yoga strap
In this way, the aid improves the yoga practice
© fizkes / Shutterstock
The yoga belt is a proven aid when practicing asanas. Here you can find out why we should use it much more often and how exactly it is used.
In contrast to the yoga block, the yoga mat or the yoga bolster, the yoga belt is often neglected. Are you also too proud to reach for the versatile tool? Then you should know that a yoga belt is by no means an indication of yoga newcomers. Even established professionals like to use the yoga belt – and rightly so.
What is a yoga strap?
The yoga belt is a belt that is available in different lengths and widths and is made of cotton or polyester, depending on the manufacturer. Most yoga belts have buckles or loops so the ends can be tied together. First and foremost, they provide a Extension of the arms and legs so that stretching exercises in particular – such as Yin Yoga – are made easier.
Why do you need a yoga belt?
Yoga straps are both for beginners as well as experienced yogis suitable. The latter helps the belt to the individual Intensify yoga exercises (also called asanas).while beginners die Distance between arms and legs can bridge better with the band. All others here advantages at a glance:
- trains flexibility
- Posture is improved
- Stability of the body during the asanas is optimized
- one’s own limits are exhausted and expanded
- Positions are deepened without straining ligaments and muscles
- the risk of injury remains low
- thanks to its closure, the yoga belt can be adjusted to individual needs
Buying a yoga belt: you should pay attention to this
- Material: Depending on the model, there is a Cotton yoga strap or polyester. The former is natural, skin-friendly and feels good in the hand. Both variants are easy to clean. If you value sustainable production, cotton is definitely the better choice. If you like it completely harmless, you can rely on a yoga band made of unbleached organic cotton.
- the strap length is usually between 1.5 and three meters. With a body height of up to 1.80 meters, a yoga belt of 2.5 meters in length is recommended. Yogis who are taller than 1.80 meters should choose a yoga strap that is 3 meters long. It is worth knowing that a longer yoga strap has more uses than a shorter one. It is best to test different lengths to find the best yoga strap for your needs.
- the Broad is not as important as the length. Nevertheless, you should make sure that you have a good grip on the belt with your hands. The optimal width is between three and four centimeters.
- At the closure it is particularly important that the length of the yoga belt can be adjusted smoothly during the asanas. Sliding buckles and metal buckles are therefore best suited. Metal in particular is very popular as it is more durable than plastic.
Organic cotton yoga strap
Of the Lotuscraft’s yoga strap is off ecological organic cotton manufactured. This makes the strap durable and hard-wearing. The strap is 2.5 meters long and 3.8 centimeters wide. You can also choose between seven different colors Select. The metal clasp in D-shape ensures smooth transitions between the individual asanas.
Yoga strap with metal buckle
Of the beneyu yoga strap also comes with a metal buckle. However, not with the usual D-shape, but one innovative sliding buckle, which should hold up even better. The buckle is nickel-free and the strap is made of 100 percent cotton. In addition, you can choose between five different colors Select. Each product is 2.5 meters long and four centimeters wide.
Yoga strap with plastic buckle
If you prefer a plastic buckle, we recommend the Yogistar yoga strap. It is 2.6 meters long and four centimeters wide. The plastic buckle makes it a little lighter than other models. The yoga belt consists of Cotton and comes in six different colors hence.
Polyester yoga strap
Do you prefer polyester to cotton? Then we also have the right yoga belt for you. Of the CampTeck yoga strap has a D-shape metal clasp and the strap itself is made of polyester. Unlike all other presented models, here you can choose between two sizes – 1.83 meters and 2.43 meters. The width remains the same at 3.8 centimeters.
Exercises with the yoga strap
The yoga belt can be used in almost any asana. GALA provides you three exercises before, from which you get the best for body and mind with the belt.
1. Seated Forward Bend
Sit down and stretch your legs out in front of you. Flex your feet as you do this. Watch out for one upright seatby pulling your buttocks up to the left and right and feeling the seat bones on the floor. While doing so, push the crown of the skull and the spine upwards. Now stretch your arms up over your side and bend your upper body and arms forward, guided by your breastbone. The back should remain straight. Do you get round in the back? This is where the yoga belt comes in. Because the goal is not for hands and feet to touch, but for you Find length in the back. Place the strap around the balls of your feet and grasp the ends of the strap with your hands on the left and right. It is essential to maintain the length and straightening of the back. Bend forward on the exhale and keep your back straight.
2. Shoulder stretch
Come heel or cross-legged. Grab the yoga belt with your right hand and raise both arms to your sides at shoulder height. Meanwhile, the palms are facing up. Now bend your left arm behind your back. The back of your left hand should now be roughly centered on your back. Then stretch your right arm up and let your hand with the strap on the back of your head drop. The yoga strap is now behind your back so you can grab it from below with your left hand. In doing so, try the Pull your hands apart as far as possible and the Feel the stretch in your shoulders. Then continue with the other side.
3. Back leg stretch
You can stretch the backs of your legs not only by bending forward, but also while lying down. To do this, lie on your back and stretch your legs out in front. Place the strap around the ball of your right foot and grasp the ends of the strap with your hands. Now flex your right foot and use the yoga strap to pull your leg towards your face. Keep your leg straight. Toes point toward head, heels point away from body. Hold it for a while and then move on to the other side.