Keanussance

This summer I embarked on a mission: watch as many Keanu Reeves movies as possible. Even if I’d already seen them or had no previous interest, I needed to do the research for my own personal Keanu study.

My own (not so) private Keanussance, if you will.

It all started when the internet launched its love affair with Keanu: doting on him for his generosity, declaring him the nicest movie star in Hollywood, highlighting his chivalry and respectful nature towards women. Let’s just say there’s a Buzzfeed interview on YouTube titled “Keanu Reeves plays with puppies while answering fan questions.” 

If that’s not internet boyfriend material, I don’t know what is. 

The internet has noted that Keanu Reeves poses with women without touching them. Image from WGN TV

I started to see the hand hovering pics and read a couple of interviews that made me wonder if I’d mistakenly dismissed the Keanu charisma. Always Be My Maybe was recently released and I wondered if I had missed something.

Are people still into Keanu?

My first memories of him were Parenthood (1987) and I Love You To Death (1990). I went full-on crush mode in 7^th grade over his James Dean-esque role in Paula Abdul’s video for Rush, Rush.

After that I moved on to many Hollywood crushes over the years. My room was wallpapered with Leonardo, Brad was posted up on my ceiling. I never looked back on my junior high Keanu phase.

Until now.

My interest piqued after reading The Guardian interview and I thought I’d re-watch Point Break to see if it held up. 

IT TOTALLY DOES. 

After that, my mission was clear. Keanu’s made tons of movies, in varying genres. I knew following his path couldn’t be boring. His IMDB credits are 7 pages long. I know because I printed it out.

In the last two months I’ve scoured our streaming services, requested movies from the library, and DVR’d anything Keanu related (we have HBO and local channels so that’s been limited).

Here’s my Keanu watch list so far:

1. Point Break (1991)
2. Destination Wedding (2018)
3. River’s Edge (1986)
4. Sweet November (2001)
5. Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure (1989)
6. Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992)
7. Dangerous Liaisons (1988)
8. Henry’s Crime (2010)
9. John Wick (2014)
10. John Wick: Chapter 2 (2017)
11. Speed (1994)
12. The Matrix (1999)
13. The Devil’s Advocate (1997)
14. A Walk In The Clouds (1995)
15. Something’s Gotta Give (2003)
16. John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum (2019)
17. The Lake House (2006)

What’s your favorite Keanu flick? Comment below!

Ripping the Band-Aid

Have you ever had a secret that lingers in the back of your mind?

My secret was a desire to become a fitness instructor. I even did an at-home Pilates certification back in 2011. I never did anything with it because I didn’t think I could.

I was unsure of my skill set — would anyone want to take Pilates or yoga from me? I have a bum leg and ankle. I have to modify things a lot. I held my instructors to a high standard — so high that I didn’t make the cut. I was nervous of what people would think of an instructor with an obvious injury. Could I be taken seriously?

I talked myself out of it and years passed.

I found a part time job that was boring and didn’t challenge me in any way. I hated it but it gave me the freedom to keep my workout schedule (and a small but necessary paycheck). I continued taking various fitness classes, the whole time wondering what it would be like to make fitness a career.

Last March was a turning point for me. I was tired of thinking about what it would be like and began exploring how to make this fitness goal a reality.

Since I’d been somewhat of a loner in my love of fitness, I had no idea where to start. My favorite yoga/Pilates instructor, Jennifer, became one of my champions. She encouraged me to start teaching, bringing me yoga journals and chatting with me after class. She  vouched for me to a new yoga studio and they were willing to give me a shot.

My mentor, Jennifer Renney, & me

Around that time, I met up with my long-time friend, Christine. She is the one person I know who, like myself,  is a yoga and workout junkie. We ended up having a pretty deep convo where I said my goal out loud for the first time. I told Christine about an opportunity to sub a Pilates class and how I was terrified.

It would be my first class I didn’t want to jump in too quickly. I was talking myself out of it — until Christine said three magic words that became the catalyst for a completely new phase in my life:

“Rip the Band-Aid.”

A note from Christine after our talk that day. *Cue the tears*

So I did.

I subbed that class and became fast friends with the studio owner. On a whim I found another new Pilates studio opening in a few months and suddenly found myself in an intensive training for another studio.

The universe sent me two opportunities and I went for it. I ripped the Band-Aid and my world opened up.

Within a matter of months I was teaching six classes a week, making new friends in my fitness community, and traveling to Texas for more Pilates training.

I now teach Pilates exclusively at Four Corners Yoga and have added a yoga class to my name. I’ve had the opportunity to spread my love of Pilates and yoga to the community by leading classes at lululemon and this week, at Mantra Athletics.

My ankle fusion hasn’t affected my teaching as much as I thought it would. If anything, I’m humbled by it. I remind myself and my students, that everyone has something. Nobody is whole. Nobody is without a struggle, past or present.

Teaching has allowed me to make some peace with my ankle. It’s given me a different focus on fitness which, apparently, I needed. I began to listen to myself and the encouragement of some important women in my life.

In September, I finally left the job I’d hated for six years.

Band-Aid-ripping cheerleader, Christine

I guess all I needed to do was rip the Band-Aid.

Embracing Ancient Pricks in 2019

It felt really good to get out that last doozie of a post. Fast forward a couple of months, it’s a new year, I’m re-energized and ready to make things happen!

I’ve mentally moved on from the last visit with my podiatrist but not physically. I’ve felt more “crunching” (for lack of a better word) in my heel and I’m afraid I might have to go ahead with the surgery he recommended.

It seems simple enough — just go in and shave some of the protruding bone off of the bottom of my heel. It would relieve the sensation of stepping on bone every time I walk. However, I’m not ready to be immobile again.

I have a lot going on so I’ve been trying different ways to take care of my body before I decide to go under the knife:

• Recommitting to my yoga practice. I aim for three or more classes per week. When I take yoga, my body feels softer and more open, making me a happier person.
• Religiously taking Epsom salt baths. I find water healing.
• Listening to my body and resting even when I don’t want to. This morning I was dying to go to Dance Fitness but felt awful. I stayed home with a severe case of FOMO and knew I’d done the right thing.
• The best thing that I’ve started this year is acupuncture.

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese practice where very thin needles are inserted at specific points on the body. The placement and varying depths of the needles stimulate blood flow (or energy), activating the body’s self-healing process.

For years I’ve been curious to see how this could ease some of my chronic leg and foot pain. I talked with my podiatrist during the last depressing visit and he hooked me up with a referral. I’ve had three treatments and, so far, I’m impressed.

During a typical visit, my acupuncturist strategically inserts needles throughout my leg, ankle and hand to stimulate energy in particular channels of the body. The needles cause little to no pain, unless it’s in a very sensitive spot on my foot. I was weary during my first visit. I’m so careful around my leg that I was a bit jumpy when she put in the first few needles.

I then lay under an infrared light for 30 minutes. It’s very relaxing to experience the heat with the vibration radiating from the needles — it’s like I can feel energy flowing throughout my body, just under the skin.

I’m now tempted to get an infrared light at home! Infrared heat is supposed to penetrate deep into the muscles and help increase circulation to flush out toxins and stimulate the healing response. It’s been known to help with muscle and joint pain — even with scar healing and wrinkle reduction (hello).

I know these measures won’t fix my issues but at least I feel like I’m playing an active role in my health. My acupuncturist commented that I should speak to their staff on how I prevent injury from affecting other parts of the body.

That made me feel like I’m on the right track.

I may not be able to change or reverse the damage that’s been done but my Doppler’s not going down without a fight.

The Doppler Takes Europe

This summer, my family embarked on an action-packed 10 days in London and Paris. It was my daughter’s first trip out of the country so, peak tourism season be damned, we hit up the major sites. That led to a lot of walking and standing. My leg/ankle/foot, aptly named “The Doppler” due to it’s weather predicting capabilities, were definitely feeling the effects.

Traveling with an ankle fusion means dealing with constant pain and swelling. I have to plan sitting breaks and find ways to prop up my foot when it starts “talkin’ to me.”

Basically, the Doppler is a fickle travel buddy.

Paris at night

Our family travel style is hit-the-ground-running and get the most bang for our buck. We prefer to use public transportation, for the experience and to spare some costs, so there is a lot of walking involved.

Long trek to the apartment. Hubs took over my bag.

Lugging suitcases through the streets, standing at bus stops, up and down stairs to the subway, hustling to catch a train – they all add up to a rich experience but it takes a toll on my foot.

I was putting in no fewer than 18,000 steps and 10-20 flights of stairs per day. I had at least three consecutive days of 20k steps. I developed a blister on my toe during the last few days of our trip. I began to worry that I wouldn’t be able to keep up with our fast-paced adventure. It’s challenging enough on healthy feet! I didn’t want to be the one holding us back.

I took a breath and tried not to stress. Here are a few things I did to save my feet:

Footwear. This is obvious but key. It’s tricky to coordinate my “comfy” shoes with travel outfits, especially when your shoes are complicated like mine . When going to the theater or out to a nice dinner, I’m not going to wear my tennies. A few months back I bought silver Birkenstocks, which are basically my version of a dress shoe. Those in rotation with a tennis shoe and a pair of Adidas gave me options for different looks yet still comfortable.

Rotation. I tried to pack light but I need shoe options. My foot feels different everyday so it’s hard to predict which shoe will feel good on any given day. I typically pack three — one pair in my carry on, one in the suitcase and I wear a pair on the plane.

Changing shoes throughout a day of sightseeing was helpful when I felt blisters coming on. If I wore tennis shoes during the day, I would put the Birks on at night. Many times we were gone all day, so I brought an extra pair with me. A little bulky in the backpack but worth it.

Summer rain in London

Soaking. Luckily we had bathtubs in both of our Airbnbs. After a full day of traipsing around the city in hot weather (not much A/C in Europe) I would get home and run cold water over my feet. I would follow that up with a soak in warmish water for 10 minutes*.

*Epsom salt would’ve taken my soak up a notch. Adding a cup or so to a warm bath helps with pain and swelling. 

Elevation. I like to elevate my leg at night to reduce swelling and promote good circulation. This was especially necessary when we spent hours walking through the Louvre and touring the Palace of Versailles.

Tourists at Versailles

Piggybacks. Last but not least, my husband is a true Boy Scout. He carries my bags and always holds out an arm when I’m climbing stairs or hopping off a bus. Most importantly, he offers piggybacks anytime, anywhere. 90% of the time I don’t partake (I’m embarrassed). However, by the end of our first full day in Paris, day six of our European trip, I took him up on it.

End of a loooong day

We were almost home and I couldn’t muster another step. I hopped on, skirt and all,  and was so grateful that he is always game (and our daughter is always ready with her camera).

When I was injured at 23, I thought I was facing a life of wheelchairs, scooters and sedentary activities. Doctors told me I’d deal with chronic pain and walking difficulties for the rest of my life. I never thought I’d be able to enjoy traveling.

Sitting a spell

My car accident happened 15 years ago today.  It’s the Doppler anniversary! I do face chronic pain and walking difficulties. However, I’ve learned a few things: life goes on, you adapt and try not to sell yourself short.

Plan trips; Test your limits; Sit when you need to.

And never turn down a piggyback.

Shoemazing

My Converse were done and ready for action in one week!

ONE. WEEK.

Having a Queer Eye moment lately

Sierra Shoe Repair definitely worked faster than shoe gal #3 but the real question was: How did they look and, more importantly, feel?

Answer: Awesome and awesomer!

What really blew my mind was that he uses a material imported from Italy with prefabricated with a rocker. Instead of measuring, slicing and shaving a hunk of EVA into a smooth rocker by hand, he cuts the mold to fit the sole, then glues it to the shoe. It comes prefabricated with a tapered toe for ankle movement.

The mold before it’s custom fit for my shoe

What?! That’s genius!

I was really caught off guard that something like this existed. In the 15 years since I began my shoe journey, I’ve never had an orthotic company or podiatrist mention it to me. It seems so efficient!

Tapered to perfection!

Now that I’ve seen it, I can’t believe I never thought of it!

This ready-made form saved me time and frustration. I’ve spent hours in an office working with an orthotist (or two) to get a rocker smooth and the lift height correct. A typical shoe fitting went like this:

1. Try on my half-finished shoe and walk around for about 15 minutes to feel where it needed work.
2. Try to clearly communicate the feelings in my foot so that they could make proper adjustments.
3. Orthotist makes adjustments in the workshop.
4. I wait in the room 30 minutes.
5. Try it on again and tell them where it still needed work.
6. Orthotist takes it back and makes additional adjustments.
7. Wait another 15-30 minutes, hoping that I explained it correctly and it’s right.
8. Try on again and (fingers crossed!) take it home.

The process wasn’t only time consuming but also expensive. Insurance does not cover my lifts so I pay out-of-pocket for each one. At $75 a pop, plus the cost of the shoes, it get’s pricey.

I have to say I was ecstatic to pay my local cobbler. It took about 10 minutes to pick up my Converse at Sierra Shoe Repair. I put them on, expecting disappointment. I was shocked when I felt perfection.

Apparently somebody perfected the shoe rocker and my new cobbler knows all about it. Mind. Blown.

I’ve finally found my shoe magician. I’ve already taken him a second pair.

He said “shoemazing” right?

 

 

 

 

Wanted: Shoe Magician

If I’ve let on that finding a magical pair of shoes is the hardest part about dressing a fused ankle, it’s not.

Finding someone who has the skills to shape them into something I can wear is the real challenge. This has become a big issue for me this past year.

I found my first “shoe guy” in 2005, a couple of years after my injury, when I started to walk again. He owned an orthopedic and prosthetic company for years and taught me how to manage my ankle fusion through footwear — what sole shapes to look for, the best brands to use, ideal materials, etc. I worked with him over 10 years and we came up with some new twists on the old orthopedic shoe varieties.

Then he retired. The nerve, right?

I was referred to a different orthotic/prosthetic company and was shocked to find shoe guy #2 on the first try. Bonus: He wasn’t even close to retirement age. He modified 4-5 pairs for me. They’re some of my favorite shoes to date.

Some of my lifted lefties

Last summer I heard through the grapevine that shoe guy #2 had gotten into some trouble. After a quick Google search, I found his mug shot. The accompanying article included a messy tale involving impersonating an officer and assault with a firearm.

WTF?

Needless to say he no longer works at that office. So began the hunt for yet another shoe guru. I talked to local cobblers and met with another prosthetic company but ended up back at office #2. (stay with me here)

Unfortunately, they were scrambling to find a qualified replacement for the alleged criminal. They hooked me up with shoe gal #3. She was green and I was her Guinea pig.

I brought in two pairs of shoes that ended up under construction for over two months. She really wanted to get them right. She listened to my concerns and specifications — she even brought in reinforcements! Unfortunately, they aren’t great but I gave up and wore them anyways.

Shoe gal #3 and I never found our shoe groove.

This year I’m back to square one. After feeling overwhelmed and frustrated for the last eight months, I’ve recently found a shop that has me hopeful.

I dropped off my new pair of Converse with the cobbler/owner of Sierra Shoe Repair and saw no trepidation in his eyes. That’s a good start. A lot of local cobblers will do shoe lifts or “build ups.” I haven’t had good luck with them in the past but I’m willing to give it another try.

I’ve known about Sierra Shoe Repair for a few years. They’ve been around Fresno for awhile but recently made some changes when the previous owner was tragically killed. They talk about it here.

The eldest son now owns the shop and it feels legit. Rockabilly music, antique sewing machines and framed photos of Italian relatives make for a unique and welcoming vibe. Along with lifts and repair, they also craft custom shoes and handbags using materials imported from Italy.

My shoes will be ready this week. I’m excited but nervous that I might have to start from scratch again. Will this be a disaster or did I just find my shoe magician?!

I’ll keep you posted.

Extra points for having adorable business cards

Hello, Lover

I’ve spent a most of my adult life in comfortable (a.k.a. boring) shoes. This is not by choice but a necessity.

My hunt for a functional yet stylish shoe is exhausting. Whether it’s shopping or dressing up or packing for travel, I do not enjoy thinking about what goes on my feet. I feel I’m part of a small minority of women when I say that shoes are a constant source of stress in my life.

Ever since Carrie Bradshaw declared her love for Manolos, it seemed shoes became an integral part of a woman’s personality. Putting on that perfect shoe could make you feel confident, sexy and stylish. I mean, you may not fit into last year’s jeans but you can still feel hot in those heels!

Shoes have the opposite affect on me.

I’m rarely compelled to recite terms of endearment to a pair of my shoes. My shoe shopping excursions typically end with some cursing, self-loathing and a pity party in the middle of Macy’s.

SAS comfort shoe (I don’t actually own this style)

My options often feel so limited that I’ve been known to throw in the towel and go to SAS. If you aren’t familiar with anything from the SAScollection, picture your school lunch lady. It’s humbling to find yourself buying the same sandal as an octogenarian.

I try to think of it as a fun game of who wore it best.

I could easily spend my life in orthopedic shoes, but I refuse to go down like that. I’m a young, 30-something woman for God sakes!

I have to carefully and methodically shop for shoes. Here’s my checklist:

• Shape of the sole must be flat and square and thick. No stacked heel or wedge or slight incline. My shoe magicians specialists need enough sole to slice it down the middle, or sand it down, to adhere a 1/2″ lift (my left side is shorter than the right). Then they shave the lift into a “rocker” shape so that I roll smoothly through the forefoot. This makes up for the lack of movement in my ankle.
• Material of sole. EVA is a workable material and I’ve become pretty good at feeling the soles of shoes to see if they make the cut — literally.
• Secure. My foot is pretty rigid and the left is 1/2 a size smaller than the right. I usually buy to fit the bigger foot so a shoe without proper support leaves me slipping and sliding all over the place.
• FASHIONABLE. This one’s tricky.

All of the criteria can be overwhelming so to keep it simple I will buy the same style in different colors. Recently I replaced an old pair of Chuck T’s. Modified 11 years ago, these classics were long past their prime so I found the same shoes in a super cute color.

OK, maybe I do get a little excited when I find a new pair of shoes. (wink, wink Carrie Bradshaw)

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I’m aware that my shoe stress may come off a tad dramatic or even vain. But think about your feet — they affect every aspect of your life! My concerns are more than a lack of stilettos in my closet.

Healthy feet, by way of comfortable, supportive shoes, give us the opportunity to fully live our lives. Finding accommodating footwear since my accident has allowed me to walk for hours exploring New York City; Dance in the streets of New Orleans; Wander the cobbled canals of Venice.

We are traveling this Summer so I’m getting new footwear ready now. I took the above Converse to a shoe cobbler in Fresno that I’ve recently discovered. I’m feeling hopeful with a sprinkle of anxiety. Stay tuned for my review on this latest shoe magician.

Next time I’ll get into my previous shoe guy — he was a doozy!

Shoe Hustle

Walk a mile in someone’s shoes.

I think about this sentiment sometimes when I’m hustling to find a new pair of shoes. If you slipped on a pair of my sneaks, you’d be lopsided and probably dread shoe shopping as much as I do.

I’ve had a problematic gait stemming from a car accident in 2003 that crushed my left leg and ankle. I’ve had 11 surgeries over the last 14-plus years. Early on they added metal and screws to fuse my shattered ankle joint. The fusion was to alleviate some of the chronic pain I’d have for the rest of my life.

It’s mostly helped…except when I have to find shoes.

That fused joint is the reason I have to modify all of my left shoes with a 1/2″ lift. My left leg is shorter than my right and has little to no movement. Because of that rigidity, I also need a tapered, or “rocker,” sole to make up for the lack of mobility in my ankle. The lift and rocker are necessary in all of my footwear. This is done by a professional shoe orthotist or cobbler (more on them in a future post).

Here’s a look at the operation:

Sole sliced in half to add the 1/2″ of EVA material

Holes to keep it light

Not finished so I can walk on it and make sure it feels right

Adding original sole + EVA with some strong adheasive

Needs excess material trimmed off

Finished!

I’ve spent hours scouring the internet, hunting down various shoe sites in search of something that can undergo this type of transformation. It takes a critical eye and a lot of trial and error. But if I didn’t have all of my shoes modified, I couldn’t walk very far without a lot of pain and a very apparent limp.

I buy about 2-3 pairs of shoes each year. I’m looking for a new pair right now. Something cute and comfortable that I can wear when we travel this Summer. It’s frustrating but I keep reminding myself it’s not impossible.

It just takes a little patience…and a lot of hustle.

 

 

 

Sweatin’ to the Newbies

Anyone interested in getting high? High on fitness!

(Warning: puns continue)

High Fitness classes are the latest craze in my neck of the woods. People of all ages are going gaga over this action-packed aerobics class. I hear it mentioned at the gym, see it all over Instagram hashtags #aerobicsisback, and the sweeping line to get into a class is impossible to miss (I’m talking 80-100 people waiting in line for a class on a weekday morning!).

I’ve been waiting for the right time to give this new school aerobics class a try. When my spunky, talented dance fitness instructor (apparently they don’t call it Zumba anymore?) said she was subbing a class over the weekend, I knew this was my chance.

After asking around and doing a bit of research, I learned that High Fitness is a high intensity, high energy aerobic workout incorporating simple choreography set to a variety of contemporary music. Here’s an explanation from the High Fitness pros:

The creators boast about people getting “addicted to the high,” and from what I’ve seen, that seems accurate. The Fresno Bee got wind of it last December, writing about its popularity at our local gym, GB3.

My endurance is pretty good right now from all that dance fitnessing. I thought with some slight modifications I was ready to give it a try. Bring on my new favorite workout!

My first mistake was not getting up early enough on Saturday morning and strolling in with only 5 minutes to spare. There were probably 60-plus people in the room and all the good spots were taken. I squeezed myself into a spot on the side where I could barely see the instructor or move without the fear of hitting someone. I was constantly craning my neck to see tiny Tiffany way up in the front, while myself and the other late arrivals tried to follow along smashed up against a weight rack.

Tip: There are some dance studios and “boutique” fitness studios that offer High Fitness in a smaller space i.e. smaller classes. That’s a good option if you don’t want to deal with crowds.

But that was all logistics so I tried to power through…

The music was good. A fun mix of pop and hip hop from the past couple of decades that appeals to many age groups. It’s definitely one of the most appealing elements of the class. Spice Girls, anyone?

Photo credit: highfitness.com

Tiffany has great choreography, and her High class was no different. Moves were sassy and vibrant, working well with the music. You can get the hang of them quickly. It’s a lot less dance and more squats, burpees and jumping mixed in with a few aerobics classics. I imagine retired (or current) cheerleaders love this class. It had that peppy, athlete vibe.

I like a good pep routine but overall, I have to say I’m not down with High.

I couldn’t finish the hour. The moves were too intense and although they offer modifications, I was frustrated by the number of changes I had to make. I really wanted to love this class but found my limitations distracting. I saw people of varying ages and abilities happily modifying moves but that’s just not me.

Shining a spotlight on my inabilities takes the fun out of workouts for me. I don’t want to feel weak; I want to feel empowered.

In the end, I held strong for 40 minutes until my toes started to throb. They were operated on last summer and now a good indicator when I’ve gone too far. One thing this experience showed me was that I’ve finally learned to listen to my body. I no longer push myself through that type of pain — even when my ego is trying to convince me otherwise.

Sorry, High Fitness, I’m just not that into you.

 

Yoga on the Cheap

Summer is in full swing and it’s been tough keeping up my regularly scheduled fitness. Between work, travel and occupying a constantly bored teen, my yoga practice has been slippin’. It’s difficult to make my favorite class on Saturdays and I can’t rationalize shelling out cash for drop-ins at local studios. I’m forced to get creative.

Enter: my quest for free yoga on YouTube.

I have been mining YouTube for fitness gems for years. DVDs get repetitive and I prefer to mix up workouts. YouTube is perfect for this. Here are some of my favorites for an inexpensive yoga fix:

Yoga with Adriene: She’s a good mix of crunchy but not too granola. Whether your aiming to feel more energized, relieve stress, or focus on specific parts of the body, beginning and advanced yogis have many options with Adriene.

 

Tara Stiles: Tara Stiles is pretty amazing to watch. She’s tall, thin and ultra flexible — but don’t be intimidated. She has a lot of short videos for varying levels. She’s my go-to if I only have time for a 10 minute routine in the morning or before bed. She moves quickly so having some yoga knowledge under your belt helps.

Shiva Rea: These videos aren’t the highest quality but they get the job done. I like the Shiva Rea approach; it’s challenging, a little intense and well paced. She makes me feel all spiritual and s**t.

Yoga House: If you want to learn or perfect specific poses, check out Yoga House. They have a variety of short videos showing you how to get in and out out of various asanas. The video quality is good, just ignore the random passersby in the background.

 

Last but not least, my favorite cheap yoga find is at Lululemon. They offer complimentary community classes on most Sunday mornings before they open for business. It may seem odd to practice in a retail space but it’s surprisingly serene. Classes are led by different local teachers each week. It’s a great way to check out new instructors without paying for a class. I follow Lululemon on Facebook to keep track of weekly in-store events.

Also, free classes take the sting out of buying $100 yoga pants.

Namaste.