My favorite yoga gear company, Manduka, recently partnered with yoga teacher and founder of Anusara Yoga, John Friend, to create its first ever-cobranded line of yoga gear.  Since I think this is a great step forward in providing high-quality, innovative yoga gear, I wanted to share a few highlights from the recent press release to give you a flavor of this new collection:

Going outside the 24″ industry standard width for yoga mats, the John Friend Collection by Manduka will launch initially with two extra wide mats including the 29-inch wide eKO Superlite and 30-inch wide PROlite.  This is the first time the yoga community will have access to such a high quality blend of innovative technology and the veteran experience of John Friend in a mat, providing superior comfort and sufficient space to align the body and explore yoga postures.  The added space allows for a deeper expression of movement and a better connection between body, mat and heart.

“Our partnership with renowned yoga teacher John Friend allows us to provide the most innovative and ecologically responsible yoga gear in a new way ,” said Sky Meltzer, CEO of Manduka.  “Together we’ve aligned to create a collection that pushes industry standards, pouring over four decades of expertise into designs that will inspire yoga practitioners worldwide.”

“For years I’ve been committed to the teaching that yoga comes from the heart—that it is a practice accessible to all and brings out your inner joy and divine energy,” said John Friend, Founder of Anusara yoga.  “Manduka is a company that embodies the same principles while providing high quality products to enhance your practice.  I am honored to collaborate with such an authentic company to bring an amazing new line of gear to the yoga community, deepening the connection between heart and mat, and inspiring students of any level to enjoy more energetic freedom during their practice.”