LongFit Sport yoga strap, blue

This LongFit Sport yoga strap is a blue woven strap with a metal D-ring buckle that extends your reach in yoga poses and stretches. You loop it around a foot or hold it between both hands, which lets you stay in a stretch with a straight back instead of straining to reach. It is a small, low-cost tool that is especially helpful if your hamstrings, hips or shoulders are tight.

Who it suits

A strap is useful for beginners in yoga or Pilates, for runners and desk workers with stiff hamstrings, and for anyone doing a regular mobility routine. Many classic stretches, such as reaching for your toes while lying on your back, become much easier to hold correctly when you do not have to grab your foot directly. Taller people or those with less flexibility generally prefer a longer strap, since it leaves more slack to work with.

Three stretches to start with

Hold each position for 30–45 seconds and breathe calmly. Stretch to a mild pull, never to pain.

1. Lying hamstring stretch: lie on your back, loop the strap around the sole of one foot and raise the straight leg until you feel the back of the thigh. Keep the other leg on the floor. Switch sides.
2. Shoulder opener: hold the strap wide with both hands in front of you, arms straight, and slowly raise it overhead and slightly back. Bring your hands closer together only if it stays comfortable.
3. Seated forward fold: sit with your legs straight, loop the strap around both feet and walk your hands along it while keeping your back long.

These fit well into our mobility routine for beginners, for example after a run or at the end of a workday.

What to look for in a yoga strap

Straps differ mainly in length, width and fastening. A buckle (metal D-rings or a cam buckle) lets you make a fixed loop, which is handy for binds and for holding a stretch without gripping. This strap has metal D-rings. Loop straps with several handholds are easier for some people to grip. For most stretches, any strap that is long enough to go around your foot with plenty left in each hand will do.

Care

Most yoga straps can be hand-washed in lukewarm water with a little mild detergent. Let the strap air-dry before you roll it up, and check the buckle and stitching from time to time.