ELEMENTS® Straps Guide – Choosing the Right Straps for Hands, Feet and Body

ELEMENTS® straps are used worldwide in Pilates and GYROTONIC® studios, supporting precise and comfortable movement. ELEMENTS straps are commonly used as hand straps, foot straps, and support loops in Pilates and GYROTONIC® exercises.

This guide offers a practical overview of which ELEMENTS products are commonly used for hands, wrists, feet, and other body areas.

We are all different, and our bodies change over time. ELEMENTS are designed with this diversity in mind, offering comfort, safety, and adaptability during movement practice.

This guide will continue to evolve as we expand the ELEMENTS collection and respond to questions from our community.

Find the Right ELEMENTS Straps by Body Area

You can quickly navigate to the section that matches the body area you want to support:

• Hands

• Wrists

• Elbows

• Shoulders

• Trunk

• Thighs

• Calves

• Ankles

• Feet

Each section below explains which ELEMENTS straps are commonly used and why.

HANDS

• Most people can use Hand Y Loop Straps Narrow for Gyrotonic Upper Body Opening series. 
• For large hands, more support, heavier weight or in rehabilitation use Hand Y Loop Straps Wide
• for very large hands use Foot Y Loop Straps or Double Loops 
•  Roll Handles provide a firm grip and give good feedback
• for strong and healthy hands you can also use Pilates Single Loops, and on a reformer Pilates Double Loops and Pilates Loops and Roll

• for hanging and pulling up exercises Fuzzies for Hands

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WRISTS

• for around the wrist only use Ankle Cuffs The inner side has a 26cm (10 in) long padded lining and a soft velcro in continuation. This allows comfortable use for the circumference up to 33cm (13 in).

• For very sensitive wrists use JUMBO Ankle cuffs The inner side has a 40cm (15 3/4 in) long extra padded and extra wide lining and a soft velcro in continuation. This allows comfortable use for a circumference up to 37cm (14 1/2 in). 

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ELBOWS

• Most people will fit in Foot Y

• for small and thin bodies use Small Y Narrow 

• for very large arms use Foot Y Wide

• for weight bearing use  Double Loops JUMBO

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SHOULDERS

• Shoulder Loops The inner loop is 30cm (11.8in) long

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TRUNK

• for targeting narrower sections of a body use Long Sling, it is 130cm (51 in) long

• for traction, stability and balance challenges, and weight suspension use Lumbar Belts, they come in Small, Medium and Large – dimensions are shown on the product page

• for weight suspension and wider support on small to average body size use Wide Sling standard, it is 12cm (4 3/4 in) wide – 80cm (31 in) long padding – 120cm (47 1/2 in) total length

• for tall people of average and heavier weight use Wide Sling Wide, it is 20cm (8 in) wide – 90cm (35 1/2in ) long padding – 129cm (50 3/4in) total length

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THIGHS

• use Thigh Cuffs The inner side has a 53cm (21 in) long padded lining and a soft velcro part in continuation. This allows comfortable use for the circumferences from 25cm to 58cm (10in – 23 1/2in).

• for applications where the loop can be loose use Shoulder Loops for easy and fast setup. The inner loop is 30cm (11.8in) in circumference.

• for wider support use Double Loops Extra Large they have 30cm (11.8in) long loops

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CALVES

• use Double Loops Large they have 23 cm  (9in) long loops

• for bigger calves use Double Loops Extra Large they have 30cm (11.8in) long loops

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ANKLES

• Ankle Cuffs The inner side has a 26cm (10 in) long padded lining and a soft velcro in continuation. This allows comfortable use for the circumference up to 33cm (13 in). For very sensitive wrists use

• JUMBO Ankle cuffs The inner side has 40cm (15 3/4 in) long extra padded and extra wide lining and a soft velcro in continuation. This allows comfortable use for a circumference up to 37cm (14 1/2 in). 

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FEET

ELEMENTS® foot straps are widely used in Pilates and GYROTONIC® practice to support the foot and ankle during a wide range of exercises. The right strap allows the foot to flex and point fully while maintaining stability and comfort throughout movement.

For tiny feet use Hand Y Loop Straps NARROW, which have 13cm (5.1in) long side loops, and typically suit feet up to EU size 37 with a narrow heel.

For small feet use Hand Y Loop Straps WIDE 13.5 cm (5.3in) long side strap or Double Loops SMALL They have 15cm (6 in) long loops

Most practitioners can use Double Loop Straps STANDARD with a loop length of 19 cm (7.5in) and Foot Y Loop Straps NARROW which feature a wide opening and Velcro® closure.

The difference between these designs lies mainly in how force is distributed during movement.

Double Loop Straps have two equal loops attached at the same point, distributing force evenly and allowing fluid circular movement.

Foot Y Loop Straps have one straight loop and one angled support strap. The straight loop is primarily used for pushing, while the angled loop supports the ankle and provides an increased sense of stability.

Both options offer significantly greater security than traditional Pilates Single Loops, allowing the foot to fully flex and point without the risk of slipping.

Choosing the right foot straps can significantly improve comfort, control, and safety during Pilates foot exercises. Some practitioners prefer the structured support of Y Loop Straps, while others enjoy the greater freedom offered by Double Loop Straps. Many studios keep several strap types available so practitioners can choose what best supports their movement and comfort.

For extra comfort use Double Loop Straps Jumbo, which feature extra-wide padding and feel exceptionally soft on sensitive feet.

For larger feet or thicker ankles use Foot Y Loop Straps Wide, which provide a wider opening and secure Velcro® closure; Wipeable Foot Y Loop Straps are also available for studios that prioritise quick cleaning between clients.

For rehabilitation consider Standing Straps for the wider support and stability.

For hanging or inversion exercises use Fuzzies, available in two sizes.