How to Use a Yoga Strap

Yoga straps come in a variety of materials and resistance levels. Beginners and experts alike enjoy an added challenge when using yoga straps to increase resistance for strength training. Yoga straps can also be used to deepen or guide certain stretches.

Instructions

1. Add the straps to any pose, for resistance when strength training, where you hold your arms at a distance from one another, such as the warrior pose.

2. Use a yoga strap for resistance training for your legs in sitting and lying down poses by taking a longer strap, holding one end in each hand and looping the strap under your feet so that when you straighten your legs, the strap causes resistance. Resistance training with your legs is more difficult than your arms, but the straps can be useful if you can get a little bit creative.

3. Hold the yoga strap in a resistance position for as long as you would typically hold the position. Try out the strap on positions that you might hold for 30 seconds or longer to challenge your strength.

4. Do repetitions of a motion that works against the resistance of the strap while standing in a pose. For example, you might stand in the warrior pose and repeatedly outstretch your arms, working against the resistance. Do multiple sets of repetitions, resting between sets as you would when weight training.

5. Stretch using the straps by allowing them to function as extensions of your reach. The strap should easily connect one limb to another in a situation that might usually be a strain for you.

6. Use yoga straps to stretch the legs and groin in cases such as the pigeon pose, with one leg behind you. Loop the strap around the foot that is behind you and pull the foot up with the strap. You can achieve a deeper stretch with the strap than you would just holding the foot with your hand.

7. Stretch your arms and shoulders using yoga straps. The straps are especially helpful when you are stretching in hard to reach positions. For example, if you place one hand behind your back and reach the other hand over your shoulder to touch your upper back, you can stretch the chest, arms and shoulders by holding a yoga strap in each hand and pulling with both to stretch.

8. Improve your technique on other common stretches, such as a simple forward bend stretching your hamstrings. If you can't reach the ground, stand on a yoga strap and then hold on to each end, using the strap to pull yourself closer to the ground and deepen the stretch.

Tips & Warnings

• Be careful if your yoga straps are stretchy and have fine latex powder on them when they are new. Latex powder can get in the eyes and make them very irritated, so dust off the straps before you begin working with them.