by Alicia Woodside, Modern Mix Vancouver Fitness Writer

Growing up, I was a wimpy skier, as my body didn’t adjust well to cold temperatures. Even now, I still feared those cold windy days on the mountain.

A couple years back, I was skiing in BC’s spectacular Kootenays and although the landscape is unreal, so is the temperature, at -20 plus wind chill! In an effort to help me still ski the area’s beautiful mountains, my mom presents me with the ultimate weather defense– a face mask! I was quite grateful for some protection for my neck and face, until I looked in the mirror, and realized that I was still cold, and now I looked like Darth Vader. Needless to say, there were some interesting photos of me up on the mountain looking scary.

This past Easter that I was able to revisit BC’s coldest corridor on skis, and thankfully, this time I was equipped with a Nibz Bandana, created by Whistler snowboard cross gal Sara Niblock. With Nibz, Sara has created a selection of vibrant, groovy “bandanas” to protect the face and neck on the slopes, in a clear stand against the Darth Vader-esque look that the previous face masks achieved.

My first impression of Nibz was a good one. Sara took something that could look nerdy, and made it into a fashionable accessory. Given my experience wearing Nibz’ Darth Vader competitor, I was ecstatic about the idea that face masks can actually look rad. Nibz’ online store was fun, with so many bright and fun prints to peruse. Finally I chose the ultimate fashion piece– the Marilyn Monroe print!

Immediately when I put on the bandana, I received a compliment, and I wasn’t even out of the parking lot. So at this point, I was happy to wear the Nibz, regardless of function. But how would it do on the slopes?

I was able to try Nibz with and without helmet, and with several jacket styles, too investigate use in different scenarios. On my first day, I wore the Nibz together with no helmet, and only a toque, and I found the bandana was great. It stayed in place, and succeeded to block the small amount of wind that lingered that day on the mountain. I was impressed, the three-layer construction provided a good layer of insulation against whatever came my way. On day two and three, I experimented with different uses. First I tried the bandana together with a helmet, with less success– I found that this particular helmet interfered with the bandana’s ideal fit on my face, because the chin strap forced it lower. Next, I tried the bandana with a jacket that comes high on the chin, zipped all the way up. In this case I found that the bandana was essentially redundant, as this jacket zipped up to the same level as the bandana.

Overall, the functional potential of Nibz has a lot to do with the combination of garments you wear, and I would recommend the bandana as most useful if your jacket does not come quite high enough to protect your neck and chin. But regardless of that, I’m certain that this little piece can go a long way to spicing-up your mountain fashion– and for only $29.99 and made locally, it’s a no-brainer.  Nibz Bandanas are available for purchase online at nibz.ca.

Enjoy what’s left of Spring Skiing!

By Alicia Woodside, Modern Mix Vancouver Fitness Writer

Ever heard of a yoga rave? No, neither had we! That is, until we got wind of Lululemon Athletica’s upcoming Yoga Rave event, which sparked our imagination. To help you satisfy your curiosity, MMV fitness writer Alicia had the chance to get the scoop on this event with instructor Gloria Latham and with Lululemon Regional Community Manager Lindsay Claydon.

Event: Lululemon Yoga Rave
Date: Thursday, December 8, 2011
Time: 7:30pm
Location: 142 Water Street
Facebook Event: Yoga Rave

MMV: Who thought of this idea, and how was the event inspired?

Lindsay: Every Monday and Friday night, Gloria teaches an amazing Kundalini class at Semperviva that resembles a rave. We love the energy and overall experience of this class and wanted to share it with the community of Vancouver.

MMV: What is Lululemon’s goal with this event?

Lindsay: Our goal with this event is to share this amazing practice with the Vancouver community and bring everyone together to practice yoga in a unique environment.

MMV: So, what is a yoga rave?

Lindsay: Expect an invigorating Kundalini class, packed with your closest friends, your favourite dance music, and glow sticks.

MMV: How do you expect the yoga rave to differ from a regular yoga class, in terms of music, atmosphere, lighting, people? Do you think the yoga rave will appeal to different audiences that might not normally consider a yoga class?

Gloria: Kundalini yoga is a style not known to most. The class I teach draws from this tradition. It will feel a little different even to regular devotees of the yoga practice. This is going to be a great place to be if you want to release some built up tension, make some new friends, and have a lot of fun. In terms of music, I like to incorporate everything from mantras to Enrique Inglesias and PitBull.

MMV: Who should come?

Lindsay: Anyone who wants to move their body, free their mind and have fun!

MMV: What type of yoga experience should yoga ravers have?

Lindsay: No yoga experience is required. The event is open to all levels.

MMV: Gloria, have you taught a Yoga Rave before?

Gloria: I’ve never taught a “yoga rave” before but I’m often told that my evening classes, particularly Monday and Friday nights resemble a rave. I think it is because Kundalini yoga is such a freeing practice that people feel they can really let loose. Some good music always helps things along. The class will incorporate everything from traditional poses like down dog, to lots of dancing, sweating and singing. Come with an open mind and an open heart.

MMV: Judging by the number of Facebook confirmations, it looks like it’s going to be super busy! What is the event’s capacity, and what time should participants arrive to ensure they can take part?

Lindsay: We are anticipating a large group of people. Guests should arrive at 7:30pm to ensure a spot!

MMV: Is there any cost associated with the event?

Lindsay: The event is complimentary.

So, there you have it… An unconventional chance to combine two typically disparate, but totally fun activities, in a way you never would have expected! See you there Vancouver!

*Full Disclosure: Since this article, the author is now doing yoga raves daily working at lululemon.

For those of you who like outdoor activities without actually being out in the wilderness, Creekside Kayak is an awesome choice for kayak rentals.  Twice in the past month, I’ve gone kayaking in False Creek.  It’s no-pressure kayaking!  The waters is fairly flat, and if you get tired you can just float for a while, enjoy the downtown skyline and wave at the driver and passengers of the Aqua Bus.

The actual kayak rental center is in the Creekside Kayak Community Center (1 Athlete’s Way) which is in the East side of the Olympic Village, about a 5 minute walk away from the Main Street Science World Skytrain Station.  You depart within view of Science World, and you are free to kayak all the way to the Burrard Street Bridge.  Rentals are $20/hour for a single kayak and $25/hour for a double (“tandem”).  On Tuesday evenings from 4pm to 9pm, it’s only $10 to rent for an hour.

Modern Mix Vancouver Recommendations:

• DO make reservations.  They aren’t required, but making a reservation ensures that there will be a kayak of your choice (single or tandem) available for your use.  Phone number is: 604-616-7453.
• DO arrive early.  There will be waiver forms you need to sign and When you arrive early, you ensure that you will get to be out in the water for the full hour.
• DO bring a change of clothing (especially bottoms).  You won’t get super wet in the Kayak, but there’s a chance water will splash into your seat as you are paddling.
• DO store your valuables in a locker at the community centre.  Locks are available for rent for free, as long as you leave a piece of ID.
• DO bring a friend.  You are obviously free to kayak on your own, but Kayaking in False Creek is a great, leisurely way to catch up with a friend (or two!)

Another option available is the 2-hour guided kayak tour.  Explore the centre of Vancouver with a knowledgeable guide who will introduce you to the neighbourhoods surrounding False Creek, including Granville Island, Main Street and Yaletown.  Not sure if you really need this if you are a local Vancouverite, but just thought I’d mention it as an option for out-of-town visitors.  It’s $59/person, with a maximum of 8 participants per tour.

Creekside Kayaks is operated by Dragonboat BC.  For more information, check out their website at dragonboatbc.ca, Twitter @DragonBoatBC or Facebook Page.

By Alicia Woodside

I am always a fan of fitness-first businesses opening up around town. With each new yoga, pilates, or fitness studio, I can rest assured that more and more Vancouverites are de-stressing, getting fit, and gaining confidence.This past Friday I checked out Bar Method Vancouver Exercise Studio, which is one of the newest places to spice up Vancouver’s awesome fitness scene. Bar Method takes many of the most popular forms of exercise, and rolls them all into one, to create a new form of exercise that “integrates the fat-burning format of interval training with muscle-shaping isometrics.” Think pilates, yoga, ballet, and weight-training, all in one hour. It’s fitness, for the attention-deficits of the city.

I arrived just before my Friday evening class, and I was immediately impressed. I had read that this Yaletown studio is uber-friendly, but it’s absolutely impressive when you see it happen. Studio owner and Bar Method trainer Carolyn Williams knew everyone’s names, and she greeted them personally as they swiped their membership card at the front. Her attention to each member carried into the studio, where she seemed to have an intimate understanding of each member’s individual capabilities.

It took me all of thirty seconds to feel a challenge in this class, but Carolyn’s encouragement, coupled with the constant change throughout distracted me from the intense level of work we were doing. We switched between arm conditioning exercises with weights, to abdominal work on the floor, and then a variety of leg and core exercises on the bar, that caused my limbs to shake. While my shaking muscles confirmed that conditioning was indeed taking place, my posture and flexibility were also getting a well-deserved improvement session.

Thanks to the small class size, Carolyn was able to offer personalized attention to each member in her class. This led to a sense of safety, because you could know that she was aware of your positioning throughout the class. It also led to an immense sense of burn: you should know, Carolyn remembers how far you really can raise your leg on the bar, so you won’t be taking it easy in her class.

I spoke with Carolyn about Bar Method, admitting it was a refreshing change from the sun salutations of yoga. In my opinion, this class is a great alternative for people who just can’t commit to the yogi-like state of trance for a full hour– movements were always varied, as we jumped from the mat, to the bar, to the floor and back. There are also some important health advantages.

Carolyn explained that the Bar Method uses a neutral spine, which makes it extremely safe for the back, to the point that it is recommended activity for patients recovering from back injury.   Carolyn’s Bar Method made intense exercise seem like a fun Friday night activity. Although the Bar Method does not make you sweat profusely, the studio provides relaxing spa-like change rooms, with all the products you need to hit the town again. After class, I felt challenged, but still fresh.

Classes are offered several times daily, and you can save your place at the bar, online at: http://vancouver.barmethod.com/studio-news.html

Modern Mix Vancouver was invited to a pre-opening tour of the new adidas Sport Performance store (860 Granville Street) last week.   Now that the store has opened to the public, go see for yourself what adidas has to offer!

The adidas sport performance stores opens on 860 Granville in downtown Vancouver, with the widest selection of adidas product in Western Canada. Catering first and foremost to the sports consumer, the store will offer adidas’ innovative soccer, tennis, training, basketball and running product lines. The store will also feature a complete collection of adidas by Stella McCartney, the first true sport performance design collection for women. Men will appreciate Porsche Design Sport – the collaboration between adidas and Porsche Design – fusing performance technologies with highly refined male style. For the sports fan, the store will also feature Vancouver Whitecaps apparel and NBA licensed collections.

In other words, the new adidas store focuses on “performance” wear, which means its clothing is customized for a particular sport.  From skiing to golf, materials are chosen to combine fashion into function resulting in stylish but functional sportswear.  The Stella Mccartney lines exemplifies this, for examples, with her form fitting ski-wear made with high quality materials which will be sure to keep you warm up on the slopes.

Although adidas’ winter collection is currently what’s available in store, I also had a chance to preview Stella Mccartney’s spring/summer 2011 line which consists of golf, tennis and running wear, a new swimwear line and more.  For performance wear, I was pleasantly surprised at how pretty some of the pieces were.  There’s definitely a strong attention to detail in Stella Mccartney’s adidas collection.  For example, the tennis tank top (see left) consisted of pretty ruffles and feminine pleats.  In terms of color, in the running collection, tights and a running jacket are available in a bold neon yellow; pieces that would definitely get you a second look during your morning jog. Nonetheless, for the less-outlandish, more subdued earthy tones are available as classic workout pieces.  Hoodies, jackets, tanktops and shorts all available in army green and  subdued shades blue.  Lastly, Stella Mccartney for adidas swimwear will be available for the first time this spring/summer season so definitely look out for that next season.

In the meantime, with Christmas just around the corner, check out Vancouver’s newest retail destination and pick out something specific for each fitness lover on your shopping list.

If you have lately walked by the Yaletown-Roundhouse Canada Line station, you may have noticed the KARMA pop-up store on Davie Street.  KARMA is a local active wear company made in Vancouver.” We design clothing with subtle logos, clean lines and hidden features. By avoiding over the top details, KARMA clothing remains classic.” From now until April 24th, the KARMA pop-up shop featuring stockroom sale items will be located at 289 Davie Street in Yaletown.  Hours are Monday to Friday: 10am – 7pm, Saturday and Sunday: 10am – 6pm.  In addition to already reduced prices, they will be having daily promotions.  For more information, check out the Karma Pop-up Shop Facebook Group.

Welcome to NESTEA’s “Chill on the Hill” event, happening on Saturday July 25th.  Think: live music, on-the-house virgin caipirinhas, lessons with Olympic athletes, beach volleyball, meet-and-greets with popular bands, half-pipe shows, live music, sun, snow, all at our very own beautiful Whistler, B.C.  The event is open to public of all ages, and because of the enormous complexity in delivering a snow and beach party, it will only be hitting the West Coast for one jam-packed fiesta. I had the opportunity to speak one-on-one with the brains behind the operation, NESTEA’s Wallace Leung. See our interview below to get a taste of what to expect before you arrive!

MMV: What was NESTEA’s goal with Chill on the Hill?

WL: “Canadians love being active, and they love the outdoors. We wanted to provide a refreshing possibility- thinking, wouldn’t it be cool to have snow, and do a bit of skiing, and have a beach concert, with bands playing… We thought, how would this look?”

MMV: What was your experience with Mont Treblant, the Quebec edition of NESTEA Chill on the Hill, which happened June 20?

WL: “It was cool to see people ready to go [in their snow gear], so early in the morning… In total, we had about 5,000 people out”!

MMV: What was participants’ favourite aspect of the experience in Quebec?

WL: It was quite varied! A lot of people, who came with their skis or snowboard, loved that experience of doing a bit of rails and jumps in the summer, and then others loved the opportunity to play beach volleyball, others would say the opportunity to hang out with Sam Roberts backstage… there were families there as well, who just enjoyed hanging out on the beach!”

MMV: How did you choose Whistler as your West-Coast venue?

WL: “Whistler is an absolute jewel! It is one of Western Canadas national treasures… Also, Whistler and Intrawest has been a longstanding partner with the Coca-Cola company, so it was really a great fit and a great venue.

MMV: What sets Whistler’s event apart from the Mont Treblant version?

WL: “For Whistler, the event is actually at the peak! We will truck the sand [for the beach courts] to the top, that’s a feat in itself! Also, we will have two bands playing, and it will happen all day this time… In Treblant, the event happened only at the base.”

MMV: What’s going on to achieve the snow theme? What kind of snow activities are offered, and how is there still snow on the mountain??!

WL: “The Whistler Operations team is managing that for us completely! They will get the snow from the glacier, bring it down, lay it out for us, and throughout the day they will manage the snow for us! Snow activities will include a boarding park, with rails and jumps, and there will also be a tricks competition, which two Olympians will help judge. They will also be running workshops!” (Ski and snowboard rentals will be available at the event).

For latest event updates, check out Chill on the Hill’s Facebook Page.

Do you like live music, on-the-house virgin caipirinhas, lessons with Olympic athletes, beach volleyball, meet-and-greets with popular bands, half-pipe shows, live music, sun, snow, or beautiful Whistler, B.C.? Oh ya- and what about, when it’s all free?

There is not a single person who would have difficulty finding something to enjoy at the West-Coast edition of NESTEA Chill on the Hill this Saturday. The event, happening from 10am-4pm on the peak of Whistler Blackcomb, is sure to provide something for everyone: for the active enthusiasts, beach volleyball games, free snowboard tricks workshops led by Olympic snowboarders, and the chance to join or watch a snowboard competition will entice you to the peak. For those who prefer being pampered, NESTEA will have a tea & WIFI lounge serving non-stop mocktails, as well as beach chairs for relaxation. Meanwhile, everyone can delight in House dj’s as well as a free concert, featuring The Stills and Protest the Hero, and a meet-and-greet with both the bands and the athletes. The event is open to public of all ages, and because of the enormous complexity in delivering a snow and beach party, it will only be hitting the West Coast for one jam-packed fiesta.

What’s the Order of Events?

Beach volleyball: 10am-4pm
SnowPark & Skills workshops: 10am-4pm
InteractiviTEA lounge (WIFI-enabled, with NESTEA mocktails): 10am-4pm
Olympic athletes meet and greet: 11-11:30am, Tent
Protest the Hero live: 12-12:45pm, mainstage
Protest the Hero meet and greet: 1-1:30pm
Tricks competition- ski and snowboard: 1:30-2:30pm, SnowPark
The Stills meet and greet: 2-2:30pm
The Stills live: 3-4pm, mainstage
DJ, with house music: throughout event.

Which athletes will be involved?

Canadian Olympian Justin Lamoureux (Halfpipe), and American Olympian Seth Wescott (Snowboard Cross)

How do participants get to the peak?

It’s about a twenty-minute ride up the mountain [on the new Peak-to-Peak gondola]” (*See NESTEA’s Chill on the Hill Facebook page for a $5-off gondola ticket coupon).

What should MMV readers wear?
According to NESTEA’s Wallace Leung:

Definitely, first and foremost, if you are skiing and snowboarding, you will have to wear a helmet, but whether t-shirt or snow pants, that’s completely up to you… If you’re a superstar [and don’t wear snow gear]… I’m thinking of myself, I might fall down and get wet! But it’s up to you! Keep in mind that sometimes you may be hitting the snow side, and sometimes the sand side!

What kinds of food will be available?
Vendors at the peak, and participants are also welcome to bring their own picnic.

For latest event updates, check out Chill on the Hill’s Facebook Page

See you this Saturday!

Vancouverites! I believe common sense dictates that anything worth doing is done better in costume  – especially if what you are doing is for charity. Everyone has that inner mascot just waiting to come out, it’s time to face it and embrace it.

So….take this wisdom and run with it at the Chip’s Not Dead Yet charity race on June 20, 2009, with all proceeds going towards the BC Children’s Hospital foundation. When you register for the race, not only do you have the opportunity to race up and down W. 10th avenue dressed up in costume, but you also gain access to the largest summer street party Vancouver has to offer – we’re talking live entertainment on the Georgia Straight entertainment stage, a beer garden sponsored by Russell Beer and an expected 5000 excited people attending. Oh, and did I mention there were prizes?

This is what you’ll be racing for:

• Bridal Dash = 2 tickets anywhere West Jet flies
• High Heel Dash = $1,500 Gift Card to spend at Pacific Centre (!!)
• Underwear Dash = A backyard summer BBQ catered by Russell Beer and Memphis Blues BBQ.
• Super Hero Half Mile(ish) Dash = A trip along the Inside Passage on the new Northern Expedition presented by BC Ferries.
• Timed Wave Race = 2 people will each win 6 months of yoga each, a mat and a water bottle courtesy of Semperviva Yoga
• Canucks Fan Parade = a Vancouver Canucks forward Taylor Pyatt signed stick and a Mattius Ohlund signed Jersey.
• Rock Star Wave = 2 tickets to the upcoming Aerosmith concert and a signed Aerosmith drumhead.
• Elite Race = $20,000

Other waves you can sign up for are the couch potato wave, the Pooch Parade, the uniform dash and high school elite dash. Read more here. Those are the things you’ll be racing to win, but every registered participant will walk away with a Lululemon Tech top valued at more than the cost of registration! So grab a couple friends, brainstorm costumes over a couple beers and make sure to  register!

Here are the specs:

Where? W. 10th Ave between Blanca and Alma
When? June 20th, 2009
How much? $35 for individuals // group of 10+, registration is only $30 per person.
Why?

1. For the kids! 200% of proceeds are going towards the BC Children’s Hospital. And no, my finger didn’t just slip from the ’1′ to the ’2′ accidentally. 200% of proceeds will go towards this children’s charity because Chip Wilson, founder of Lululemon, has agreed to match every dollar donated up to $150,000.
2. You get to dress up in costume! And run around! Like a kid!
3. You get access to the summers biggest street party! Enjoy live entertainment and a beer garden with 5000 other Vancouverites!

Hope to see you there!