The One Yoga Pose You Should Do Daily To Strengthen Your Core

Any athlete knows a strong core is the foundation of so many exercises and movements. But if you're limiting ab day to crunches and planks, you might be itching to switch it up.

Boat pose, or navasana, is one of those yoga asanas that can be a bit challenging if you're just starting to strengthen your abdomen. But in time, it will no doubt have you feeling the effects.

If the full extension of the pose is too much on your lower back, you can absolutely remain with shins parallel to the floor, and/or with hands on the ground.

Always aim to send your energy upward, with a straight spine and active legs, so as to avoid pressure on your low back and sacrum. If you need assistance straightening your legs, use a yoga strap around your feet, and hold the other end in your hands. Just be sure not to round your spine if you do opt for a strap.

Not only is it beneficial to have a strong core in a yoga practice or other physical activity, but this pose also strengthens the hip flexors and spinal vertebrae, as well as the muscles in the thighs and lower back. If you struggle with low back pain, having a strong core can actually help mitigate some of that pain.

And if you're interested in chakras, this pose is particularly beneficial for the solar plexus chakra, or manipura, which lies in the pit of the stomach and governs things like self-worth, willpower, emotion, and even digestion.

In fact, having a strong core has indeed been linked with better digestion1, along with improved stability2 and endurance3, in research.