Yoga Strap

A yoga strap (or belt) is a long fabric loop, typically 6-10 feet in length with a metal or plastic D-ring buckle or cinch closure. It is used to bridge the gap between where the hands or feet are and where they need to be in a pose, enabling proper alignment when flexibility is insufficient.

Why a Strap Improves Practice

Consider Seated Forward Fold: a practitioner with tight hamstrings who cannot reach their feet will round the spine to get their hands to the floor. This misses the hamstring stretch and strains the lumbar spine. A strap looped around the feet allows the spine to stay long while the hamstrings receive the intended stretch.

The strap lets the pose work as intended rather than compensating with parts of the body not meant to bear the stress.

Common Strap Applications

Seated Forward Fold: Loop around the feet and hold as the torso folds forward with a long spine.

Sleeping Swan/Pigeon: Hold the back foot to deepen the quad stretch from a lower lunge.

Cow Face Pose (Gomukhasana): Connect the hands behind the back when the shoulders don't reach each other.

Dancer Pose: Hold the back foot overhead when the arm and leg flexibility don't connect.

Bound poses: Any pose where hands clasp behind the back can use a strap between the hands.

Strap Length

• 6 feet: Adequate for most adults and most poses
• 8-10 feet: Better for taller practitioners and for the wider circles in some bound poses

As a Carrying Strap

Yoga straps double as carrying straps for rolled yoga mats — the D-ring buckle secures around the mat and the long strap serves as a shoulder carry.