Yoga Champs!

Linds and I ventured into the city today for some yoga adventures. First stop: the incredible Lincoln Park Whole Foods, a mecca of organic foods and deli counters. And today, the site of the Illinois Yoga Asana Championships!

We caught the last guy competitor, the youth division, an advanced demonstration, and a few of the women yogis. Crazy awesome stuff!

Check out Kyla Crouthamel and Allan Santos from the advanced demos:

It's official now: I've seen scorpion in person. Insane!

Thanks to all of the fearless yogis who competed, and those who came out to support. I have to say, it was pretty strange watching humans on display as they twisted and contorted their bodies, and I'd have trouble getting up in front of a bunch of strangers to do that! I did appreciate that the event brings yoga to the community, though, and allows those who participate a chance to deepen their practice.

Lindsay and I chatted on the way over about how empowering it must feel to practice hard leading up to the competition. You really have to know your own body; no mirrors, just you feeling your alignment in each posture!

Would you ever compete in a yoga championship?

I know some people who are against it, saying that it can bring egoism, rivalry or obsession into yoga practice. I'm sort of on this side of the spectrum, but I have more appreciation for the contestants now after seeing the performances. Preparing for the competition must be a ton of work! And if your heart is in the right place -- you're competing with yourself, to do your best, to meet your edge -- then it's got to be worth it. Practice makes perfect!

You can hardly see the Standing Head to Knee here, but in person it was quite impressive. (Middle/ left, below the ceiling overhang.)

Our second stop in the city: Lululemon Athletica! I enjoyed checking out their super wide selection at the Lincoln Park store and helping Linds find the perfect colorful outfit for her upcoming Lulu Ambassador shoot.

Success: crazy purple and green pants, and a deep purple tank! So pretty on such a beautiful lady.

Oh, and we snacked on these tasty buttercream frosting cupcakes (aren't the little yoga mats hilarious?!):

Yum!

I'll be working off the 'lil cupcake during a special class this evening where Lindsay and I are demonstrating in the front row for a local basketball team and their coach. Fun stuff!

Thanks, Lindsay, for a wonderfully charming Saturday afternoon and here's to more adventures soon!