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Daily stretching brings with it a whole host of benefits, including better flexibility, improved joint range of motion, reduced stress and quicker muscle recovery… so any tools that enhance your stretching routines are definitely worth considering.
Whether you are an avid yogi or just looking to regain flexibility in older age, this buyer’s guide highlights the best of the best when it comes to stretching straps and bands.
We discuss what features make a great stretching strap, and include our top picks for different purposes.
So limber up and roll out that yoga mat, because this review will help you find the most suitable option for your needs and requirements.
At a Glance – Best Stretching Straps
- Best for Value – OPTP Stretch Out Strap
- Best for Yoga – Tumaz Yoga Strap
- Best for Added Features – Cerbonny Stretch Strap
- Best for Durability – SANKUU Yoga Multi-Loop Strap
- Best for Tracking Progress – Trideer Lettered Stretching Strap
Why Trust Us? Review Process Explained
We believe in editorial integrity and providing the most value to our readers. For this review of the best stretching strap, we used and tested 12 different straps and bands, considering factors like price, features, comfort, durability and ease of use.
An Overview to Stretching Straps
Flexibility is one of the key pillars of lifelong fitness. Not only can better flexibility help improve athletic performance, it can also help combat aches and pains. Tight hamstrings, for example, can often lead to pain in the lower back and the development of bad posture.
Daily stretches help keep muscles supple and strong, so any tool that enhances stretching can be a vital piece of home fitness equipment. Stretch straps and bands are cheap (compared to other fitness equipment) and don’t take up much space. They easily fit into a bag and can be taken to the gym or when travelling.
Stretch straps come with different features, some designed for more specific purposes, such as yoga. One of the most important features for straps and bands is the durability. You want these straps and bands to last the test of time and be reliable when you need them. The list below highlights some popular straps with unique benefits.
1. OPTP Stretch Out Strap – Best for Value
OPTP Stretch Out Strap
Popular stretching strap with accompanying book and app, made in the USA, established 1993, long-lasting straps, recommended by Physical Therapists.
Key Features
- Very versatile.
- Perform unassisted stretches with greater control.
- 10 loops.
- Includes free exercise book.
- Made from strong woven nylon.
This is a fantastic all-round stretching strap. It comes with a definitive exercise guide, full of a variety of stretches for each body part. The guide follows physiotherapy stretches and allows you to stretch safety and effectively.
OPTP launched in 1993 and is still arguably the market leader today. The loops allow for a deep stretch without the need for a partner.
OPTP has glowing reviews from all sorts of customers, from yoga teachers to physiotherapists.
2. Tumaz Yoga Strap/Stretch Band – Best for Yoga
Tumaz Yoga Strap/Stretch Band
Super soft strap, great for barefoot stretching, select from a wide range of colours, D ring allows you create your own loops.
Key Features
- Soft and comfortable.
- D rings to create loops for added customization.
- Comes in a range of colours.
- Long length suitable for taller people.
- Full refund available.
The Tumaz is beautifully soft and perfect for anyone who wants that extra comfort while using a strap. The Tumaz is popular in the yoga community and well suited for anyone looking for a yoga strap. It is also extremely strong, capable of supporting a ton in weight! This means it is also a good option for those looking for an extra strong strap.
For some, the D rings will be a welcome feature to create loops as you require, however others may prefer straps that already come with loops. If you are following a variety of stretches in one go, you may prefer simply being able to slip between pre-made loops.
3. Cerbonny Stretch Strap – Best for Added Features
Cerbonny Stretch Strap
Product includes lots of additional features to enhance your stretching routine, including a foot strap for plantar fasciitis stretches.
Key Features
- Tough nylon.
- 12 loops for customization.
- Free door anchor and snap hook.
- Comes with a handy carry bag.
- Ideal for foot stretching.
The Cerbonny Stretch Strap & Foot Stretcher Set is the perfect stretching strap for those who want to focus on foot stretches. The additional door anchor and snap hook make stretching the lower body, particularly the feet, really effective.
The high quality nylon makes it a durable strap that won’t break or fray.
It is suitable for any size and the 12 loops mean it is a highly versatile strap with plenty of scope to customise stretch routines.
4. SANKUU Yoga Multi-Loop Strap – Best for Durability
SANKUU Yoga Multi-Loop Strap
Tough and durable strap, 12 loops for versatile workouts, free stretching guide.
Key Features
- Tough nylon.
- 12 loops for customization.
- Soft loops for comfort.
- Free stretching guide.
- Full refund available.
The SANKUU Yoga Multi-Loop Strap comes in at a very affordable price for the quality. Tough nylon makes it highly durable and suitable for deep stretching. It also comes with a handy stretch guide, providing illustrated stretches to follow along to.
It is 8ft in length, so will be suitable for any height.
5. Trideer Lettered Stretching Strap – Best for Tracking Progress
Trideer Lettered Stretching Strap
Unique lettering system to help track progress, very soft strap, great for all sorts of full body stretches.
Key Features
- Lettered system to monitor progress.
- 12 loops for customization.
- Soft loops for comfort.
- Comfortable hand grip.
- Recommended by Physical Therapists.
The Trideer Lettered Stretching Strap comes with an innovative letter system. This provides a simple and effective way to monitor your progress. This can make a really big difference and provide tangible goals to aim for with your stretching. This also helps set benchmarks and targets if you are following a routine set out by a physiotherapist.
The strap is also highly durable and comes with 12 loops.
Stretching Straps with Loops
Stretching straps with loops are highly desirable due to the ease at which you can customise and adapt your stretching routine. Straps with lots of loops mean you can tailor your stretching to your body and maintain a high level of stretch for the whole body.
Multi-loop straps have now become the norm with most brands opting to include this feature.
Non-Elastic, Fabric Stretch Bands
Resistance bands are a common piece of home fitness equipment. They look similar to stretching straps but aren’t suitable for stretching. This is due to resistance bands being elastic and stretchy. Although this is ideal for resistance training and allows for movement during exercises, it means there is too much give during any attempts at stretching. The best stretching bands are firm and hold their shape to allow you to really push against it to stretch out your muscles (and avoid bouncing).
This means you want a non-stretchy option, usually made from fabric (such as cotton or nylon) instead of rubber/tubing.
Thick Stretching Straps
For those looking to stretch out the feet and legs in particular, a thicker strap may be more suited. This will allow you to gain a better footing and prevent the strap sliding up and off your foot.
Long Straps
Talker people may want to check the length of the straps and ensure it is long enough to use efficiently. You want to be able to use a stretching strap without straining or forcing your body so having a strap that is long enough is highly recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Yoga Strap?
Stretching straps can often be referred to as yoga straps. This is due to their popularity within yoga. It simply describes a strap or band used to assist with stretching.
Do Stretching Straps Work?
Absolutely! Stretching straps are an effective way to enhance stretching exercises.
What is a Door Stretching Strap?
A door stretching strap refers to straps that attach to a doorframe. This is often used for advanced flexibility stretches, used by gymnasts.
How Do You use a Stretching Strap?
Each stretch strap will come with instructions on how to use them. The muscles you are stretching will dictate how you use the strap. To stretch the hamstrings, you would place one foot in the straps, lay on your back and raise that leg in the air, using the straps to pull it forwards.
What are the Best Stretch Strap Exercises?
Stretch straps can provide a full body stretch routine but most commonly straps are used for the hamstrings, calves, and feet. Many of the products listed in this review come with free exercise PDFs or videos. You can also use a stretching app to following along to stretching routines.
Related Articles
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Best Fitness Apps for Over 50s and 60s
References
Oxford University Hospitals stretching exercises
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