Build a Strong Core with Yoga

Yoga is a great way to exercise. It can help clear your mind and help you work off stress and negative emotions. Different poses can also be helpful in a variety of ways. For those who want to build a strong core and improve posture and feel more comfortable during daily activity, there are various Yoga poses that can help. Below we outline a few to give you an idea of poses to use. 

The Plank Pose

This pose can be done traditionally or with slight variations. All will help the core muscles. In the plank pose, legs are out straight—and it helps in strengthening the overall body posture. 

Tabletop with opposite arm/leg extended

Begin by getting on your hands and knees. Line your shoulders up over your wrists and your hips up over your knees. Fully extend the left leg and lift it so it is parallel with the ground. Then, lift your right arm and fully extend it, keeping it parallel with the ground. Fingers should be fully extended, and make sure to feel tension in your core. After a brief time, switch sides and repeat with your right leg and left arm. 

Crow Pose

This is one of the more difficult Yoga poses, so don’t try it unless you are somewhat flexible and ready for a challenge. Begin with hands flat on the floor and fingers spread wide, body in a squatting position. Bend your elbows slightly and place your knees on your elbows. Balance on your toes, then shift your weight to your knees and lift your feet off the ground as you lift your hips toward the sky. 

Half Boat Pose

Sit with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Make sure your torso is straight and head is in line with your body, then lean back at a 45 degree angle. Raise feet and make calves parallel with the floor. You can keep your hands on your thighs for support. Straighten your legs so your body is in a V shape and further build on core muscle strength. 

For more tips, get in touch with a Manhattan Yoga instructor or look up the nearest Bronx Yoga class. You can do a lot with Yoga, and it can be fun to take a class and interact with like-minded people.