What is a Lululemon yoga mat strap? It is a simple piece of fabric or webbing designed to help you carry your rolled-up yoga mat easily. Can you use a Lululemon strap with any yoga mat? Yes, most Lululemon straps are made to fit various mat sizes, not just Lululemon mats. This guide shows you how to use your Lululemon mat strap the best way. We will cover everything from rolling your mat to carrying it in comfort. Think of this as your full Lululemon mat sling tutorial.
Image Source: preview.redd.it
Why Use a Mat Strap?
Using a strap to carry your yoga mat makes life easier. It frees up your hands. It keeps your mat neat and tidy when rolled. A strap is also lighter than a big yoga mat bag. It is a simple tool for securing yoga mat with strap for transport.
- Easy to carry your mat.
- Hands stay free for other things.
- Keeps your mat rolled tight.
- Much lighter than many mat bags.
- Simple design, easy to use.
Grasping the Mat Rolling Method
Before you can use your Lululemon yoga mat carrier, your mat must be rolled up. How you roll it matters. A tight, even roll makes the strap work best. This is the first step in the proper way to use mat strap.
Rolling Your Mat Just Right
Here is a simple yoga mat rolling method:
- Lay your mat flat on the floor. The top side (the side you stand on) can face in or out. Some like the top side out to keep it clean. Others like it in to protect the surface. Choose what works for you.
- Start at one end of the mat.
- Begin rolling the end tightly.
- Keep the edges straight as you roll. Do not let them go crooked.
- Roll all the way to the other end.
- Keep the roll tight from start to finish.
- A tight roll makes the mat small and easy to carry.
- It also helps the strap hold it well.
If your mat is rolled unevenly, the strap might slip. Take a moment to roll it well. It makes attaching yoga mat strap much simpler.
How to Attach Yoga Mat Strap: Step by Step
Now your mat is rolled. Let’s learn how to attach yoga mat strap. Lululemon straps often have two loops. These loops go around the ends of your rolled mat. This is the main part of securing yoga mat with strap.
Getting the Loops Ready
Most Lululemon straps are just a long piece of fabric with loops sewn at each end.
- Hold the strap in the middle.
- Let the two ends hang down.
- See the loops at the ends? These are what grab your mat.
Putting the Loops On
This is how to attach the strap to your rolled mat. Follow these yoga mat strap instructions carefully.
- Take your rolled mat. Stand it up on one end, or lay it down. Whatever is easier.
- Take one loop of the strap.
- Guide this loop over one end of your rolled mat.
- Slide the loop down the mat about 1 to 2 inches from the end.
- The loop should fit snugly around the mat.
- Now take the other loop.
- Guide this second loop over the other end of your rolled mat.
- Slide this loop down the mat about 1 to 2 inches from that end.
- Make sure the strap fabric between the two loops runs straight along the mat. It should not be twisted.
Checking if it’s Tight Enough
Once both loops are on, check how your mat feels.
- Are the loops snug? They should not be too loose.
- Does the strap feel secure?
- If the loops are too loose, try rolling your mat tighter.
- You might also need to adjust where the loops sit on the mat. Moving them closer to the very ends might help.
This method of looping yoga mat strap is simple and effective. It creates a Lululemon yoga mat carrier ready for transport.
Carrying Yoga Mat with Strap: Different Ways
Your mat is now secured with the strap. How do you carry it? The strap is designed to go over your shoulder. This is the most common way for carrying yoga mat with strap.
The Shoulder Carry
- Hold the strap where the two loops are joined by the main length of fabric.
- Lift the mat by the strap.
- Put the strap over one of your shoulders.
- Let the mat hang down your back or side.
- The mat’s weight is now on your shoulder.
- You can hold the strap with your hand to keep it steady.
- Adjust the strap’s position on your shoulder for comfort.
The Cross-Body Carry
For more stability, carry the mat across your body.
- Put the strap over one shoulder, same as before.
- Pull the mat and strap across your chest.
- Let the mat rest on your lower back or hip on the opposite side.
- This spreads the weight better.
- It also keeps the mat closer to your body.
- This is often seen as a very secure way for carrying yoga mat with strap, especially if you are walking or biking.
The Hand Carry
You can also just hold the strap in your hand.
- With the strap on the mat, grab the middle of the strap.
- Just carry the mat at your side.
- This is good for short distances, like from your car to the studio door.
Try these different ways to find what feels best for you. The strap makes your mat a portable Lululemon yoga mat carrier.
Adjusting Your Yoga Mat Strap for Comfort
Many Lululemon straps have a way to adjust the length. This is key for comfortable carrying. Adjusting yoga mat strap means changing how long the strap is between the two loops.
How to Make it Longer or Shorter
Look closely at your strap. There is usually a buckle or slider. This is how you change the length.
- Find the buckle or slider on the strap.
- Pull the loose end of the strap through the buckle.
- Pulling one way makes the strap longer.
- Pulling the other way makes the strap shorter.
Finding the Right Length
The best strap length depends on how tall you are and how you carry the mat.
- For shoulder carry: The mat should hang comfortably at your side or back. It should not drag on the ground. It should not hit you in the back of the head. Adjust it so the mat is just above your hip or waist when standing straight.
- For cross-body carry: The mat should rest comfortably across your back and hip. It should feel secure. It should not feel too high under your arm or too low that it swings around. Adjusting yoga mat strap allows you to find the sweet spot.
Play with the length. Walk around with your mat. See what feels easiest on your shoulder and back. Proper adjustment is part of the proper way to use mat strap for travel.
Troubleshooting Common Strap Issues
Sometimes using a strap can be tricky. Here are a few problems you might run into and how to fix them.
Mat Keeps Slipping Out
This usually means your mat is not rolled tight enough.
- Fix: Take the strap off. Unroll your mat. Roll it again, but make it much tighter this time. Focus on keeping the roll firm from the start.
- Fix: Make sure the loops are close to the ends of the mat (about 1-2 inches in). If they are too far in, the middle of the mat can bulge and slip out.
Strap Feels Uncomfortable
The strap might be digging into your shoulder.
- Fix: Adjust the length of the strap. Maybe it is too long or too short. Find a length where the mat sits comfortably.
- Fix: Try the cross-body carry instead of just over one shoulder. This spreads the weight out.
- Fix: If your mat is very heavy, a simple strap might not be the best Lululemon yoga mat carrier for you. You might need a strap with a padded shoulder section, or even a mat bag.
Strap Keeps Twisting
The strap fabric gets all turned around.
- Fix: When you put the loops on the mat, make sure the long part of the strap is flat and straight before you lift the mat.
- Fix: Check how you are carrying it. If it twists, stop, flatten the strap, and put it back on your shoulder or body correctly.
Solving these small issues helps you use your Lululemon yoga mat carrier effectively.
Caring for Your Lululemon Mat Strap
Your strap needs a little care to last. It might get dirty from being on the floor or ground.
How to Clean Your Strap
Check the tag on your strap for specific cleaning rules. Most fabric straps can be cleaned simply.
- Fill a sink or bucket with cool water.
- Add a small amount of mild soap. Like dish soap or gentle laundry soap.
- Put the strap in the soapy water.
- Rub the strap gently with your hands. Wash away dirt and sweat.
- Rinse the strap fully with clean water. Get all the soap out.
- Squeeze out extra water. Do not twist it hard.
- Hang the strap up to air dry.
- Do not put it in a dryer. Heat can damage the fabric.
Cleaning keeps your Lululemon yoga mat carrier fresh.
Beyond Carrying: Other Simple Uses
While its main job is carrying, you can sometimes use your strap in other ways.
- Light Stretching Aid: A simple strap can act like a yoga block or towel for some stretches. You can loop it around your foot to help pull your leg closer in a hamstring stretch. It is not designed for heavy pulling, just light help.
- Keeping Mat Rolled at Home: Even when not carrying it, you can leave the strap on your rolled mat at home. It keeps the mat neatly rolled up and out of the way.
Remember, the strap is primarily for carrying. Do not rely on it for strong support in yoga poses.
Other Lululemon Ways to Carry Your Mat
Lululemon makes different products for carrying mats. The simple strap is just one option.
- Mat Bags: These are bags that zip up around your mat. They offer more protection and often have pockets for keys, phone, or water bottle. They can be bulkier than a simple strap.
- Larger Totes/Gym Bags: Some Lululemon bags have straps or pockets specifically for holding a yoga mat alongside other gym gear.
The simple mat strap is the lightest and most basic Lululemon yoga mat carrier. It is great if you only need to carry your mat and nothing else.
Putting it All Together: A Quick Sling Tutorial
Let’s quickly go over the main steps again. This is your short Lululemon mat sling tutorial.
- Roll your mat: Make sure it is rolled tight and straight. This is the most important step for securing yoga mat with strap well.
- Get the strap: Hold it in the middle.
- Loop one end: Slide one loop over one end of the rolled mat. Push it down a couple inches.
- Loop the other end: Slide the second loop over the other end of the mat. Push it down a couple inches.
- Check the strap: Make sure the strap runs flat along the mat between the loops.
- Adjust length: Use the buckle to make the strap longer or shorter for comfortable carrying. This is key for adjusting yoga mat strap for your body.
- Carry your mat: Put the strap over your shoulder or across your body.
That’s it! This is the proper way to use mat strap for easy transport.
Fathoming the Proper Way to Use Mat Strap for Long Life
Using your strap the right way not only makes carrying easy but also helps the strap last longer.
- Do not Overload: The strap is made for the weight of a standard yoga mat. Do not try to use it to carry heavy weights or multiple mats unless it is designed for that. Simple Lululemon straps are for one mat.
- Use the Loops Correctly: Always use both loops on the ends of the rolled mat. Do not try to wrap the strap around the middle of the mat without using the loops. This does not secure it properly.
- Avoid Dragging: When carrying, make sure the mat does not drag on the ground. Adjusting yoga mat strap length prevents this. Dragging wears down the mat and the strap.
- Store Properly: When not using the strap, you can leave it on the mat or store it neatly. Avoid leaving it tangled or under heavy objects.
- Clean When Needed: Keeping it clean prevents dirt and sweat from breaking down the fibers over time.
Following these simple steps helps your Lululemon yoga mat carrier stay in good shape. This guide on how to attach yoga mat strap and carry it aims to make your yoga journey a little simpler. Carrying yoga mat with strap should feel easy and natural. Use these yoga mat strap instructions whenever you need a reminder. The simple act of looping yoga mat strap makes your mat portable and ready for your practice anywhere you go.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I wash my Lululemon yoga mat strap in a washing machine?
A: It is best to hand wash it with mild soap and cool water. Machine washing can be too rough and might damage the strap material or cause it to tangle. Always check the care tag first.
Q: My mat is very thick. Will a standard Lululemon strap work?
A: Most Lululemon straps are made to fit their standard mats, which are average thickness. Very thick mats might be a tight squeeze for the loops. Check the strap’s details online or on the tag. A mat bag might be a better option for very thick mats.
Q: The strap feels too long even at its shortest setting. What can I do?
A: If you have adjusted the yoga mat strap fully and it is still too long, you might need a different strap or carrying method. Sometimes, how high or low you wear the strap on your shoulder or body can help. For some, the hand carry is better if the strap is too long for shoulder use.
Q: Can I use the strap to hang my mat for storage?
A: Yes, many people use the strap to hang their mat on a hook or doorknob. Just make sure the hook is strong enough and the mat is rolled well so it hangs evenly. This is a simple way of securing yoga mat with strap even at home.
Q: Is there a trick to rolling the mat really tight?
A: Start the roll very tightly from one end. Use your hands to keep the edges even as you roll. Roll on a hard floor, not carpet, for best results. Press down a little as you roll to keep it compact. A tight yoga mat rolling method is key.