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5 Yoga Poses to Strengthen Your Core
No matter what type of sport or physical activity you practice, having a strong core can make the difference between good or bad form. However, the importance of this part of our body goes beyond athletic performance or having rock hard abs.
Why does a strong core matter?
Anatomically speaking, the core is more than the famous “six pack.” It is made up of muscles that weave through the spine, surround the rib cage and join with the pelvis. This complex system allows you to breathe, rotate your torso, flex and extend your spine, and stabilize your pelvis. Therefore, in order to have a gravity-defying core we need to exercise its entire circumference.
Core strengthening yoga poses
The following asanas will work different sections of your core. Begin with a few rounds of sun salutations and finish in Savasana.
1) Plank Pose (Phalakasana)
- Start by holding the pose for 30 seconds and build up to two minutes.
- Maintain a line from your head to your tailbone — don’t let your glutes pop.
Challenge: Lift one leg at a time or do a forearm plank.
