For all bondage lovers
Restraints come in many shapes and sizes: rope, cuffs, metal and more. Pretty much anything you'd use for bondage is a kind of restraint, making this a massive and versatile category! Most people who are at all interested in kink or BDSM are amenable to bondage and restraint play in some form or another, so it's a good idea to get a little practice in ASAP if you'd like to 'play around' and experiment with a variety of partners. Just be sure to keep to all the usual safety rules in mind: keep the keys nearby, always have a set of rope shears handy, learn how to play in a way that doesn't risk circulation and do your research before you begin!
What are restraints?
Anything you use to stop another person (or sometimes yourself) from moving. This can be anything from rope to your own body.
How do you use restraints safely?
If you are restraining anyone you need to be aware of the areas, such as pressure points, that need to be avoided. Also be sure not to tie or tighten anything to a point where it cuts off circulation. Be sure you can fit a finger between the restraint and the person’s skin. Make sure they have a safeword to use if they need to end the scene and always have some way to get the person out of their bondage quickly and safely. Safety shears are very useful for this. And never, ever leave a restrained person on their own for any period of time.
I don’t like rope, what other restraints are there?
Chain is a popular alternative to rope. You can use hand cuffs, spreader bars, shackles even your own tie or hands can work too.
Can you use restraints with impact play?
It is possible to mix spanking and bondage but you need to know your partner well and make sure they have some room to move. Sometimes, the bottom can’t help but move, so you need to allow room for them to do so otherwise they could strain muscles.