In early August, the first Lexington showroom of the popular workout boutique and studio lululemon athletica opened in Chevy Chase Plaza at 824 Euclid Ave Suite A-100 (between Handpicked and Rincon). Originating in Vancouver in 1998, the lululemon stores feature a signature line of high quality workout gear while also maintaining a strong emphasis on community engagement. The studio moves the clothing racks out of the way to offer a number of free workout classes each week, and utilizes "local ambassadors" – local yogis who help design special events in the community. Local ambassadors for the Lexington location include yoga instructors Matthew Higdon and Erin Smith.
According to store manager Jenny Wiseman, the store's managers spend much of their time forging partnerships and relationships with out other health clubs and studios, in the name of "supporting our communities and making people smile and sweat."
"When we are not physically open in the showroom, we are out taking yoga classes and supporting local studios and athletes," Jenny Wiseman, the Lexington showroom manager, said in an e-mail.
"You may also find us screaming and ringing cow bells or in strange costumes at cheer stations at foot or bike races," she added.
The Chevy Chase lululemon location offers free community workout classes on Friday and Saturday mornings, hosted by a rotating cast of Lexington instructors. The showroom – a trial run smaller version of the store's larger locations that will potentially be expanded into a full-size store with more regular hours – is open Thurs. - Sat., 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
"We encourage people to support the showroom so that a full size store can move in and be open more regular hours," Wiseman said.
For more information and a full schedule of classes and events, visit www.lululemon.com/lexington/lexington.