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When I want to trick myself into a spa-cation and work in a challenging yoga class that ends with a blissful dose of relaxation, I head to Core Power Yoga on Grand Avenue.

My husband and I decided to make an afternoon date of it, finding a babysitter and going out for a late lunch after. (Yes, there are men in the class, too, I reassured him, since he was concerned he’d be the only guy there.) We stopped in on a recent weekend, showing up 30 minutes early to find parking—more on this later—rent towels, buy bottles of water (oops, we forgot our SIGGs!) and secure decent spots in the always crowded yoga studio.

The “Core Power 1 Intro to Power Yoga” class provides a good base to start with. Even though I’ve been practicing yoga for many years, I love going back to the basics, focusing on my alignment, and most of all, paying attention to my breath. Meanwhile, my husband, who doesn’t have much yoga experience, found the instruction thorough enough for a beginner. Our teacher for the day, Saren, reminds us frequently to come back to our breath, synchronizing our movements with our inhales and exhales. The music is motivating, but not distracting, and it builds with intensity as our practice does, before slowing down as we cool off.

While this probably sounds silly, I always plan a little extra time after class for a shower in the spa-like locker room simply because it is a serene place to be. Complete with smooth stone shower mats, luxurious shampoo, conditioner and body wash (not the smelly, bright pink stuff at my gym), a neutral decor and bamboo, it’s hard to believe I’m on the 2^nd floor of a building on bustling Grand Ave. The locker room is even stocked with natural deodorant and hair dryers. Clearly I get excited about the little things.

Afterward, we round out our afternoon date by walking across the street to Café Latte for a bite to eat and drink. I’m known for caving into my cravings for sweets—especially at a place that tries to sell you dessert before you go through the rest of the cafeteria-style line—but I’m feeling so relaxed and rejuvenated that I really just want a salad. The lemon basil shrimp salad hits the spot. For those who want to try more than one thing, I recommend choosing the 3-salad sampler plate.

The particulars: First try to find parking in the free Victoria Crossing lot just north of Grand Ave. between Victoria and Milton. If that doesn’t work, you can cruise the street for an open spot. Or, make things easy from the get-go and drive straight to pay lot across from Core Power (located adjacent to Pottery Barn). Core Power will validate two hours of free parking before 5 p.m., or $1.00 after 5 p.m., so don’t forget to bring your ticket inside with you.