Yoga originated in ancient India centuries ago. Tirumalai Krishnamacharya did not gain international recognition until 1924. No matter where you are in the world today, chances are you’ve heard of yoga at some point. You might even know someone qualified to teach it – even if they don’t intend to!
If you’ve ever been to a yoga studio with your own mat, you know how inconvenient it can be to lug around this essential accessory. When you have knee or back pain, it really matters more than accessories.
Anyone who has ever cycled to the gym has a whole new appreciation for the inconvenience of a mat.
Before long, people started coming up with different ways to wear the bowler hat accessory.
Two common ways to carry yoga mat straps
Two common ways to carry yoga mat straps
Yoga mat straps are very useful. Not only are they helpful for taking your yoga mat anywhere effortlessly, but they can even be used in certain poses (asanas) to increase flexibility.
There are several different yoga mat straps on the market, and it’s good to know what’s out there. For some, however, it’s relatively easy to make your own yoga mat straps for a fraction of the price. Below are two special methods that only require a few yards of fabric and a few D-rings to get the job done.
method one:
This method is by far the easiest way to quickly pack your yoga mat without the fuss. It simply wraps around each end of your yoga mat, almost turning it into some sort of shoulder bag.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make such a yoga strap:
- Place the strap with the two D-rings on top of the yoga mat and wrap the end of the strap around the bottom.
- Thread the end of the strap through the two D-rings.
- Then fold back one D-ring and thread the strap through the D-ring.
- Take the rest of the strap and wrap it around the other end of the yoga mat.
- Just tie a knot with the rest of the strap.
- If done correctly, you can also use this end to adjust the tightness of the strap.
Method Two:
The second method is slightly more complicated and time-consuming than the first method. But if you’re biking to a yoga studio, it’s worth it. It prevents bumps in the road from causing the yoga mat to fall off the straps completely.
This method is recommended because it is safe and durable. It has a strap that runs the full length of the mat and wraps around the ends. An extra cover keeps the pads in place while ensuring the straps don’t come loose while you ride.
Of course, it may take longer to put the pads into the straps each time, but you can carry the pads like a backpack without losing them.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make such a yoga strap:
- This method is initiated in the same way as the first method:
- Take two D-rings and place them on one end of your yoga mat.
- Then wrap the rest of the strap around the end and through the two D-rings.
- After completing this step, do the following:
- Take the strap and place it on the yoga mat.
- Then, lay the strap flat on the mat, fold it 90 degrees and wrap the strap around that end of the yoga mat.
- After wrapping the strap around the mat, remove the excess and fold it at a 90-degree angle.
- Then put the rest of the strap back to the starting point and through the two D-rings again.
- To secure the shoulder strap, simply thread it through a D-ring.
- This method requires no knots! are you ready!
The main reason for carrying a yoga mat with a strap is to make you feel more comfortable. For maximum benefit and ease, practice each method a few times to really master it.
Find what works best for you and practice until it becomes second nature. The last thing you want is to be stuck in a yoga studio and not be able to leave because you can’t put the mat back in your straps.
For extra convenience, here’s a video to help you make your own yoga mat straps!
Maybe you’d rather buy something that takes the hassle out of it entirely, something you can master without practice. If you’re that kind of person, buying professionally made yoga mat straps might be just the thing for you.
There are different watch straps in the market
There are different watch straps in the market
By far the easiest way to carry a yoga mat is with a yoga sling. Of course, the types of yoga straps produced by the above two methods are different. However, there are three types of yoga slings on the market today that are designed with comfort and durability in mind. They require no knots or effort at all.
These yoga straps are:
- Simple suspenders:
- Manufactured by several retailers, they are usually made of durable nylon with Velcro for added comfort.
- The working principle of this sling is the same as the above method one. It simply wraps around each end of your yoga mat and secures with Velcro straps.
- It’s quick, easy and painless.
- Perfect for anyone entering the studio
- plate:
- Also made by several retailers and made of durable nylon. However, instead of using Velcro, it has easy-release side buckles.
- The working principle of this sling is the same as method two above. It wraps around each end of the mat and has a section of straps that go the length of the mat