Typically I try to be fairly minimalistic, but when it comes to yoga props I cannot help myself. All the props! The more the merrier! I love trying out new props, and finding out ways that props can support my body in different poses so I can release or rest a bit more. So basically, I’m a lazy yoga prop hoarder.
Halfmoon Yoga, which is an awesome made-in-Canada prop company just came out with a brilliant twist on the yoga strap. They’ve made a sturdy strap that has a loop at one end, and with the buckle on the second end you can configure it to have two loops.
It opens up all kinds of possibilities. If you had some sewing skills, you could probably easily convert a yoga strap to also have a loop in, and save a few bucks.
My favorite way to use the Loop Strap is to help bring the weight back into the legs in Downward Dog Pose. The traction of the thigh bones being drawn back by the strap gently tractions the spine and gives the shoulders a little break.
First, you’ll need to find a sturdy door where you have enough room to do the pose. Each end of the loop is going to go around one side of the doorknob.
For the simplest version, simply place the strap over the tops of your thighs, like this:
And then carefully come forward into downward dog.
If you want to really help the thigh bones rotate inward and the pelvis release, try this version with the strap going across the back of the pelvis and then looping forward around the hips and then looping back around the inner thighs:
Again, carefully come into downward dog and enjoy!
We’ve got lots of loops straps in stock at QSY, they are made of very sturdy cotton, with a strong metal buckle, and they go for $18+hst.
Leena Miller Cressman is the director of Queen Street Yoga. Right now she’s in love with practicing the Tensegrity Repair Series, handstands and doing gentle twists over her bolster. You’ll also find her cruising around on her rusty but trusty bike, and tending to her community garden plot full of arugula, kale, and basil.
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