Yoga asanas can be classified into different categories. Each type of yoga pose offers specific benefits for the body, mind and spirit. Core strengthening poses are yoga asanas that strengthen and tone the core muscles. The core muscles are the abdominal muscles, lower back and the muscles at the sides of the hips. Picture a ring around your waist and buttocks. The muscles in that entire area are part of the core.
The importance of a strong, healthy core has gotten more attention in recent years. The strength of the core is related to overall health and fitness. There is a nearly unlimited supply of exercise equipment that is designed to strengthen the core muscles. However, all you need is a yoga mat to strengthen the core.
Improving the strength of the core offers several physical benefits. If you are experiencing low back pain, increasing the strength of the abdominal muscles can help to relieve back pain. In addition, including core strengthening work in your exercise routine will help you lose weight, which can reduce your risk for health problems that range from diabetes to heart disease.
In addition to making the core stronger and leaner, improving core strength will improve your yoga practice. The standing and balancing poses in yoga require a strong core. When the muscles of the core get stronger, your balance and strength in the poses will naturally improve, which helps you advance in your practice.
There are numerous poses in yoga that are considered core strengthening poses. There are core conditioning poses that are performed standing, seated or lying on your mat. Whether you are new to yoga or at an advanced level, there are many poses to provide the challenge you need. To increase the strength and stability of the core, be sure to focus on poses such as chair, boat, tree, plank, crane, dolphin, balancing table and others.
There are books and DVDs on the market that are devoted to strengthening and toning the core. Rodney Yee’s Core Conditioning Yoga and other home practice DVDs are designed specifically with poses that will strengthen the core and improve the strength of the entire body.