Stretch out with Lululemon
Summer is fast approaching and with it comes swimsuit season, which means it’s time to exercise.
And exercise comes easier in functional and fashionable workout gear. This spring, we feature Lululemon Athletica, a high-end retailer founded in 1998 by Chip Wilson.
The Vancouver, Canada-based company sells yoga-inspired athletic apparel at more than 230 stores and showrooms around the world.
Lululemon not only makes clothes for yoga, but also for running, dancing and most other “sweaty pursuits.”
“What sets Lululemon apart from other athletic apparel is the fit, function and technicality of our fabric,” said Fashion Island’s Lululemon Assistant Manager Erin Reilly in Newport Beach. For example, the brand strategically places pockets for workout essentials, uses flat seams to reduce chafing and stitches hidden messages in garments to motivate workouts.
Its signature Luon fabric provides a four-way stretch for ease of movement and wicks away moisture to keep wearers dry.
Lululemon’s spring line offers pieces that can be layered or worn individually. They are lightweight and can be worn for multiple activities.
All store locations have an ambassador program that enrolls local athletes, instructors and role models.
Two of the Fashion Island store’s newest additions are water polo Olympian Jaime Komer and CrossFit instructor Scott Perry, who also owns Scott Perry Fitness and is the creator of Boot Camp Refefined.
Komer, a fitness instructor and writer, won a Silver Medal at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. When Komer is not teaching yoga and spin (indoor cycling) classes at YAS fitness center and Pilates at Escape in Costa Mesa, she takes classes at other centers and studios for her column on myhealthyoc.com.
“When I just want ‘Jaime Time,’ I’ll go running outdoors by myself,” Komer said.
Perry says having a history of overweight family members has made him conscious of his health and has led him to create his own workout class, “Bootcamp Redefine.” It’s a one-hour class that incorporates pull-ups, yoga and physical therapy.
“I hammer my people not only to look great, but to also feel great,” he said.
Perry also teaches CrossFit, which combines a variety of movements and workouts, at Primal Justice and Barry’s Bootcamp in Irvine.
Lululemon Athletica apparel is available at Fashion Island, South Coast Plaza, Irvine Spectrum or online at lululemon.com.
Special thanks to our partners Newport-based Drybar for the hairstyles, and to makeup artist Jennifer Hyland, during our photo shoot.
