No one would be expected a beginner to achieve all the poses, exercises and positions when they first start yoga this takes practice and time, however, yoga straps can be seen an essential part of a yoga equipment bag to assist beginners. Using a strap can be fun to learn while giving you assistance in reaching limbs which are too far away and enables you to achieve the positions and poses correctly without over stretching which may cause strains and sprains. A yoga strap will also enable you to hold a pose longer when you have not achieved sufficient flexibility to do it without a strap.
Begin by using your yoga strap for the Paschimottasana or seated forward bend, keep your feet flexed and your legs long and against the floor, loop the strap aroung the balls of your feet, remember that it is important to keep the front of your body long and your back as flat as possible; use the strap to slowly bend forwards trying to reach your nose to your toes. To achieve this pose correctly takes time and practice.
Yoga straps are available in cotton or nylon and are useful for bound poses when your hands cannot reach each other or when needing to hold a foot which is out of reach. A strap will hold your leg in a Trikosanna or can stretch your shoulder in the Shoulder stretch exercise as well as helping you achieve many other poses and exercises, particularly those which need to be held for extended periods of time.
Typical yoga straps are between six and nine feet long and basically the taller you are then longer yoga strap you will need. Make sure you try before you buy, this can be done with a long luggage or the belt from your bath robe! Make sure the buckle or clasp is secure and that when using the strap the buckle or clasp does not chafe your skin.
Advanced students also use yoga straps to deepen their practice and to help maintain correct poses for long periods of time. By using a strap your mind can focus on breathing and relaxation rather than struggling to keep in a pose. By using a yoga strap you will be more confident in trying new poses.