I know I have been away for too long.  Let’s just pretend that I just posted about the GLEE Live Tour over the weekend and move on…shall we?

Alrighty then… This week I am going to profess my love for 2 things…

Pilates … and

Lululemon Athletica

(the later introduced to me by my Pilates instructor Kendel… my husband would like to personally thank her for that new obsession)

Now if you back up a week ago you would have found me not blogging, not sitting around catching up on taped episodes of my Bravo shows, nor was I cooking, shopping, cleaning or gardening for that matter. Instead I was holed up in my house praying for a little relief from my 5 day migraine/ear ache. In other words I was rocking in a corner sucking my thumb crying out for my momma.

Now stay with me people I do have a point here.

In October of 2008 I had just gone through a summer of “ear aches”, doctor appts., specialists,  MRIs, a short course in steroids, and still NO real diagnosis other possible migraine. I decided to try out the theory that if I strengthened my body via my core, shoulders and neck that maybe I could self heal myself through Pilates. I found a local studio and began to work with an instructor who had a strong dance background which I thoroughly envied. Within a few months my back was feeling stronger, my neck looked a little longer and my shoulders found a happy place.

Within a year my instructor had moved back to NYC and I found myself out of an instructor. Panic. Just as I began to talk myself out of working out, I met Kendel. She was one of the studio owners as well as a certified Pilates Instructor and with over 20 years in the fitness business the word on the street was … SHE  WAS GOOD~! As in you wait no matter how long it takes to get on her schedule and when you do, you NEVER give up your coveted spot. After my first session I knew I had found my “healer”. Kendel is truly a blessing. I don’t think she knows how truly gifted she is. I have been around doctors, naturopaths, trainers, physical therapists and healers and there are maybe a handful of them that have the ability to intuitively know what ails you. She immediately identified my problem areas worked out a plan to get my body to a place where I could enjoy my life and do the things I enjoy (like sit at a computer all day – (yes Kendel I still get up once every hour and stretch.)

This spring Kendel opened up Studio 3 Pilates in Anaheim, Ca. She teaches along with Ballecore instructor Kate Porath. The studio is a nice bright space, they offer Reformer, Gyrotonic, Ballecore and Jump Board instruction. They have private, semi-private (duets) as well as ongoing group classes. Right off the 91 FWY they are very easy to find.

Kendel and Kate.

Together they are on a mission to bring balance, strength and flexibility back into your life. They truly care about each client on a personal level. You can expect a very personalized experience at Studio 3 Pilates.

reformers/ The Rack (Trapeze Table) / Combo Chairs / Ladder Barrels

private weight room

Visit Kendel and Kate on Facebook (and check back for the website launch at the end of June http://www.studio3pilatesinc.com. They regularly update their facebook fan page including events like the Ballecore class and Lululemon Trunk show they had in April to celebrate the studio opening.

What could be better than cupcakes, champagne, shopping and a nice workout!

cupcakes from www.sweetandsaucyshop.com (6400 Stearns Street, Long Beach CA)

Everyone was treated to a free BalleCore® Class.

(nice form Kathleen)

Kate teaching BalleCore®

Trunk Show featuring Lululemon Athletica (do you know about Lulu?)

Nicole from the Irvine Lululemon store talking about the Power Y Tanks –

these are the BEST tanks ever – 4 way Luon Stretch.

I love all things Lululemon. They had racks of all the new spring Summer Lululemon gear and fun stuff like Lulu water bottles..oh the colors! One of each please!

When I discovered Pilates I also discovered Lululemon. This design house out of Vancouver produces the hippest fashion forward workout wear out there. I can not say enough great things about their product, their site, their blog (where you can learn how to wash your Lululemon), their fun Flickr album, and of course their mission

TO SWEAT DAILY!

My very first purchase was the Groove Pant in Tall. I am a giraffe at 6’0″ and for those of us that are vertically blessed, they carry tall inseams on some of their pants (inseam up to 36″).  Standard inseam is 33″ and I know you can have them hemmed for free at the store where you purchase them. I loved the fabric it’s a custom fabric they created called Luon. From Lululemon.com:

Luon: This is our signature, original fabric that made lululemon pants famous! luon is moisture wicking and pre-shrunk. It provides great coverage and shape retention and offers four-way stretch for freedom of movement. This makes it great for any activity.

click to enlarge

Their blog has a GREAT story on how to get your Grove On, making sure you get the right size/fit of your Groove Pant. Did you know “feathering” those gathers at the crotch are a sign that your pants are too BIG? Any Lululemon store will help you find the right pant for you. There are so many choices. Yes, the price point is up there but let me assure you it is well worth the money – you will have them FOREVER. If you take care of your Lulu’s and wash ONLY with other Lululemon items AND hang them to dry, you will not see any shrinking or piling. Some of my pants are even REVERSIBLE, I can fold down the waistband to show 2 different colors! The tags rip out on purpose so you never have a scratchy tag. Many of the pants have hidden mini pockets where you can stash an iPod Shuffle, keys or lip balm. I seriously LIVE in these pants.

I tried on every jacket at the trunk show that day. I fell in love with 2.

The Mynah Jacket – I love the Passion colored stripes! I layered it with the turquoise Cool Racer tank. And the Free To Be Jacket (below)  I bought it in Grey and Passion that day walked out with it on and 4 days later my four year asked “mommy are you ever going to wear something different?” <– the God’s honest truth. I have a thing (ok, obsession) for comfy clothes.

If you run into me on the street chances are I am wearing the Dance Studio Pant II – they drag on the floor and I LOVE IT! Nothing is ever long enough (NOT complaining!)

I am such a slouchy girl sometimes!

My favorite Lululemon girls and Community Leaders are Natalie (top left) & Nicole

from The Irvine Spectrum Lululemon Store.

Every month you can come down to a Lululemon store and take FREE classes! Search for a location nearest you here. This month Studio 3 Pilates is teaching a combo Pilates Yoga Class. Take advantage!

Sunday June 12th 9:00-*10 am – Mat Combo Pilates Class with Kendel of Studio 3 Pilates

Sunday June 27th 9:00-10am –  Ballecore Class with Kate from Studio 3 Pilates

The Irvine Lululemon is also sponsoring a GREAT GIVEAWAY this month on the modchik.

Enter to win a Gift Certificate for a FREE pair of GROOVE PANTS ($98 value)

You must be able to go to the Irvine location to pick up your pants so please enter only if you live locally.

You may enter as many times as you would like.

Studio 3 is also giving away a FREE assessment and private session (valued at $125).

Studio 3 Pilates

http://www.studio3pilatesinc.com/

755 North Shepard Street <– click for map

Anaheim, CA, 92806

Phone 714-632-2822

Monday – Thursday 7 – 8 pm

Friday 7 – 5 pm

Saturday 7 – 2 pm

Sunday: closed

Remember the MORE you do the MORE chances you have to win! – but if your old school then just a comment will do!

1. Leave a comment – tell me your favorite Lululemon piece or which one you think you would most want in your gym bag. (1 entry)
2. Tweet “Lululemon Groove Pant & @Studio3Pilates Private session #Giveaway ~ @modchik http://wp.me/pRQUM-Cg” (1 entry)
3. Subscribe to the daily emails or RSS feed for The Modchik (1 entry)
4. New followers @modchik or @studio3pilates3 on Twitter (1 entry)
5. Become a Facebook fan for either the Modchik or Studio 3 Pilates – must leave a comment on facebook(1 entry)

Winner will be chosen via random.org – Contest ends Sunday 6/27 9pm PST – winner announced Monday morning! Remember you must be able to pick out your pant at the Irvine location or attend the personal Pilates session – no cash value.