Nike announced today that they are entering the yoga apparel game. Their first collection of gear designed specifically for yoga will be available globally online and in stores today. 

The launch campaign features female and male athletes from a variety of sports—Christen Press (soccer), Larry Fitzgerald (football), Khalil Mack (football), Kevin Love (basketball), Channing Frye (basketball), Alana Beard (basketball), Christian Coleman (running) and Scout Bassett (running, paralympian)—who all practice yoga. 

“In order to be a great defender in the WNBA, you must be able to move your hips well,” said WNBA Player Alana Beard in a statement. “Practicing yoga has had a direct correlation to the way I play defense on the court because of the hip mobility and flexibility I have grained from the triangle pose.”

According to Ryan Flaherty, the senior director of performance at Nike, yoga is something every athlete should include as part of their training routine. He says yoga can increase range of motion and flexibility, reduce recovery time and improve coordination, among other things.

A new series of yoga workouts will be available in the Nike Training Clup app—which is free, and features workout videos led by Nike Master Trainers— to support this initiative.

The collection was designed to eliminate distractions that come with the twisting, turning and inversions done during a yoga practice: longer hemlines add coverage, and special attention was paid to the stretch of the material. The pieces come in what the brand calls “nature-inspired” colours: soft blue, burgundy, grey and black. The fabric has a cotton-like feel, and is sweat-wicking, quick-drying and breathable. 

See you in downward dog.