4 Yoga Poses for Core Strength
By Brandi Goodman
A strong core is key for a healthy body. You'll be able to enhance your balance and coordination, improve your digestion, and feel well all-around when you have a strong midsection to support you. Some yoga poses are helpful in improving your core strength and making sure your body is stable.
Plank
A plank is a great move for strengthening your core. It can be very hard to stay in the position for long, though. Do your best to hold your body tight with your toes on the ground and your forearms as well. Even a few seconds in this pose can help. Build up your capacity until you're able to hold for at least 30 seconds and your core will be tighter in no time.
Three-Legged Downward-Facing Dog
The downward-facing dog position is helpful in itself. Raise one leg back and up, making it even harder to balance, and you'll really be working your midsection. The three-legged downward-facing dog may be hard to achieve at first. Just do your best to get into position, hold your balance, and slowly lift your leg back as much as you can to hold in place. Don't go too high to start so you can get used to the positioning and balance requirement.
Cat-Cow Stretch
This move is much easier to achieve. Get on your hands and knees to start with your back arched toward the sky and your head facing down. Next, lower your back so your belly sits closer to the ground as you raise your head toward the sky. You're essentially in the opposite position. It will help to engage your core and start warming up those ab muscles.
High Lunges
Some simple lunges can work well for your core. Keep your arms raised for a high lunge so you can really train your abs to work well for you and keep you balanced. Step forward with one leg and keep your knee bent as your other leg stays back and raised on your toes. Hold the position for at least a few seconds if you can before returning to your starting point and stepping forward with the opposite leg.
Give these yoga poses a try and see how well they can help you with your core. Strength in this area is vital for your overall well-being. It will take some time and practice, though, so don't get discouraged. Try these yoga poses a few times per week so you can get the hang of them and really have them help with improvements soon enough.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in St. Charles, Mo.