Yoga Strap Basics
How A Yoga Strap Can Help
Yoga Poses Made Easier
Shoulder Openers:
There are a variety of yoga poses that can help to open and stretch the shoulders. Our shoulders can hold stress and tension, so a nice stretch can be very beneficial. This is especially true for people who spend their day behind a desk and suffer from poor posture.
As you can see in the photo above, it’s simple to incorporate a yoga strap to help open the shoulders. Simply grip the strap with both hands, keep the hands just wider than the shoulders and then slowly move the hands forward and backward, be careful not to go too far behind your head. This posture is also great for improving posture.
Bound Angle Pose:
Straps are also very common during restorative style poses. A yoga strap can help provide support and control while holding these types of poses for longer periods of time. If you try a restorative yoga class, chances are you will be offered a strap and block.
In the above pose, you see Reclined Bound Angle or Baddha Konasana (Cobblers Pose). This posture provides a great hip opener and thigh stretch. As you can see, the strap is used to provide support and control the distance of the feet from the torso. Simply loop the strap, place to around the waist and underneath the feet, and then tighten to pull the feet closer.
Seated Forward Fold:
A yoga strap can also be used in the very simple seated posture, Seated Forward Fold Pose. In this posture, the strap acts as an extension of the hands or arms. Using the strap can prevent straining if the student lacks flexibility and keep better alignment in the posture.
Just loop the strap around the feet, adjust the length and grip both ends of the strap. As your flexibility improves you can adjust the length of the strap and eventually you may be able to reach your feet with your hands.
Arm Balances:
Yoga straps can also aid you with more difficult arm balances and arm balance preparatory postures. These types of poses require proper arm alignment and placement. Many students may struggle with the arms wanting to spread apart or slide during the pose. Obviously, this could create a danger of injury.
In the above photo of Dolphin Pose, you can see how a yoga strap can be used to prevent the arms from moving and provide stability. Just adjust the strap to the proper loop size and place it around the arms. Be careful not to allow the slack of the strap to get in your way.
Boat Pose:
Boat Pose is an intermediate to advanced seated posture that will test your core strength and balance. The primary challenges of this posture include engaging the core, balance and keeping a straight back. A strap could help with providing support and balance. Plus, the strap will aid with removing strain from the lower back.
Just loop the strap to the proper size and place it around your back and feet. Pressing into the strap with your back and feet will help attain balance and should also help with using the core and reducing lower back tension.