Call me a skeptic, but I find it a bit silly to be slithering around like a snake on the gym floor reciting "ahhhhh, sexy spine" out loud.

It was my first Nia class and I had trouble keeping a straight face. I couldn't make eye contact with my fellow lululemon Ala Moana educators for fear of cracking up as we danced barefoot, twisting our spines and awkwardly flailing our arms in the air.

Nia, which stands for Neuromuscular Integrative Actions, is described as a body-mind fitness and lifestyle program. Students kick off their shoes as they incorporate movement and philosophies from dance, yoga, pilates, martial arts, and more – moving their way to a healthier and more empowered mind, body and soul.

During the class, as I willed myself to keep an open mind and allow my body to relax, I watched the teacher let loose and encourage her students to do the same. People around me were spontaneously spinning, singing, clapping, and even releasing shouts of "yes!" I also noticed that no one could stop smiling as we danced around the room. That freedom made me shun my self-consciousness and I started to shake and shimmy to the music.

I think my change of heart came after noticing I was surrounded by women of all ages who were fully aware of their bodies, with no hesitation to express their grace and power. It was a place that gave me a sense of freedom, pushing me to become more energized, strong, and confident.

I'm convinced that Nia is a fun stress-buster, as well as a joyful way to get in shape, become more in tune with your body, and even find happiness while sweating it out. To find a Nia class near you, visit a lululemon store and ask them to point you in the right direction, or check out the Nia website at www.nianow.com.

How are you letting go today?

Recently there was “Free Day of Yoga.” In dozens of cities across the globe, participating yoga and pilates studios opened up their spaces by offering free classes to the community. Studio owners and teachers offered this gift to students in the spirit of sharing the love and bliss of yoga, not to mention the health benefits of practicing the sport.

lululemon athletica Ala Moana sponsored Hawaii’s Free Day of Yoga. We wanted people to try different styles, instructors and studios (at no cost) in order to stretch their mind, body, and spirit.

Our community came out to enjoy this special event. Almost all of the classes were packed to capacity. One of the local studio owners, Conrad Gacki of Bikram Yoga Nimitz had crammed classes from sun up (5.30 a.m. class) to sundown (7 p.m. class).

Gacki was so inspired by the Free Day of Yoga that he has decided to visit all of the studios that were involved in the community event in order to help strengthen the local yoga community. Educators at lululemon Ala Moana have received nothing but positive feedback for helping to organize this event. We even had a 72-year-old guest mention that she attended five free classes on that day! Nothing could make us smile more. The work we do at lululemon is for the community, it is to share the benefits of yoga and fitness with beginners, elite athletes, and everyone in between.

lululemon athletica stores offer complimentary weekly yoga classes. Visit lululemon.com/stores to find a lululemon store near you.

Getting down and dirty in yoga class is admirable – getting off your mat and practicing outdoors is extraordinary. Taking yoga outdoors stimulates the senses and heightens physical awareness. I have found hiking yoga to be one of the most invigorating and spiritual activities.

Without breath, you are not doing yoga. So why not breathe deeply while hiking and explore the possibilities of connecting to the earth. Groups across the country are offering hiking yoga classes/guides that are specific to the geographic area. Eric Kipp in San Francisco leads urban Hiking Yoga groups that focus on breath and engaging the core. Eric takes you inside the romantic hidden spots of the city while stopping after every huge hill to do a relaxing warrior or triangle pose.

The beauty of nature, like being next to a campfire, immediately inspires you to emerge from your safe zone. Hiking with a group promotes rich social interaction and human connection. I have found the shared experience to be rewarding and quite awakening to my bodies capabilities.

Above: Vanessa, escapes the city and heads to Tofino (Vancouver Island) for an oceanside hike and yoga experience. She's keeping warm in our Remix lulu hoodie.