Yoga straps aid in stretching and bodywork, making difficult poses easier and safer. They are typically made of cotton or hemp and cost around $10. Straps with buckles are common, and they can be used to modify poses and improve flexibility. Beginners can try using a bag strap or long belt before purchasing a yoga strap.
A yoga strap is one of many yoga accessories and can be particularly good for beginning students who lack flexibility or anyone practicing yoga who still needs to work on this area. Some of the yoga poses that are taught in basic forms of yoga are very difficult to do correctly if a person does not have the proper ability to stretch. In these cases, the yoga strap can be used to allow people to get into a modified pose that still allows for a lot of bodywork and stretching, with much less potential for injury.
Most yoga straps are between six and nine feet (1.83-2.74m) long and made from materials such as cotton, or alternatively made from hemp. Taller individuals may want to look for those leashes that are longer in length, but many find a six foot leash adequate. Most straps are not very expensive, costing a little more or less than $10 US dollars.
Many of the commercially manufactured types of yoga straps feature some form of buckle, much like a very long belt, which allows the two ends of the strap to be connected to work in certain poses. Alternatively, individuals can simply hold each end of the strap under the buckle to help improve the stretch. A common use is when the hands are connected behind the back in various positions. These poses can be difficult to maintain, and the arms can be adjusted to more comfortable positions when the hands hold the strap at a distance from each other, rather than interlocking.
An asana that is difficult for many beginners, and can still be challenging for intermediate and advanced students, is the forward bend. The goal of this pose is to bend with a flat back forward so that the hands are stretched directly over the feet. Many people have very tight hamstrings and can only bend slightly forward at the waist when their legs are straight forward.
Using a yoga strap can help you lean forward, can definitely deepen the stretch, and can make this pose easier to perform. Part of the strap is wrapped around the middle of the feet and the person holds both ends of the strap while bending their back forward. Many find that they can stretch more effectively with the strap than without it, eventually finding themselves improving their flexibility and ability to approximate the pose in its most advanced form.
Although a yoga strap is not very expensive, some people may want to try a few poses with one before purchasing one. Some things that can be used include bag straps, dog leashes, or long belts. Yoga instructors may also have straps to use in classes, and may feature some for sale. After trying a few poses on a yoga strap, most people will be convinced that they really are a valuable part of the yoga practice. If yoga instructors don’t have them for sale, look for them at good sporting goods stores, dance and yoga stores, and online stores that sell yoga equipment.
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