When a co-worker asked Alexis to attend the Baron Baptiste Foundation Yoga Workshop in Seattle, she was so flattered. Even as a beginner yogi, she'd heard about the legendary Baptiste in revered tones, but her immediate “YES!” gave way to concerns about her abilities.

Ten minutes after saying "yes," I wondered what I had gotten myself into. Two-and-a-half days doing hot vinyasa flow? My heart started racing. I began dreaming of excuses why I couldn’t go. It was an internal battle of the ages – I really wanted to go, but I was scared that I wouldn’t be able to keep up. I have a hip injury from a long-ago car accident, but the line where the injury stops and the excuses begin is blurry and gray at best. With a combination of excitement and trepidation in my heart, my co-workers and I headed off to the workshop.

baron baptiste retreat

As I stood in the lavender-scented warmth of the hotel ballroom, surrounded by 300 like-minded yogis of all skill levels, Baptiste took to the stage and began talking about the purpose of the weekend ahead. To say ‘magnetic’ when describing Baptiste is an understatement – his level of self-possession and genuine connection with us was immediately captivating.

He began the first evening’s asana portion by showing us the sequences of the Baptiste style of vinyasa flow. Every pose, and the order they go in, is intentionally planned to focus on awakening your inner truth. It was physically challenging but after five minutes I wasn’t worried about keeping up – I was so focused on being in the moment that I forgot all thoughts about looking good.

meditation

After breakfast the next day, we headed back to the hotel ballroom for a full day of asanas, thoughtful conversation and reflection. The day started off brilliantly – Baptiste led a meditation that was so transcendent I actually saw colors.

I was in upward dog sometime before lunch when I felt my right hip twinge with pain. I continued until we broke for break but by the time I'd returned to my room for a quick rest, I was in agony. I tucked myself into bed and used some of Baron’s meditation techniques to fall asleep.

perceived failure

Sunday morning, I was feeling WAY better. I thought to myself, “No more excuses. You took a break yesterday – but that’s not happening again today.” We started with a wonderful meditation and sharing session followed by the Baptiste style of Vinyasa Flow.

Within five minutes, I knew I was in trouble. My hip was throbbing like it was going to explode out of my skin. I hopped up and left the ballroom to take a breather. That breather turned into me sitting in the lobby for the remainder of the morning, consumed with my perceived failure.  When I went home, I felt extremely enlightened from what I had learnt but also ashamed that I hadn’t ‘completed’ the weekend.

post-retreat learnings

A few days later, my beautifully insightful co-worker Parker and I caught up. She and I had been roomies that weekend, and she wanted to hear about my experience at the workshop. I explained to her that I thought Baptiste was amazing and that I had learnt a lot about myself but that I was disappointed that I didn’t finish.

“Why didn’t you stay in the room after your hip started hurting?” Parker asked. “If I had known that you were sitting in the lobby, I would’ve dragged you back in there.”

I didn’t have an answer. I knew what her point was – not that I had to participate in the asana, but that I could still learn a ton just sitting on my mat, absorbing the energy around me. It dawned on me: the only reason I had sat outside was because I was afraid to look bad. Talk about an ‘a-ha’ moment.

I am still learning and growing from my weekend in Seattle. I’ve become more aware when I’m trying to save face – and in turn, have found my own truth. I can’t wait for Baron to visit Vancouver next so I can practice with a humble and happy heart, whether in a rockstar crow pose or lying on my mat – whatever is right for me.

As a yoga teacher, I get asked daily about which yoga is right, wrong, better or worse. Truthfully, you need to find a style that speaks to you, which can be hard to do when you don't know what the differences are!

yoga quick-guide

anusara: Playful. Expect to laugh and go upside down.
ashtanga: Athletic and vigorous.
bikram's: Consistent poses and very heated.
hatha: Foundation for many yoga styles. Great for beginners.
hot: Make sure to bring a towel - or two!
iyengar/restorative: With a focus on structure, usually uses blocks, straps for support.
kundalini: Focused on meditation and breathing.
power: An athletic and physically challenging style.
vinyasa/flow: A rhythmic class with lots of movement. Great for your 3rd or 4th class.
yin: A slow class that will take you deeper than you've ever gone.

Keep reading for the extended version of the above list to help you find a style that's right for you.

anusara

Expect a playful class with a strong focus on proper alignment and Tantric yoga philosophy (not what you're thinking). It (like most yoga) is derived from Hatha yoga.

ashtanga

This practice is very athletic and made up of six vigorous series of postures. It's one of the oldest forms of yoga and is considered to be the foundation of much of the yoga we see today in the west.

bikram

You're going to sweat in a Bikram's class, more than you ever thought was possible. Bikram yoga consists of 26 postures and breathing exercises repeated twice (that’s right 90 minutes) in a room heated to 105 degrees. Heads up - humidity is 40% and will knock you over the first time.

hatha

The foundation of every style of yoga mentioned here. Traditional Hatha yoga is a holistic path that includes disciplines, physical postures (asana), purification procedures, breathing (pranayama), and meditation. Hatha practiced in the West consists of mostly physical postures and is also recognized as a gentle introductory yoga for people new to yoga.

hot

By adding heat it is said that classes will help you lose weight, loosen your muscles (by adding increased range of motion) and improve your cardiovascular system. It differs from Bikram's in that the series of postures are not always (but can be) in any particular order and modifications are often offered.

iyengar/restorative

Expect a class emphasizing healing the body and mind through use of supported postures. One of the oldest forms of yoga, it’s for a person who loves technical intricacies and is also great for people who are new to yoga or have any issues with their health.

kundalini

Don't be surprised if your waving your hands like you just don't care or laughing uncontrollably (it's a type of meditation- I swear), this practice is intended to wake up the kundalini energy coiled at the base of your spine while activating chakras (energetic centers in the body), as well as detoxing the body and mind.

power

Many say Power yoga is the Western interpretation of Ashtanga. It is sometimes done in a heated room and focuses on the breath as fuel for the practice. This practice can be challenging for beginners, but is a nice balance to more gentle forms of yoga once you become comfortable with the different postures.

vinyasa/ flow

Derived from Ashtanga yoga, expect a class full of rhythmical flow (often combined with music) connecting each moment with unifying pranayama (breath). Classes can be more meditative or focused on the natural movement of the body, almost like dancing through postures. A great transition from Hatha when you’re looking for more of a challenge.

yin

Some believe that Yin yoga is the oldest form of Hatha yoga, since it is the ideal method of physical conditioning for prolonged meditation. Don't let the props and gentle movement fool you, this is not a form of restorative yoga. The long holds require that you focus and release all effort from the muscles.

Yin classes often use props like bolsters or blocks.

last but not least

Remember: your body is your best guide. You don’t have to stick to one kind of yoga, just do what your body needs!

There are many other styles not mentioned here that I encourage you to discover for yourself. Finally, if their is one piece of advice I can leave you with is: if it doesn't feel right, don't do it.

Want to try a complimentary yoga class? If you live near a lululemon location, find a complimentary yoga class near you.

This morning I'm teaching my vinyasa class at Pure Yoga in Tsim Sha Tsui. With my favourite Wunder Under Crop and Cool Racerback tank combination, I can demonstrate the poses with clear visual instructions.

day 2: street

It's been drizzling and sunny today so I decided to put on my flip flops, khaki shorts and a sheer tunic top to walk down to the old Central Wet Market to get some fruit. I'm wearing the Cool Racerback tank in Cool Blue and I just love how the longer length in this tank sits perfectly around my hip.

Why we made the Cool Racerbacks:

• Ultimate basic tank for all activities and snug fit that won't flip up during inversions
• Made with 4-way stretch luon light - lightweight and breathable
• Snug fit makes it great for layering and long length so the tall girls can wear it too
• Wear with the Flow Y Bra II for no visible bra straps
• Flat seamed for chafe resistance & comfort

Milla, our Hong Kong Showroom Assistant Manager, is wearing Cool Racerbacks for seven days from street to sweat.

you asked

I am doing hot yoga and vinyasa. Sometimes I can’t hold a pose - not because I lack strength or balance – but because the arch of my foot hurts. Any clue what that is and what I can do about it?- melanie

a yogi answers

Dear Melanie,

When balancing, try to shift your focus to your core, for you may be placing too much strain on your foot, overworking it a bit. So, think of lifting away from the floor by creating a lift through the belly, which you keep tightly pulled in for a ‘lifting action’ relieving strain from your joints as well (ankles and knees). Always think of defying gravity, and avoid ‘sitting’ or ‘sinking’ into the pose.

You can also try lifting the toes to ensure that you are distributing your body weight across your foot as evenly as possible. In doing so, carefully press the big toe mounds and inner heels down into the floor, and powerfully recoil the arches up into the inner ankles. This may be difficult initially, but will eventually build the strength that you need in your arches.

A daily practice of Virasana, which stretches the top of the foot and strengthens the arches, will be beneficial. Do Virasana (with buttocks on a folded blanket or a block if necessary) whenever possible. While you practice this pose, massage the arches of your feet, pressing on the arches as if cultivating an arch with your thumbs. Also, spread your toes as far apart as possible to avoid foot cramps during Virasana.

- Grace, lululemon Queen St. ambassador

what is ask a yogi?

Ask a Yogi is a yoga advice column that is published on Monday, Wednesday and Saturdays. If you have a yoga question for future yoga panels, please email askanexpert@lululemon.com.

View hot yoga clothes:

• Happy Heat Shorts
• Hot Class Bra
• Hot Class Tank

you asked

Baron Baptiste’s Vinyasa Flow is amazing! I always tend to attend these styles of classes but am wondering what other styles might be similar to his power flow class? Any recommendations? Also, Moksha seems to be offered in a lot of studios. What exactly does this style emulate? - Sarah

a yogi answers

Well, as a Master Baptiste Teacher I LOVE the Baptiste flow, too! There is something exceptional about the Baptiste flow and how challenging and inspiring it is that I just can’t find anywhere else. If you can find teachers that have trained with Sean Corne, Shiva Rea, Brian Kest or Dharma Mittra, you will enjoy their style, too!

Moksha is a style of yoga based off of the Bikram series but with a strong emphasis on environmental consciousness. Just like Baptiste Yoga, Moksha is also very accessible to all levels of students and is a great way to be introduced into the world of yoga. The main difference is that Moksha is a set series of poses like Bikram and Baptiste is a Vinyasa or flow style of yoga. There are just so many styles of yoga, just like there are so many styles of music and art and dance. The important thing is to find a teacher and style of yoga that resonates with you, stimulates your inner inquiry and awakens your soul!

- Kinndli, lululemon Oakville ambassador

what is ask a yogi?

Ask a Yogi is a yoga advice column that is published on Monday, Wednesday and Saturdays. If you have a yoga question for future yoga panels, please email askanexpert@lululemon.com.

you asked...

I’ve been into hot/Bikrams yoga for a few years now. I use to go 3 to 4 times a week. I was absolutely addicted! I’ve since scaled back to 2 or 3 times a month. I’m hoping to ramp that back up to weekly and eventually a few times a week; like when I first started. I was wondering if it’s ever ‘unhealthy’ or too much to go to hot yoga a couple times a week? Is it bad for your body to be in the class environment, sweat as much as you do, etc. that often? - Andrea S

a yogi answers

Hi Andrea,

I don’t believe practicing hot yoga 3 to 4 times a week is necessarily bad for you unless you have a medical condition such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, an eating disorder, sleep deprivation, heart-related illness or are pregnant. Make sure that you are drinking plenty of water to replenish the fluids that you’ve lost during practice, and, like all experienced yogis, just listen to your body.

If you feel like you need to lie down and rest, do that. Don’t worry if the rest of the class is in Dancer’s pose, and you decide to go into Child’s pose. I suggest you consider diversifying your practice by taking other types of yoga classes such as power, vinyasa, Anusara or Iyengar classes so that you do not get burned out on one particular type of yoga. Hot yoga is a wonderful detoxifying practice but it does not build your upper body strength like some of the other styles, and I have heard some yogis say that since the asana sequencing does not change much from class to class, it is nice to mix it up with other yoga styles. All yoga is good, so mix it up. Good luck and I hope to see you in one of my hot classes!

- Danielle


Does Camel pose make you feel sick?

you asked...

I was wondering why Camel pose makes me feel nauseous. Especially at Bikrams, but really in any yoga format. I have been told that it could be because it is a very vulnerable position when your heart is exposed. Is this true?? - Lindsey

a yogi answers

Hi Lindsey,

I am not sure if the position of the heart has anything to do with the nausea experienced in Ushtrasana (Camel pose) but believe it may be due to not breathing fully, misalignment in the posture or a release of emotional issues, which can happen in many different yoga postures, even Balaasana (Child’s pose). Camel pose helps us open up the thoracic spine where most of us tend to be relatively tight as compared to our cervical spine (neck) and lumbar spine (lower back).

To avoid nausea, make sure you maintain a deep and effortless breathing pattern and that you are not dropping your head too far back and compressing the cervical spine; keep the shoulder blades hugging together as you support your lower back with your hands; keep lifting the sternum up to avoid compression in your lumbar spine; and come out of the pose slowly while maintaining a steady flow of breath. As your body works itself into postures, emotions tend to come up. If a situation is bothering you off the mat, it can affect your body and practice. So keep breathing deeply and never force your poses.

I hope I provided some helpful pointers to help you in this posture.

- Danielle
http://daniellemikanagel.com/

It seemed like Barefoot in the Park, an hour and a half yoga sampler featuring 7 different styles of yoga, was destined to be a rain date. So it was appropriate that on this glorious summer evening, lululemon Regional Community Guru Liz Eustace expressed her thanks to Mother Nature in addition to all the people who made this event possible.

The Lawn at Bryant Park was filled with 417 people young and old, experienced and just starting out, on top of a sea of yellow, blue and red mats. The soft lull of the sitar and the driving rumbling of the drums, created by the group Yoga Organix, provided the atmosphere for an open mind and open heart and accompanied the seven different teachers who were sharing seven different styles of yoga, everything from Kundalini, to Iyengar, to Vinyasa flow.

For those of you who have never done yoga outside, you must drag your mat out into the sun and experience your practice in a completely new environment under completely different elements. As New Yorkers, it's hard to find time to wind down and establish a consciousness that is solely centered on indulging in your yoga practice. In a city where its pure expansiveness can swallow you whole, it can also act as the perfect backdrop to embrace the fresh air and join with strangers in a unifying Om.