A yoga strap is a great piece of equipment for any yoga practitioner, from the beginner to the expert. A yoga strap will you help you achieve a more efficient yoga workout. Your flexibility and capacity to hold poses and stretches (also called asanas) for a longer period of time will increase with the use of a yoga strap. A yoga strap can help you accomplish what otherwise may not be possible while practicing yoga movements.
A yoga strap works well for yoga enthusiasts of all levels because it can be used for many different poses of all levels. Even if you have been practicing yoga for a while, even several years, there is always room for improvement. And a yoga strap can help you improve. Think of it as your yoga partner.
Different Poses Aided with a Yoga Strap
Yoga straps can help with a number of different poses. Here is an example of one pose that a yoga strap can help with. If you find the following pose somewhat difficult or near impossible, a yoga strap will help you perform these easier.
Gomukhasana
Gomukhasana (meaning cow face pose) is an extremely difficult pose for many people, particularly those who have tight shoulders. In this pose, you are sitting in a crossed-leg type fashion while reaching your arms behind your back, one elbow up, and one elbow down. You then hook your fingers together behind your shoulder blades and hold this pose. It may be difficult to hook your fingers together, and this is where the yoga strap is handy. The simple solution is to hold a strap between your hands. Begin the pose with a strap draped over the shoulder of the bottom arm, holding onto the other end with the top arm. As you swing your bottom arm behind your back, grab the bottom end of the strap with the other arm. After you’re holding on to both ends, see if you can draw the bottom arm higher onto the back. You’re trying to work your hands toward each other and eventually hook them together. Note that you may be able to clasp hands one way, but not the other, so practice with both arms being up and down.
Different Brands of Yoga Straps
When you are looking for a yoga strap, be sure to find one that is sturdy and strong, yet flexible and comfortable against your skin. Most yoga straps are made from cotton, which is a good choice. You can also find them in varying colors, so you may want to look around to find the color of your choice if this is important to you.
There are many different brands of yoga straps available. Here are a few recommended yoga straps:
Yogapro
Yoga pro carries quality yoga straps at good prices. There is a standard size belt of six feet in a natural color for only $9.95. Or you can get the 8-foot strap for only $1.20 more in black; this strap is slightly wider than the standard size strap. Both straps have buckles that are made of stainless steel for extra strength.
YOGA
YOGA straps are 1 ½ inch wide. They are 8 feet long with a one-piece plastic buckles that holds securely and releases quickly. They come in many colors, including blue, green, purple, black, or red. The price is a very good deal: only $7.35 per strap.
SPRI
The SPRI brand yoga straps are the standard size of 6 feet long, 1-½ inches wide. They are made from 100 percent study cotton with an adjustable cinch buckle that secures the clasp. The price is $9.99 per strap.