Not a Stretch: Learn What Yoga Can Do For You

A popular activity to relieve stress and stay fit, yoga has worked its way into the mainstream of American culture. On Saturday, one Paramus store seeks to return the ancient Indian exercise outside with its "Salutation Nation" event. 

Lululemon athletica—an international sportswear company—will host an outdoor yoga event at Memorial Park at Van Neste Square in Ridgewood. Area residents will join in with thousands nationwide.

"We really want people to feel connected and a sense of community," spokesperson Amanda Casgar said. "We will be holding our event everywhere, specifically in locations like the Great Lawn in Washington, D.C.; in Bryant Park in New York City and the Boston Promenade."

She added that the complimentary, hour-long class is accessible to everyone of all ages and skill levels.

"People from all over are invited," said Amy Jean Pastore, a yoga instructor who will be leading the event from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Specializing in yoga apparel and equipment, lululemon atheltica is a sportswear company that will sponsor the Salutation Nation event. Referring to the yoga maneuver "asana," Casgar said she wants to "take your asana outside."

As a company, lululemon athletica was founded in 1998 in British Columbia and worked its way outward. Its nearest location is at the Garden State Plaza in Paramus.

A lululemon athletica ambassador from the Paramus store, Pastore said she hopes to draw 100 people locally and 25,000 people across the country.

In New Jersey, besides Ridgewood, lululemon athletica will host events in Princeton and Asbury Park.

"Everyone is invited," said Pastore, who is also an instructor with Yoga Synthesis in Ramsey. "People will be able to see the positive effects yoga will have on their lives."

She explained that yoga has "emotional and physical benefits, and overall it gives people a sense of well-being... This is so much more than physical practice." 

She further explained that when she started yoga, she did it to help keep her body in physical shape but the practice soon became much more.

"It evolved for me," Pastore said. "It evolves and it became involved with other aspects of my life."

She said she found herself becoming more at peace with the world around her, more patient with people and she found a sense of balance.

"Yoga is all about balance," Pastore said. "This event will show people steps how to achieve that balance."

For more information, visit http://lululemon.com/paramus/gardenstateplaza.