Using A Yoga Strap without Strapping Yourself
Written: Aug 31 '03
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Cotton strap is soft yet strong; compact for storage and carrying.
Cons: None
The Bottom Line: If a yoga strap is needed, this is a nice one.
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| dlstewart's Full Review: Yoga Essentials Strap, Natural |
When I first saw this yoga strap, I thought it a belt! Ah, the naivety of a beginning yoga student. Now I know a yoga strap is a yoga tool that helps a person to deepen their stretch or to maintain alignment in a yoga pose. When I first encountered this yoga strap, I didn’t know how to use it, and other than a short video I have about yoga props, there aren’t too many places that explain how the yoga strap is used. Wanting to know more about the yoga strap, I did some investigating and want to share my discoveries.
About the Yoga Essentials Strap
My yoga strap came as part of the Yoga Essentials Toolkit by Livingarts. The strap is made of reinforced 100% cotton and is 1 1/2" wide by 6' long. My yoga strap is an off-white natural color, but the strap is also available in blue, green, purple, and black. The cotton material is soft and does not chafe the hands. The strap is also machine washable.
The cinch buckle is made from plastic, which came as a surprise. I would have thought a metal buckle more secure and less apt to break with stress. However, the black plastic is hard, one piece, and resists bending. The plastic is also incredibly smooth, no rough edges. And the plastic is temperate if it comes in contact with the body, unlike metal which can retain heat or cold. The strap seems durable enough, but I haven’t been unduly stressing the materials either. The end of the strap is covered with a silver metal bar to help prevent the material from wearing, and it also makes the strap easy to thread through the cinch buckle slots. A ridge of plastic gripper teeth on the underside of the buckle help lock the strap into position when the strap is belted to form a circle.
Buckling the Strap
Many uses for the strap require that the strap be buckled to form a circle or loop. It can be tricky threading the strap correctly through the various buckle slots. It’s a challenge to describe how to thread the strap without having the strap in front of you. But here goes .... First, note that the buckle has three slots.
1. Hold the belt in front of you so that the strap is hanging to the left and the buckle is face up.
2. Take the strap and, from the bottom, thread it upward through the middle slot.
3. Taking the strap, move it to the left across the top of the buckle and thread it down through the farthest left slot. Adjust the size circle by pulling the strap.
4. Then bring the strap up over the top of the belt and thread it down through the slot farthest to the right.
5. Pull tight on the strap to securely “lock” it in position. The belt now forms a circle and is ready to use.
This yoga strap is billed as having an “easy-release buckle”. I’m not sure what is meant by the term “easy-release”. There is no magic button that instantly releases the belt. The buckle is easy to undo, but you have to unthread the strap through the various slots.
Do I Really Need A Yoga Strap?
No. For one thing, most yoga postures do not require a strap unless you wish to deepen a pose, or need the strap to lengthen your reach.
If you are unsure whether a yoga strap is for you, why purchase one when there are other alternatives to try first. In a pinch, these options can substitute for a yoga strap.
Belt – use a belt from your wardrobe
Sash – try a bathrobe sash
Tie – use a necktie
Scarf – a scarf of sturdy fabric will do
Towel – a bath towel is another alternative
Now I’ll tell you why it’s best to own a yoga strap rather than these substitutions. The belt might work if the material is not rough on the hands and if the buckle is sturdy. The sash, tie and scarf might not hold a knot when tied into a circle. Also consider the fabrics – slippery material will not offer a reliable hold. A towel is bulky and not the best choice for a yoga strap substitute.
A traditional yoga strap such as the Yoga Essentials yoga strap is made of reinforced 100% cotton with a cinch belt buckle. It’s designed for aiding in yoga poses. Plus, a yoga strap is a must if attending a yoga class. Your fellow classmates might raise a questioning eyebrow when you pull your bathrobe sash from your yoga bag.
Using the Yoga Strap
The two most common ways of using a yoga strap are:
1. With the yoga strap straight (not in a circle) hold each end of the strap. This is a good way of lengthening your reach and holding poses in accurate alignment.
2. Form the strap into a circle. This can also help hold poses in correct alignment as well as help to add resistance to a pose.
Remember, when using a yoga strap, do not place the buckle against the skin. The buckle could chafe or cause injury.
Examples – Ways to Use the Yoga Strap
The below examples are not meant as professional advise. They are only to demonstrate the various ways a yoga strap can be used and are not meant as step-by-step instructions for a pose. Please seek the assistance of a skilled yogi or teacher for a complete demonstration of these postures.
Holding the Pose
Form the strap into a circle. If reaching your arms straight into the air above the head, such as when doing The Mountain, make sure the circle is the width of your shoulder measurement. Place your arms through the circle, raise your arms, keeping them tight against the sides of the strap. This keeps the arms in alignment, at shoulder width, for correct posture during this pose.
If you can’t keep your legs or feet together during a pose, such as the Reverse Plank or Table, wrap the strap around the legs to hold them in position. A word of caution, never force your body into a position that is uncomfortable or that might cause harm. If in doubt, seek the advice of a professional.
Extensions
The Cow Pose stretches the arms behind the back. Stand with the feet about six-inches apart. Lift one arm over your head and fold it so that the palm touches the middle of the back. Fold the other arm behind the back and reaching up, clasp the two hands. If the two hands don’t touch each other, a strap can be used to extend the pose.
In the Seated Forward Bend, the legs are stretched straight in front of the body and the spine is kept straight. Place the strap around the soles of the feet, holding onto each end of the strap. While keeping the spine straight, inch the hands along the strap, moving closer toward the feet, inclining at the hips.
For the Reclining Big Toe Pose, lay on your back with your legs stretched on the floor. Bring one leg toward the torso, bending the knee. Place the strap around the arch of the foot. Grasp the ends of the straps (one strap in each hand) and extend the foot straight into the air, pressing the heel toward the ceiling. Walk your hands up the strap, gradually straightening the elbows.
Resistance
Poses such as Downward Facing Dog offer the opportunity to add resistance to a posture. For example, create a circle with the strap. Slip the arms through the circle until the strap rests just above the elbows. Create an inverted V-shape with your body. The hands and feet are positioned on the floor, with the rear-end stretching toward the sky, the head hanging downward. Pretend the strap is constricting around the arms. Push the inner shoulder blades outward toward the strap. This creates resistance and better works the muscles.
Here is a website with a lot of different yoga poses and how to do them. The exercises are broken into beginner, intermediate and advanced poses. For instance, there are: 1) Beginner Warrior Three Pose, 2) Intermediate Warrior Three Pose, 3) Advanced Warrior Three Pose. Many of the yoga postures use a strap or bricks.
http://www.sissel-online.com/free_exercises.php
Some Yoga Tips
* Check with your doctor before beginning an exercise program
* Wear loose, comfortable clothing that doesn’t restrict movement
* Don’t eat or drink before yoga practice
* Practice yoga on a non-skid surface (such as a yoga mat)
* Start with an easy pose to warm-up
* Remember to breathe
* Don’t force the body into positions; find your comfort level
* Modify poses if necessary to avoid injury (an instructor can demonstrate)
* Pay attention to your body; it knows how far into a pose it can go
* If unsure of balance, use a wall or chair for stability
* If in a class, don’t compete with others; everyone is different
* End with a relaxing pose or meditation
These suggestions are not meant as professional advice. They are tips that I have learned from others or through my own yoga experiences.
Summary
I’ve been practicing yoga for about a year. Occasionally I use a yoga strap, but it is not a routine part of my daily yoga workout. If the strap had not come as part of the Yoga Essentials Toolkit by Livingarts, I probably would not have immediately invested in one. However, the strap does come in handy for stabilizing poses, lengthening the stretch, and maintaining lift. For someone who suffers from tight hamstring or shoulder muscles, the yoga strap can bridge gaps between hands and feet. The strap also rolls tight and fits into a small space for easy carrying. The Yoga Essentials Kit, which contains a yoga mat, blocks, strap and video, only cost me $5 ... so I couldn’t go wrong! Purchasing the strap by itself costs about $7 and is available in many stores as well as online. If taking a yoga class or practicing yoga while watching yoga instruction videos, then eventually you will find a pose that needs a yoga strap. And this strap works just fine.
I hope you have found this review useful.
Enjoy your day,
Dawn
http://dlstewart.com
Manufacturer Information
Gaiam, Inc.
360 Interlocken Blvd. Suite 300
Broomfield, CO 80021
Toll-free Phone Numbers:
(USA) 1-877-989-6321
(Canada) 1-800-254-8464
website: http://www.gaiam.com
Please read my other reviews:
JVC XV-N44SL DVD Player
Gateway 500X Desktop Computer
HP LaserJet 2200dse Printer
HP LaserJet 1000 Printer
Logitech Cordless Freedom Optical Keyboard and Mouse
Logitech Mouseman Cordless Optical
Belkin Home Office UPS Emergency Battery Backup
Copyright 2003 Dawn L. Stewart
Recommended:
Yes
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