Yoga strap: what is it and do you need it?

A yoga belt is made of cotton or polyester. Most yoga straps have loops or loops to tie the ends together or make an adjustable loop. The belt gives more possibilities in stretching exercises and is indispensable in Iyengar yoga, the main principle of which is symmetrically adjusted postures.

The straps are suitable for both beginners and experienced yogis. The strap helps the latter to go further in the asanas, increasing the effect, while beginners can use the strap to reduce the distance between the hands and the feet. The yoga strap helps to:

Material: cotton is natural, pleasant to the skin and to the touch, and synthetics are easier to clean.

Belt length usually ranges from 1.5 to 3 meters. For heights up to 1.80 meters, a 2.5 meter long yoga belt is recommended. Yogis taller than 1.80m should choose a 3m long yoga strap. You should know that a longer yoga strap has more uses than a shorter one. It’s best to test straps of different lengths to see which one best suits your needs.

Width is not that important, like the length, but it’s important that you feel comfortable holding the belt (too thin will cut your palms).

Clasp best suited metal, of two half-rings. It slides well, the buckle can be adjusted without extra effort. In addition, metal is stronger than plastic.

The yoga belt can be used in almost all asanas. Here are some examples:

Sit. stretching your legs out in front of you. Make sure you are sitting straight by feeling your bones sitting on the floor. Stretch your spine and crown yourself. Now stretch your arms and bend down towards your feet. The back must remain straight. The goal is not for the arms and legs to touch, but for the back to lengthen. Place the strap on the balls of your feet and grab the left and right ends. As you exhale, lean forward with your back straight, stretching forward and up.

Lie on your back and stretch your legs forward. Place the strap on the ball of your right foot and grasp the ends of the strap with your hands. Now raise your right leg to knee level and use the yoga strap to move it up and behind your head, remembering to draw the heel of the other leg and press it against the floor. Switch legs and repeat the steps.