rebecca

I love my collarbone because it is so defined and makes me feel oh so beautiful and womanlike, especially when I'm dancing, modeling, acting and walking!

marlissa

I love my arms because they are feminine and lean, especially my triceps. They make me feel strong when I'm grabbing those handle bars in spin class!

keri

I love my bum because it is like no one else's and follows me everywhere I go. It rocks out from everything to squats, shopping and even on the dance floor!

karey

I love my legs because they carry me through my day. I appreciate that I've been blessed with two of them. They provide me with thee ability to dance, run, swim, bike, hike or strut!

jennifer

I love my tiny waist because it leads to a nice bum, which isn't always popular for Asian women. I love my waist in hot yoga class and finding outfits to accentuate it.

greg

I have been blessed with naturally broad shoulders. They are the envy of my smaller shouldered brother. They look even larger when compared with my tiny hands.

ashley, alex & marisa

Ashley: I love my collarbones because they protrude and make me feel beautiful. My favourite workout is bikini bootcamp.

Alex: I love my stomach because it's toned and makes me feel good about myself, and shows me that my hardcore ab workouts are paying off.

Marisa: I love my arms because they make me feel strong and beautiful, especially my biceps. I love working my arms in a muscle conditioning class called Fabulously Firm.

andrea

I love my beautiful waist because it makes me feel awesome, especially sweating in Zumba class.

What's your favourite body part, and why?

I don’t know the what, when, where, why and how, but, somewhere along the line, we were told that our bodies weren’t good enough. We were told that we should cover-up, hide from the world, if we weren’t a certain body type. Well, forget that!

Far too much emphasis is put on what other people think. The emphasis should be placed on how you feel. We work out to build confidence and feel good about our bodies. Why don’t we celebrate what we work so hard for?

I am not a size two. My stomach does not lie flat, my thighs are bigger than they used to be, and my shoulders are broad. But that stomach supports me in plank pose when my yoga instructor decides we should hold it there for three minutes. My thighs power my legs as I dodge tree roots and rocks when sprinting through mountain trails. Those broad shoulders of mine propel me along length after length in the swimming pool. I work hard. And, if I want to wear a sports bra while I’m out for my morning run, I’m going to, and I don’t see why anyone should have a problem with that.

There’s no size restriction on beauty and confidence. Dare to bare a little skin. Show off your muscles, your curves. Wear that sports bra and those short shorts.

Don’t look to others for approval. Be the confidence you’re searching for.

Love your body.

we asked:

@lululemon: Our ambassadors always amaze & inspire us. Who inspires you? Tag your replies w/ #WeAsked & we'll share our favourites in our Friday blog!

you answered:

@kpladson: My dad. After 40+ years of teaching math to tweens and teens, he's still convinced our future will be better than our past.

@jetherojl: My yoga instructor inspires me. She brings so much energy through her glowing personality that the air seems to smile.

@bek_bodies4life: My clients are the ones that inspire me everyday to keep pushing w/ my dreams + goals of building my PT business! =)

@RLeinberger: My grandmother, who raised four kids on her own, beat cancer, and continues to work everyday to show me what strength is

@danie_d:My mom. She has MS and refuses to let it slow her down.

@stuhueso: @richroll is inspiring: recovered addict ultradistance vegan endurance athlete with a spiritual side & loving family.

@KStearnsOnTWV:I am inspired by Chaltu, the child I sponsor in Ethiopia who walks miles for clean water daily. I run for her

Look for our next #WeAsked question on Tuesday, August 17th!

what is we asked?

Every week we ask you for your thoughts and opinions on a specific topic via Twitter, and share our favourite answers here on our blog. Want to share your wisdom in 140 characters or less? Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/lululemon. If you’d like to suggest a topic, feel free to email askanexpert@lululemon.com.

what is the lululemon ambassador program?

The lululemon ambassador program is extended to unique individuals in our store communities who embody the lululemon lifestyle and live our culture. Learn more about the ambassador program here.

Ambassadors yoga-ing at this week's first ever Ambassador Summit!

what's an elite ambassador?

Our elite ambassadors are our international rock stars, athletes of an elite level (think Olympians) that choose to train and/or compete in our fantastic product because it is the best in the world. Further to that, they are members of our lululemon family. Learn more about elite ambassadors here.

so, what's appreciation week about?

We'll be sharing profiles, stories and more to highlight as many of our amazing ambassadors as we can. Stay tuned to our blog, Facebook, and Twitter pages for more to come!

• Learn more about our ambassador program
• Learn about our elite ambassadors
• Apply online to be an ambassador!
• Meet an alumni ambassador

What do you want to learn about our ambassadors? Leave a comment below!

Hey design team,

You guys have designed my favourite shorts! The Tracker shorts are the most incredible running shorts and I want to share why:

The waistband is  comfortable and doesn't budge. There is no riding up or down, no distraction of having to adjust my shorts while I'm running.

I love lined shorts and these hold up really well.

I don't like my shorts to be tight on my "athletically built" thighs and these give me room in the leg. There is great for my range of motion while running but also for my self-confidence, plus no chafing for 13.1 miles(which is a half marathon for you non-runners)!

The side pocket was big enough for a couple energy gels, and it's easy to access while running.

When I interviewed for the educator position at lululemon, I said my goal was to run my first half-marathon, and I did it last weekend in the Run:Tracker shorts! They were absolutely perfect for the run! I gush about them to my fellow educators and guests, educating on all these amazing features.

Keep up the awesome work design team,

Liz

What are you wearing to finish your 13.1?

who are you guys?

We are Matt Hill and Stephanie Tait, runners who asked ourselves, “how could we give back to something much larger than us—our planet?” I, Matt, have been the voice behind some of the best cartoon characters to making kids laugh for the past 20 years. My passion for running started when I was younger and got to witness Terry Fox’s Marathon of Hope, and personally went on to complete seven Ironman!

Steph was a small business coach, specializing in entrepreneurs achieving success, through standing for something larger than just themselves and their business dreams and just launched the Yoga School of Business. After surviving the tsunami in 2004 and our lives colliding in 2006, we began asking these same questions as we ran along each day, sharing our dreams. Blame Al Gore for his question in An Inconvenient Truth that got us thinking—what was the one thing we were now going to change in our daily lives?

Secondly, blame me for having the answer during a plane ride. “We need to do long runs and it needs to stand in service of our youngest generation, to inspire and empower them to grow up ‘lean and green’ ".

what is run for one planet and what inspired you to start it?

The actual Run for One Planet was conceived in Burnaby Lake Park. On Sunday, Dec. 9th 2006, we took our love of running, each other, people and our planet’s health and co-founded Run for One Planet: an 11,000 mile run across Canada and around the perimeter of America to inspire environmental action, one small step at a time.

In 369 tour days, we ran 420 marathons as a collective dynamic running duo, spoke to over 30,000 kids in more than 200 presentations and rose over $120,000 for our R41P Legacy Fund for Kids initiative.

Matt and Steph after one of their morning runs!

what are some tips you have for others to get involved?

Our core mission is to inspire people through the action of running, to make small daily changes in their habits towards our planet’s health. We created a list of “Top 10 Action Steps”, asking people to choose one action, commit to it and when that one action becomes your normal daily habit, you choose another until you’re doing all 10 as a daily part of living. Now multiply that over the number of people in North America and you see the collective power in making these small single changes. Here’s our list for your readers: http://www.runforoneplanet.com/actionchallenge.php

anything else you want to share?

We reached our goal on May 8th, 2009 as we crossed the Lions Gate Bridge under full police motorcycle escort! Two and a half years of running became reality. As we changed the “miles ran” to 11,000 in Stanley Park with a crowd of family, friends and our supporters, we knew we’d made it home! We smiled in the knowing that in the end, we had accomplished our dream and unlaced our 30th pair of destroyed Asics, completing our odyssey, by opening the EPIC Expo and giving our first post-tour presentation. When the numbers were added up it looked like this:

• 11,000 miles logged
• 420 marathons collectively ran
• 30,000 kids presented to
• 30 pairs of Asics destroyed
• 3 million calories consumed collectively, and
• $120,000 (and growing) raised, for our Legacy for Kids initiative.

Join us in Vancouver on May 8th at Kits Beach for a 3 km run and a celebration of our one year anniversary! Check out the Facebook invite here: Run For One Planet Day

It all begins with the first step. So we ask you, what’s your marathon a day? And where could your small steps take you?

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!

What is your role at lululemon?

I am a Showroom Manager in beautiful downtown San Diego.

Tell us about your community:

Downtown is the cultural center of San Diego. We have a really great mix of athletes, young professionals, people in the military, students and tourists. We have yogis, crossfitters, dancers, runners, cyclists, mixed martial artists and Olympic kayakers. People here are some of the most friendly I've ever met. I guess it's difficult not to be happy when it's sunny 360 days a year

How did you come to lululemon?

I worked in Los Angeles marketing for network television shows until I burned out. I took a year off and got certified to teach yoga then traveled around the world with my sister before settling in San Diego. I knew of and loved lululemon from my LA days and was surprised to find there wasn't a store here. I found the posting for a showroom manager on lululemon.com soon after I moved here. The timing was perfect! I was lucky enough to be hired to open a showroom in Del Mar, lululemon's entry into the San Diego market. The whole thing was fate really.

What is the difference between a showroom and a store?

Showrooms were originally created to go into communities where lululemon stores were not around. They operate similarly to our stores in many ways but one major difference is that we have limited hours in order to maximize our time in the community. I believe there is no better venue than a showroom to interact with our community and truly gain a sense of what they want and where they want it. The showroom setting is generally very intimate and has that neighborhood vibe where our guests feel comfortable kicking off their shoes and staying awhile.

What's a typical Wednesday like for you?

Wednesdays are different each week but they always start out with our store manager call where all the stores and showrooms in our region get to touch base. Lots of learning and sharing happens on that call! Wednesdays include a class (or two!) so that I'm always becoming more of an expert in our community, connecting with the most amazing teachers, trainers, athletes and studios in our neighborhood. Community and people development are how I spend most of my days.

How do you usually sweat once a day?

Yoga is definitely my preferred form of exercise/stress relief though I took my first hip hop class a couple weeks ago and I'm hooked! Also, I work up quite a sweat chasing after my very active 11-month-old daughter but I can't think of anything more fun!

What’s one activity/fitness trend that you’ve been dying to try?

I have two: Zumba and Kettle Bells.

Why do you have the best job in the world?

I love creating something where there was nothing but opportunity before. I love working with amazing people every day, fellow educators and all the outstanding members of our community. I am so fortunate to have a job that embraces balance so that I can be present for my family and raise our daughter. I have so much fun at work that I'd probably do it even if I didn't get paid.

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

Be flexible and open to anything! Most importantly, take ownership of whatever you do... showrooms provide unbelievable opportunities for resourcefulness and creativity.

What makes your showroom unique?

This is the second showroom I've managed in San Diego and they each had very different personalities. The first time around we were the only gig in town. Now there are two stores in the area so we have to work even harder to create our individual showroom culture and not stand in the shadow of the stores. Our mission continues to be to attract new guests, educate them on our culture and bring the lululemon love.

Sidewalk yoga! All part of a day's work at the San Diego showroom.

Do you think you are one of the three rock stars managers that can lead a team in Madison, WI, Cincinnati, OH or Birmingham, AL? Browse some of the cool locations where we will be opening showrooms!

I ran the San Jose Rock n Roll Half Marathon recently. I'll discuss my performance later in the post, but I had to get some thoughts out of my head and onto the screen (pen and paper in the past, right?).

Every time I go to an event, or race...if you prefer to call it that, I am touched, moved and inspired. This starts the day before the race: race packet pick up day!

the day before

You can feel the energy of anticipation from tens, hundreds or thousands of people, whether it is their first race or their 100th.

As I stroll up to the packet pickup table, I can't help but move with a sense of confidence. I can't help but smile as the volunteer hands this seasoned volunteer his race number. This is it: all of the work you put in to the days, weeks and months before, culminating in just a few hours. I thank the volunteers for their time (required!) because these people make the races we love so much fun.

I walk the expo floor, searching for the coolest new athletic gear, like most endurance geeks do. I rarely find anything I haven't seen before, but alas, I did get something and put another item on my wish list! I bought a Power Balance band, this little wristband that is supposed to help with your electrical field and balance. The expo conjures up memories and emotions of races past and as I leave I call my best friend, reminiscing about our first half marathon four years ago.

race day

Race day is here! This is it: graduation day. You put in the work and this is the easy part (most of the time). The energy reaches its climax when the starter's pistol sounds. Off we go! The fun is trying to harness your excitement in the first mile, to remember your pace!

For this race, I ran in a faster group and couldn't help but feel more alone despite the other 9,000+ runners. The silence of fast runners was draining! The best part about running in slower pace groups is the eavesdropping on neighboring conversations and engaging in your own friendly banter.

I run with a purpose. I'm out to do my best each and every time I tie my shoes. I also run for fun. I smile and thank all the volunteers, I high-five the kids and cheerleaders lining the street. Their energy and support carry me in every race. It is so cool that random people are cheering you on as if you were Michael Jordan on the court! As the miles add up, so do the thoughts running through my mind. I am no longer running on the initial anxiety, but more so on pure guts and personal pride. I have a goal and I will attain that goal or be damned trying. At mile 12, it is almost over, I'm almost there and my body is begging me to walk...but I won't. I feel the nervous energy of the racers around me, each running for the best finishing time of their life. I turn on the juice, and start to pick people off. "Go Jonny Go! Hold that pace! You are an animal!" I finish and feel accomplished, I've more than reached my goal, I kicked its ass.

Wait! I'm not done yet! I haven't told you why I just put my mind and body through the spin cycle.

1) I did it to inspire. I not only run for myself, but I run for those who can't as well as those who won't. I run with the hope that my athletic pursuits will inspire others to make the most of their wonderful bodies. The abilities we each have are amazing and a gift. Why not use them? I think I inspire others with the desire and will to push beyond what we THINK is possible. Why be mediocre when you can be great?! No one can tell you when you are great or not, that is something only you will know. It is easy to answer with one question...Did you do your best? If you said anything other than an ecstatic YES!, then you weren't great, and only you know it. Give it your all, and see what mental and physical rewards you will reap...I guarantee you will be pleasantly surprised.

2) I race to be inspired. On the walk to my car, I look at the faces of the people still running, two hours after I had finished. I can't help but cheer and clap them on. Most of them don't look like "athletes" but they are and not because anyone said they were, but because they are doing it. At times I have to take a deep breath. Everyone has a story for why they are out there. Is it to raise awareness for a cause? For someone who couldn't be there that day? To challenge themselves? For the free stuff? My eyes fill with saline (just a little)...as I couldn't be more inspired by these people. I'm inspired that people are living...and choosing such a fun way to live.

So folks, keep moving, keep grooving and keep inspiring me to be great. I promise to do the same.

I guess you could say I race because it makes me smile, and we could all use a good smile. Why do you race?

Want great insight on listening to your body and resting between runs? Check out Janice's blog: http://www.lululemon.com/community/blog/run-hard-rest-harder