To introduce our newest store in NYC to the world, we asked Kate, New York local and assistant manager at our East 66th store, to tell us how to get our sweat on in the Meatpacking District. Using our manifesto as inspiration, she's created a list of the 7 best places you need to know about the next time you visit New York.

a 7-step guide to elevate the world

Have you ever sat down and written out those specific axioms that get you out of bed in the morning to help you elevate the world from mediocrity to greatness?

I tried on a few of my favourite manifesto lines and applied them to a day spent in one of my favourite communities in the world, the Meatpacking District in New York City. A neighbourhood known for its transformation from meatpacking warehouses, to a host for underground nightlife, to its current post as a hub for high-end fashion shops and exclusive nightclubs, Meatpacking will also become home to a new lululemon athletica store, set to open March 8, 2013.

At Studio 216 classes are capped at 6 yogis

1. drink as much fresh water as you can. water flushes unwanted toxins from your body and keeps your brain sharp.

Ever tried alkaline water? Alkaline water is loaded with antioxidants that help hydrate cells. By supplying a greater amount of oxygen to your body, this water supports your organ and muscles function. Organic Avenue provides this purified beverage on tap and uses it in the majority of its juices.

2. practice yoga so you can remain active in physical sports as you age.

Our ambassador & studio owner, Nicole

Yoga 216 is where you’ll find owner, instructor, and Meatpacking ambassador Nicole Katz. This white crystal chandelier lit studio, nestled beneath the High Line, caps classes to 6 mats, enabling Nicole (and the studios other amazing instructors) the ability to focus on the goal of neutral alignment and a pain-free practice for students.

3. what you do to the earth you do to yourself

The High Line is an elevated greenway that transports you into a natural paradise juxtaposed with amazing views of the downtown skyline and Hudson River. This recycled railway is a great inspiration for seeking sustainability in daily life.

4. breathe deeply and appreciate the moment. living in the moment could be the meaning of life

Meditation has many inward and outward benefits. Taking time for quiet and still meditation supplies one with a greater ability to live in the present. My first step in setting a meditation practice is finding a meditation station. I found mine at the Dream Downtown, in the hotel’s secluded outdoor courtyard.

Meditation stations are tucked away if you know where to find them

5. creativity is maximized when you are living in the moment

Being in the midst of art inspires creativity and brings gratitude and wonder. Street art and the many galleries in Meatpacking host many sources of inspiration, be it for your next artistic endeavor or wardrobe of choice for your next workout.

Inspire your inner artist as you walk around

6. a daily dose of athletic-induced endorphins gives you the power to make better decisions, helps you be at peace with yourself, and offsets stress

Layla Luciano can be found at Barry’s Bootcamp in NYC. A sassy instructor and Meatpacking ambassador, Layla knows how to motivate her classes. Layla’s continuously changing workouts send my body into “shock”. Her workouts short and intense segments of strength training and interval cardiovascular routines challenge me to exceed my perceived limits.

7. friends are more important than money

After a long day of sweating, soaking up inspiration, and appreciating life, I’m ready to share my experiences with those that matter most to me, especially over expensive fancy cocktails. At the Top of the Standard at the Standard Hotel drinks at sunset offer stunning views of the city.

To learn more about manifestos to live by, join us in welcoming lululemon Meatpacking to New York’s most fashionable neighbourhood on March 8, 2013.

Here at lululemon athletica’s Store Support Centre, we have a truly wonderful yoga and fitness program. Five days a week, instructors come into our light-filled studio to conduct classes consisting of various styles and degrees of difficulty throughout the day – and all you have to do is grab a (provided) mat and show up. With all these resources at my fingertips, you’d think I’d be the downest dog in town, right?

Wrong. Exceedingly, surprisingly, embarrassingly incorrect.

It’s time for a shameful admission: In my four months of working here thus far, I have NOT been to a yoga class at the Store Support Centre (editor’s note: those meowing noises are the symphony of a litter of inflexible kittens pawing their way out of the bag).

Alexis is going to her first yoga class today!

It didn’t start this way. I had the best of intentions, sure. But like many of you, I was so caught up in the workings of my new job that I completely forgot what attracted me to lululemon in the first place.

The reason I’m sharing this with you is to prove a point – this can happen to anyone with the best of intentions, even someone working in a building BASED around yoga. It doesn’t matter how near or far you are from your yoga facility, or gym class; how cold it is outside, how much work you have, or how your running crops are in the wash. If you want to make excuses, you can.

Clichéd, but true: you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink. Well friends, get ready, because this old chestnut (neigh?) is getting ready to take a trot (scratch that: CANTER!) through the Hatha fields on Monday with Ingrid, one of our lovely instructors. As for her correcting my woeful use of animal metaphor, it’s too soon to tell.

What are you going to do today with no excuses?

Look inside some of your gear to see if there is a little motivational message for you!

Yoga makes you stop and just be present.

What are you doing today that is outside of your comfort zone?

Share your big hairy audacious goal with someone. People will hold you accountable to your goal's once they know about it.

What words of wisdom inspire you when you work out?

I'm a fairly new yogi, having only practiced yoga for about a year and a half (and even though I was fairly athletic, I was never very flexible). So I know that as beginner, hitting up your first yoga class can be a somewhat confusing (which style? which studio?) and intimidating experience.

Many people might not know, but lululemon stores offer weekly complimentary yoga classes for the community. The goal of these classes is to help you try out many different styles of yoga and experience a range of teachers from various local studios in a supportive environment. The classes are mixed levels and the crowd ranges from yoga class virgins to health-conscious athletes who use yoga as a way to stretch their muscles out.

You know the saying: the best things in life are free. At the lululemon where I work, the Ala Moana store in Honolulu, Hawaii, we actually offer four weekly events: a Sunday morning yoga class, a cardio boot camp on the beach, a running club, and a weekly health seminar. All. For. Free.

So whether you are a complete beginner to yoga, a longtime yoga lover looking to dabble in different styles, or just trying to stretch your dollar, come find bliss at your local lululemon store. Find your local lululemon here to find out what's happening at your store, or just drop by and ask. Good luck!

Above: Guests and educators work up a sweat at a complimentary in store yoga class! Mats are always provided.