There's a humble yet powerful tool in my yoga journey that I've found to be an essential yoga prop, enhancing my practice in ways I never expected - a yoga strap. At first my ego got in the way. I thought, “yoga straps are for beginners”, “I’m flexible, what is a yoga strap good for”?
Well, after asking myself “what is a yoga strap?”, I began to realize just how powerful yoga straps are as a yoga prop to enhance my yoga poses and practice.
The Power of Yoga Straps
Yoga straps have the ability to deepen our stretch, refine our alignment, and make challenging poses more accessible. But their use goes beyond these physical benefits.
Just as a warrior doesn't go into battle without their weapon, a yogi can greatly benefit from the use of this yoga prop in the right yoga pose. Armed with a yoga strap, you empower yourself to boldly navigate through the intricacies of your yoga practice.
What is a Yoga Strap?
So, what is a yoga strap? In simple terms, a yoga strap is a tool used in yoga practice to assist with alignment, balance, flexibility, and strength. Made from a variety of materials such as cotton, hemp, or polyester, a yoga strap is essentially a long, durable belt with a buckle at the end that can form a loop.
The Role of a Yoga Strap
But what truly makes a yoga strap vital to yoga is the role it plays in bridging gaps in our yoga practice. A yoga strap, like all yoga props, helps us unify the elements of our yoga practice that may seem distant or unattainable, inviting a sense of interconnectedness and personal growth.
Ok, that’s a little grandiose. A yoga strap extends our reach so we can get into certain yoga poses while maintaining proper alignment in our bodies, avoid injury from over straining, and to effectively deepen our yoga poses. Yoga strap poses are an important aspect of our yoga practice whether as a beginner or an advanced yogi focusing on their alignment.
What is a Yoga Strap Used for?
A common question from yogis, what are yoga straps used for?. Let me tell you, A yoga strap can be used to enhance many yoga poses, making it a versatile and essential addition to your yoga kit. From helping beginners to find alignment in challenging postures, to enabling seasoned yogis to deepen their stretch or hold a pose for longer, a yoga strap has an abundance of value.
Moreover, it’s not just about how to use yoga strap in the physical sense. This yoga prop also serves as a symbol of exploration and expansion. It encourages us to:
- Extend beyond our comfort zone safely
- Overcome limitations physical and mental
- Discover our inner strength through concentration and focus
In essence, a yoga strap empowers us to explore our potential and embody the spirit of heroism within ourselves, for ourselves. Now, let’s get into some yoga strap poses that you can do today.
Yoga Strap Poses for Your Yoga Practice
Discovering yoga strap poses can be a transformative experience, allowing you to reach new heights in your practice. Let's explore some of these poses and how your yoga strap can enhance them.
Head-to-Knee Pose (Janu Sirasana)
Standing Leg Raise (Uttitha Hasta Padangustasana)
Dancer's Pose (Natarajasana)
Bound Angle Pose (Baddha Konasana)
Cow Face Pose (Gomukhasana)
What Yoga Strap Should I get?
Once you understand what is a yoga strap used for, the next step on your journey is to choose the right one for you. This decision largely revolves around three key factors:
- The length of the yoga strap
- The type of buckle on the end of the yoga strap
- The material the yoga strap is made of
What Length Yoga Strap Should I Get?
You might be asking yourself how long should a yoga strap be? This is a great question. After getting an idea from the information below, the best way to know for sure is to get your hands on some yoga straps and try the various lengths. Your local yoga studio or gym will have yoga straps you can try.
6-Foot Yoga Straps
These are ideal for yogis who already have a good level of flexibility. They're great for basic poses where you don't require much strap length. A 6-foot yoga strap will give you the most bang for your buck.
Note that many companies will manufacture super thin 6-foot yoga straps to bring the cost down but these yoga straps can hurt and may not be long enough for your yoga practice.
8-Foot Yoga Straps
8-foot yoga straps are the standard yoga strap length. They provide length for holding poses or for wrapping around the body, making them a good choice for people with moderate flexibility or those practicing more advanced poses.
If you’re not sure what length to get, this is it. This is the size I chose when designing the Odyssey yoga strap. Whether you get your yoga strap from me or another brand, make sure it's a quality yoga strap because they can last decades for something so inexpensive.
10-Foot Yoga Straps
These are best for very tall or bigger yogis. The extra 2 feet adds a lot more to the yoga strap but could be worth it if you are wrapping the strap around your body often. Typically, 10-foot yoga straps are extra and unnecessary. If you need one, you’ll know for sure.
It's rare for any particular person to need a 10-foot yoga strap however some studios will opt to carry 10-foot yoga straps because they want to be able to accommodate anyone that walks into to take a class. This is good practice. Teachers should consider warning students to be careful with the extra slack- don't whip people on accident!
Choosing the Best Yoga Strap Buckle
Yoga straps come with different types of closures - D-ring and cinch buckles. Your choice here depends on your personal preference.
Yoga Strap D-Ring Buckles
D-ring buckles are highly versatile and easy to use. They allow you to create a loop by threading the strap through both D-rings and then back through one ring.
Yoga Strap Cinch Buckles
Also known as quick-release buckles, these allow you to make fast, one-handed adjustments to the strap length.
D-ring buckles are the standard due to their ability to secure the yoga strap where you want it, easy to make quick adjustments, and are made with durable lightweight metal. Cinch straps are often cheaper and not as secure.
What are Yoga Straps Made of?
Yoga straps are commonly made from polyester, cotton, and hemp. Each material has its own benefits and drawbacks regarding durability, grip, comfort, and eco-friendliness.
Polyester Yoga Straps
Polyester is a synthetic material that's highly durable and resistant to abrasion and mildew. It also dries quickly. However, it can be less comfortable to grip depending on its construction. Polyester can be new or recycled. The quality is not hurt by being recycled and is a good use for upcycling polyester.
Cotton Yoga Straps
Cotton straps are softer to touch. They're often more comfortable against the skin however, they may not be as resistant to mildew as polyester, and can take longer to dry after washing. Cotton is often touted as an eco-friendly option if sourced responsibly however there are some issues.
For instance, Ethical Consumer states “In India, the water required to grow a year’s worth of cotton for export could supply over half of the population with 100 liters of water a day for an entire year. Meanwhile, over 90 million people - over 6% of India's population - don’t have access to safe water.”
Hemp Yoga Straps
Hemp straps are durable, resistant to mildew, and have a good grip. They're the most eco-friendly option for yoga straps, as hemp fibers are a sustainable and biodegradable material. However, hemp straps can feel a bit rough against the skin, especially for those with sensitive skin, and may be more expensive than the other options due to the cost of producing hemp fabric.
How to use a Yoga Strap for Yoga Practice
After selecting the perfect yoga strap, the next step is to understand how to use yoga strap in your practice. Remember, the yoga strap is more than just a yoga prop—it’s an extension of your body.
How to Use D-Ring Buckle Yoga Straps
A D-ring buckle is the most common and easiest buckle to use for a yoga strap.
How to Thread a D-Ring Buckle Yoga Strap
- Hold the yoga strap by the end opposite to the D-rings.
- Thread this end through both rings from underneath.
- Once it's through, loop the strap back over the top ring and through the bottom one.
- You've now created a loop that you can adjust to the size you need.
How to Tighten a D-Ring Yoga Strap
- To tighten, hold the free end of the strap and pull it away from the D-rings.
- The friction between the strap and the rings will keep it secure and prevent slipping.
How to Loosen a D-Ring Yoga Strap
- To loosen or adjust the size of the loop, lift the outer D-ring to release tension on the yoga strap
- Slide the yoga strap through to your preferred length or all the way out to unbuckle the yoga strap.
How to Use Cinch Buckle Yoga Straps
Cinch buckles are less common. They are good buckles for a yoga strap however their function is less optimal than the more common D-ring buckle.
How to Thread a Cinch Buckle Yoga Strap
- Hold the buckle in one hand, and the end of the strap in the other.
- Slide the strap through the bottom opening of the buckle from underneath.
- Loop the strap over the middle bar of the buckle.
- Pull the strap back down and through the other opening of the buckle.
How to Tighten a Cinch Buckle Yoga Strap
- Once the strap is threaded through the buckle, you can adjust the strap length.
- Pull the loose end of the strap away from the buckle to tighten.
How to Loosen a Cinch Buckle Yoga Strap
- To loosen the strap, simply lift the buckle and slide the strap back through.
- The cinch buckle will automatically lock the strap in place when you let go of the buckle.
What are Yoga Straps Used for?
Yoga Straps for Stretching
One of the most common uses of a yoga strap is to assist in deepening stretches. For instance, in seated forward fold (Paschimottanasana), you can loop the strap around the soles of your feet. Holding on to the ends, gently pull yourself forward, enhancing the hamstring stretch without compromising the alignment of your back.
Yoga Straps for Alignment
What is a yoga strap used for beyond stretches? It can serve as a wonderful alignment guide. In a pose like Bow Pose (Dhanurasana), a yoga strap can help keep your knees hip-width apart. Simply tie it around your thighs, and let the strap guide your alignment as you kick your feet into your hands.
Yoga Straps for Balancing Poses
In balance poses like Extended Hand-to-Big-Toe Pose (Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana), a yoga strap can provide the extra reach you need, allowing you to maintain balance as you extend your leg.
Yoga Straps for Restorative Yoga
Yoga straps can also aid in restorative and relaxation poses. For example, in Bound Angle Pose (Baddha Konasana), tying a strap around your feet and outside your thighs can help keep them supported without any effort, allowing you to relax more deeply without the tension building to heightened levels.
Yoga Straps for Deepening Yoga poses
A yoga strap can also help you safely deepen your yoga poses. In a pose like Pigeon Pose (Eka Pada Rajakapotasana), the strap can provide the reach to hold your feet or ankles, reach arms overhead to hold onto the yoga strap.
How to Use a Yoga Strap to Carry Your Yoga Mat
Did you know you can use a yoga strap to carry your yoga mat? Let me explain how to turn your yoga strap into a yoga mat carrying strap.
1) Create the Initial Loop
Begin by forming a loop on the buckle-end of your yoga strap. The size of this loop should be slightly larger than your rolled-up yoga mat.
2) Secure the Loop
Slide the yoga strap loop onto one end of your rolled yoga mat. Secure it tightly to ensure it doesn't slip, but take care not to over tighten as this might damage or distort your yoga mat over time.
3) Wrap the Tail End
Next, reach for the loose tail end of your yoga strap. Wrap it beneath the opposite end of your yoga mat, pulling the tail until the carrying loop reaches your desired length.
4) Secure the Tail End
To fasten the tail end, tie an overhand knot. Tighten the knot gently, again taking care to avoid pinching or compressing your yoga mat. For an extra secure hold, consider tying a second overhand knot.
 |
|
5) Carry Your Yoga Mat
Congratulations! Your yoga mat is now ready to be transported. Feel free to carry it by hand, sling it over your shoulder, or even delegate the task to a friend!
Too much hassle? I have a simple yoga mat carrying strap with the sole purpose of carrying your yoga mat that can double as a short yoga strap in a pinch!
A Yoga Sequence with Yoga Strap Poses
Now that you understand how to use a yoga strap, let's explore a sequence that integrates your knowledge of yoga strap poses. This sequence combines a warm up flow with the yoga strap poses we went over previously in the yoga strap poses for your yoga practice section.
The Dancer’s Odyssey Short Yoga Sequence
Sun Salutation A (Surya Namaskara A)
Sun Salutation B (Surya Namaskara B)
Standing Leg Raise (Uttitha Hasta Padangustasana)
Dancer's Pose (Natarajasana)
Transition to Seated Position
Instruction: Move through a vinyasa flow and transition to a seated position on your mat.
Head-to-Knee Pose (Janu Sirasana)
Cow Face Pose (Gomukhasana)
Bound Angle Pose (Baddha Konasana)
Corpse Pose (Savasana)
This sequence allows you to experience the utility of a yoga strap across different types of poses and transitions. As you explore these poses, remember the true essence of your practice: to unify your mind, body, and spirit.
What is the Odyssey Yoga Strap?
Now that you've explored the world of yoga strap poses and uncovered the answers to questions like what is a yoga strap, what is a yoga strap used for, what size yoga strap do I need, and how to use yoga strap, the final step in your journey is to own the right yoga strap for you. Allow me to introduce you to my personal favorite yoga strap (and not just because I designed it), the Odyssey Yoga Strap - a strap that's destined to take you places.
Why Own the Odyssey Yoga Strap?
The Odyssey yoga strap embodies the spirit of Asivana, designed to bring you places and be an integral part of your yoga practice. It is more than just a prop—it's a companion on your journey towards unity and self-discovery. Crafted from recycled polyester, the Odyssey yoga strap stands as a testament to our commitment to sustainability, providing a durable, high-quality product that's built to last.
Why you Want to Own your Own Yoga Strap
There's something empowering about owning your own yoga strap. While studio yoga straps are convenient, having your own allows for a level of comfort, familiarity, and hygiene standard that shared yoga straps simply cannot provide. Moreover, your yoga strap becomes a personal testament to your journey—each stretch, each pose, each moment of growth is recorded in its fabric.
Embark on Your Odyssey
Are you ready to embark on your own Odyssey? By owning an Odyssey yoga strap, you're not only equipping yourself with a high-quality yoga prop, but you're also aligning with a community—a Kula—that shares your core values and strives for personal and collective transformation.
So, yogis, whether you're fine-tuning your alignment in yoga strap poses, deepening your yoga poses, or exploring the realms of yoga beyond the mat, remember—every stretch, every pose, every breath is a step closer to unleashing your inner hero.
It's time to take your practice into your own hands.
Blessings,
Jack
