Yoga Strap Techniques

Hamstrings

Advanced yogis perform Reclining Big Toe pose by lying on their back, grasping one big toe with a hand and simply extending their leg toward the sky while still holding their big toe. If that sounds impossible to you, try looping your foot with a yoga strap and then extending your leg toward the sky. Use the strap as an extension of your arms and remember to breathe as you hold this position for up to five minutes and then switch legs. As you hold the pose, you may find that your extended leg gradually comes closer to, or even past, vertical.

Hips

Some people find crossing their legs while sitting in a chair quite challenging. That's a sign that you have tight hips and might benefit from Bound Angle pose. Sit on a yoga mat with your legs in a diamond shape. Place the soles of your feet together and open your knees wide. Center your strap at your back waistband, and then wind it over your thighs and secure it under your feet. As you lie back on a bolster, the strap will open your thighs and stretch your deep hip muscles. You can lie in this position for up to five minutes.

Low Back

Slouching while sitting upright can be a sign of a tight low back. You can release tension here with the Seated Forward Fold pose. Sit on a 2- to 3-inch thick pillow with your legs extended straight forward. Wrap your yoga strap over the soles of your feet and hold the other end in one hand. Round your spine forward to stretch your low back. To increase the stretch, gently pull on the strap to bring your head closer to your knees. Breathe in this position for up to five minutes.

Considerations

When done incorrectly, some yoga poses can cause more harm than good. Pull too hard in your Seated Forward Fold, and you could accidentally overstretch the ligaments of your sacroiliac joint, which is never a good thing. It's best to learn yoga strap techniques from an instructor so you can discuss how your body responds and how to fine-tune the poses for your needs.