encountered along the way that have helped shape her. A big goal setter, Holly is training for a podium finish with her team at the 2013 CrossFit Canada East Regionals with hopes to continue their journey towards the 2013 CrossFit Games. What drives her? She is inspired by seeing others set, accomplish and achieve their own goals!



 What:  WOD with Holly

Strength:
5x2 Over Head Squat (with a 5 second hold at the bottom of each last rep)

WOD: 
3 Rounds for Time
30 wall balls
15 hang squat snatches @ 95/65

Holly started the workout with a light 800 m run followed by a yoga-inspired stretch to limber us up. She prepared the group with an overview of the WOD and spent time reviewing the proper technique. As a newbie, I love that she spends time to focus on form and technique prior to jumping into the WOD, while also giving tips and pointers throughout.


 Wore:  Alison loved the coverage of her Luxtreme crops (especially when lifting or doing floor exercises), while her Swiftly Tech SS provided the right amount of coverage and wicking for any type of movement. Marlene, on the other hand, kept cool in the the Cool Racerback and lightweight RUN: Track Time Shorts.
Holly's outfit of choice for CrossFit are her Wunder Under Crops and Swiftly Tech LS. She loves that the Wunder Unders are super comfy, 4-way stretch and moisture wicking. "I can go for a run in them, practice my olympic lifts, muscle ups, whatever I want and they are perfect." As for the Swiftly, it's lightweight, breathable and warm all at the same time ..plus they come in bright colours, and for Holly, the brighter, the better!!


 When:  Holly instructs WODs Mon/Wed/Fri (9:30 & 10:30), Tues/Thurs (5:00) and Sundays (10:00 & 11:00). Holly also teaches the Saturday morning yoga class at CrossFit Select, a high paced CrossFit oriented yoga practice designed to help recover and relieve the muscles after a strenuous week of WODs.

 Why Crossfit: 
The CrossFit Select community encourages and supports athletes of all ages and stages to achieve their fitness goals. Because no two WOD's are the same, the only thing for certain is that the workout will be intense and it will push you to your limit! Not only are you exerting yourself with full body strength exercises, but the structure to complete "As Many Reps as Possible" or "Rounds for Time" incorporates an endurance aspect that pushes you to work even harder than you could ever imagine. With CrossFit, you learn time and time again not to give up and that anything is possible every single day. As a female, it's exciting and inspiring to work with Holly because not only is she one tough cookie with big, buff and beautiful goals, but she is also the biggest sweetheart! Holly loves to work one on one with athletes to help them improve both physically and mentally, scaling workouts as necessary, providing tips and pointers constantly, and motivating us from start to finish - Holly, we admire your strength and we thank you for allowing us to realize ours, inside and out!



Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Au Naturale, baby

• Turn down the heat and relax 


 Spotted @  PYC Etobicoke
                  1092 Islington Avenue
                 

 Who:  Jen, Mica, Carla, Mara, Steph and Alison attended Michelle's packed Au Natural 60 class. Michelle Taylor is one of our newest ambassadors at lululemon Sherway Gardens and we can always count on her for a rockin' class! A past member of our lululemon Sherway Gardens expo team, she brings forth a LOVE of music and a passion for dance. A competitive dancer growing up, she has been practicing yoga for 8 years now and is inspired by people creating change in their own lives. Michelle is motivated to share yoga with as many people and communities that she can and is well on her way as a teacher at a number of studios and organizations throughout the city. Life quote? "Paradise is where I am" (..psst Michelle, I always find paradise when I'm in your class!!)



 What:  Au Naturale 60 with Michelle
Au Naturale is a power vinyasa taught in natural heat. This power yoga practice will take you through a flow of sun salutations, balance poses, heart openers and meditations influenced by the Baron Baptiste style of teaching. Michelle loves to add music to her practice and continually gives pointers to assist her students in getting the most out of their practice every step of the way - I love how she focuses on gradual improvements while also pushing us to elevate our practice!


 Wore:  Alison was excited to put her loose Free Fall Crops made of luon light to work in this lower heat, less sweaty practice. She paired it up with the lightweight Practice Freely Tank (tied at the side to keep it in place! #stylepoints). Her fellow lemons sported their favourite CRB's, Power Y's and Singlets paired with Wunder Unders. Teaching? Michelle rocked our newest Light Hearted Tank to teach in and looked great! A soft, breathable tank, the lightweight Burnout fabric allows for an easy transition to and flow - super versatile and perfect for this beautiful weather!


 When:  PYC has Au Naturale classes daily. Michelle leads the class Tuesday's from 5:30-6:30 pm and 7:00-8:00 pm.

 Why Au Naturale: 
Au Naturale classes are the perfect compliment to the hot yoga classes that PYC offers. The non-heated room is the ideal solution for beginners, students uncomfortable at heated temperatures, or yogis that just want to change things up! The Au Naturale practice mirrors that of the heated studio, so don't let the name fool you, because it's still the same power yoga routine you've come to know and love! A.K.A. you'll get just as great a workout, but without the assistance of the heat, you'll feel a different sensation in your muscles and find a great stretch! What I loved most though, is that Au Naturale classes are less demanding mentally allowing you to relax and focus on your practice as opposed to the pool of sweat at your feet ..but don't be naive like I was, you will still work up a mean sweat!






Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Two Legs, One Team

• Run. Yoga. Pancakes. Repeat •


 Spotted @  Power Yoga Canada Etobicoke

 Who:  lululemon athletica Sherway Gardens and PYC Etobicoke combined forces this past Sunday for one extraordinary event: Two Legs, One Team! Inspired by all of the runners in our community, the lululemon Sherway Gardens team wanted to show our support by throwing a badass, sweaty, pancake party for all of you; and with one week until the Mississauga Marathon, we didn't want those prepping for the big day to do their last few runs alone! In addition to all the lovely lemons and PYC yogis working hard behind the scenes, the event wouldn't have been a success without the 100 guests that showed up and showed us what they were made of!

 What: 
1) RUN. Smiling faces and colourful luon filled the PYC Etbocioke parking lot with an early 8 am start time.  After some dynamic stretching lead by our newest ambasador, Gavin, we hit the pavement for a 3, 5 or 10 km run (runners choice!) around our local community lead by three pace bunnies. It was the perfect weather to rack up the mileage, and it was amazing to see how many other runners were taking it to the streets as well! Back at the finish line we were greeted with water, oranges and bananas to keep us fueled.

2) YOGA. Follow your ears to the beats and you'll find your way to the back of PYC. DJ Mike? Rows of yoga mats? This could only mean one thing - an outdoor power yoga jam! Our beautiful practice was lead by two powerful PYC yogis, and it was the perfect opportunity to play on our mats like never before - Cool Breeze? Check. Sunglasses? Check. Call Me Maybe? Check. Friends? Check. Check. Check. One hour and a handful of downward dogs later, we found ourselves refreshed and rejuvenated!  And who could forget our impromptu Spice Girls jam sesh post-namaste?! Thanks DJ Mike!

3) PANCAKES. Back out front Laura was flippin' pancakes by the dozen. Coffee, yogurt, fruit and lots of maple syrup rounded out the healthy & hearty breakfast ..just what the Doctor ordered! Together we cooled down, chowed down and got down (to the music), while also sharing our stories, goals, and dreams with each other. It was certainly a heartwarming sight to see our community all in one place sweating, smiling and laughing and I was so grateful to be a part of it all. From educators to ambassadors, walkers to marathoners, and young to the young-at-heart I was truly inspired by each and every one of you who came and showed us why our community is so amazing!

 Wore:  We saw it all! From luxtreme to swift, pants to shorts, swiftlies to rulu, tanks to pullovers - it's clear that everyone has their own personal preference when it comes to running.. What's your style?

 When:  Sunday April 28, 2013

 Why:  Because we love to sweat, we love our community, & we love to sweat in our community!!




(Video Cred: Gavin, you da man!)

P.S. We'll be cheering you on lululemon-style this Sunday, Mississauga Marathoners!