lululemon athletica gets hip on Hyde Park Square

Yoga practitioners, runners, dancers and sweaty types of all varieties understand the value of a beautiful tank, tee or capri to make any workout more fun. Starting this Friday, Hyde Park Square shoppers can get an even bigger dose of the newest, hippest exercise wear at the expanded new lululemon athletica store on Michigan Avenue.

Offerings include tops made with silverescent fabric, fabric that inhibits the kind of stinky that stays with garments after they have been worn during, um, strenuous workouts. That's right. Stink-proof workout wear! With more than 150 stores throughout the U.S. and Australia, the brand continues to post strong earnings, in part because of its focus on the life part of lifestyle.

Lululemon, known for technical fabrics and functional designs, consults with yogis and athletes in local communities for research and feedback. They call their very fit focus group members "ambassadors," and the ranks in Cincinnati include a wealth of multi-tasking fitness gurus. Examples: a law student/ironman competitor, a two-time breast cancer survivor/triathlete/biological anthropologist, and a certified Pilates instructor/Rhythm & Motion dance teacher.

With a mission "to elevate the world from mediocrity to greatness," the staff of lululemon athletica  approaches their work with energy, passion and wit. And free yoga. That's right, every Saturday the Hyde Park store will offer free yoga from 9 until 10 am. Customers can sample different styles of yoga during the weekly sessions, then cool down with a good dose of retail therapy.

Sunday morning Run Club starts at the showroom at 8:30 am, and allows runners of all levels to learn and work together toward common fitness goals. You can reach the store at 513-321-1656.

By Elissa Yancey

Photo of Susan Autran, lululemon ambassador, courtesy lululemon