The Yoga Strap. Hands down, one of my favorite tools for stretching. This little thing will transform your experience from pretty good to absolutely fantastic!
It’s perfect for stiff guys like me because it allows you to settle into poses that aren’t always that easy to get into. It essentially extends your arms a couple (or more) inches so you can open those hamstrings, hips and glutes — all key to surfing.
One of the strap’s best qualities is its ability to facilitate flexibility and mobility. For individuals with tight muscles or limited range of motion, the strap provides a gentle yet effective means of extending stretches and reaching deeper into poses. By offering support where it’s needed most, the strap empowers surf yogis to explore their body’s potential and gradually expand their boundaries with each breath.
Beyond flexibility, the yoga strap plays a crucial role in promoting proper alignment and posture. In a world where slouching and misalignment have become all too common, the strap encourages practitioners to find balance and symmetry in their movements. Whether used to align the shoulders in a seated twist or to lengthen the spine in a forward fold, the strap acts as a steady companion, helping you right into your stretch. In addition to its physical benefits, the yoga strap contributes to the mental aspect of the stretch by allowing you to let go of tension and resistance with each exhale.
Its adjustable length and sturdy design allow for endless variations and modifications, inviting you to experiment with new poses and sequences.
You can get these straps just about anywhere online for anywhere from about $5 to $20. Amazon has a bunch of them. I prefer a wider version (1.5 to 2 inches) because it is a bit more comfortable to use.