by James - This article may contain affiliate links.
Daily activities like bending to pick up an object, sitting on a chair to work, or other physical activities constantly cause us to move our shoulder blades.
A poor posture during these activities can eventually lead to stiff shoulders, sore upper backs, and neck pain. Fortunately, yoga strap exercises can be extremely helpful.
You can improve your posture and reach shoulder mobility with yoga strap stretches for shoulders. Here are some great ones to try:
- Shoulder Circles (Back)
- Shoulder Circles (Front)
- Side Stretch
- Strap Backpack
- Back Pull
See the products below if you are in a hurry to see the best yoga straps to stretch your shoulders.
| Pix | Product Name | Pricing |
|---|---|---|
|
Hugger Mugger D-Ring Yoga Strap | Check Price on Amazon |
|
Tumaz Yoga Strap/Stretch Bands | Check Price on Amazon |
|
Manduka Align Yoga Strap | Check Price on Amazon |
Read on as we introduce the best stretches you can do with a yoga strap for your shoulders.
Contents
Yoga Strap Stretches for Your Shoulders ?
Yoga and stretching go hand in hand. Modern yoga relies on various props to support or enhance the yoga exercise.
Yoga straps are one of them.
Here are a few effective shoulder stretches you can do with a yoga strap. Also, see our post stretches that are not yoga for more information.
Shoulder Circles (Back)
Sit or stand in a comfortable position. Grab your strap firmly, with your hands spaced wider than your shoulder width.
Taking a deep breath, raise the strap over your head.
Continue moving into the space just above and behind your head. You should feel a pulling sensation.
Hold the stretch for a few seconds. Then come back up while exhaling.
Shoulder Circles (Front)
Stand in an upright position and make sure your back is straight.
Grab your strap and distance your hands shoulder-width.
Lift your arms over your head, hold for 5 seconds, then bring them back down in front of you.
Don’t bend your elbows. Repeat for 20 reps.
Side Stretch
Image credit: Yoga Rove
Put your hands shoulder-width (or more) apart and grasp the strap firmly.
Take a deep breath. Then raise your arms.
Then, hinge slowly to one side, hold for five seconds and lean back up.
Now lean slowly to the other side and hold the stretch for five seconds before coming back up.
Bend your elbows and relax your shoulders while bringing them back just a little more for a deeper shoulder stretch.
Do five reps for each side in each set.
Strap Backpack
Image credit: Yoga Journal
Start by placing your strap behind your back and under your arms. Bring the strap ends to the front.
Then, circle it over your shoulders, and make an X between your shoulder blades.
Bring the ends of the straps in your front, then pull them apart. This position improves your posture and gives your trapezius muscles a release.
You can also buckle the straps up so you don’t need to hold them in your hands.
Keep the strap on for 10 minutes.
Looking for more moves to do with your yoga straps? Please read our guide on Yoga Strap Stretches for Hips.
Back Pull
Stand in an upright position and fix your posture.
Get a good grip on your strap, raise your right arm over your head and hold the strap on your back vertically.
Then, bend your left hand from your elbow, and take the other end of the strap behind your back.
Then, straighten your right arm up, pulling your left hand up.
Keep this position for 5 seconds and feel the stretch in your shoulder blades.
Now bring your right arm back down and straighten the left arm, pushing your right hand down. Repeat this for 20 reps.
See more in our post are yoga straps the same as resistance bands.
Benefits of Using Yoga Straps ?
A yoga strap adds length to your body.
It lets you lengthen your muscles, perform deeper stretches, and keep your body strong and aligned.
The concept of alignment is central in yoga because it maintains your joint positions and prevents you from twisting or turning unnecessarily.
They also help you achieve a full range of motion.
You don’t need to worry about your flexibility anymore, as these straps make it easy to perform moves that require a high range of motion.
You can also work your way up to advanced moves.
Yoga straps reduce the risk of injury while improving posture and flexibility.
As a result, a strap allows you to extend your arms or legs.
You’ll get a stretch without overexerting your body or going into a position you shouldn’t.
For instance, with a yoga strap, you can increase the range of motion in your shoulders without overextending the back or heart.
You’ll also feel your shoulders strengthened by the tension between your hands and the strap.
Best Yoga Straps on the Market ?
We’ve listed some of the top-rated and most affordable yoga straps.
Hugger Mugger Yoga Strap
Hugger Mugger’s yoga comes with a metal D-ring to give you secure closure, support, and stability.
It’s made of high-quality cotton webbing, which will last a long time.
Its length is perfect for even taller individuals and accommodates any pose.
-
- Durable material
- D-ring closure
- Multiple lengths
-
- A little rigid and uncomfortable
- The D-ring can be dangerous when swinging the strap.
Tumaz Yoga Strap
You can create a unique yoga vibe with this simple, non-elastic strap. It has a D-ring buckle that measures 4 millimeters and prevents slipping.
![Tumaz Yoga Strap/Stretch Bands [15+ Colors, 6/8/10 Feet Options] with Extra Safe Adjustable D-Ring Buckle, Durable and Comfy Delicate Texture - Best for Daily Stretching, Physical Therapy, Fitness](data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZpZXdCb3g9IjAgMCAxIDEiIHdpZHRoPSIxIiBoZWlnaHQ9IjEiIGRhdGEtdT0iaHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZtLm1lZGlhLWFtYXpvbi5jb20lMkZpbWFnZXMlMkZJJTJGNTFiam1lVWRPcFMuanBnIiBkYXRhLXc9IjEiIGRhdGEtaD0iMSIgZGF0YS1iaXA9IiI+PC9zdmc+)
It’s made 2.5 millimeters thick and dyed with environmentally friendly colors.
-
- Many colors
- D-ring buckle
- Various lengths
-
- Some complaints about the thickness
Manduka Align Yoga Strap
Manduka is one of the best yoga brands for high-quality products and commitment to environmental sustainability.
Mandaka’s proprietary materials are soft and lightweight but provide a superior no-slip grip.
-
- Anti-slip material
- Durable
- Eco-friendly
- Available in different lengths
-
- Can’t change the length
- Higher price
Reehut Yoga Strap
This highly affordable strap is lightweight, portable, and super durable.
It comes in three sizes (6′, 8′, and 10′). It is made from a soft, durable polyester-cotton blend fabric.
Despite its soft feel, the material is strong enough to resist tension during deep stretches.
-
- Cheap and affordable
- Different sizes available
- Various color options
-
- Thin
- Synthetic material
Frequently Asked Questions ?
How Long a Yoga Strap Do I Need?
Yoga straps are available in lengths of six, eight, or ten feet.
We advise beginners to use six-foot straps: they’re long enough for different yoga moves but not too long. These yoga straps are also perfect for short people.
Eight and ten feet yoga straps, on the other hand, are better used by taller people and more advanced moves.
ٰWhat Makes a Good Yoga Strap?
The material is the most important aspect when choosing your yoga strap. The most common materials are cotton or a polyester/cotton mix.
The weave should be tight, durable, and grippy while still soft on your hands. It’s better if it’s eco-friendly.
Are Yoga Straps Useful?
Yoga straps are handy for improving flexibility. You can use them to stretch unsteady hamstrings after a long run, find the length in a challenging yoga pose, and keep your arms together when performing a handstand.
Despite their difficulty grasping the pose, they give you control.
Final Thoughts ?♂️
Stretching and yoga poses are great for opening up your shoulders and gaining mobility in that area.
Yoga strap stretches for shoulders effectively improve flexibility in that area.
Also, stretches can be made much easier with yoga straps, an excellent plus-one piece of equipment.
But it’s always best to visit a physiotherapist and discuss your problem for more severe injuries.
Last update on 2023-09-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
