The yoga strap: how to use it and for which posture?
The yoga strap is a prop used in many yoga studios and by many yogis in their personal practice. It is a predominant tool in the Iyengar approach but also in other styles of yoga such as yin, hatha and even vinyasa.
If you are new to yoga, you are probably wondering: how to use a yoga strap?
You will quickly discover that this can be a valuable aid in your practice, allowing you to go further in the postures and make them easier.
The yoga strap is usually made of cotton, which makes it durable, with a metal buckle so you can adjust it according to your needs. It can be ecru or variable in color if it is dyed. Its length generally varies between 2 and 3 meters.
The different uses of the yoga strap
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The yoga strap to extend the arms or legs
In some postures, such as Utthanasana, the forward bend, the strap can be used to extend the length of the arms and thus facilitate the pose.
Here you can use the strap deployed or in the form of a large loop. Lean forward, and slide the strap under the soles of your feet; just avoid letting the metal loop get in the way. Hold the strap on each side, imagining that it is extending your arms: this way, you will explore the pincer posture by providing less effort and protecting your joints and muscles.
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The yoga strap to maintain a gap in a posture
A good example is the wheel pose, or chakrasana (which resembles the “bridge” that small children do in gymnastics).
For this posture, it is absolutely necessary that the distance between the feet and between the knees is maintained, otherwise the risk of injury increases.
To perform this pose safely, the strap is used in the form of a loop (which you can of course adjust while performing the asana); you should feel constrained but without excessive discomfort.
With your feet on the floor, your back lying on the mat and your spine straight, position the strap so that it surrounds your knees. Once again, the metal buckle should not bother you.
Tighten the loop so that the space between the knees is no wider than the hip distance. You may notice that the pose is more difficult to achieve while holding it this way! It's just that you were previously spreading your knees apart in the pose, making it easier.
Which yoga strap to choose?
This strap was designed after the one created by Master BKS Iyengar, founder of the eponymous yoga school. Available in standard length and long version, it has the advantages of being thick and resistant.
These are also environmentally friendly and their designs are water-based printed.
The yoga strap is therefore an essential accessory for the meticulous realization of asanas. Another little yogi trick: you can also use your favorite strap to carry your yoga mat!
This yoga strap offers valuable assistance in perfecting your yoga poses by allowing you to learn difficult positions at your own pace and to deepen them according to your possibilities.
