WHY WE LOVE THIS

This mat is like the red carpet of yoga mats. It is designed with a natural rubber base that keeps it securely on the floor (it also provides incredible support). The top layer is made with smooth polyurethane that will make you want to linger a little longer in Savasana. The 5mm thickness makes it really soft, cushy and supportive and because it’s ultra-absorbent it’s also super grippy. This Mat is our partner in crime in an hour of Power or a super sweaty Vinyasa Flow.

JOANNA - Product Editor

A big version of The Mat designed for those who want a little more practice space. The (Big) Mat has all the same incredible features as the Mat. Sometimes size really does matter.

This lightweight version of The Mat is perfect for long travel days and short commutes. The (un) Mat layers easily over less than sanitary studio mats. Weighing-in at less than 1kg (2.2lbs) it’s our go-to mat for yoga on the fly.

WHY WE LOVE THIS

Practicing yoga in 105˚F heat can get really, really sticky. We engineered The Towel Mat with that kind of sweaty intensity in mind. The absorbent microfiber top and acrylic print were designed to keep you from slipping around and a grippy rubber base helps to keep the mat in place. This lightweight, commuter friendly mat can also be rolled up like a traditional mat or folded (and squished) into a bag. If you are looking for low maintenance cleaning, this mat is the ticket (you can put it in the washing machine and the dryer). Let’s be honest, after a 90 minute hot yoga class, easy cleaning is a dream come true.

JOANNA - Product Editor

WHY WE LOVE THIS

We get it. Sometimes going ‘au natural’ is just the right choice. We designed The Pure Mat with two layers of natural rubber and a grippy textured surface making it Bakasana and Savasana ready. The closed cell construction means sweat won’t absorb into the mat so it’s easy to clean and easy to share. We also engineered two different thicknesses of The Pure Mat (3mm-5mm) because sometimes we like a little more cushion and sometimes we want to lighten up. This mat is the kind of natural goodness that really floats our boat.

JOANNA - Product Editor

Natural rubber is a soft and stable surface. It gives The Pure Mat the kind of cushiony feel that makes you want to Down Dog. The ultra-grippy surface makes it easy to get a grip - even when things get sweaty.  Natural rubber does have a slight scent that will fade over time (turns out first impressions aren’t everything). Just roll it out and let it breathe before you head to class.

Here in Vancouver, we're in the middle of the annual long-weekend drought. We decided to see it as an opportunity to create our own mini-vacations, whether close to home or abroad. The same spirit that brought you "Happy Place Friday" is bringing you "(Re)treat Yourself," a bevy of yoga retreats. Consider booking some vacation time soon.

The long road from New Year's to Easter is relatively holiday-free. Of course, depending on where you're reading this from, you may be blessed with a long weekend or two, but overall it's pretty sparse. The weeks run long. The weather is less appealing (unless you're south of the equator) and you are probably dreaming of that elusive getaway. We are.

Getting away doesn't necessarily mean searching for your passport and hoping your carry-on shampoo bottle will make it through customs. You can escape from the day-to-day with an amazing yoga class, a trip to a new studio, a night with friends and new recipes - heck, even an inverted pose will clear your head. No, you don't have to travel to get away from it all...but who doesn't want to travel? Certainly not us.

the retreat appeal

Our Community Relations Manager Tracy is gearing up for her first yoga getaway: Baron Baptiste, Hawaii, sunshine, surf and healthy food. (Can you say jealous?) Remembering that jealousy works the opposite way one wants it to, we decided to look on the bright side and discover some other great retreats on the horizon.

There is a yoga retreat for everyone. Hit your mat then hit the surf, hit the slopes or hit the bottle - pinot grigio, that is.  Prices and accommodations will vary and you'll want to check whether airfare is included. (Most of the time it is not.) Many trips offer detailed itineraries so do some research before you commit. Here we go. Let's hit the yoga retreat buffet.

yoga in general

Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat
Head to this Conde Nast award-winning centre in Australia and you'll likely meet Gold Coast Showroom ambassador Emma Burridge.
Retreats dates vary

Yoga Holidays in Greece
Vancouver alumni ambassador Gloria Latham plays host to regular getaways in Greece. The sun-soaked pictures are intoxicating, especially with the rainy weather outside.
Kythira, Greece - June 26-July 2, 2011 or July 24-30, 2011

Yoga in Paradise
If you're looking for an exclusive retreat, leave the traffic behind and join alumni ambassador Krista Cahill in Bora Bora.
Bora Bora, French Polynesia - June 11-18, 2011

Fiji Yoga Retreat with Mark O'Brien
Mark is one of Sydney's hottest yoga teachers and he's taking his expertise to the South Pacific for a week of relaxation and restoration.
Savusavu, Fiji - May 14-21, 2011

Forecast in Tuscany: bliss
Image courtesy of Casanuova

Ashtanga Yoga in Tuscany with Tim Miller
Visit Casanuova, a 350-year-old estate in the Tuscan countryside, and unroll your mat beside Carlsbad ambassador Tim Miller.
Tuscany, Italy - Oct 1-8, 2011

yoga + food

Yoga for Foodies Retreat with David Romanelli & Angela Gargano
Featured in this month's Food & Wine magazine, this retreat is seriously making us drool.
Napa Valley, CA - May 26-29, 2011

Eat.Pray.Move
This cozy retreat had us at Tuscany (and pumpkin risotto, pasta al forno, slow roasted fennel with red onions, salads with wild rocket, pecorino and fresh figs).
On the border of Tuscany & Umbria, Italy - July 3 - 9, 2011

Can't get to Eat.Pray.Move.? Feast your eyes on this visual retreat.
Image courtesy of Eat.Pray.Move.

yoga + wine + cycling

Yoga, Bike & Wine Retreat
Experience Loire's historic countryside with Plaza El Segundo ambassador Julie Rader.
Loire Valley, France - September 11 - 16

yoga + service

Yoga Ventures Yoga & Service Retreats
Lisa Reuff, an ambassador out of Marin, CA, is hosting four trips for yogis looking to challenge their practice and serve their hosting communities. Head to Peru, Haiti, India or Bali.
Retreat dates vary

Ted McDonald likes the snow and the surf

yoga + snow

Tony, Dean & Ted's Yoga Ski/Ride Excellent Adventure
Santa Monica ambassador Ted McDonald teams up with Dean Decas and Tony Horton (P90X!) to host a one-of-a-kind retreat on the slopes of Chamonix.
Chamonix, France - March 20 - 26, 2011

yoga + surf

Tidal Dreamings Yoga & Surf Retreats
Hey ladies - Tidal Dreamings offers regular ladies-only yoga/surf retreats on Australia's east coast. Get packing.
Various dates and locations

image courtesy of Tidal Dreamings

while you're away

If you're vacationing anywhere near one of our locations, you can make your own mini yoga retreat by taking part in our complimentary in-store classes. Get class schedules on each store's site.

Help! We can't decide where to go. Where are you planning on retreating?

Little known fact: The Mat yoga mat doubles as a message board.

Which two words have a way of starting a hot debate at our office? Easy. Bikram Yoga. The regimented practice has a way of either winning die-hard fans or strong opposition. Here's what we've noticed makes people hot or cold (pun intended).

the routine

According to the official website, Bikram Yoga is the 26-posture sequence selected and developed from hatha yoga by Bikram Choudhury. While it is one of several types of hot yoga, the methodical 90-minute practice challenges body and mind in a unique way. It is always the same routine and each posture is practiced twice. While it is suited for yoga virgins and veterans alike, it is very challenging.

love it

For Meenu, a self-proclaimed gym rat, the challenge was the attraction. "One of my friends teaches Bikram Yoga and she convinced me to take her class.  It was the toughest workout I've ever had and now I am hooked." Personally, I thrive on consistency. In a Bikram class, I can easily track my progress because the postures are always the same. ("I held Standing Bow Pulling Pose for one minute today! I rock!") I know exactly what to expect and I celebrate the little milestones along the way.

leave it

Not everyone loves the routine. "It's so monotonous!" was a recurring response when I asked people what they thought about the class. A lot of folks crave the variety that comes with other practices.

The 26-posture series, as practiced by little faceless people
image courtesy of indianabikram.com 

the heat

The class takes place in a 105⁰F room. Why? The official Bikram site says that "yoga changes the construction of the body from the inside out, from bones to skin and from fingertips to toes. Before you change it, you have to heat it up to soften it because a warm body is a flexible body." The air is thick and moist, encouraging toxin-releasing perspiration. For some, it's a mini tropical getaway. For others, the humidity is oppressive.

love it

Erin, an avid Bikram yogi says, "I love to sweat. The more I sweat the more I feel I accomplished something. Spending ninety minutes in a room dripping with sweat feels like quite an accomplishment."

leave it

Annika also loves to sweat too, but she wants to be the one getting the credit for it. "If I'm sweating, I want it to be because I'm working hard, not just because I'm in a hot room. It feels like cheating." Others are wary of stretching beyond their body's limits.

The one thing that everyone agrees on is this: the toxin purge is a natural high.

the instruction

Bikram Yoga has a reputation for being a strict class. If you've tried it, you know the game: keep quiet before and after the class, hold off on water until after the first three postures, stay in the room, etc. There are valid reasons for instructors to strongly encourage these things but it's too much for some yogis.

love it

For people used to strict physical disciplines like martial arts or ballet, the rules are all part of the deal. "They are there for a reason. They have people's best interest in mind and they help people develop habits that lead to optimum results," says Alex, Bikram buff. Annika admits that the drill-sergeant style teaching really appeals to her Type A personality, another trend I noticed.

leave it

"I boycott the classes because they are way too strict for me," says Julia. "I like a challenge but I can't handle the way the classes are taught. If I want to drink water after the first posture, I don't want to feel like I'm rebelling against the teacher."

Teacher training means sweating bodies as far as the eye can see.
Image courtesy of bikramyoga.com

the length of the class

Ninety minutes is asking a lot in a world that relies on 140 characters and instant status updates. The commitment can be too much for some people. For those who make the effort to consistently attend, the benefits abound. According to them, you reap what you sow -  just read a few testimonials and you'll see.

love it

"It's a long class but I feel fantastic when I consistently go to Bikram," says Erin. "I sleep well, my appetite is regulated, I really only crave foods that are good for me, and I have more energy throughout the day." It's true you have to carve out time in a busy week but with the right preparation, it can leave you with more gusto to tackle your day in record speed.

leave it

"I did a 30-day challenge once," says Anita. "Taking at least two hours out of my day was really tough. Sure, I felt great but my time with my husband, my family and my friends was the first thing to go and in the end, it didn't line up with my core values. I prefer a good 60-minute class."

a word from an instructor

Lauren is an key leader at our Bondi Junction store in Australia and moonlights as a certified Bikram instructor. She acknowledges the division the practice can create among yogis.

"I know a lot of people don’t have great things to say about Bikram Yoga but I have great respect for it. It started me on the path of yoga. It is a great introduction for beginners because it mainly addresses the physical realm of yoga, something people can easily identify with. With regular practice, practitioners begin to have a deeper connection with their body, mind and soul, something they may not have been in touch with before. This is when they may start to seek out deeper and more meditative forms of yoga. Bikram Yoga is a great starting point."

more on bikram yoga

• See the 26 postures in action. We love this Bikram Yoga slideshow series.
• Find a Bikram studio. Chances are there's one near you.
• Get ready for a class. Read "Some Like It Hot" for hot yoga tips from our experts.
• Read up on other yoga practices. Our Yoga Info 101 page is packed with information.

Bottom line is don't knock it 'til you try it. There's a lot more that could be said but we don't want to have all the fun. What's your opinion: hot or not?

There's nothing like a hot yoga class.

If you've been, you know what we're talking about. It seems a little intimidating but it's the perfect choice for beginners and experts alike. We paneled our experts on your behalf and asked our guests on Facebook. Here are some must-knows for the sweaty and rejuvenating experience ahead. (Many yogis had similar suggestions so we know they're good. We expect you may have a few tips of your own to add.)

your gear

"Wear tighter fitting, breathable clothing. Baggy clothes will get heavy and uncomfortable. Guys , go shirtless." – Matt, Joe, Colin and Niamh

"Wear a headband. If you don’t need to worry about brushing the hair out of your eyes, you can focus more on your poses." - Carolyn

"Take your mat, a towel, and water. You’re going to sweat it out, so replenishing your fluids is important. If you’re a heavy sweater, bring two towels – one for your mat and one for you. Sound like a lot of baggage? Most studios provide mats and water for a small fee." – Sarah-Kate

before class

"Hydrate well in advance. I find that I feel the best when I've had plenty of water the day before I hit the studio. - Andrea

"Rinse your hair and face. No one wants goopy hair product (or make-up) running down their face. - Joe

"Eat a snack an hour before class and keep yourself hydrated. A piece of fruit can help keep your energy up during class without weighing you down and drinking plenty of water beforehand can prevent that gurgly feeling in your stomach during the class." – Carolyn, Joe, and Lina

"Take a buddy. You’ll be more motivated to go and have more fun during class if you have a friend there to support you." - Margaret

during class

"Position yourself near the door. It tends to be a little cooler." - Joe

"Breathe deeply. Deeper breathing equals stronger poses."  - Matt

"Try not to fidget. It's easy to get distracted but your class will be way more rewarding if you focus on your breathing and not that sweat bead tickling its way down your neck." - Margaret and Elissa

"Listen to your body– it will tell you what it needs. It's normal to feel a little dizzy. Anytime you start to get the spins (or feel a wave of nausea), lie down on your mat." – Jenna and Lina

"Go easy. A hot class is similar to a marathon - it's a big endeavour and you'll want to pace yourself." - Sarah-Kate

after class

"Give yourself time after class to enjoy your much-deserved shower. Nothing is better after a hot class than a lukewarm shower with Dr. Bronner's peppermint soap. It's the ultimate in refreshment." - Elissa

"Refuel. Everyone has their post-class ritual. Mine is coconut water. It replenishes fluids and electrolytes." - Alana

Thank you Pat for the great outtakes from the shoot!

tips from our guests

Sibina recommends taking small sips of water instead of big gulps. She adds Emergen-C to her water to get her vitamins and electrolytes without the added sugar.

Alexandra reminds everyone that classes are often taught at mixed levels so it’s important to not expect yourself to do advanced postures right off the bat. “It took me a while of feeling less capable until I had this realization. Love it!”

Kristina’s words really resonated. “Keep your focus inward and remember yoga is about personal growth and not trying to do the pose the same way your neighbor can. You may never touch your toes but you may get closer and know that is enough.”

Jen recommends getting in the room at least five minutes early to get used to breathing in the heat and humidity.

Rachel says to leave your ego at the door. “Be compassionate with yourself and don’t try to be a hero.”

And finally, our favourite tip from Gus.

“Definitely put a towel under your back. I made the mistake of not having a towel in my sweaty hot yoga class and the suction of my lower back and the mat created a super loud and natural sounding fart noise. I'm known as the farter now in class I'm sure. ha ha.”

want more?

• Learn more about yoga in general on our Yoga 101 page.
• Check out our latest hot yoga offerings for women. We've got all
• Join the coconut water discussion. The blog's got people talking.
• Get all our guests' tips from our Facebook post.

If you're sitting on the fence, just go to a class! (Do one thing each day that scares you, right?)  You'll leave feeling challenged and energized. Who doesn't need that?

Union Square ambassador Rima Rabbath embraces her inner homebody

Ever have trouble making it to the yoga studio? Busy schedules, travelling, difficult weather - it can be hard to keep up your practice. Don't let a change in routine stop you. Our friend Andrew (from Ottawa's Rideau Centre store) has just the ticket to celebrate the great indoors and keep your yoga practice alive at home or on the road.

This 66-minute playlist will keep you focused and relaxed while you practice yoga sans studio. The music is a great complement to a DVD or podcast. Once you're comfortable doing the series of postures, ignore the verbal cues and play the music over the audio track.  If you're practicing from memory, it's even easier. Just hit play, breathe and begin.

I've broken the playlist into three sections. If you have the full hour, do the whole playlist. If you're short on time, just tackle one half of the list and finish with the savasana track.

standing postures

These first five songs will accompany your opening sun salutations and flows. Nothing too loud or too mellow, just a great mix of smooth and calming tracks to get your mind and breath on track.

I Walked - Sufjan Stevens
Samskeyti (Track 3) - Sigur Ros
Happiness - Jonsi & Alex
Blank Pages - The Album Leaf
The Road West - The Appleseed Cast

seated postures

The next four tracks take you through your seated postures. Again, nothing sleep-inducing here - just some nice beats and atmospheric tracks to keep you focused on your breath.

Silent - The Field
Into The Sea - The Album Leaf
Too Late - M83
Your Hand in Mine - Explosions in The Sky

savasana

This last track is just over eleven minutes long and is perfect for your savasana or final meditation. I consider it a challenge to be still for the entire song and give my body the proper chance to heal and restore. I challenge you to the same.

Midnight Souls Still Remain - M83

set up your studio

The beauty of practicing on your own is that you really don't need much. Here's what we suggest to get on your way.

• DVDs We are in love with Eoin Finn's Blissology Project yoga DVD right now.
• Podcasts Yoga Journal has a great one that's free.
• A mat We have three yoga mat options online. Click on each one to read more.
• Optional accessories You may need a microfibre yoga mat towel or dense foam brick to support your practice. You decide.

We're loving Andrew's playlist so much we're thinking about staying in for the weekend. What about you?

the yoga accessories you saw in the video

Align Ultra Mat
http://shop.lululemon.com/Align_Ultra_Mat

The Mat
http://shop.lululemon.com/The_Mat

The Mat - Travel
(Currently available in store and through the Guest Education Centre 1.877.263.9300)

Manduka Yoga Mat
http://shop.lululemon.com/Manduka_Equa_Mat

Skidless Towel by Yogitoes
http://shop.lululemon.com/Skidless_Towel

Manduka Equa Towel
http://shop.lululemon.com/Manduka_Equa_Towel

Dense Foam Brick
http://shop.lululemon.com/Dense_Foam_Brick

Stretch N'Go Strap
http://shop.lululemon.com/Stretch_Ngo_Strap

Manduka Bolster
(Currently available in store and through the Guest Education Centre 1.877.263.9300)

Taking your downdog on the road? Our ambassador Nicky Poole from lululemon Cumberland Street writes about her favourite items to travel in.

I travel regularly for yoga: to conferences, retreats and teacher trainings. Over the years I've perfected the art of travelling light, travelling smart, and using multi-purpose items on my journeys!

from plane to practice

The Groove Pants are my favourite long pant and they take me easily from the airplane to yoga practice. I love that even short legs look loooong in these! I always pair these with the bright coloured tanks and bras. The fitted nature of the Power Y Tank is ideal for yoga practice – I never have to worry about my clothing revealing more than it should when I am upside down.

staying warm in the airport

Airports and planes are always freezing, therefore a snug jacket is essential. I love the Define Jacket, as it offers a streamlined layer over tanks and has thumb holes to keep my hands nice and warm when they aren’t stuffed in my pockets.

My new favourite lululemon item this Fall is the multi-purpose Vinyasa Scarf, made of the softest running luon. I wrap it around myself for early morning meditation, use it as a full body blanket for Savasana, fasten the snaps around my waist to create a cute hooded sweater, and use it as a baby blanket for my kids!

pockets are key

For my carry-on, I really like the Fast In Flight bag for all the easy-access external pockets and convenient internal compartments for your personal belongings. My laptop fits in here, as well as a full change of clothes and my mat. Genius.

My yoga mat and towel are always packed as they offer great quality practice gear for minimal weight. Lastly, a water bottle. Wide neck, easy to guzzle from after class, cute colours, need I say more?

nicky's upcoming travel plans

• Kripalu in October for my annual period of personal retreat and study with my teacher Shiva Rea
• Weekend retreat in Miami from November 18 - 21, on behalf of 889 Yonge.

What are your travel tips for yogis on the go?

Are you a traveler? Do you hate sharing your space with others? Want to practice yoga anytime, anywhere with no questions asked? Our wonderful lululemon designers have delivered once again. Welcome to the No-Mat.

Whitney takes her practice to the next level by connecting herself to the earth.

do it yourself: the no-mat

The No-Mat is a DIY yoga body mat kit that will allow you to take your practice to the next level in the streets, in class, and anywhere you can dream.

Anyone can DIY with the No-Mat!

Crash out of Crow Pose much? Finally there’s a comfortable yoga mat with the ultimate protection for your hands, knees, feet and head. Holler if you hear me!

Here are the components of the No-Mat that will protect your bones:

• Crash Pad Bandana: Comfortable, stylish, and protects your noggin!

• Mukha Mit: Your hands never felt so good.

• Knee Armor: Protection at it's finest, and it also creates a wonderful Michael Jackson look.

• Shipwreck Sandal: Jimmy Choo who?

yoga anytime, anywhere, do it now.

The beauty of the No-Mat is now you are all yoga, all the time, and ready for all terrain. So bring it Mother Earth. Here are a few places our Fit Guru Whitney is now able to practice.

Triangle pose on the rocks please.

Dancer's pose in an oasis? It's not a dream anymore.

why we made this

We’ve heard your feedback loud and clear, and we created this entirely from our guests’ desires. You said you needed a lightweight travel mat, done. You wanted to be comfortable and protected in yoga, done. You don’t want to carry a mat, done. You want to look haute in yoga and everywhere in between, done.

• Engineered for crowded classes or impromptu yoga sessions when a standard mat just won’t work
• Portable and packable comfort
• 100% recycled and recyclable
• Flex your DIY muscles

So that’s it. Get your No-Mat DIY instructions and get crackin’! Life’s too short not to get your wild thing on in yoga, anytime, anywhere. Namaste.

The No-Mat is available online and in store.

BONUS: Watch an instructional video on how to personalize your No-Mat:

Brittany is loving her new mat!

1. It was created using the same technology as the grips on tennis racket handles. This super grippy mat means angst free downward facing dogs and warriors.

2. It's ultra absorbent and sucks in sweat and moisture, which allows the practice surface to maintain its grip.  The Mat will get dark where it gets wet until it dries completely, so get ready to show the world that you sweat once a day.

3. The top layer of The Mat is made with Polyurethane mixed with Ultra Fresh brand antibacterial treatment, which means that it prevents the growth of bacteria, mold, mildew and fungi. The bottom layer is a mixture of natural rubber and 10% recycled luon®. This means that The Mat has latex, and will have a natural rubber scent that will diminish over time. Clean your mat regularly and leave unrolled to speed this process up

4. To care for your mat, clean it after every practice with a natural cleanser like water mixed with lemon juice. For more thorough cleaning, completely saturate The Mat in water and allow to air dry.

5. The Mat is wider than most, to give a larger practice surface, and is 5mm thick, to provide great cushioning.

I love this mat because I have never used a mat where I didn’t slip slightly, and on this one, I don’t budge.

Are you ready for a yoga class?
The Mat: http://shop.lululemon.com/The_Mat
The Mat 7 feet: http://shop.lululemon.com/The_Mat_7ft