Just like a great song, the right workout clothing can help lift you up and make you feel supported whatever you’re doing and however you decide to incorporate movement into your day.
The NEW Women’s Reclaim Clothing Collection from Yogamatters helps you reclaim your power in your yoga practice and beyond with supportive cropped tops, bras and leggings designed to offer low to medium support during exercise.
We took a moment to chat with our beautiful models – and yoga teachers – from the Reclaim Clothing photoshoot to get their take on what it really means to reclaim your practice.
Peace
Why is it important for you that yoga is a diverse and inclusive practice?
“Coming from a minority group and as a black woman, I am very passionate about being able to create access to a practice where there’s no barriers whether that’s through economic, cultural factors or anything else that relates to anyone’s identity. Yoga is for everybody.”
What does reclaiming your power or practice mean to you?
“For me, this is returning to your true and authentic self – reclaiming your power and the essence of the practice beyond the asana.”
What brings you back to the mat?
The need to return to stillness of the mind, and to regain my strength and suppleness of mind and body through my asana practice.
What was your favourite piece or detail from the Reclaim Collection?
“My favourite piece was the fuchsia pink legging that I wore, I felt the colour was amazing against my complexion and the leggings gave me incredible support while remaining breathable with great movement.”
Shaka
Why is it important for you that yoga is a diverse and inclusive practice?
“For me yoga is a practice for humanity, for human beings – so if you are human, you should practice and you can reap the benefits. It’s a practice that is about reclaiming our humanity and seeing through the illusions of existence. Those that are drawn to practice should come and feel welcomed. Yoga is a universal practice that is often geographically and culturally sensitive but that should never change the core principles and the fact that it truly is for anyone that wants to practice and come to know what this practice is about.”
What does reclaiming your power or practice mean to you?
“Reclaiming my power for me is about knowing myself, having courage and heart, staying close to the ultimate truth of love and taking responsibility – and learning from – my idiosyncrasies and misdemeanors and continuing to grow. I believe reclaiming power must also include standing with and up for those without power.”
What brings you back to the yoga mat?
“The practice always centres me, grounds me and puts me in touch with something beyond words. I come back to the mat because I want to come back to myself. I come back to remind myself that every day is a gift. Yoga helps me to work with whatever emotions are coming up on a particular day and gives me perspective. Getting on the mat also helps me with my sitting practice, which I think is really the most transformative aspect of yoga.”
What was your favourite piece or detail from the Reclaim Collection?
“I love the colours and the material. Particularly the cotton – it’s so soft and comfortable – really a dream to practice in.”
Harriet
Why is it important for you that yoga is a diverse and inclusive practice?
“Yoga, more often than not, likes to think itself immune to racism, sexism, ableism, financial elitism, and all forms of discrimination. It’s not. If the past year has taught us anything, I hope it is that the people, practices and places who claim to be exempt from these things are not – and are often the ones perpetuating these broken narratives. Questioning the inclusivity and accessibility of the organisations, spaces and communities we belong to is necessary and valuable work. It is not enough to simply state that ‘everybody is welcome’ in your community. Instead, it is vital to question what prohibits people from participating in or accessing a space, and if you are truly committed to community, what can be done to actively expand and break down the barriers within it.”
What does reclaiming your power or practice mean to you?
“Reclaiming is such a lovely word – it’s been coming up a lot for me lately. When it comes to reclaiming practice, it’s almost always about coming home to myself. Feeling more grounded and connected to my body and my experience. Letting go of the ways we’ve been told practice “should” look like/feel like/be, and instead cultivating a curiosity around where I’m at today, in this moment.”
What brings you back to the mat?
“So many things, but recently I’ve been coming to my mat with questions and curiosity. It’s a space I come to when I’m not sure how I’m feeling, or what I need to do. Pausing for a few moments to sit or lie down or be in child’s pose offers me the time I need to check in and figure out what comes next. Sometimes that leads to more movement, sometimes that leads to journaling or putting on some favourite music and dancing around. Every time I come back to the back something is different, something is new, something has shifted. I discover something about myself every time I step onto the mat.”
What was your favourite piece or detail from the Reclaim Collection?
“The high-waisted full length leggings were a dream! I really loved the feeling of support, and the side pocket was super handy. The colours were also gorgeous.”
About the Yogamatters Reclaim Clothing Collection
Perfect for a dynamic workout or slow paced yoga practice, the Yogamatters Reclaim Clothing Collection features easy to wear exercise essentials with round necklines and racerback design. You can wear them on their own or as an under layer. Leggings
For our new activewear line we’ve used ECONYL® regenerated nylon from fishing nets and leftover fabrics to create beautiful and sustainable designs specifically for an active lifestyle. The fabric has been knitted in Italy, but the cutting, stitching and finishing has been handmade in England to ensure the highest quality standards.
Made from 83% ECONYL® regenerated nylon and 17% elastane it’s a collection that’s breathable and moveable – thoughtfully designed with you in mind by our own team of experienced designers and yoga practitioners and made in England.
Special thanks goes to…
These local brands helped make our photoshoot extra special:
Woodberry Blooms
Canopy Plants
The British Snack Co.
Roads to Joya
