Models, Athletes, and Yogis Instruct on the Art of Selecting a Yoga Mat

“I like to think of my yoga mat as that one tool that keeps the distractions at bay,” says Rima Rabbath, who founded Manhattan’s new SOUK studio as a space for yoga teachers of different lineages to practice. “Fun fact: in the olden days, yogis would sit on the skin of a deer; it kept snakes away and as a result, they would remain undisturbed.” Today, vegan options serve as a space to disconnect with tech and the outside noise. “New York City can be so hectic, I needed to alternate my intense workouts with some more grounding and mindful movement,” says Belgian-born, NYC-based model Daphne Velghe. The former ballet dancer now teaches mat pilates and private reformer classes and collaborates with brands like Hermès and Splits59. “When it comes to mats, I look for durability, support, weight, and eco-consciousness.”

Link to the full article on Vogue.com