If you are trying to get the hang of yoga, you might be wondering why you need a yoga strap. Yoga straps come in handy in helping you maintain full range motion and achieve deep stretching without the risk of injury or pulling any muscles.
That being said, what is the best yoga strap? We have reviewed five straps to make it easier for you when choosing. Keep reading to learn more!
Known for designing high-quality and eco-friendly products, Manduka brings you this durable, lightweight strap with a noiseless buckle that holds it in place under any circumstances.
The cotton material used to design this strap is soft and thick enough so that it won’t cut into your hands. It requires little tension to hold in place so you won’t be dealing with it moving and slipping during any asanas.
Pros
- Earth-conscious company
- Durable and soft material
- Eco-friendly
- Buckle doesn’t rattle
- 8′ length
- Easy to change and adjust its length for different positions
- Stays in place with very little pressure
Cons
- Currently, available in a few colors
Tumaz Yoga Strap
Tumaz yoga strap is a simple, non-elastic band that provides extra stability and flexibility to stretching, yoga, therapy, workout, and more.
If you are in the market for a yoga strap that can hold over 2, 000 pounds of force and still feel extra smooth, then this strap might be the one you are looking for. It comes in different lengths and colors, giving you the freedom to choose one that best suits you. Additionally, its two D-ring buckles offer the much-needed stability. It is simply a fancy, sturdy yoga strap that is worth every penny.
Pros:
- Multiple lengths
- Large assortment of colors
- D-ring buckle
- Thick
- No-slip grip
Cons:
- Thick
Yoga Design Lab Yoga Strap
Natural water based, ecologically printed, non fade, colorful pattern yoga straps. $1 of each purchase goes to support boys and girls youth yoga programs in need.
Currently available in three unique and vibrant styles, this strap features a nice synthetic leather, double-stitched cap on both ends to thwart fraying and add a touch style. It is made from cotton and an eco-friendly water-based print which doesn’t fade.
The cool part is that it has D-ring buckles that make it heavy duty and adjustable. However, it is worth noting that D-rings buckles may require more pressure to keep in place, hence not suitable for all practices.
Pros
- Stylish synthetic leather to prevent fraying
- Currently available in 3 limited edition styles
- 8′ long
- Eco-friendly and non-toxic materials
- The company gives back on every purchase
- Currently, give a 10% discount on two or more straps
- Recyclable
Cons
- One person reported wishing it had more grip
The Original Stretch Out Strap by OPTP
Includes one original OPTP Stretch Out Strap and one instructional exercise book: The first stretching strap on the market in 1993, still recommended by professionals today
Measuring 6’4″ long, and 1 inch wide this nylon strap is suitable for yogis up to 6 feet tall. It is designed with ten individual loops, has no hardware, and comes with an instructional book that includes about 30 workouts to release tension and take your flexibility to the next level.
With this strap, it easier to track your flexibility progress and allow for greater control over the stretching.
Pros
- A 10-loop design with no hardware
- Made in the USA
- Made of nylon
- 6’4″ long & 1″ wide
- Comes with a free exercise book
- Great for tracking progress
Cons
- Loops may be too small for some individuals
- Rough nylon that tends to cut into the skin
- Might be too short for taller yogis
Clever Yoga Strap
The exercise stretching strap is perfect for beginners to connect in basic poses. Intermediate and advanced yogis can use this strap to work towards advanced poses and holds
Made of thick, durable cotton that won’t slip, this strap is ideal for any yogi looking to hold comfortably to his or her poses. Whether you plan to practice simple poses or go deeper in advanced poses, this strap will not let you down.
It is easy to clean (machine washable), available in different colors and comes in 8′ and 10′ lengths. Additionally, it gets softer with time.
However, some people say this strap is a bit too long with its 8′ and 10′ lengths. So it is good to pay keen attention to size when buying.
Pros:
- Machine washable (softens over time)
- Budget-friendly
- 100% cotton
- No-slip grip
- D-ring buckle
Cons:
- Some people complain the 8′ and 10′ lengths are too long
Why do you need yoga straps?
As mentioned earlier, a yoga strap comes in handy in reducing the risk of overstretching and injury in your practice, but that is not all. Here are the main reasons you should consider buying one:
Improves alignment
While practicing it is crucial to maintain the right alignment. Unfortunately, that is not always the case especially for advance poses, and that where a yoga strap comes in. It helps you maintain the right alignment in various asanas.
Reduce injury
There is a high possibility of putting yourself to risk when practicing some poses. This is true, especially when getting the hang of yoga. A yoga strap allows you to comfortably perform any poses and maintain the full range of motion without putting yourself at risk.
What to look for when picking a yoga strap
Material
Is the material thick and strong enough to withstand high pressure? Is the material soft and durable? Answering these questions and more will help you settle for the right strap.
Length
Often yoga straps come in 6, 8, and 10 feet. 6′ is ideal for smaller yogis and 10′ for bigger yogis. Now depending on how small or big you are, make sure to pick the right length.
Buckle
Never underestimate the buckle of your yoga strap as it plays a great role in determining whether you will have a good experience or not. If your rings slip and fail to stay closed, you will end up upset and throwing them to the side. The common types of closure include:
- Quick Release
- Metal D-Ring
- No Buckle
- Cinch
- Belt Buckle Closure
Eco-friendly
Not all yoga straps are made of the right materials. Some contain chemicals that can irritate your skin, and others have huge percentages of non-recyclable components such as PCV. That said, if you are environmentally conscious, you may want to be cautious when shopping.
Price
How much are you willing to splash out? When it comes to dropping some dollars to own a yoga strap, we recommend you get one that won’t break your bank. But if money is not a problem, you have the freedom to buy any that pleases you.
Cleaning and caring for your yoga strap
Basically, all yoga straps are easy to clean and require less attention with most being machine washable on cold. If you have bright colored straps, you may want to hand-wash them to avoid color bleed.
For stretchy straps, it is advisable to wash them with a damp cloth. And if it contains latex, avoid soaking them in water or soapy water as the material can get damaged.
How to use a yoga strap
Putting on a yoga strap is straight forward, and there is no limit on how you can use it. If unsure of how to wear it, follow the guidelines in the instruction book that comes with it. You can as well consult your trainer or even watch YouTube videos.
In conclusion
Yoga straps are available in different styles, patterns, colors, and sizes, and you aren’t limited to a specific one. But it is advisable to buy one that pleases you in terms of color, size, durability, pattern, etc. for the best experience. Which one among the above five would you like to give a shot? Let us know in the comment!