By Celestine McGee

Yoga is an ancient practice that has gained recently popularity in the western world. It encourages physical and mental wellbeing through posture, strength, discipline, and meditation. Pilates also helps establish a mental and physical well being in those who practice it. Some of the benefits of yoga or pilates is building lean muscles, relieving stress, toning abdominal muscles and improving balance. Yoga and pilates are becoming increasingly popular throughout the Chicago area and the following local venues sell various gear such as clothing, mats, and other tools to make the most of your practice.

(credit: moosejaw.com)

Moosejaw
1445 W. Webster
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 529-1111
www.moosejaw.com

Moosejaw is the ideal destination for all of your athletic wear needs, and carries a selection of yoga apparel suitable for the entire family. Moosejaw carries brands like Prana, North Face, Ibex, Marmot and Sanuk, in addition to a great array of yoga mats, towels and shoes to maximize well being in one’s yoga or pilates practice. Moosejaw’s products also extend to outdoor apparel for hiking, climbing, skiing and water sports.

(credit: bloomyogastudio.com)

Bloom Studio
4663 N. Rockwell
Chicago, IL 60625
(773) 463-9642
www.bloomyogastudio.com

Bloom Studio not only provides yoga classes for yogis of all skill levels, but also has a store on site which sells yoga gear and clothing. They exclusively carry the line for the yoga lifestyle, Be Present. These clothes are so comfortable, fashionable and perfect for your practice that you’ll likely find yourself wearing them off your mat. Bloom Studio encourages a healthy lifestyle, regardless of age or experience with yoga, so if you want to experiment with different branches of yoga or simply discover your Om, Bloom Studio is a great place to start.

(credit: londomondo.com)

Londo Mondo
1100 N. Dearborn
Chicago, IL 60610
(312) 751-2794
www.londomondo.com

Londo Mondo features a wide selection of yoga and pilates clothing with brands like Lotus, Blue Fish, Beyond Yoga, Marika and an extensive selection of Hardtail apparel. Along with the wide variety of athletic wear clothing, Londo Mondo also has a large swimsuit collection, women’s shoes and casual wear clothing. Londo Mondo has two Chicago locations, making it easy to find clothing that suits your lifestyle, regardless if it’s a Bikram yoga session or a day of lounging by the pool.

(credit: lucy.com)

Lucy Activewear
845 North Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 255-0257
www.lucy.com

At Lucy, they are passionate about performance, and believe that every passion starts with a spark. This specialty store provides performance wear for dancers, yoga, pilates enthusiasts and the like. This store has a passionate team, and their mission is to make sure clothes that fit and flatter the body, yet provide comfort of your desired sport. They sell a wide array of attractive and athletic apparel for active women in a fun, friendly shopping environment.

(credit: mokshayoga.com)

Moksha Yoga Center
3334 N. Clark
Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 975-9642
mokshayoga.com

Moksha Yoga Center brings a modern touch to ancient practices of yoga. This particular yoga center encourages well being that extends to acupuncture, massages and a large selection of yoga gear. Some of the brands that Moksha Yoga Center carries include Alo, Jantti, Soybu, Splits Fifty Nine, Be Present, and Anue. They also have yoga blocks, mats, bolsters and straps. Overall, Moksha yoga center is where yoga and Pilates enthusiasts alike can find their inner zen and some great gear for their active lifestyle. Namaste.

Celestine McGee is a freelance writer covering all things Chicago. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.