Watch CBS News

Top Spots To Find Yoga And Pilates Gear In Philly

(credit: Thinkstock)

Staying fit has come a long way since "Sweatin' to the Oldies" with Richard Simmons. While dancing the Mashed Potato in your basement rec room in your too-short gym shorts was once the rage, things have taken a decided turn for the better.  Though the treadmill and bike are the routine staples of fitness nowadays, there are also less motion-oriented and more focused ways to exercise such as Pilates and yoga. Most everyone knows someone who is a practitioner of one or both, and while Pilates focuses on the body's inner-core strength, yoga's meditative bent focuses on the mind. One without the other is good, but in tandem they can create one powerful "prana" – yoga speak for life force. Of course, while you are pursuing this inner peace and strength it can't hurt to look good. Just because you are following a fitness routine doesn't mean it has to be all about sweatpants and t-shirts. Take your fitness fashion up a notch and check out these local emporiums which feature gear for Pilates and yoga disciples.

Indigo Schuy
8432 Germantown Ave.
Philadelphia, PA
(267)347-2958
www.indigoschuy.com

Indigo Schuy is new to Chestnut Hill's Germantown Avenue, but is already causing a stir. As one of the few local, privately owned fitness apparel companies, Indigo takes listening to its customers' needs very seriously. The product lines include IAmBeyond Yoga, ALO, Skirt Sports and the locally-owned Two Paper Dolls. The owners, Steve and Schuy Nunn, also believe in the importance of participating in their local community. Indigo Schuy recently was one of the sponsors of a charity event hosted by another Chestnut Hill business, Urban Athlete, to raise funding for Juvenile Diabetes Research.

Related: Top Sunglass Stores In Philadelphia

City Sports
1608 Walnut St.
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215)985-5860
www.citysports.com

City Sports is an award winning specialty sports apparel retailer with locations along the East Coast, three of which are in the Philadelphia area (Center City, Ardmore and Wayne). Carrying brands such as Zobha, prAna, Yogitoes, and the signature CS by City Sports, this is a premier destination for yoga enthusiasts, runners, cyclists, swimmers and tennis players. The store even coordinates a weekly Run Club on Thursday evenings that meets at the Walnut Street store.

Athleta
1722 Walnut St.
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215)732-1983
www.athleta.gap.com

Located in Rittenhouse Square, Athleta offers a full-line of active lifestyle clothing as well as a full calendar of events, such as fitness classes, nutrition workshops, yogi, Pilates and group runs. With locations scattered throughout the U.S. you may have the opportunity to shop at your favorite fitness store even when you are away from home. They also advertise a "give-it-a-workout" guarantee. Love it or return it. Any time. Any reason.

Related: Top Swimwear Shops In Philadelphia

Lithe Wear
255 South 17th St. @ The Medical Tower
The Entire 4th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215)545-5144
www.lithemethod.com

Lithe method is a fitness, diet and fashion regimen based on cheerleading, dance and Pilates movement. Studios also located in Old City, Northern Liberties and the Main Line. Lithe studio has a variety of classes for people of all experience levels with a flexible schedule. An e-commerce website also is planned to be available shortly. Lithe Wear Yoga apparel has received praise from Lucky Magazine, BusinessWeek and SHAPE Magazine. Lithe Wear encourages a healthy and happy lifestyle, so for your best self, this should be a stop.
Lululemon Athletica
1527 Walnut St.
Philadelphia, PA
(215)563-4806
www.Lululemon.com

Lululemon offers a full line of Pilates and yoga gear for men and women both in its stores and on its very interactive website. Not only can you purchase online (free shipping!), but there are also beginner yoga videos and information on local community events, such as scheduled Urban Yoga held at the Comcast Plaza Center and the Run Club, which meets at the store weekly for a three to four mile run. Lululemon's product lines are manufactured from six "families" of fabric to ensure a comfortable wearer experience. In addition to the Philadelphia location, Lululemon America stores can be found in King of Prussia and on Lancaster Avenue in Wayne.

Jai Yoga
385 W. Lancaster Ave.
Haverford, PA  19041
610-642-2000
jaiyoga.net

Jai Yoga, located on the Main Line, offers not only yoga classes, but also private yoga sessions as well as meditation sessions and massage services. Jai also offer courses for those seeking to become Yoga trainers and is forming board certification classes to begin in September 2012. There is an on-premises store which offers organic yoga and fitness wear and sponsors skilled crafts people from across the globe.


Head to Philadelphia's Best Of pages for more local tips on family fun, shopping, nightlife, food, culture and more!

Anita Flynn is a freelance writer covering all things Philadelphia. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.