meta

Yoga for Core Strength

READ TIME:2 min.

It’s pretty universally accepted that yoga has many benefits for your body. Increasing core strength is one of them. And it’s a benefit that definitely should not be overlooked. The key to core strength though is to remember that your core encompasses so much more than just your rectus abdominus (your six-pack muscles). You also have your internal and external obliques, transversus abdominis, erector spinae, glutes (gluteus maximus, minimus, and medius), and many more. So, let’s work on every last one of those muscles to get you the strongest, most functional core we possibly can.

And without further ado, I present the 13 yoga poses you need to incorporate into your practice:

To strengthen:

yoga_pose_3
Boat Pose—Navasana
Boat Pose is a great exercise since it uses so many of your core muscles. Start by holding Navasana for 3 breath cycles and build from there. As you hold this pose, focus on keeping your back flat.

yoga_11_
Knee to Elbow—Plank Pose Variation
To increase the intensity of this pose, try to maintain contact with your knee and elbow, or even take your knee all the way to your chin if flexibility allows.

yoga_pose_1
Knee to Cross Elbow—Plank Pose Variation
This pose is similar to knee to elbow, but now you’re going to focus on the obliques a little more. Try this pose back to back in a sequence with knee to elbow.

yoga_pose_4
Side Plank—Vasisthasana
As you take side plank pose, be sure to lift through your hips. To increase the level of difficulty in this pose, lift both your top hand and leg up and away from your body.

yoga_14_
Crow Pose—Bakasana
Arm balances require a lot more than just balance and arm strength. They are actually working your core more than anything else. Find that balance point and hold for 3–5 breath cycles.

yoga_15_
Side Crow Pose—Parsva Bakasana
An easier modification of this pose is to keep your knees bent, but find the position that works best for you. Take deep breaths and keep your fingers spread to assist with your balance.

yoga_8
Bird Dog Plank—Plank Pose Variation
Take your plank pose to a new level with a variation that’s a challenge to even the most balanced individuals. Keep your hips level and reach your fingertips as far from your toes as possible.

yoga_13_
Elephant Trunk Pose—Eka Hasta Bhujasana
Try this pose first with blocks under each hand and then graduate to hands on the floor. This works not only your lower abs, but your hip flexors as well for a great strengthening routine.

To stabilize:

yoga_10_
Warrior 3—Virabhadrasana III
Try to keep your hips square to the floor, and keep your knee soft on your stabilizing leg as you lengthen your body. Focus on your breathing as you hold this pose.

yoga_6
Reverse Plank—Purvottanasana
Stabilize your spine and protect your lower back as you work on this pose in your practice. In a reverse plank position, keep your gaze looking up at the ceiling, and lift your hips high.

yoga_7
Headstand—Sirsasana
Lift slowly from tripod to a headstand and engage your core to straighten your legs in a controlled manner.

yoga_post_2
Bridge Pose—Setu Bandha Sarvangasana
This is another great lower back strengthener to help stabilize your whole core and spine. Work on lifting your hips high and rolling up onto your shoulder blades.

yoga_9_
Bow Pose—Dhanurasana
Bow pose is another pose that works your back. Not only does it strengthen the small muscles that surround your spine (erector spinae), but it also improves your lower back mobility.

Enjoy your practice.

Namaste.

Becca Capell
iFit Head Trainer

WARNING: This post is not intended to replace the advice of a medical professional. The above information should not be used to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or medical condition. Please consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet, sleep methods, daily activity, or fitness routine. iFit assumes no responsibility for any personal injury or damage sustained by any recommendations, opinions, or advice given in this article.


Discover More

You may also like

trainers-marathon-tips-featured-image
Run Stronger, Run Longer: iFIT Trainers Share...

2 MIN.

CONTINUE READING
quitters-day-lets-flip-the-script-featured-image
Quitter’s Day? Let’s Flip the Script!

1 MIN.

CONTINUE READING
2024-ifit-milestones-featured-image
2024 iFIT Milestones: Everything You Need to Know

7 MIN.

CONTINUE READING

Reviews

WRITE A REVIEW
Fill 792Created with Sketch.
Be the first to review this recipe
SEE MORE REVIEWS