Power bands or "yoga straps" are a staple in many yoga studios, and they're great tools for helping you achieve proper alignment during your practice.
But there are so many more uses for these versatile straps that you may not know about! Here are five brilliant ways to use a power band that will change your practice and help you get the most out of your next class.
1. Cow Face Pose (Gomukhasana)
To do this pose, place the centre of the strap under the bottom ribs. Bring the ends around, behind your back, so they cross over each other at your upper back. Then grab both sides of the strap in one hand and gently pull yourself deeper into the pose.
This pose stretches your chest and rib cage, shoulders and back muscles.
2. Crane Pose (Bakasana)
To do the crane pose with a strap, you first need to wrap the strap around one leg, so it's hanging down by your foot, then bring that leg up toward your chest while keeping the other leg straight out in front of you on the ground. From there, grab hold of each end of the strap with both hands. Pull yourself up into a standing position with your arms straight out at shoulder level as if you were holding onto something for support.
The crane pose is a great way to build strength in your shoulders and arms while improving your balance.
3. Warrior III (Virabhadrasana III)
Stand with your feet about three feet apart and your arms at your sides. Lift one foot off the ground and extend it in front of you, pointing your toes. Then bend the knee of the extended leg and use a power band to hook that foot behind you at hip level. Keep both legs straight while maintaining an erect spine as you bend forward from your hips until they're parallel with the floor.
Excellent pose for strengthening the legs, increasing flexibility in the hips and building core strength.
4. Forearm Stand (Pincha Mayurasana)
Place one end of the strap behind your back in this pose and grab the other with both hands. Lift up onto your hands and hover above the floor for five breaths before lowering down again. Repeat once more on each side for an equal amount of time to strengthen your wrists, arms and shoulders.
Benefits:
The forearm stand is an excellent pose for strengthening the shoulders, wrists, and arms.
5. Locust Back Bend Pose (Salabhasana)
Lie down on your stomach, your legs together and the soles of your feet on the floor. Place the power band around your upper thighs, just above your knees. Rest your arms by your sides, palms facing down. Inhale, and exhale as you lift up through your body's core, rolling up onto the balls of your feet as you arch your back and lift your chest toward the sky. Hold for 1-3 breaths, then slowly release back down to starting position.
This pose stretches the chest, shoulders, arms, back and chest.
The Power Bands That Will Change Your Yoga Practice
Hopefully, this article will inspire you to use power bands with more ingenuity and creativity. With just a little thought, any one of these yoga poses can be adapted to include a power band twist to alter your practice dramatically.
If you love yoga, then you can't live without these two must-have accessories- a yoga mat and power bands. Visit POWERBANDS® to find the right yoga band for you. You won't be disappointed!
