6 Simple Ways to Use Resistance Bands in Your Yoga Practice

Whether you are a beginner yogi looking for a way to make your yoga practice more accessible or an advanced yogi wanting to take your practice to the next level, resistance bands are a crucial tool to use. Resistance bands can be used similarly to a yoga strap, but they can also add an extra challenge and strenghtening component to your yoga practice.

See below to discover 6 simple ways that any beginner yoga student can add resistance stretch and loop bands to their yoga practice!

Girl doing exercise with resistance bands

6 Wonderful Yoga Exercises Using Resistance Stretch & Loop Bands for Beginners

Resistance Loop Bands:

  1. Downward-Facing Dog Leg Lifts

    • Begin by placing the loop band around your calves, just above your ankle, and then getting into a plank position with your hands underneath your shoulders and your feet hip-distance apart.

    • Shift your hips backward and upwards to form a V-shape with your body in Downward Facing Dog pose, trying to press your heels down towards the ground and your chest towards your toes.

    • Slowly lift one leg towards the ceiling, pulling the resistance band as far as is comfortable. Pulse the leg up and down by tapping your toes lightly to the ground and then lifting it back behind you.

    • Pulse ten times with one leg. Then repeat on the opposite side.

  2. Boat Pose Wide-Legged Pulses

    • Place the resistance loop bands around the middle of your calves and then sit comfortably on your mat with your feet on the ground in front of you, hip-distance apart.

    • Shift onto your hips, keeping your back straight, and raise your feet off the ground, coming into a V-shape. Keep your arms parallel to the floor.

    • Slowly move your legs as wide as is comfortable out to the sides, gently pulling on the resistance band as you open your legs wider. Pulse your legs in and out in this manner 10 times.

    • Rest your feet down when you have completed one set and repeat this exercise 3 times.

  3. Plank Pose Leg Lifts

    • Begin by placing the loop band around your calves, just above your ankle, and then getting into a plank position with your hands underneath your shoulders and your feet hip-distance apart.

    • Slowly raise your right leg off the ground, keeping it straight as you gently pull upwards on the resistance band. Hold this position for 5-10 seconds.

    • Repeat on the opposite side.

Resistance Stretch Bands:

  1. Reclined Resistance Leg Lifts

    • Lay flat on your back on your mat and wrap the middle of the resistance band around your right foot, keeping the ends of the resistance band wrapped in your hands.

    • Slowly raise your right leg towards your nose, using the resistance bands to pull your leg closer to your face.

    • Then, keeping the resistance band held tightly, move your leg back downwards as you gently push against this resistance.

    • Repeat on the opposite side.

  2. Resistance Side Bends

    • Begin in a cross-legged position with both ends of the resistance band wrapped around your hands towards the ends of the band.

    • Raise your hands over your head, lean towards the right side, and then drop the right hand down to the ground as you keep your left arm raised upwards. Stretch the resistance band as far as it is comfortable.

    • Repeat on the opposite side.

  3. Forward Fold Resistance Band Flow

    • Begin by sitting on your yoga mat with your legs straight out in front of you and your big toes touching each other.

    • Wrap the middle of your resistance band around the bottom of your feet, keeping the ends of your strap firmly in your hands.

    • Use your resistance band to pull your chest towards your toes as you shift into a forward fold position.

    • Then keeping your hands firmly on your resistance band, slowly shift your upper body backward as if you were moving to lay flat on the ground. But keep your upper body raised and go as far back is as comfortable for you.

    • Continue to flow forwards and backward, keeping your resistance band tight to add a strengthening component to this exercise.

Get Started with Resistance Bands Today!

Resistance stretch and loop bands are a fantastic way to add stability, functional training, and supportive exercise to your yoga practice. So, make sure to check out the high-quality Yogi Bands that are tailor-made to add some resistance to your yoga practice with style.