Yoga straps are a basic part of every yogi's equipment. However, many are reluctant to actually use them. Too often, pride gets in the way. "I can do this without the strap. I don't need it!" is a common response. Unfortunately, many people don't realize how helpful the strap really is and how it can improve their practice. Today, we'd like to explain to you why the yoga strap is so helpful for your yoga practice, and we'll also show you four ways to use the strap to improve your flexibility and posture.
Benefits of the yoga strap
Especially if you're a yoga beginner, you may find it difficult to get into many asanas without difficulty. Your muscles aren't stretched enough yet; it simply takes time. Awkward contortions to perhaps reach around your foot or grasp your hand unfortunately won't help at all. In these situations, a yoga strap can help you easily and gently achieve stretches that would otherwise be impossible for you (yet). Your yoga strap also helps you deepen positions and hold them for longer without putting strain on your ligaments or muscles. Even challenging exercises become easier and, above all, safer. And your posture will also improve through the use of the yoga strap.
What you should look for in your yoga strap
When buying your yoga strap, you shouldn't act hastily – after all, the quality determines the durability, stability, and ultimately your own safety. Therefore, be sure to compare the different products before you decide.
Yoga straps come in various lengths and widths. There's usually a buckle at the end that you can use to connect the ends.
Belts made of cotton and polyester, which are tightly sewn and therefore very sturdy, are particularly suitable for your practice. Cotton also has the advantage of being very skin-friendly.
Yoga straps are typically three to four centimeters wide and about 1.5 to 2.5 meters long. A longer strap generally offers more versatility, but may also cause the rest of the strap to "swing" around when you only need a short section. To avoid this, you can simply double up on a longer strap.
In most cases, the buckles are D-shaped and made of metal. The strap is threaded through the buckle opening, allowing the length to be adjusted. Plastic buckles are also available. When choosing, keep in mind that metal is definitely more durable than plastic.
Use for your yoga strap
The yoga strap has a wide range of uses in your practice. Whatever you use the strap for, take it slow. In yoga, the point is not to reach poses quickly, but to reach them safely. Your yoga strap will support you in this. When using it, make sure you hold the strap firmly in your hands and that it cannot slip off your ankles, calves, or forearms during the exercises. We now present four ways to use your yoga strap in your practice.
1. For the perfect stretch of the hamstrings
The yoga strap helps you to stretch your hamstrings intensively by using it as an extension between your hand and foot.
You may have noticed while in a forward bend or lying on your back that you can't (yet) reach your feet with your hands. In this case, you can wrap your yoga band around the outside of your foot and hold the ends of the band with your hands. Lying on your back, pull your leg straight toward you.
In the seated forward bend, the belt helps you pull yourself closer to your feet.
2. For better posture
The yoga strap also helps you improve your posture. Keeping your back straight is extremely important in almost all yoga poses. However, it's often not the case, especially when you're just starting out. The yoga strap can help you maintain the correct back position in various asanas and avoid "slumping."
3. For support in balance poses
A yoga strap can provide relief in many wobbly balance exercises. In forearm stand or crow pose, for example, you can tie your upper arms together at shoulder width to prevent them from drifting apart while practicing the pose. This way, you'll always maintain the correct posture, even when your strength wanes. In standing asanas, you can loop a loop around your foot and grasp the end of the strap with your hands. This allows you to intensify the stretch while standing and also ensures more stable stance.
4. To support arm stretches
To reach certain poses, your arms need to be sufficiently stretched. If they aren't yet, a yoga strap can help. In Cow Face Pose, for example, you can use the strap to shimmy along it inch by inch until your hands finally meet. And in King Pigeon, the strap also helps you reach your foot safely.
As you can see, a yoga strap can help you in many different ways, not only improving your flexibility but also better aligning your posture in various poses. In our online shop, you'll find a wide selection of yoga straps that are not only of the highest quality but also environmentally friendly.