YOGA FOR STRENGTH: 9 OF YOGA’S BEST STRENGTH-BUILDING POSES
PLANK POSE Planks are an undisputed strengthener for the abdominal muscles, the shoulders, and the lower back. Though planking seems simple enough, you want to make sure that your form is good so that your shoulders stay safe. It can be hard to judge the position of your hips at first so if you don’t have a mirror handy, get a friend to tell you if your hips are piking up too high or sagging too low. In yoga classes, planks are often used as a quick transitional pose. To improve strength, try holding your planks for at least a minute. Instructions: 1. Come to your hands and knees with your shoulders directly over your wrists. If you were staying here, you would also line up your hips over your knees, but in this case, you want the knees a little further back in preparation for straightening the legs. 2. Tuck your toes under and straighten your legs. 3. Spread your fingers wide to distribute your weight throughout your palm. 4. Avoid locking your...