Yoga for Your Core and Why a Strong Core is So Important

{"slug":"yoga-for-core-strength","recentPosts":[{"id":"clgc1nu7j1uwk0birznqai3x1","slug":"10-yoga-poses-for-multiple-sclerosis","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"10 Yoga Poses to Enhance Wellness for Multiple Sclerosis Patients","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"Learn about Yoga for Multiple Sclerosis and how it can help manage symptoms. Improve your quality of life with these yoga poses.","readTime":null,"excerpt":"Discover yoga for multiple sclerosis - improve your quality of life with these poses.","tags":[],"createdAt":"2023-04-11T09:12:29.35505+00:00","coverUrl":"aydrjq4doquwuaot8kt7.jpg","content":{"text":"Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system. It can cause a range of symptoms, including fatigue, muscle weakness, and difficulty with balance and coordination. While there is no cure for MS, practicing yoga can help manage symptoms and improve overall health and well-being. Before starting a yoga practice, it's important to consult with a healthcare provider to ensure safety and effectiveness.\\n\\nBenefits of Yoga for Multiple Sclerosis\\nStress and Fatigue Reduction: Yoga provides a calming and relaxing effect on the body and mind, which can help ease the mental and physical stresses of MS. It can lead to a reduction in fatigue levels and promote a more peaceful state of mind.\\nImproved Balance and Coordination: MS can cause issues with balance and coordination, but yoga can help improve these areas. The practice of yoga involves movements that require balance and coordination, which can improve the function of the nervous system.\\nIncreased Flexibility and Strength: Yoga poses require the use of muscles that may not be utilized in everyday activities. Practicing yoga regularly can lead to increased flexibility and strength, which can improve overall fitness levels.\\nRespiratory Function Improvement: MS can affect respiratory function, but yoga can help improve breathing patterns. Certain yoga practices involve deep breathing exercises that can help increase lung capacity and oxygenation of the body.\\nPain Management: MS can cause pain and discomfort, but yoga can be an effective tool for managing these symptoms. The gentle movements of yoga can help relieve tension and tightness in the muscles, which can reduce pain and improve overall comfort.\\nImproved Overall Health and Well-Being: By providing a range of physical and mental benefits, yoga can improve overall health and well-being for individuals with MS. Regular practice can promote a sense of inner calm and peacefulness, which can positively impact all areas of life.\\n\\nYoga Poses for Multiple Sclerosis Symptom Management\\nSeated or chair yoga poses are ideal for individuals with limited mobility, while standing poses are suitable for those with greater mobility. Focus on poses that improve balance, coordination, and flexibility, such as:\\n\\n1.Child's Pose (Balasana): \\n\\nSit on your heels with your knees apart, and fold your torso forward, resting your forehead on the floor. Stretch your arms forward, palms facing down. Hold for 5-10 deep breaths.\\n\\n2.Cat-Cow (Marjaryasana-Bitilasana): \\n\\nStart on your hands and knees, with your wrists under your shoulders and knees under your hips. Inhale and lift your chest and tailbone towards the ceiling (Cow pose), and exhale, rounding your spine towards the ceiling (Cat pose). Repeat for 5-10 breaths.\\n\\n3.Warrior II (Virabhadrasana II): \\n\\nFrom a standing position, step your left foot back and turn it out 90 degrees. Bend your right knee, keeping it directly over your ankle. Extend your arms out to the sides, and gaze over your right hand. Hold for 5-10 breaths and repeat on the other side.\\n\\n4.Tree Pose (Vrksasana): \\n\\nStand with your feet hip-distance apart, and shift your weight onto your left foot. Place your right foot on your left thigh, and balance here. Place your hands in prayer position at your heart or extend your arms overhead. Hold for 5-10 breaths and repeat on the other side.\\n\\n5.Downward-Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana): \\n\\nFrom a tabletop position, walk your hands forward and lift your hips up and back, forming an inverted V-shape with your body. Press your hands and feet into the ground and hold for 5-10 breaths.\\n\\n6.Warrior I (Virabhadrasana I): \\n\\nFrom a standing position, step your left foot back and turn it out 45 degrees. Bend your right knee, keeping it directly over your ankle. Extend your arms overhead and gaze forward. Hold for 5-10 breaths and repeat on the other side.\n\\n7.Sphinx Pose (Salamba Bhujangasana): \\n\\nLie on your stomach with your elbows under your shoulders and forearms on the ground. Press into your forearms and lift your chest up, keeping your shoulders relaxed. Hold for 5-10 breaths.\n\\n8.Bridge Pose (Setu Bandha Sarvangasana): \\n\\nLie on your back with your knees bent and feet hip-distance apart. Press into your feet and lift your hips up, keeping your arms and shoulders on the ground. Hold for 5-10 breaths.\\n\\n9.Triangle Pose (Trikonasana): \\n\\nFrom a standing position, step your left foot back and turn it out 90 degrees. Extend your arms out to the sides and reach forward with your right hand, placing it on your shin or a block. Gaze up at your left hand. Hold for 5-10 breaths and repeat on the other side.\\n\\n10.Corpse Pose (Savasana): \\n\\nLie on your back with your arms and legs extended. Close your eyes and focus on your breath, allowing your body to fully relax. Stay here for at least 5-10 minutes.\\n\\nBreathing and Meditation Practices for Yoga for Multiple Sclerosis\\nHere are some breathing and meditation practices that can be incorporated into a yoga practice for multiple sclerosis symptom management:\\n\nDeep Breathing: Sit comfortably and take deep, slow breaths through the nose, filling the lungs completely. Exhale slowly through the nose, releasing all the air. Repeat for several minutes.\\nAlternate Nostril Breathing: Sit comfortably and use the thumb to close one nostril while inhaling through the other. Then, use the ring finger to close the opposite nostril while exhaling through the first. Repeat for several minutes.\\nMindful Breathing: Focus on the sensation of the breath as it enters and leaves the body. If the mind wanders, gently bring the focus back to the breath.\\nBody Scan Meditation: Lie down or sit comfortably and bring attention to each part of the body, starting from the toes and moving up to the head. Notice any sensations or tensions and release them as you move through each part.\\n\\nConclusion\\nPracticing yoga can provide many benefits for individuals with multiple sclerosis, including reduced stress and fatigue, improved balance and coordination, and increased flexibility and strength. Incorporating yoga poses and practices into your routine can help manage symptoms and improve overall health and well-being. Remember to consult with a healthcare provider and find a qualified yoga teacher to begin a safe and effective practice."},"category":["fitness"]},{"id":"clg55sr3657wd0airoeszt66q","slug":"yoga-for-carpal-tunnel-syndrom","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"Yoga for Carpal Tunnel: Top 10 Yoga Poses, Benefits, FAQs","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"Alleviate carpal tunnel symptoms with yoga! Discover 10 poses to reduce pain and improve wrist and hand health. Learn best practices and protect yourself.","readTime":null,"excerpt":"Relieve carpal tunnel with yoga! 10 poses to manage symptoms and improve wrist and hand health.","tags":[],"createdAt":"2023-04-06T13:33:53.820514+00:00","coverUrl":"fyzezortjqar8ovbd4vf.jpg","content":{"text":"Do you ever experience pain or tingling in your hands and fingers? It could be carpal tunnel syndrome, a common condition that affects many people who use their hands and wrists frequently. Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by the compression of the median nerve in the wrist, which can lead to discomfort, numbness, and weakness in the hand and fingers.\\nFortunately, yoga can offer a natural and effective way to manage carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms. In this article, we'll explore some yoga poses and practices that can help relieve pain and improve flexibility in the wrists and hands.\n\n\\nBenefits of Yoga for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome\\nYoga has many benefits for overall health and wellness, and it can be particularly helpful for managing carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms. Here are just a few of the benefits:\\nReducing pain:\\n Certain yoga poses can help stretch and strengthen the muscles in the wrist and hand, which can reduce pain and discomfort.\\nImproving flexibility: \\nTight muscles and tendons in the wrist and hand can exacerbate carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms, but yoga can help improve flexibility and mobility.\\nReducing stress:\\n Stress and tension in the body can contribute to carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms, but yoga can help reduce stress levels and promote relaxation.\n\\n\\nYoga Poses for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Relief\\nYoga poses, or asanas, can be a powerful tool for managing carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms. Here are a few poses to try:\\n\n\\n1.Gomukhasana (Cow Face Pose): \\n\\nThis pose can help stretch the wrists and forearms, reducing pain and stiffness. To perform this pose, sit on the floor with your legs extended in front of you. Bend your right knee and place your right foot on the floor, outside your left thigh. Bring your left heel toward your right buttock. Cross your left arm over your right arm and bring your palms together. Hold for 5-10 breaths, then switch sides.\\n\n\\n2.Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward-Facing Dog Pose): \\n\\nThis pose can help stretch the muscles in the hands, wrists, and arms, improving flexibility and reducing pain. Start on your hands and knees, with your wrists directly under your shoulders and your knees directly under your hips. Lift your hips up and back, straightening your arms and legs. Press your hands into the floor and lengthen through your spine. Hold for 5-10 breaths.\\n\n\\n3.Garudasana (Eagle Pose): \\n\\nThis pose can help strengthen the muscles in the hands and wrists, which can improve grip strength and reduce pain. To perform this pose, stand with your feet hip-width apart and your arms at your sides. Bring your right arm under your left arm, and bend both elbows to bring your palms together. Cross your right thigh over your left thigh. Balance on your left foot and hold for 5-10 breaths, then switch sides.\\n\n\\n4.Utthita Trikonasana (Extended Triangle Pose): \\n\\nThis pose can help stretch the wrists and forearms, promoting flexibility and reducing pain. To perform this pose, stand with your feet about 3-4 feet apart. Turn your right foot out 90 degrees and your left foot in slightly. Reach your right arm forward and hinge at your hip to reach your right hand toward your right shin or the floor. Extend your left arm straight up toward the ceiling. Hold for 5-10 breaths, then switch sides.\\n\n\\n5.Padangusthasana (Big Toe Pose): \\n\\nThis pose can help stretch the muscles in the hands, wrists, and arms, improving flexibility and reducing pain. To perform this pose, stand with your feet hip-width apart. Inhale and lift your arms up overhead. Exhale and fold forward, reaching for your big toes with your hands. Hold for 5-10 breaths.\\n\\n6.Marjariasana (Cat Pose): \\n\\nThis pose can help stretch and mobilize the wrists, reducing stiffness and promoting flexibility. To perform this pose, start on your hands and knees, with your wrists directly under your shoulders and your knees directly under your hips. Inhale and arch your back, lifting your tailbone and dropping your belly. Exhale and round your spine, tucking your chin to your chest. Repeat for several breaths.\n\\n7.Bitilasana (Cow Pose): \\n\\nThis pose can help stretch and mobilize the wrists, reducing stiffness and promoting flexibility. To perform this pose, start on your hands and knees, with your wrists directly under your shoulders and your knees directly under your hips. Inhale and arch your back, lifting your tailbone and dropping your belly. Hold for a breath or two, then return to neutral spine.\n\\n8.Matsyasana (Fish Pose):\\n\\nThis pose can help stretch the chest and shoulders, relieving tension in the upper body and reducing carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms. To perform this pose, lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor. Lift your hips and slide your hands, palms down, under your buttocks. Press your forearms and elbows into the floor and lift your chest. Hold for 5-10 breaths.\\n\\n9.Baddha Konasana (Butterfly Pose):\\n \\n\\nThis pose can help stretch the inner thighs, hips, and groin, which can alleviate pressure on the wrists and hands. To perform this pose, sit on the floor with the soles of your feet together and your knees bent out to the sides. Hold your ankles or feet with your hands and gently press your knees down toward the floor. Hold for 5-10 breaths.\n\\n10\\n.\\nUttanasana (Standing Forward Bend)\\n: \\n\\nThis pose can help stretch the muscles in the hands, wrists, and arms, reducing stiffness and promoting flexibility. To perform this pose, stand with your feet hip-width apart. Inhale and lift your arms up overhead. Exhale and fold forward, reaching for the floor with your hands. Hold for 5-10 breaths. If you have difficulty reaching the floor, you can place your hands on blocks or a chair seat.\n\n\\nBreathing and Meditation Practices for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Relief\\nIn addition to yoga poses, breathing exercises and meditation can be helpful for managing carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms. Here are a few practices to try:\\nDeep Breathing:\\n Taking slow, deep breaths can help reduce stress and tension in the body, which can contribute to carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms.\\nGuided Meditation:\\n Guided meditations can help promote relaxation and reduce stress, which can in turn reduce carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms.\\nVisualization:\\n Visualizing the body healing and repairing itself can help reduce pain and promote healing in the wrists and hands.\n\\n\\nTips for Practicing Yoga with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome\\nWhen practicing yoga with carpal tunnel syndrome, it's important to listen to your body and modify your practice as needed. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:\\nUse Props\\n: Props like blocks or straps can help make poses more accessible and comfortable.\\nModify Poses\\n: If a pose is too painful or uncomfortable, modify it or skip it altogether.\\nBe Mindful\\n: Pay attention to your body and how it feels during your practice. If a certain pose or practice is causing pain or discomfort, stop and modify or skip it.\\n\\nConclusion:\\nManaging carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms can be a challenge, but incorporating yoga into your routine can be a natural and effective way to find relief. By practicing yoga poses, breathing exercises, and meditation regularly, you can improve flexibility, reduce pain, and promote relaxation in your wrists and hands. Give it a try and see how yoga can benefit your carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms today!\n\n\\nFrequently Asked Questions about Carpal Tunnel Syndrome\\n\\nQ1. How can yoga help people with carpal tunnel syndrome?\\nAns: \\nYoga is a great way to manage carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms! Certain yoga poses can help stretch and strengthen the muscles in the wrists, hands, and arms, which can relieve pressure on the median nerve and reduce symptoms like pain, numbness, and tingling. Plus, practicing yoga can help reduce inflammation, increase flexibility, and improve circulation in the affected area.\\n\\nQ2. What yoga poses should you avoid with carpal tunnel?\\nAns:\\n If you have carpal tunnel syndrome, it's important to avoid yoga poses that put too much pressure on the wrists or require excessive bending or flexing of the hands. Poses like Chaturanga Dandasana (Four-Limbed Staff Pose), Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward-Facing Dog Pose), and Plank Pose can worsen carpal tunnel symptoms and should be avoided. Instead, focus on poses that gently stretch and strengthen the wrists and hands.\n\\nQ3.What are the best practices for carpal tunnel?\\nAns:\\n In addition to practicing yoga, there are several other best practices for managing carpal tunnel syndrome. These include taking frequent breaks from repetitive tasks that strain the wrists and hands, using ergonomic tools and equipment to reduce strain, maintaining good posture, and engaging in regular exercise and stretching to promote overall health and flexibility. It's important to take care of yourself both on and off the mat!\n\\nQ4.How can you protect yourself from carpal tunnel?\\nAns:\\n There are several steps you can take to protect yourself from developing carpal tunnel syndrome. Using ergonomic tools and equipment, taking frequent breaks from repetitive tasks, and maintaining good posture can all help reduce your risk. Engaging in regular exercise and stretching can also help keep your hands and wrists healthy and flexible. Remember to listen to your body and take action if you notice any symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, such as pain, numbness, or tingling in the hands or wrists. A healthcare provider can help diagnose and treat any issues before they become more serious."},"category":["fitness"]},{"id":"clg3manw0c2300bk8q089x7gd","slug":"yoga-for-improved-mobility","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"Top 10 Yoga Poses for Improved Mobility: Unlock Your Body's Potential","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"Yoga is an incredibly efficient tool for improving your mobility for the better, regardless of your age, background, or ability.","readTime":null,"excerpt":"Learn about the best yoga poses for improving your mobility.\n","tags":[],"createdAt":"2023-04-05T11:40:10.955124+00:00","coverUrl":"mo0n5st8ek3dj2p0m8ib.jpg","content":{"text":"We know that yoga can help elevate your mental and emotional wellbeing, but it’s actually an incredibly efficient tool for improving your mobility for the better, regardless of your age, background, or ability.\\nWhat do we mean by mobility, and why is it important? Mobility refers to the level of ease with which you can move your body. This affects your ability to walk, run, lift, and engage in physical activities like sports, dancing, or just playing in the backyard with your kids or grandkids. Your level of mobility directly translates to your overall well-being, and it can greatly influence whether or not you experience chronic pain.\\n\\nHow Yoga Improves Mobility?\\nA typical yoga practice includes performing a holistic routine of stretches that work to improve your flexibility, balance, and strength — which all directly impact your mobility. Let’s break down how each of those factors work.\\nFlexibility refers to the range of motion between your joints and muscles, and an inflexible body is rigid, stiff, and achy, with a relatively small range of motion. A regular yoga routine can help lengthen and strengthen your muscles, improving your range of motion while preventing injury and reducing your risk for chronic pain. Along with increasing mobility, improving your flexibility also puts less strain on your body overall.\\nBuilding strength is crucial to achieve better mobility, since stronger muscles give you better stability, balance, and control over your movements. Yoga targets muscle groups and makes them stronger, more toned, and more capable of increased movement with more control. Increasing strength also helps prevent injury, improves your sense of balance, and reduces your risk for issues later in life – like osteoporosis.\\nIt may be surprising to learn that yogic breathing can also help improve your mobility. By calming your mind, improving your awareness, and relaxing your body, you can build a greater connection with your physical self and reduce tension. This can lead to an increase in your range of motion and a better understanding of your personal limitations.\\nThe best part about yoga is that it's low impact, and it's approachable for everyone. It doesn’t matter how old you are, or whether or not you’re a beginner. You can start out with slow, gentle movements that can greatly improve your mobility without the risk of injury. You can also practice yoga in the comfort of your own home, by following the sequence below or working with one of the many qualified yoga instructors available here at \\nMyYogaTeacher\\n.\\n\\nYoga Poses for Better Mobility\\nTo get started practicing yoga for improved physical mobility, try performing the poses below several times per week over an extended period of time. \\n1.Sun Salutations\\n\\nStart at the top of your mat in Mountain pose, with your hands in prayer position. With flowing, dynamic movement, progress through the following postures 3 or more times:\\nUpward Salute\\nStanding Half-Forward Bend\\nStanding Forward Fold\\nLow Lunge (left foot forward)\\nPlank\\nFour-Limbed Staff pose\\nUpward Facing Dog or Cobra\\nDownward Facing Dog\\nLow Lunge (right foot forward)\\nStanding Half-Forward Bend\\nStanding Forward Fold\\nUpward Salute\\nReturn to Mountain pose\\nRepeat\\n\\n2. Chair Pose\\n\\nStand in Mountain pose at the top of your mat, with your hands at your sides and feet hip distance apart. As you inhale, raise your hands over your head, with your arms parallel with your ears. As you exhale, hinge slightly at your waist, bend your knees and lower your torso forward as if you were about to sit down in a chair. Keep your core engaged and your spine straight while you hold this posture for several breaths.\\n\\n3. Downward Facing Dog\\n\\nStart in a tabletop position, with your hands and knees on your mat. Push up from your hands and knees, lifting your hips until you are balanced on your hands and feet, with your body resembling an inverted “v.” Keep your head in between your arms, ears balanced over your shoulders, and stay in this pose for several breaths.\\n\\n4. Low Lunge\\n\\nFrom your position in Downward Dog, you can easily transition to Low Lunge by bringing your left foot forward and bending your left leg at the knee. With your right leg behind you, gently kneel on your right knee. Inhale as you reach your arms up over your head, parallel with your ears. Expand your chest, lengthen your spine, keep your chin level and your gaze focused forward in front of you.\\n\\n5. Plank\\n\\nLie face down on your mat, and using your palms to push up from the floor, lift your body until you are balanced on your palms and the toes of your feet. In this pose, your body should be positioned in a straight line, with your gaze directed at the floor in front of you. Hold for a few breaths, or for 30-60 seconds if you are feeling strong in this pose.\\n\\n6. Cobra Pose\\n\\nStart by laying with your stomach facing down on the floor, with your legs straight and your arms folded under your head. Place your palms on the mat parallel to your chest. Slightly lift your head off the mat, keeping your head and back aligned, and press your thighs together. Now, steadily pull your elbows towards your rib cage keeping your hands underneath your shoulders. With a deep inhale, press your hands into the mat, curl your shoulders backward, and lift your upper body off the mat, arching your back. Hold this position for a few breaths and then rest.\\n\\n7. Cat-Cow Pose\\n\\nStart in a tabletop position with your hands and knees on the floor. Inhale and look up, lifting your chin and gently arching your spine. As you exhale, drop your chin and look down toward your naval as you curl your spine forward. Continue this movement 5-10 times.\\n\\n8. Bow Pose\\n\\nLie down on your stomach with your forehead against the mat and your hands resting at your sides. Inhale and engage your core, slightly lifting your torso up, bending your legs and grabbing your ankles with each hand. Open your chest and lift your chin, so that your gaze is facing forward. Maintain a steady breath while holding this pose, allowing your body to gently rock back and forth with each inhale and exhale. Release after 20-30 seconds.\\n\\n9. Bridge Pose\\n\\nStart by lying on your back with your knees bent. On your next exhale, tuck your chin and lift your hips, being careful not to allow your knees to splay outward. Interlace your fingers on the floor underneath you and lift your hips higher, while staying in the pose for 5-10 breaths.\\n\\n10. Corpse Pose\\n\\nSit on your yoga mat and lower your body to the floor, relaxing your legs and letting your arms rest on the floor at your sides, palms up. Keep your eyes closed and focus on your breathing. Relax the muscles in your face and neck, and visualize every part of your body letting go of all tension. Hold this pose for 5-7 minutes.\\n"},"category":[]},{"id":"clg0gw3o0ycc30ak0rlfm4ea9","slug":"yoga-for-endometriosis","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"Yoga for Endometriosis: 6 Easy Poses to Try at Home","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"Yoga can help ease symptoms of endometriosis, and it’s a great option for women who are looking for a low-risk, low impact way to cope with the condition.","readTime":null,"excerpt":"Learn the best yoga poses for endometriosis symptoms.\n","tags":[],"createdAt":"2023-04-03T06:45:34.990165+00:00","coverUrl":"htglzgglkwtr6is6mzmi.jpg","content":{"text":"Endometriosis is a disorder that affects about 190 million women worldwide, causing painful periods, infertility, and other severe symptoms that can significantly reduce the overall quality of their lives. While science is still working to fully understand endometriosis, right now there are a few ways in which women can manage the symptoms of this painful condition, including medication, surgery and various forms of therapy. Yoga can also help ease symptoms, and it’s a great option for women who are looking for a low-risk, low impact way to cope with endometriosis.\\nYoga helps reduce the troubling symptoms of endometriosis in a few different ways. The overall practice of yoga activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for operating the body's relaxation and digestive responses. These responses tell your body to slow down and rest, which are crucial when it comes to reducing the pain, anxiety, and stress that comes with endometriosis.\\nYoga also enhances blood flow to your reproductive organs, which can help reduce inflammation and promote healing. Yoga poses work to stretch the muscles and tissues around your uterus and ovaries, which can help reduce the intensity and duration of menstrual cramps.  Endometriosis commonly causes intense chronic pain in the pelvis, lower back, and hips, which yoga can help alleviate through gentle stretches and movement that help open up and relax the muscles in these areas.\\nEndometriosis can also cause infertility due to scarring around the reproductive organs, but yoga can help offset this issue by increasing blood flow to the area and lowering inflammation. Yoga also works to balance your hormones by reducing cortisol and other stress hormones and regulating your menstrual cycle.\\nIn terms of mental health, yoga is one of the most effective tools in managing anxiety and depression, which are common symptoms of endometriosis. This condition can cause immense chronic pain, which typically results in emotional distress that yoga can help alleviate. Yoga sends signals to your mind and body that encourage both to relax, reducing tension, calming anxious thoughts, and improving your sense of well-being.\\n\\nWhat Types of Yoga are Best for Endometriosis?\\nThere are many different kinds of yoga, but if you’re experiencing symptoms of endometriosis you may want to stick with gentle postures like those you would perform in Hatha, Restorative, Gentle, or Yin yoga. These types of yoga focus on easy, low-impact movement, along with relaxation and stress reduction, and they typically involve some type of yogic breath work – which can also help reduce inflammation and chronic pain.\\nIf you’re considering yoga for managing your symptoms of endometriosis, there are certain precautions you should take in order to avoid making those symptoms worse. While you’re on your period, it’s important to avoid inverted postures that might interrupt or change your body’s natural flow. If a specific posture causes pain or discomfort, exit the pose immediately and take a break. It’s important to listen to your body and avoid any kind of position that doesn’t feel good. If you’re unsure about your alignment or you’d like some guidance on how to practice yoga for endometriosis, you can enroll in an online class or book a private session with one of the instructors here at \\nMyYogaTeacher\\n.\n\\n6 Easy Yoga Poses for Endometriosis\\nIf you’re experiencing the painful symptoms of endometriosis, try the gentle poses below for some relief.\\n1.Child’s Pose\\n\\nStart on your hands and knees and then lower yourself down so that your backside is resting on your heels, and your big toes are touching each other. Move your hands forward, palms down, so that your forehead is resting on the floor. Allow your spine to lengthen and your neck muscles to fully relax. Breathe deeply and mindfully while staying in this pose for 5-6 minutes.\n\\n2. Cat-Cow Pose\\n\\nStart in a tabletop position with your hands and knees on the floor. Inhale and look up, lifting your chin and gently arching your spine. As you exhale, drop your chin and look down toward your naval as you curl your spine forward. Continue this movement 5-10 times.\\n\\n3. Fixed Angle Pose\\n\\nSit on your yoga mat with your knees bent and the soles of your feet pressed against each other. With your spine straight, press your hands behind you and gently open up your chest and tuck in your abdomen. Hold the pose for 1-2 minutes.\\n\\n4. Seated Forward Fold Pose\\n\\nSit in the center of your mat with your legs stretched out in front of you. Take a deep inhale and raise your arms directly over your head. As you exhale, slowly lean forward and place your head and chest on top of your legs, and grab your big toes with both of your hands. Tuck your chin and curl abdomen, relaxing your lower back as you sink into this pose. Hold for one minute.\\n\\n5. Supine Twist Pose\\n\\nLie on the floor with your knees bent and bring them to your chest. Slowly and mindfully drop your left side while extending your arms outward in a “t” shape. Hold this pose for about 30 seconds while breathing mindfully. Bring your knees back to your chest, and then repeat on your right side.\\n\\n6. Legs Up The Wall Pose\\n\\nPlace a folded blanket parallel against a wall. Sit sideways in the middle of the blanket, and turn yourself toward the wall, lifting your legs up and propping them against the wall. Lay back comfortably, rest your head and neck on the floor, and fully straighten your legs. Spread your arms out to your sides with your palms facing up. Allow your chest, abdomen, and pelvis to completely relax. Breathe evenly and mindfully while holding this pose for 5-8 minutes.\\n\\nPranayama for Endometriosis\\nYogic breath work can help ease feelings of stress and anxiety, while giving you tools with which to manage pain. Try these breathing exercises to encourage a sense of calm and relaxation.\\n1.Nadi Sodhana or “Alternate Nostril Breathing”\\nExhale completely, and then place your right index finger onto your right nostril, and breathe deeply in through the left. Alternate and place your thumb over your left nostril, and exhale through your right. Continue alternating, repeating at least 10 times.\\n\\n2. Ujjayi or Ocean’s Breath\\nStart by breathing in through your mouth. As you exhale, pull in your chin in toward your body and so that your throat is partly constricted. Then, breathe in and out through your nose, making a slight sound that is similar to the ocean.\\n"},"category":["yoga_poses"]},{"id":"clg0fojrzxeqr0biq6yvfzdjk","slug":"yoga-for-acid-reflux","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"Yoga and Digestion: 8 Poses to Help Ease Acid Reflux Symptoms","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"Yoga helps alleviate symptoms of acid reflux and prevent onset by reducing stress and anxiety, activating your digestive system, and improving your posture.","readTime":null,"excerpt":"Learn the best poses for reducing acid reflux.\n","tags":[],"createdAt":"2023-04-03T06:11:42.97583+00:00","coverUrl":"ckauzlgegiwd249grkhg.jpg","content":{"text":"If you experience acid reflux on a regular basis, then you’re already familiar with how it typically unfolds. It often starts with a burning sensation in your chest and the repeated urge to burp and let go of accumulated gas. There are lots of reasons why acid reflux occurs, including a number of lifestyle factors like poor diet and emotional stress. Thankfully, yoga can help manage symptoms and reduce episodes if they are stress-related. \\n\\nHow Yoga Helps with Acid Reflux\\nOne of the ways that yoga helps reduce acid reflux is by reducing stress and anxiety. These are the common culprits for acid reflux, because they cause your body to engage in a cascade of fight/flight/freeze responses that includes increased production of stomach acid. By reducing your stress and anxiety, you can help your body avoid switching on that fight/flight/freeze response.\\nAnother way that yoga can reduce acid reflux is through improving your posture and alignment. Poor posture can contribute to chronic acid reflux by placing too much pressure on your stomach and esophagus. Yoga postures that correct your alignment — like Downward Facing Dog and Standing Forward Fold — help relieve this pressure and prevent the onset of acid reflux. It’s important to note that in order to truly improve your posture, you need to practice these poses regularly and for the long term – over time they can help reduce your risk of developing acid reflux in the first place.\\nYoga can also help regulate your digestive system, which is another factor that contributes to acidity. When food gets stuck in your digestive tract, it can cause gas and bloating, slowing your entire digestive system down, which eventually manifests in your stomach with an acidic reaction. By stimulating your digestive system, you can help your body move and process food smoothly through your digestive tract without gas, bloating, or acidity.\\nOne of the most important ways yoga can help prevent acid reflux is by strengthening your diaphragm, which is the muscle that prevents acid from moving up into your esophagus. When the diaphragm is weak or tense, it can actually allow acid reflux to rise up from your stomach and push its way into your esophagus, which is what causes that uncomfortable burning sensation in your chest. Yoga postures that promote diaphragmatic breathing, such as Seated Forward Fold and Corpse pose can help strengthen this muscle and prevent acid reflux.\n\\n\\n8 Effective Yoga Poses for Acid Reflux\\nIn order to get the most benefit from practicing yoga for acid reflux, it’s recommended that you develop a regular routine that involves performing yoga at least 3-4 times per week for 6-9 months. This isn’t a quick fix, but with a long term commitment you can reduce the onset of acid reflux and improve your overall quality of life.\\nThe poses below are basic, primary yoga poses you can practice in your very own home. If you’re unsure how to practice the postures, or you’d like some professional guidance, try working with one of our certified yoga instructors at \\nMyYogaTeacher\\n.\\n1.Mountain Pose\\n\\nStart by standing at the top of your mat with your feet hip distance apart. Balance your weight evenly on both feet. Keep your arms relaxed at your sides, with your spine straight and your chest lifted. Your gaze should be focused straight ahead of you while you breathe easily and gently. Hold the pose for 1-2 minutes.\n\\n2. Standing Forward Fold\\n\\nStand at the front of your mat, feet hip distance apart. Exhale and bend forward from the waist, with your knees slightly bent and touching your hands to the floor in front of your feet. Inhale and exhale, allowing your torso to extend without rounding your back. Lengthen and soften your neck, and let the muscles of your thighs and lower back open and release any built-up tension. Hold the pose for 1-2 minutes.\\n\\n3. Downward Facing Dog Pose\\n\\nWith your hands and knees on the floor, push your hips upward until you are balancing on your hands and feet, and your body resembles an inverted “v” shape. Reach your heels toward the floor, stretching your hamstrings and activating your thighs. Keep your head between your arms, lengthening your side-body as you stretch. Stay here for several breaths.\\n\\n4. Seated Spinal Twist Pose\\n\\nSitting with your knees bent and your feet tucked in next to your left butt cheek, inhale with your spine straight, lifting your chest. As you exhale, rotate your torso to your right. Position your right hand on the floor just slightly behind you, and rest your left hand on your right knee. On your next breath, rotate a little more as you exhale, turning your head to look over your right shoulder. Hold this pose for 20 to 30 seconds, then repeat on the other side.\\n\\n5. Cat-Cow Pose\\n\\nStart with your hands and knees on the floor. Inhale and look up, lifting your chin and gently arching your back. As you exhale, drop your chin and look down toward your naval as you curl your spine forward. Continue this movement 5-10 times.\\n\\n6. Child’s pose Pose\\n\\nStart on your hands and knees and then lower yourself down so that your backside is resting on your heels, and your big toes are touching each other. Move your hands forward, palms down, so that your forehead is resting on the floor. Allow your spine to lengthen and your neck muscles to fully relax. Breathe deeply and mindfully while staying in this pose for 5-6 minutes.\n\\n7. Seated Forward Fold Pose\\n\\nStart by sitting on your yoga mat with your legs stretched out in front of you. Come onto your sit bones and inhale with a straight spine. Raise your arms over your head and as you exhale, begin to bend forward by hinging at your waist. Slowly lower your torso toward the tops of your legs, allowing your spine to curve forward as you reach your legs. Hold this pose for 30-60 seconds.\\n\\n8. Corpse Pose\\n\\nSit on your yoga mat and lower your body to the floor, relaxing your legs and letting your arms rest on the floor at your sides, palms up. Keep your eyes closed and focus on your breathing. Relax the muscles in your face and neck, and visualize every part of your body letting go of all tension. Hold this pose for 5-7 minutes."},"category":["yoga_poses"]}],"randomPosts":[{"id":"clfi5maddjflg0bkbot5q89bb","slug":"yoga-for-women's-health-event-march-23","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"Celebrating Women: Yoga for Women’s Health","createdAt":"2023-03-21T11:10:10.172786+00:00","coverUrl":"vlezqpj75vmjs0jt9j5o.png","content":{"text":"Don’t miss our free Yoga for Women’s Health Event March 28-30!\\n\\nThis month is all about celebrating women and promoting women’s health! The Yoga for Women’s Health Event is designed for women of all ages to be able to participate. Discover all the ways you can use yoga to enhance and protect your physical, mental and emotional health!\\nDid you know that 8 out of 10 women feel like their doctors, at some point, have ignored them or been dismissive of their health concerns? And over 50% of women in America struggle with some form of mental health issue. Yoga, meditation, and a yogic lifestyle are all ways to significantly improve your health as a woman. \\nAt MyYogaTeacher, expert instructors with higher education in many different fields are available to walk with you on your health journey and help you advocate for your health in ways you may not have otherwise!\\nThis special event\\n focuses on…you guessed it, women!\\nWalk away from these amazing classes feeling energized and empowered and more prepared to take control of your mental, emotional, and physical health!\\n\n\\nHow to join the International Women’s Day Event:\\n\\nMembers\\nJust click the links below to one or all of the classes you’d like to attend and register as you would any other group class! Simple as that.\\n\\nNon-Members\\n\\nClick this link to sign up for your free two week trial\\n to get access to this incredible event! No credit card required.\\n\\nAre you a nonmember who signed up for a trial in the past but it’s lapsed?\\nIf you’re not a member but signed up for a free-trial in the past, and it has expired, just reach out to \\ncare@myyogateacher.com\\n to let us know!  We'll reset your trial and give you full access to the event.\\n\n\\nCheck out the educational, inspiring, and beautiful event classes and expert yoga instructors making this event happen!\\n(Click the class links to register for any or all of these amazing sessions!)\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nMantra Chanting with Niyata \\n\\nTuesday, March 28 at 6:30 am PST/ 9:30 am EST\\n\nReady to feel calmer, more focused, and more relaxed? Enter a meditative state where you will connect with yourself and nature in this class focused on mantra chanting! This singing form of meditation will have you feeling more alive, present, and less stressed. \\n\\n\\nYoga for Menopausal Women with Gomati\\n\\nWednesday, March 29 at 6:30 pm PST/ 9:30 pm EST\\n\nAre you struggling with perimenopause or menopause symptoms? Hot flashes, hormone imbalances, mood swings, loss of strength and flexibility, and more? Join us in a yoga class designed just for you and walk away feeling better about your mental, physical, and emotional health during this stage of life!\\n\n\\nNritya and Yoga with Umesh\\n\\nThursday, March 30 at 5:00 pm PST/ 8:00 pm EST\\n\\nNritya means “pure dance” and is graceful movement of the body to express emotion! This class combines yoga and Nritya to help you balance your physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing. You’ll walk away feeling refreshed and energized!\\nCMaking your health and wellness a priority is something you’ll never regret! Yoga is such an easy and convenient way to honor your physical, mental, and emotional needs and live in alignment with your values and purpose! Which brings harmony to your inner and outer world.\\nAnd don’t forget to check out other yoga classes MyYogaTeacher offers as a part of your membership or free trial! Or reach out to the yoga instructors below offering 1-on-1 sessions to address specific issues!\\n\\n\\n\\nAnnelise Piers\\n\\n\\nShika Sood \\n\\n\\nSwati Dalvi\\n\\n\\nAbhishek Bodhi\\n\\n\\nPreeti Goswami\\n\\n\\nRohan Shroff\\n\\n\n\\nAnd remember: If you’re a nonmember who’s two-week free trial has ended, reach out to \\ncare@myyogateacher.com\\n to have your trial reset so you can easily sign up for these awesome classes!\\n\n\\nWelcome to MyYogaTeacher’s International Women’s Day Event!\\nSee you soon!\\n"}},{"id":"cl4gxopn3hs4z0ck3ie9pn663","slug":"myyogateacher-reviews","author":{"name":"Jitendra","teacherMytSlug":null,"pictureUrl":"jitendra1.png"},"title":"MyYogaTeacher Reviews! What People Are Saying About The Online Yoga Platform","createdAt":"2022-06-16T11:23:34.459237+00:00","coverUrl":"isq4hw4ivknbxwkgziz0.jpg","content":{"text":"MyYogaTeacher now has over \\n105,400 \\nstudents and a 4.9 star rating with 73,653 reviews!\\n\\nApple App Store Reviews: 4.9 out of 5 star rating - 1,010 reviews\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nGoogle Play Store Reviews: 4.7 out of 5 star rating - 596 reviews\\n\\n\\n\\n100+ Expert Indian Yoga Teachers – 40+ Daily Classes (Live & Interactive) – Affordable 1-on-1 Sessions – All Online, All Free to Try!\\n\\n[CTA-DEFAULT]\\n⁠MyYogaTeacher made its debut in September of 2019, and ever since then, the team has strived to provide not only high quality yoga instruction, but more importantly, a phenomenal yoga community experience!\\nWith over 100 expert yoga teachers from India, over 40 different types of group yoga classes, and the opportunity for affordable, 1-on-1 superb yoga instruction, the MyYogaTeacher community continues to grow, grow, grow!\\nWe are humbled by our community growth, and excited for the future!\\n\\n\\nNot familiar with MyYogaTeacher yet?\\nThe experienced, expert yoga teachers at MyYogaTeacher all teach from the roots of yoga and tradition. And they are not just invested in your yoga journey. They’re invested in \\nyou\\n. Your health, life, goals, successes and failures.\\nWe walk alongside our students, helping them in more than just their yoga practice. Because humans were built for connection. They were not built to do this life (or yoga) on their own.\n⁠\n⁠If you haven’t experienced virtual private yoga classes yet, MyYogaTeacher makes 1:1 classes affordable and accessible! PLUS, with your membership, you get:\\nRadiance! More energy, peace of mind, and better health & fitness\\n42+ daily group yoga classes, 100% live!\\nDiscounted yoga workshops, all live and interactive!\\nMaking new like-minded friends from around the world\\n\\nGrab your 2-week free trial and check out your membership options here!\\n\\nMyYogaTeacher was co-founded by Jitendra Gupta. His mission is to give people all over the world access to top-notch yoga instruction because he knows and understands how it can positively impact your physical and mental health. Jitendra wants to help empower you to take positive steps forward in your life, to heal from pain and illnesses. And he knows firsthand that yoga can do just that!\\nBut for Jitendra, it was never about getting MyYogaTeacher reviews. It’s about helping humans.\\nSo we’ve created an online yoga community that provides the highest quality, traditional, authentic yoga instruction via two-way live streaming. So you can practice yoga anywhere and everywhere you want, connect with your yoga instructors, get personalized feedback and corrections, make friends from all over the world, and grow in your yoga journey. And also grow as a human.\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nHow does MyYogaTeacher work?\\nWhen you sign up to be a MyYogaTeacher member, you’ll have the opportunity to view all our group classes (over 40 of them!), which you can filter by class, teacher, or type – like \\nVinyasa\\n, \\nPower Yoga\\n, \\nHatha\\n and more unique classes like ‘\\nChakra and Sound Healing\\n’, ‘\\nGentle Yoga\\n’, ‘\\nStretch and Breathe\\n’ and ‘\\nKriya, Pranayama, and Meditation’\\n. You’ll see all the different class times and you’ll be able to check out the teacher profile for each yoga class instructor.\\nOnce you sign up for a class day and time that fits your schedule, you’ll receive a confirmation in your email, which will have the Zoom link you’ll use to join the class! You’ll also get an email reminder for your class. Additionally, you always have the option to chat with your yoga teacher in the MyYogaTeacher \\napp\\n or on your desktop if you’re logged into the MyYogaTeacher platform\\nOnce your class begins, you can choose to have your camera on or off, as well as your microphone, and you may chat with your instructor via the chat function in Zoom. He or she will often have someone modeling the yoga poses correctly for your reference or will be doing it with you. \\nYou will also have the opportunity to tell your instructor about any medical concerns, illnesses, injuries, or prior injuries you may have, and ask for modifications for those concerns. \\nBenefits of yoga at home (or anywhere you have WiFi!)\\nHere at MyYogaTeacher, we understand that many people don’t feel comfortable participating in an in-person group yoga class. Or they just don’t have the time and energy to make travel to a gym or yoga studio. So they either don’t try or do yoga at all or they rely on pre-recorded yoga from random yoga instructors they found on the internet. \\nNeither of these are great options!\\nWhile yoga at home is very beneficial, it can be harmful without proper guidance from an experienced, expert instructor. However, with MyYogaTeacher the benefits of yoga at home (or anywhere you feel comfortable) abound! Benefits like…\\nPersonalized attention -\\n Each class is like having a yoga teacher in your home\\nIndividual corrections - \\nGiven with compassion, explanation, and encouragement\\nWearing what you want - \\nNo need to worry about being judged for your attire\\nNo more travel time - \\nSave money, time, and gas\\nUsing your own yoga equipment - \\nNo need to borrow a mat or blocks from the studio or gym that may have not been cleaned\\nPractice any time - \\nMyYogaTeacher offers live classes at many different times of day and night\\nMonthly workshops - \\nWe offer all kinds of workshops for you to explore and grow in your life journey\\nDoing yoga at home doesn’t have to mean you miss out on quality yoga instruction, connection with other yogis, or “in-person” attention from your yoga teacher! \\nOur private yoga instructors are all about giving yogis individualized attention, focused instruction, and modified poses that keep yogis coming back for more every week. MyYogaTeacher yoga teachers are highly experienced, expert yoga instructors who offer 1-on-1 yoga classes for people just like you!\\nWhen you sign up for a 1:1 membership with us you get:\\n102 expert\\n, highly qualified yoga instructors to choose from\\nThe ability to switch instructors\\n or take classes with only your faves\\nAccess to unlimited group classes\\n, taught \\nlive\\nPersonalized instruction\\n and work out, diet, and lifestyle plans\\nTo be a member of a HUGE community\\n of happy yogis from around the world\\nYoga teachers who become friends\\n, who truly care about you!\\nIf you haven’t checked us out already, \\ngrab two free 1:1 sessions with your 2-week free trial here\\n!\\nListen to what some of our amazing yoga students have to say about the benefits of doing yoga at home with MyYogaTeacher!\\n\\n"}},{"id":"ckfqyyhww01wi0126n9chm1xw","slug":"yoga-as-personal-therapy","author":{"name":"Shilpi","teacherMytSlug":"shilpi-1","pictureUrl":"shilpi4.jpg"},"title":"Yoga as Personal Therapy","createdAt":"2019-09-09T00:00:00+00:00","coverUrl":"shilpi4.jpg","content":{"text":"During an agitated and confused time in my life, I glimpsed in asana practice the possibility of refuge. As the practice became consistent over the years, that refuge has gone to open something deeper inside me. \\nYoga\\n became the therapy session I spent with myself, the mat became my world creating a space to reclaim the mind-body connection that the difficult phase of my life had severed.\\n\\nWith qualifications having nothing to do with yoga, a BE (Computer Engineering) and an MBA, I found the next natural transition to train to teach yoga. I completed my Yoga Alliance certified 200 Hr Teacher Training under the guidance of Regeesh and Mrinali at Aayana Yoga Academy, Bangalore. The seeds of this desire to share this practice have sprouted, taken root, and now gradually developing baby shoots in my teaching journey. I teach group, personal and corporate classes in Vinyasa, Hatha and \\nProp Yoga\\n. I also manage the operations of a yoga studio and this has given me the opportunity to interact and work with diverse teachers and learn from them, deal with myriad students and get a perspective from both the teacher and students end.\\n\\nShilpi\\n\\nI believe creativity is not about compartmentalising or remaining in a neatly labeled box. With interests in all things to do with art, craft, handmade, homemade, go-green, recycle-reuse-refuse, veganism, healthy eating, baking, minimalism, zero waste, animal compassion - the list goes on - I am one busy yogi, welcome to my chaos! Yoga remains my anchor to this essence, my steady ship amidst seas of change. I believe that yoga gives you the tools to make your own raft to navigate the stormy seas of life and once steady you can also board on others on your raft to take along the way.\\n\\nEven though the category reads ‘instructor’, I believe I will always be a student attending classes to fine tune my practice and find my teaching style true to the the saying 'you can't pour from an empty cup'. I am grateful to all my teachers - without them I wouldn't have been a student and to all my students - without them I wouldn't have been a teacher. I love the experience that comes with seeing people experience the goodness that yoga brings on the mat. Who needs yoga?  Honestly, we all do. If you can breathe, you can do yoga! Every last one of us can benefit from building strength, gaining flexibility, and finding a bit of calm in the day. So let’s make that happen…hop on to your mat!\n⁠\n⁠Check out our latest \\nMud therapy\\n workshop!\\n"}}],"relatedPosts":[{"id":"claqtt90v1oog0bimezcei2yq","slug":"yoga-with-your-partner","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"Practicing Yoga with your Partner : 14 Yoga Poses Practice To Deepen Your Connection","createdAt":"2022-11-21T13:31:03.531635+00:00","coverUrl":"arv0lxzhmqel1ad4vmxv.jpg","content":{"text":"Are you looking to deepen your connection with your partner? Feeling detached? Yoga is a great way to reconnect with yourself and your relationship. If you’ve never practiced yoga with your partner, there's no time like now to get started! And Myyogateacher is the perfect place! You can practice with your partner at home, in your safe and secure place. \\nBegin your journey with us today! \\n\\n\n\\nWhy Should Couples Practice Yoga Together?\\nAccording to a \\n2016 study\\n, a mindfulness practice with your partner can result in a higher quality relationship. Being present in the experience with your partner is key. Yoga can be your form of “couples therapy” and here's why! \\n1. Promotes Happiness\\nWe know your partner already gives you butterflies but on days you're feeling down, connecting together with your movement and breath can boost endorphins. \\n2. Improves your Communication\\nWhen you start to practice yoga together, you and your partner learn to take non-verbal cues as you move. This practice off the mat, will improve communication by learning to read each other's body language and facial expressions. \\n3. Improved Sex\\nYoga teaches us how to move with our partner's body and breath. This will enhance your sex life because our bodies will better understand how to respond to one another physically. \\n4. Reduces Stress, Anxiety and Anger\\nPracticing yoga or physical activities together can help us understand what upsets our partner which will make us more understanding of their triggers and emotional responses. It can also help us learn how to help our partner cope with stress through breathwork. \n⁠\\n\\nWhat are the Benefits of Couples Yoga?\\nWhen you start to practice yoga together with your partner, the effects are long lasting. Here are some of the benefits of joining bodies on the mat. \\nInitiates physical and emotional support. Yoga forces you and your partner to physically lean on one another for support. Like the grown up version of a “trust fall”. \\nCreates shared memories & experiences! There’s nothing more memorable than learning a new skill or trying something scary with the one you love. \\nStrength and stability. If you’re ready to take the plunge into building a practice together, you will emotionally grow together in stability and strength while also using your physical strength to hold each other up. How cosmic and beautiful!\\nAnd of course, MORE LOVE! What could be better than building a deeper connection with your partner? \n⁠\n\\nWhat is Tantric Yoga?\\nTantric yoga is designed to help you build and strengthen your relationship with your partner through connected bodies and energies. When most people hear “tantric” they assume it’s always about sex but the practice is about fostering the relationship between two partners. If you’d like to build a tantric practice into your partner yoga experience, you can end your session with a “Tantric yoga meditation.”\\nWant to give it a try? Here’s a set of beginner steps to start your tantric connection. \\nFocus on your breathing.\\nSlow down. Start to deepen your inhales and exhales together. \\nMake eye contact. Look into your partner's eyes and focus. \\nStart engaging your senses. (hear, feel, taste, smell, see) \\nSee where you end up! \n⁠\\n\\nHow does Yoga Together Promote Intimacy?\\nHave you ever told your partner you’re “not on the same page” as them? When you start doing yoga together, you’ll never say that again. When we practice yoga, we become present in our bodies. We connect our movement to our breath and no matter what’s going on around us, we can breathe and stay focused. When we do yoga with a partner, we fall into sync together. We become one. Your breath, movement and bodies will start to naturally fall into the same rhythm together. This rhythm will create a closeness that will promote more intimacy in everything you do with your partner. The “yoga” you do together off the mat will be more rewarding and fulfilling because you choose to connect with your practice. \n⁠\\n\\nReady to deepen your connection with Yoga? \\nYou can practice with us at \\nmyyogateacher\\n from the comfort of your own home. Try a two week free trial on us! Our classes are live with authentic, expert Indian yoga instructors to guide you through your practice. Looking for a more private experience? Try our 1-on-1 classes where the practice is built just for you and your partner! To start, build your practice at home with your partner using these beginner poses. \n⁠\\n\n\\n14 Yoga Poses to Try With Your Partner\\nThese yoga poses for 2 will help you move together while building intimacy, trust and security:\\n\\n1. Baddha Konasana (Bound Angle Pose)\\nDo this pose facing each other. Put your hands on your partner’s knees.\\n\\n2. Chair Pose (Utkatasana)\\nDo this pose back to back. Hold each other up as gravity pulls you down. \\n\\n3. Seated Forward Bend Pose (Paschimottanasana)\\nBring your feet to your partner’s and reach forward to join hands. Pull each other into the stretch. \\n\\n4. Revolved Chair Pose (Parivrtta Utkatasana)\\nHold opposite hands and twist the outside arm open. Switch sides. \\n\\n5. Down Dog Pose (Adho Mukha Svanasana) \\nEasy: Come to child's pose and have your partner put their hands on your lower back in downdog. \\nHarder: Bring your feet to your partner’s lower back and come up into an L shape. \\n\\n6. Child's Pose (Bālāsana)\\nStack your child’s pose over your partner’s. \\n\\n7. Tree Pose ( Vrikshasana)\\nStand side by side and join hands. Use your strength to hold each other up.\\n\\n8. Standing Forward Fold Pose ( Uttanasana)\\nHinge at the hips and reach for your partner's arms around both your legs or hold hands in your bend. \\n\\n9. Camel Pose (Ustrasana) \\nInstead of reaching back, let your heart open but hold your partner's outer arms. Let your hearts face each other. \\n\\n10. Boat Pose (Navasana)\\nFace one another and connect your feet with your knees bent. Lift your legs straight if you can. When you’re ready to balance, hold hands. \\n\\n11. Side Angle Bend Pose (Utthita Parsvakonasana) \\nStand in warrior two opposite your partner. With the arm that's down, grab hands. \\n\\n12. Warrior 3 Pose (Virabhadrasana)\\nWhen hinging at the hips, bring your hands to your partner’s shoulders and lift your back (opposite) leg. \\n\\n13. Bridge Pose (Setu Bandha Sarvangasana)\\nHave one partner stack their feet on the other’s thighs then lift up. You can keep your hands on the ground or hold hands together. \\n\\n14. Savasana Pose\\nCome together to finish your practice!\\nBring one hand to your heart, and one to join your partners. Breathe deeply together and relax.\\n\n\\nIf you’re feeling the love, keep the connection going by making your practice more consistent.  Now you have all the tools you need to build a stronger connection with your partner! Join us online and start your at home practice today! \\n"}},{"id":"clabcglv4n3fc0ais6yxjyhtq","slug":"yoga-before-and-after-workout","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"Yoga Before and After Workout: When is yoga best for you and your body?","createdAt":"2022-11-10T17:28:47.493944+00:00","coverUrl":"dirnebto7s5zxueovsfw.jpg","content":{"text":"Yoga has so many benefits for the body on its own. But if you’re trying to kick your routine into high gear, consider adding yoga onto your other workouts for an extra bang for your buck. If you’re new to yoga and wondering how adding it into your workout routine can benefit you, no worries! We’re here to help! We'll help you figure out where to schedule yoga into your routine.\\n\\nBenefits of Adding Yoga to your Workout:\\n\\n1. Flexibility\\nIf flexibility is one of your fitness goals, yoga is a great way to achieve more physical flexibility. It’s also great to take the place of your stretching routine pre or post workout. Yoga can increase range of motion and help in muscle recovery. \\n\\n2. Conditioning\\nLove HIIT? Yoga is a great way to step up your fitness intensity by helping you condition your body with more stamina and longer breathing patterns for increased cardio abilities. It’s also proven to increase coordination. \n\\n3. Strength\\nLove to go to the gym for cardio but hate to hit the weight rack? No worries, yoga can take the place of strength training by just using your body weight. Through repetition yoga builds muscle and endurance for strength. No weights required!\\n\\n4. Mental Clarity\\nFor most people, working out is a great way to increase endorphins and reduce stress. However, if your workout leaves you too tightly wound or doesn’t do the job of lifting your mental load, a slow flow can help bring you down and help you rebalance. \n⁠\n\\nWhy You Should do Yoga Before Workout? (Pre Workout) \\nIf you’re strength training, or going for an easy walk on your rest day, yoga is great for before your workout. Do you like to get up with the sun and start your day with a workout? Well, starting your day with yoga will bring you clarity and get your body ready to move. \\nMyYogaTeacher\\n is a great place to start your practice and your day. Even if it's gross outside you can still get your practice in. You can pull up our app on your phone or our website right on your computer for 24/7 access to live classes with expert Indian instructors.\\n\\nYou can also use yoga as your warm up! If you’re just waking up or it’s a cold weather season, yoga will help you keep your muscles strong and flexible. If you’re going to the gym for targeted strength training, it can help you focus on balance and alignment to keep your body in check through your workout. Yoga will help you stay balanced and avoid injury by increasing mobility in the body. And finally, Yoga puts your mental health in check. Adding in a moving meditation or some breath work before your workout will keep your body calm, help you align with your goals and avoid the flight or fight symptoms that can come on during an intense or tough workout. \n⁠\\n\\n5 Yoga Poses to Practice Before Your Workout:\n⁠\\n1. Child's Pose\\nThis pose will help you open your hips and reduce injury on core or leg days.\\n\\n\\n2. Cat Cow Pose\\nMoving through your spine slowly with these stretches will help increase mobility in the back. \\n\\n\\n3. Downward Dog Pose\\nPushing up into a downdog to start your day will stretch your entire lower body from your toes to your hips.\\n\\n\\n4. Forward Fold Pose\\nFolding forward increases the blood flow in the body and helps us maintain spine and core stability. \\n\\n\\n5. Mountain Pose\\nThis pose helps us to establish alignment and increase body awareness before a workout! \\n\\n\\n\\nYoga Classes to Try Before your Workout \\n\\nRise and shine 30 min flow\\n : Start your day with this quick flow. This class is meant to increase your physical fitness and help build your stamina so you can workout longer!\\n\\nHatha Vinyasa\\n : Gain mental clarity at the beginning of your workout with this traditional hatha flow. \\n\\nSlow Flow Vinyasa\\n : Start your day slow and steady for your mind and body. The slow pace of this class allows us to connect with our bodies and minds as we focus on our breath and alignment. This class helps to build strength, improve flexibility and stability. \n\\nWhy you should do yoga post workout ?\\nIf your workout is more high energy like kickboxing, zumba, cycling etc, yoga after may be best for bringing your body back to homeostasis. Yoga naturally brings down heart rate and reduces stress on the body and mind . You can use Yoga as a cool down or stretching portion of your workout to bring muscles into recovery while extending your burn a little longer. Are you a nighttime warrior? If you tend to work out at night, ending your routine with yoga will help you get a better night’s sleep. \\n\\n5 Yoga Poses to Practice After your Workout:\\n\\n1. Wide Leg Forward Fold Pose\\nWide leg forward fold releases our lower back. Reaching down towards the floor will give our calves a much needed stretch post workout!\\n\\n\\n2. Pigeon Pose\\nThis pose will help to open tight and tired hips and hamstrings. \\n\\n\\n3. Bound Angle Pose\\nThis hip opener stretches your adductors and quadriceps. Try this pose after a run or cardio workout. \\n\\n\\n4. Seated Forward Fold Pose\\nThis pose provides a full body stretch from your head to your heels! \\n\\n\\n5. Happy Baby Pose\\nThis pose helps to alleviate or avoid lower back pain post workout. It can also reduce any stress or anxiety caused by your workout. \\n\\n\\nYoga Classes to Try After your Workout\\n\\nBreath and Flow\\n : This full body flow will help stretch and rejuvenate your muscles as well as relax your mind with meditation and pranayama techniques. \\n\\nYoga Fusion for Joints\\n : This conditioning class combines light weights and foam roller stretches for an active recovery post workout. \\n\\nBreath and Meditation\\n : Join this class to slow down the body and refocus your breathing. Ideal for end of the day or transitions. \\n\\nNo matter what time of day you choose to workout, adding yoga 2 to 3 times a week will extend the life of your routine and help you maintain a positive outlook on your fitness goals. You can add yoga to your workout anytime with us here at \\nMyYogaTeacher\\n by creating an account, logging in and joining us for class! "}},{"id":"cl31z7b95pf2h0ck3sna7w2xg","slug":"yoga-for-women-over-50","author":{"name":"Vineeta","teacherMytSlug":null,"pictureUrl":null},"title":"5 Yoga Poses for Older Women: Yoga for Women Over 50","createdAt":"2022-05-11T19:29:46.900088+00:00","coverUrl":"shfqitaozmzufddc6ift.jpg","content":{"text":"Yoga is for every body. And that’s just one of the wonderful things about it! Another wonderful thing is there are\\n specific\\n yoga poses for women, men, children, disabled people, seniors. \\nA yoga practice can be tailored to meet the varying and specific individual needs of a person or of a collective group of people. Here, I’ll be addressing the physical, mental, and emotional needs of women over the age of 50 with yoga poses that are particularly beneficial to them.\\nHi! My name is Vaneeta! I teach a\\n Yoga for Women\\n group class at MyYogaTeacher. Women are the source of life and energy on the planet. And a woman advances through many phases of life from motherhood to \\nmenopause\\n. Women who are entering the stage of life that is after menopause have specific needs that can be addressed with yoga!\\nNot a MyYogaTeacher member? Whether you’re interested in teaching yoga, starting yoga, or growing in your yoga journey, MyYogaTeacher is a great place to do it!\\nWhen you sign up for a 1:1 membership with us you get:\n\\n102 expert\\n, highly qualified yoga instructors to choose from\\nThe ability to switch instructors\\n or take classes with only your faves\\nAccess to unlimited group classes\\n, taught \\nlive\\nPersonalized instruction\\n and work out, diet, and lifestyle plans\\nTo be a member of a HUGE community\\n of happy yogis from around the world\\nYoga teachers who become friends\\n, who truly care about you!\\nIf you haven’t checked us out already, \\ngrab two free 1:1 sessions with your 2-week free trial here\\n!\\nI hope you’ll try some of these yoga poses for women over 50 and then join my class on MyYogaTeacher for more!\\nOne key to doing yoga at an older age is using props that help you remain stable, safe, and aligned. I recommend using blocks and/or a chair along with your mat.\\n\\n\\n\\n1. Cat and Cow Pose\\nCat and Cow pose is great for anyone at any age, but it’s a great way for women to begin warming up their back and abdominal muscles in a way that is gradual and stable. Supporting your weight on all fours is also a great way to keep arm and chest muscles (that maybe don’t get used as much as we age) strong and conditioned. Women over 50 tend to start experiencing stiffness and reduced mobility in their backs, so cat and cow pose is perfect for helping with those issues as well!\\nAdditionally, because cat and cow pose is designed to sync with  your breath, it is a great way to cleanse emotionally. Since changes in your body can cause emotional distress, particularly in older women, this yoga pose helps women release those emotions before moving forward with more challenging poses.\\n\\n\\n\\n2. Downward Facing Dog\\nOtherwise known as “Down Dog,” this yoga pose is great for older women because it:\\nStretches out the calves, hamstrings, and back \\nBuilds strength in the arms and chest \\nIncreases flexibility in the shoulders\\nBoosts circulation of oxygen and nutrients to otherwise contracting muscles\\nShoulder joints tend to wear out as women age, which makes them susceptible to injuring their shoulders. Building strength in the arms and chest helps protect those increasingly fragile shoulder joints. \\nEmotionally, down dog instills a sense of empowerment and increases feelings of confidence and accomplishment, two things women over 50 tend to struggle with when they notice the changes in their bodies.\\nAdditionally, once a women passes through menopause, muscles tend to tighten and contract due to reduction in hormones and hormone production. Downward facing dog is a perfect yoga pose for women over 50 because it keeps their leg and back muscles lengthened and promotes good circulation!\\n\\n\n3. Modified Cobbler’s Pose\\nAs women age, it is common for them to encounter knee problems and knee pain, making some yoga poses difficult. However, many yoga poses that increase flexibility and circulation to the hip flexors and hip joints require bent knees. \\nPerforming cobbler’s pose on a block or bolster where your hips are higher than your knees helps decrease the pressure on your knees while still reaping the gentle benefits of hip stretching. You may also choose to put blocks underneath your knees or move your feet further away from your body so that the angle of bend in your knees isn’t as sharp.\\nEither way, this pose is proof that yoga for women over 50 is doable, even if you’re experiencing physical challenges and physiological changes.\\n\\n\n4. Modified Tree Pose\\nBalancing postures are a common theme in many forms of yoga. They help yogis learn how to focus better, increase concentration, and (importantly for older women) strengthen the tiny muscles in our feet and ankles.\\nOlder women may begin to experience balance issues as they age. This is common and normal!\\nThe more you work to strengthen the muscles in your feet and ankles, the less likely you will be to lose your balance! Additionally, yoga for women helps you navigate the mental changes you may experience by helping with memory, focus, and concentration.\\nUse a chair, wall, or other stable object if needed. You may also place your non-standing foot on your calf or even at your ankle until you are comfortable moving it further up.\\n\\n\\n5. Child’s Pose\\nEveryone loves child’s pose! It’s a great stretch for your back, arms, neck, and even hips and glutes. Older women may want to rest their forehead on a block and/or place a blanket underneath their hips to alleviate any discomfort.\\nTaking some much needed time in child’s pose allows women to reflect on how their body feels and release any negative thoughts about the changes that may be occurring in their body as they age.\\nI would love to have you join us in the Yoga for \\nSenior\\n class, where I not only teach a yoga class specifically catered to women’s needs but talk about common issues women face as they transition into and out of different phases of life! also Check out our latest \\nWellness\\n class for seniors!\\nMyYogaTeacher offers 1:1 classes with authentic yoga instructors from the birthplace of yoga, India! And if you haven’t experienced virtual private yoga classes yet, MyYogaTeacher makes 1:1 classes affordable and accessible! PLUS, with your membership, you get:\\nRadiance! More energy, peace of mind, and better health & fitness\\n42+ daily group yoga classes, 100% live!\\nDiscounted yoga workshops, all live and interactive!\\nMaking new like-minded friends from around the world\\n\\nGrab your 2-week free trial and check out your membership options here!\\n\\nNamaste!"}}],"blogContent":{"id":"cl48g8ef9083o0ck0tphsfrs3","slug":"yoga-for-core-strength","author":{"name":"Anuj","teacherMytSlug":"","pictureUrl":null},"title":"Yoga for Your Core and Why a Strong Core is So Important","createdAt":"2022-06-10T12:52:50.55803+00:00","updatedAt":"2022-06-14T12:42:50.368813+00:00","coverUrl":"gquggawfs651sixtg92d.jpg","seoDescription":"Do you think your core is just your abdominal muscles? Why is your core SO important anyway? Check out here!","content":{"text":"Most of the time, when we hear the word “core,” we think of our abdominal muscles. And those muscles certainly are a part of your core.\\nIn yoga, when we talk about our core, it is similar to talking about the core of an apple or the inside of a tree trunk. The flesh of the apple or the bark of the tree need to be strong, yes. But it is not those that will hold the apple or the tree together.\\nYour core is the abdominal muscles, and all the muscles closest to your organs that hold your torso (and body) upright and keep you stable, strong, and aligned.\\nThis is why most of our teachers here at \\nMyYogaTeacher\\n will incorporate poses into each class that are designed to strengthen your core. I am a firm believer in the power of your core to improve posture, breathing, spine health, and even confidence! That’s why I started the \\nYoga for Core and Muscle Strengthening class on MyYogaTeacher\\n.\\nNot a MyYogaTeacher member? Whether you’re interested in teaching yoga, starting yoga, or growing in your yoga journey, MyYogaTeacher is a great place to do it!\\nWhen you sign up for a 1:1 membership with us you get:\\n102 expert\\n, highly qualified yoga instructors to choose from\\nThe ability to switch instructors\\n or take classes with only your faves\\nAccess to unlimited group classes\\n, taught \\nlive\\nPersonalized instruction\\n and work out, diet, and lifestyle plans\\nTo be a member of a HUGE community\\n of happy yogis from around the world\\nYoga teachers who become friends\\n, who truly care about you!\\nIf you haven’t checked us out already, \\ngrab two free 1:1 sessions with your 2-week free trial here\\n!\\nLet’s look at some common yoga poses for your core that you’ll encounter in my class and many other types of yoga class!\\n\\n\\n\\n1. Boat pose\\nAs you can see in the picture, boat pose works upper, lower, and oblique abdominal muscles! It’s a toughie but has lots of modifications for those who aren’t ready for full fledged boat pose. What you \\ndon’t\\n see is that boat pose also strengthens your upper and lower back, your inner thighs, and your arms!\\n\\n\n2. Plank pose\\nMany of you will be familiar with plank pose from yoga and/or other forms of exercise! Plank pose is practiced \\na lot\\n in \\nyoga\\n, particularly in the Sun Salutation series. But it’s also used as a transitional move when going from standing poses to floor poses. \\nI don’t know if there’s a part of your body that plank \\ndoesn’t\\n strengthen! Clearly, your abdominal muscles will be engaged, but you’ll be squeezing almost every other muscle as well: glutes, thighs, back, and obviously your arms will be supporting a lot of your weight.\\n\n\\n\\n\\n3. Side plank pose\\nSide plank is not one you’ll encounter in every yoga session. It will be one you practice when you’re focusing on balance postures or in core yoga sessions – and maybe one you experience in a deliberately challenging yoga class.\\nStill. Visually, you know that plank pose works your obliques (yes, those love handles many complain about!). Internally, you’re also strengthening your arms, shoulders, inner thighs, upper and lower abdominal muscles, and your back. \\nDo you see the theme here? Your core comprises a lot of different muscles that support your body! Of note, you also have internal \\nand\\n \\nexternal\\n abdominal muscles. You even have transverse abdominal muscles. \\nAll of these types of ab muscles work together to support your skeletal system, organs, and weight.\\n\\nNow…moving on!\\n\n\\n\\n\\n4. High lunge\\nDon’t discount this pose as one just for your legs! Because your back foot is not planted on the ground, there is a lot of balance required for this posture. Any time we have a yoga poses that requires balance, we almost automatically engage our core. Why?\\nYour body knows what it needs to remain stable and upright! You just may not always be aware of it. In high lunge, you’ll want to focus on engaging your core even though your body will do a lot of that for you automatically. You can consciously engage even more to stabilize you in this posture.\\nOnce again, you’ll be working internal and external abdominal muscles along with many other muscles!\\n\n\\n\\n\\n5. Down dog splits\\nThink this pose is mostly focused on your arms and glutes? Think again!\\nIf you don’t have semi-strong abdominal muscles, this pose will be particularly challenging for you. In a good way!\\nWhether your core is strong or not, though, this yoga pose works your core in ways other poses might not. Down dog splits work the deepest of your abdominal muscles almost exclusively, the transverse abdominis. \\n\nIf you are familiar with any or all of these poses, I invite you to practice them regularly to develop or maintain a really strong core! If you need \\nmore core\\n (ha ha get it?), or you’re unfamiliar with these core yoga exercises, I’d love to have you join me in the \\nYoga for Core and Muscle Strengthening class at MyYogaTeacher!\\n\\nWe offer 1:1 classes with authentic yoga instructors from the birthplace of yoga, India! And if you haven’t experienced virtual private yoga classes yet, MyYogaTeacher makes 1:1 classes affordable and accessible! PLUS, with your membership, you get:\\nRadiance! More energy, peace of mind, and better health & fitness\\n42+ daily group yoga classes, 100% live!\\nDiscounted yoga workshops, all live and interactive!\\nMaking new like-minded friends from around the world\\n\\nGrab your 2-week free trial and check out your membership options here!\\n\\n","html":"<p>Most of the time, when we hear the word “core,” we think of our abdominal muscles. And those muscles certainly are a part of your core.</p><p>In yoga, when we talk about our core, it is similar to talking about the core of an apple or the inside of a tree trunk. The flesh of the apple or the bark of the tree need to be strong, yes. But it is not those that will hold the apple or the tree together.</p><p>Your core is the abdominal muscles, and all the muscles closest to your organs that hold your torso (and body) upright and keep you stable, strong, and aligned.</p><p>This is why most of our teachers here at <a target='_blank' title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\">MyYogaTeacher</a> will incorporate poses into each class that are designed to strengthen your core. I am a firm believer in the power of your core to improve posture, breathing, spine health, and even confidence! That’s why I started the <a target='_blank' title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/yoga-for-core-and-muscle-strengthening-by-namrata\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/yoga-for-core-and-muscle-strengthening-by-namrata\">Yoga for Core and Muscle Strengthening class on MyYogaTeacher</a>.</p><p>Not a MyYogaTeacher member? Whether you’re interested in teaching yoga, starting yoga, or growing in your yoga journey, MyYogaTeacher is a great place to do it!</p><p>When you sign up for a 1:1 membership with us you get:</p><ul><li><div><p><strong>102 expert</strong>, highly qualified yoga instructors to choose from</p></div></li><li><div><p><strong>The ability to switch instructors</strong> or take classes with only your faves</p></div></li><li><div><p><strong>Access to unlimited group classes</strong>, taught <em><strong>live</strong></em></p></div></li><li><div><p><strong>Personalized instruction</strong> and work out, diet, and lifestyle plans</p></div></li><li><div><p><strong>To be a member of a HUGE community</strong> of happy yogis from around the world</p></div></li><li><div><p><strong>Yoga teachers who become friends</strong>, who truly care about you!</p></div></li></ul><p>If you haven’t checked us out already, <a target='_blank' title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup\"><u>grab two free 1:1 sessions with your 2-week free trial here</u></a>!</p><p>Let’s look at some common yoga poses for your core that you’ll encounter in my class and many other types of yoga class!</p><p></p><img src=\"https://media.graphassets.com/resize=width:600,height:400/vWCN8QpoTTmDYOIsQ5RU\" alt=\"Boat Pose\" title=\"_DSC7721.JPG\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" /><p></p><h2>1. Boat pose</h2><p>As you can see in the picture, boat pose works upper, lower, and oblique abdominal muscles! It’s a toughie but has lots of modifications for those who aren’t ready for full fledged boat pose. What you <em>don’t</em> see is that boat pose also strengthens your upper and lower back, your inner thighs, and your arms!</p><img src=\"https://media.graphassets.com/resize=width:600,height:400/6MnWOeVSQw6NMyVVSud6\" alt=\"Plank Pose\" title=\"olivia-bauso-hWgsxV_VQW0-unsplash.jpg\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" /><h2><br>2. Plank pose</h2><p>Many of you will be familiar with plank pose from yoga and/or other forms of exercise! Plank pose is practiced <em>a lot</em> in <a target='_blank' title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/yoga-online-classes\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/yoga-online-classes\">yoga</a>, particularly in the Sun Salutation series. But it’s also used as a transitional move when going from standing poses to floor poses. </p><p>I don’t know if there’s a part of your body that plank <em>doesn’t</em> strengthen! Clearly, your abdominal muscles will be engaged, but you’ll be squeezing almost every other muscle as well: glutes, thighs, back, and obviously your arms will be supporting a lot of your weight.</p><p><br></p><img src=\"https://media.graphassets.com/resize=width:600,height:400/6SaCXffaSIWEvQcS79WT\" alt=\"Side Plank Pose\" title=\"Side-Planks-600x400.jpg\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" /><p></p><h2>3. Side plank pose</h2><p>Side plank is not one you’ll encounter in every yoga session. It will be one you practice when you’re focusing on balance postures or in core yoga sessions – and maybe one you experience in a deliberately challenging yoga class.</p><p>Still. Visually, you know that plank pose works your obliques (yes, those love handles many complain about!). Internally, you’re also strengthening your arms, shoulders, inner thighs, upper and lower abdominal muscles, and your back. </p><p>Do you see the theme here? Your core comprises a lot of different muscles that support your body! Of note, you also have internal <em>and</em> <em>external</em> abdominal muscles. You even have transverse abdominal muscles. </p><p>All of these types of ab muscles work together to support your skeletal system, organs, and weight.</p><p></p><p>Now…moving on!</p><p><br></p><img src=\"https://media.graphassets.com/resize=width:600,height:400/Ld8zfDxSY6hpFkWww79L\" alt=\"High Lunge\" title=\"1High-Lunge.jpg\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" /><p></p><h2>4. High lunge</h2><p>Don’t discount this pose as one just for your legs! Because your back foot is not planted on the ground, there is a lot of balance required for this posture. Any time we have a yoga poses that requires balance, we almost automatically engage our core. Why?</p><p>Your body knows what it needs to remain stable and upright! You just may not always be aware of it. In high lunge, you’ll want to focus on engaging your core even though your body will do a lot of that for you automatically. You can consciously engage even more to stabilize you in this posture.</p><p>Once again, you’ll be working internal and external abdominal muscles along with many other muscles!</p><p><br></p><img src=\"https://media.graphassets.com/resize=width:600,height:400/CGzIxjyoSOS9ub8b60LJ\" alt=\"Down Dog Splits\" title=\"three-legged-dog-header-1024x512.jpg\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" /><p></p><h2>5. Down dog splits</h2><p>Think this pose is mostly focused on your arms and glutes? Think again!</p><p>If you don’t have semi-strong abdominal muscles, this pose will be particularly challenging for you. In a good way!</p><p>Whether your core is strong or not, though, this yoga pose works your core in ways other poses might not. Down dog splits work the deepest of your abdominal muscles almost exclusively, the transverse abdominis. </p><p><br>If you are familiar with any or all of these poses, I invite you to practice them regularly to develop or maintain a really strong core! If you need <em>more core</em> (ha ha get it?), or you’re unfamiliar with these core yoga exercises, I’d love to have you join me in the <a target='_blank' title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/yoga-for-core-and-muscle-strengthening-by-namrata\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/yoga-for-core-and-muscle-strengthening-by-namrata\">Yoga for Core and Muscle Strengthening class at MyYogaTeacher!</a></p><p>We offer 1:1 classes with authentic yoga instructors from the birthplace of yoga, India! And if you haven’t experienced virtual private yoga classes yet, MyYogaTeacher makes 1:1 classes affordable and accessible! PLUS, with your membership, you get:</p><ul><li><div><p><strong>Radiance! More energy, peace of mind, and better health &amp; fitness</strong></p></div></li><li><div><p><strong>42+ daily group yoga classes, 100% live!</strong></p></div></li><li><div><p><strong>Discounted yoga workshops, all live and interactive!</strong></p></div></li><li><div><p><strong>Making new like-minded friends from around the world</strong></p></div></li></ul><p><a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/pricing\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/pricing\"><u>Grab your 2-week free trial and check out your membership options here!</u></a></p><p></p>"},"category":["fitness"],"utmCampaign":null,"utmMedium":null,"utmContent":null,"utmSource":null,"utmTerm":null,"utmSearchString":null,"imageHyperlink":[]},"loading":false,"blog_content":[{"type":"HTML","value":"<p>Most of the time, when we hear the word “core,” we think of our abdominal muscles. And those muscles certainly are a part of your core.</p><p>In yoga, when we talk about our core, it is similar to talking about the core of an apple or the inside of a tree trunk. The flesh of the apple or the bark of the tree need to be strong, yes. But it is not those that will hold the apple or the tree together.</p><p>Your core is the abdominal muscles, and all the muscles closest to your organs that hold your torso (and body) upright and keep you stable, strong, and aligned.</p><p>This is why most of our teachers here at <a\n            class=\"inline-cta\"\n            id=88173044-d887-4a40-8e10-ce0c27b2efe8\n            href=\"/free-trial-o?utm_source=MYT__article&utm_medium=cl48g8ef9083o0ck0tphsfrs3&utm_campaign=inline_cta&utm_content=CTA-INLINE&entity_name=Yoga for Your Core and Why a Strong Core is So Important&entity_slug=yoga-for-core-strength&page_or_popup=/articles/yoga-for-core-strength&entity_location=hyperlink_midst_of_article&article_cta=CTA-INLINE&from_article_page=true\"\n            onclick=trigger_mixpanel_sign_up_cta(\"88173044-d887-4a40-8e10-ce0c27b2efe8\")\n            title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\" \n            data-title=\"Yoga for Your Core and Why a Strong Core is So Important\"\n            data-slug=\"yoga-for-core-strength\"\n            <u>MyYogaTeacher</a></u>        \n            </a> will incorporate poses into each class that are designed to strengthen your core. I am a firm believer in the power of your core to improve posture, breathing, spine health, and even confidence! That’s why I started the <a target='_blank' title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/yoga-for-core-and-muscle-strengthening-by-namrata\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/yoga-for-core-and-muscle-strengthening-by-namrata\">Yoga for Core and Muscle Strengthening class on MyYogaTeacher</a>.</p><p>Not a MyYogaTeacher member? Whether you’re interested in teaching yoga, starting yoga, or growing in your yoga journey, MyYogaTeacher is a great place to do it!</p><p>When you sign up for a 1:1 membership with us you get:</p><ul><li><div><p><strong>102 expert</strong>, highly qualified yoga instructors to choose from</p></div></li><li><div><p><strong>The ability to switch instructors</strong> or take classes with only your faves</p></div></li><li><div><p><strong>Access to unlimited group classes</strong>, taught <em><strong>live</strong></em></p></div></li><li><div><p><strong>Personalized instruction</strong> and work out, diet, and lifestyle plans</p></div></li><li><div><p><strong>To be a member of a HUGE community</strong> of happy yogis from around the world</p></div></li><li><div><p><strong>Yoga teachers who become friends</strong>, who truly care about you!</p></div></li></ul><p>If you haven’t checked us out already, <a target='_blank' title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup\"><u>grab two free 1:1 sessions with your 2-week free trial here</u></a>!</p><p>Let’s look at some common yoga poses for your core that you’ll encounter in my class and many other types of yoga class!</p><p></p>\n            <picture>\n              <source \n                type=\"image/webp\"\n                srcset=\"https://media.graphassets.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:webp/compress/resize=width:600,height:400/vWCN8QpoTTmDYOIsQ5RU\" \n                alt=\"Boat Pose\"\n                title=\"Boat Pose\"\n                \n                \n                class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n              />\n              <source \n                type=\"image/jpg\"\n                srcset=\"https://media.graphassets.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:jpg/resize=width:600,height:400/vWCN8QpoTTmDYOIsQ5RU\"\n                alt=\"Boat Pose\"\n                title=\"Boat Pose\"\n                \n                \n                class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n              />\n              <img \n                srcset=\"https://media.graphassets.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:jpg/resize=width:600,height:400/vWCN8QpoTTmDYOIsQ5RU\"\n                alt=\"Boat Pose\"\n                title=\"Boat Pose\"\n                \n                \n                class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n              />\n          </picture>\n        <p></p><h2>1. Boat pose</h2><p>As you can see in the picture, boat pose works upper, lower, and oblique abdominal muscles! It’s a toughie but has lots of modifications for those who aren’t ready for full fledged boat pose. What you <em>don’t</em> see is that boat pose also strengthens your upper and lower back, your inner thighs, and your arms!</p>\n            <picture>\n              <source \n                type=\"image/webp\"\n                srcset=\"https://media.graphassets.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:webp/compress/resize=width:600,height:400/6MnWOeVSQw6NMyVVSud6\" \n                alt=\"Plank Pose\"\n                title=\"Plank Pose\"\n                \n                \n                class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n              />\n              <source \n                type=\"image/jpg\"\n                srcset=\"https://media.graphassets.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:jpg/resize=width:600,height:400/6MnWOeVSQw6NMyVVSud6\"\n                alt=\"Plank Pose\"\n                title=\"Plank Pose\"\n                \n                \n                class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n              />\n              <img \n                srcset=\"https://media.graphassets.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:jpg/resize=width:600,height:400/6MnWOeVSQw6NMyVVSud6\"\n                alt=\"Plank Pose\"\n                title=\"Plank Pose\"\n                \n                \n                class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n              />\n          </picture>\n        <h2><br>2. Plank pose</h2><p>Many of you will be familiar with plank pose from yoga and/or other forms of exercise! Plank pose is practiced <em>a lot</em> in <a target='_blank' title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/yoga-online-classes\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/yoga-online-classes\">yoga</a>, particularly in the Sun Salutation series. But it’s also used as a transitional move when going from standing poses to floor poses. </p><p>I don’t know if there’s a part of your body that plank <em>doesn’t</em> strengthen! Clearly, your abdominal muscles will be engaged, but you’ll be squeezing almost every other muscle as well: glutes, thighs, back, and obviously your arms will be supporting a lot of your weight.</p><p><br></p>\n            <picture>\n              <source \n                type=\"image/webp\"\n                srcset=\"https://media.graphassets.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:webp/compress/resize=width:600,height:400/6SaCXffaSIWEvQcS79WT\" \n                alt=\"Side Plank Pose\"\n                title=\"Side Plank Pose\"\n                \n                \n                class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n              />\n              <source \n                type=\"image/jpg\"\n                srcset=\"https://media.graphassets.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:jpg/resize=width:600,height:400/6SaCXffaSIWEvQcS79WT\"\n                alt=\"Side Plank Pose\"\n                title=\"Side Plank Pose\"\n                \n                \n                class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n              />\n              <img \n                srcset=\"https://media.graphassets.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:jpg/resize=width:600,height:400/6SaCXffaSIWEvQcS79WT\"\n                alt=\"Side Plank Pose\"\n                title=\"Side Plank Pose\"\n                \n                \n                class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n              />\n          </picture>\n        <p></p><h2>3. Side plank pose</h2><p>Side plank is not one you’ll encounter in every yoga session. It will be one you practice when you’re focusing on balance postures or in core yoga sessions – and maybe one you experience in a deliberately challenging yoga class.</p><p>Still. Visually, you know that plank pose works your obliques (yes, those love handles many complain about!). Internally, you’re also strengthening your arms, shoulders, inner thighs, upper and lower abdominal muscles, and your back. </p><p>Do you see the theme here? Your core comprises a lot of different muscles that support your body! Of note, you also have internal <em>and</em> <em>external</em> abdominal muscles. You even have transverse abdominal muscles. </p><p>All of these types of ab muscles work together to support your skeletal system, organs, and weight.</p><p></p><p>Now…moving on!</p><p><br></p>\n            <picture>\n              <source \n                type=\"image/webp\"\n                srcset=\"https://media.graphassets.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:webp/compress/resize=width:600,height:400/Ld8zfDxSY6hpFkWww79L\" \n                alt=\"High Lunge\"\n                title=\"High Lunge\"\n                \n                \n                class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n              />\n              <source \n                type=\"image/jpg\"\n                srcset=\"https://media.graphassets.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:jpg/resize=width:600,height:400/Ld8zfDxSY6hpFkWww79L\"\n                alt=\"High Lunge\"\n                title=\"High Lunge\"\n                \n                \n                class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n              />\n              <img \n                srcset=\"https://media.graphassets.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:jpg/resize=width:600,height:400/Ld8zfDxSY6hpFkWww79L\"\n                alt=\"High Lunge\"\n                title=\"High Lunge\"\n                \n                \n                class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n              />\n          </picture>\n        <p></p><h2>4. High lunge</h2><p>Don’t discount this pose as one just for your legs! Because your back foot is not planted on the ground, there is a lot of balance required for this posture. Any time we have a yoga poses that requires balance, we almost automatically engage our core. Why?</p><p>Your body knows what it needs to remain stable and upright! You just may not always be aware of it. In high lunge, you’ll want to focus on engaging your core even though your body will do a lot of that for you automatically. You can consciously engage even more to stabilize you in this posture.</p><p>Once again, you’ll be working internal and external abdominal muscles along with many other muscles!</p><p><br></p>\n            <picture>\n              <source \n                type=\"image/webp\"\n                srcset=\"https://media.graphassets.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:webp/compress/resize=width:600,height:400/CGzIxjyoSOS9ub8b60LJ\" \n                alt=\"Down Dog Splits\"\n                title=\"Down Dog Splits\"\n                \n                \n                class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n              />\n              <source \n                type=\"image/jpg\"\n                srcset=\"https://media.graphassets.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:jpg/resize=width:600,height:400/CGzIxjyoSOS9ub8b60LJ\"\n                alt=\"Down Dog Splits\"\n                title=\"Down Dog Splits\"\n                \n                \n                class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n              />\n              <img \n                srcset=\"https://media.graphassets.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:jpg/resize=width:600,height:400/CGzIxjyoSOS9ub8b60LJ\"\n                alt=\"Down Dog Splits\"\n                title=\"Down Dog Splits\"\n                \n                \n                class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n              />\n          </picture>\n        <p></p><h2>5. Down dog splits</h2><p>Think this pose is mostly focused on your arms and glutes? Think again!</p><p>If you don’t have semi-strong abdominal muscles, this pose will be particularly challenging for you. In a good way!</p><p>Whether your core is strong or not, though, this yoga pose works your core in ways other poses might not. Down dog splits work the deepest of your abdominal muscles almost exclusively, the transverse abdominis. </p><p><br>If you are familiar with any or all of these poses, I invite you to practice them regularly to develop or maintain a really strong core! If you need <em>more core</em> (ha ha get it?), or you’re unfamiliar with these core yoga exercises, I’d love to have you join me in the <a target='_blank' title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/yoga-for-core-and-muscle-strengthening-by-namrata\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/yoga-for-core-and-muscle-strengthening-by-namrata\">Yoga for Core and Muscle Strengthening class at MyYogaTeacher!</a></p><p>We offer 1:1 classes with authentic yoga instructors from the birthplace of yoga, India! And if you haven’t experienced virtual private yoga classes yet, MyYogaTeacher makes 1:1 classes affordable and accessible! PLUS, with your membership, you get:</p><ul><li><div><p><strong>Radiance! More energy, peace of mind, and better health &amp; fitness</strong></p></div></li><li><div><p><strong>42+ daily group yoga classes, 100% live!</strong></p></div></li><li><div><p><strong>Discounted yoga workshops, all live and interactive!</strong></p></div></li><li><div><p><strong>Making new like-minded friends from around the world</strong></p></div></li></ul><p><a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/pricing\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/pricing\"><u>Grab your 2-week free trial and check out your membership options here!</u></a></p><p></p>"},{"type":"CTA","value":"[CTA-DEFAULT]"}],"isSlugACategory":false,"searchCategory":"yoga-for-core-strength","showPopUp":false,"popUpType":null,"showedPopup":false,"windowWidth":null,"ctaPath":"free-trial-o","redirectURL":"#","current_url":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/yoga-for-core-strength","student_details":"","facebookUrl":"","twitterUrl":"","copyUrl":"","emailUrl":"","ctaContent":[{"id":"ckxrz2i14tov40c25g1dpicsg","name":"[CTA-DEFAULT]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private yoga sessions and 2 weeks of unlimited group classes</strong> with authentic yoga teachers. 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No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Hatha Yoga Sessions – </strong><u><strong>Live &amp; Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong>with Authentic Indian Teachers</strong></p><p></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"cky90p88g3zgc0d23yz6taont","name":"[CTA-NASAL]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private sessions </strong>to relieve post nasal drip and clear out your sinus. </p><p><strong>PLUS, 2 weeks of unlimited group classes </strong>with authentic Indian yoga teachers. 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No credit card required to sign up.</p><p></p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Sessions –  </strong><u><strong>Live &amp; Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong>for Lymphatic Drainage &amp; Boosting Your Immune System!</strong></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"cl2vqlpyfe3yh0biohgxyx2hg","name":"[CTA-LEAD]","description":{"html":"<p>Lead Form</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p>Lead Form</p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"cl4gnwnrlga640ck37gutx7sn","name":"[CTA-GC]","description":{"html":"<p>CTA-GC</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p>CTA-GC</p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"}],"post":{"id":"cl48g8ef9083o0ck0tphsfrs3","slug":"yoga-for-core-strength","author":{"name":"Anuj","teacherMytSlug":"","pictureUrl":null},"title":"Yoga for Your Core and Why a Strong Core is So Important","createdAt":"2022-06-10T12:52:50.55803+00:00","updatedAt":"2022-06-14T12:42:50.368813+00:00","coverUrl":"gquggawfs651sixtg92d.jpg","seoDescription":"Do you think your core is just your abdominal muscles? Why is your core SO important anyway? Check out here!","content":{"text":"Most of the time, when we hear the word “core,” we think of our abdominal muscles. And those muscles certainly are a part of your core.\\nIn yoga, when we talk about our core, it is similar to talking about the core of an apple or the inside of a tree trunk. The flesh of the apple or the bark of the tree need to be strong, yes. But it is not those that will hold the apple or the tree together.\\nYour core is the abdominal muscles, and all the muscles closest to your organs that hold your torso (and body) upright and keep you stable, strong, and aligned.\\nThis is why most of our teachers here at \\nMyYogaTeacher\\n will incorporate poses into each class that are designed to strengthen your core. I am a firm believer in the power of your core to improve posture, breathing, spine health, and even confidence! That’s why I started the \\nYoga for Core and Muscle Strengthening class on MyYogaTeacher\\n.\\nNot a MyYogaTeacher member? Whether you’re interested in teaching yoga, starting yoga, or growing in your yoga journey, MyYogaTeacher is a great place to do it!\\nWhen you sign up for a 1:1 membership with us you get:\\n102 expert\\n, highly qualified yoga instructors to choose from\\nThe ability to switch instructors\\n or take classes with only your faves\\nAccess to unlimited group classes\\n, taught \\nlive\\nPersonalized instruction\\n and work out, diet, and lifestyle plans\\nTo be a member of a HUGE community\\n of happy yogis from around the world\\nYoga teachers who become friends\\n, who truly care about you!\\nIf you haven’t checked us out already, \\ngrab two free 1:1 sessions with your 2-week free trial here\\n!\\nLet’s look at some common yoga poses for your core that you’ll encounter in my class and many other types of yoga class!\\n\\n\\n\\n1. Boat pose\\nAs you can see in the picture, boat pose works upper, lower, and oblique abdominal muscles! It’s a toughie but has lots of modifications for those who aren’t ready for full fledged boat pose. What you \\ndon’t\\n see is that boat pose also strengthens your upper and lower back, your inner thighs, and your arms!\\n\\n\n2. Plank pose\\nMany of you will be familiar with plank pose from yoga and/or other forms of exercise! Plank pose is practiced \\na lot\\n in \\nyoga\\n, particularly in the Sun Salutation series. But it’s also used as a transitional move when going from standing poses to floor poses. \\nI don’t know if there’s a part of your body that plank \\ndoesn’t\\n strengthen! Clearly, your abdominal muscles will be engaged, but you’ll be squeezing almost every other muscle as well: glutes, thighs, back, and obviously your arms will be supporting a lot of your weight.\\n\n\\n\\n\\n3. Side plank pose\\nSide plank is not one you’ll encounter in every yoga session. It will be one you practice when you’re focusing on balance postures or in core yoga sessions – and maybe one you experience in a deliberately challenging yoga class.\\nStill. Visually, you know that plank pose works your obliques (yes, those love handles many complain about!). Internally, you’re also strengthening your arms, shoulders, inner thighs, upper and lower abdominal muscles, and your back. \\nDo you see the theme here? Your core comprises a lot of different muscles that support your body! Of note, you also have internal \\nand\\n \\nexternal\\n abdominal muscles. You even have transverse abdominal muscles. \\nAll of these types of ab muscles work together to support your skeletal system, organs, and weight.\\n\\nNow…moving on!\\n\n\\n\\n\\n4. High lunge\\nDon’t discount this pose as one just for your legs! Because your back foot is not planted on the ground, there is a lot of balance required for this posture. Any time we have a yoga poses that requires balance, we almost automatically engage our core. Why?\\nYour body knows what it needs to remain stable and upright! You just may not always be aware of it. In high lunge, you’ll want to focus on engaging your core even though your body will do a lot of that for you automatically. You can consciously engage even more to stabilize you in this posture.\\nOnce again, you’ll be working internal and external abdominal muscles along with many other muscles!\\n\n\\n\\n\\n5. Down dog splits\\nThink this pose is mostly focused on your arms and glutes? Think again!\\nIf you don’t have semi-strong abdominal muscles, this pose will be particularly challenging for you. In a good way!\\nWhether your core is strong or not, though, this yoga pose works your core in ways other poses might not. Down dog splits work the deepest of your abdominal muscles almost exclusively, the transverse abdominis. \\n\nIf you are familiar with any or all of these poses, I invite you to practice them regularly to develop or maintain a really strong core! If you need \\nmore core\\n (ha ha get it?), or you’re unfamiliar with these core yoga exercises, I’d love to have you join me in the \\nYoga for Core and Muscle Strengthening class at MyYogaTeacher!\\n\\nWe offer 1:1 classes with authentic yoga instructors from the birthplace of yoga, India! And if you haven’t experienced virtual private yoga classes yet, MyYogaTeacher makes 1:1 classes affordable and accessible! PLUS, with your membership, you get:\\nRadiance! More energy, peace of mind, and better health & fitness\\n42+ daily group yoga classes, 100% live!\\nDiscounted yoga workshops, all live and interactive!\\nMaking new like-minded friends from around the world\\n\\nGrab your 2-week free trial and check out your membership options here!\\n\\n","html":"<p>Most of the time, when we hear the word “core,” we think of our abdominal muscles. And those muscles certainly are a part of your core.</p><p>In yoga, when we talk about our core, it is similar to talking about the core of an apple or the inside of a tree trunk. The flesh of the apple or the bark of the tree need to be strong, yes. But it is not those that will hold the apple or the tree together.</p><p>Your core is the abdominal muscles, and all the muscles closest to your organs that hold your torso (and body) upright and keep you stable, strong, and aligned.</p><p>This is why most of our teachers here at <a target='_blank' title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\">MyYogaTeacher</a> will incorporate poses into each class that are designed to strengthen your core. I am a firm believer in the power of your core to improve posture, breathing, spine health, and even confidence! That’s why I started the <a target='_blank' title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/yoga-for-core-and-muscle-strengthening-by-namrata\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/yoga-for-core-and-muscle-strengthening-by-namrata\">Yoga for Core and Muscle Strengthening class on MyYogaTeacher</a>.</p><p>Not a MyYogaTeacher member? Whether you’re interested in teaching yoga, starting yoga, or growing in your yoga journey, MyYogaTeacher is a great place to do it!</p><p>When you sign up for a 1:1 membership with us you get:</p><ul><li><div><p><strong>102 expert</strong>, highly qualified yoga instructors to choose from</p></div></li><li><div><p><strong>The ability to switch instructors</strong> or take classes with only your faves</p></div></li><li><div><p><strong>Access to unlimited group classes</strong>, taught <em><strong>live</strong></em></p></div></li><li><div><p><strong>Personalized instruction</strong> and work out, diet, and lifestyle plans</p></div></li><li><div><p><strong>To be a member of a HUGE community</strong> of happy yogis from around the world</p></div></li><li><div><p><strong>Yoga teachers who become friends</strong>, who truly care about you!</p></div></li></ul><p>If you haven’t checked us out already, <a target='_blank' title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup\"><u>grab two free 1:1 sessions with your 2-week free trial here</u></a>!</p><p>Let’s look at some common yoga poses for your core that you’ll encounter in my class and many other types of yoga class!</p><p></p><img src=\"https://media.graphassets.com/resize=width:600,height:400/vWCN8QpoTTmDYOIsQ5RU\" alt=\"Boat Pose\" title=\"_DSC7721.JPG\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" /><p></p><h2>1. Boat pose</h2><p>As you can see in the picture, boat pose works upper, lower, and oblique abdominal muscles! It’s a toughie but has lots of modifications for those who aren’t ready for full fledged boat pose. What you <em>don’t</em> see is that boat pose also strengthens your upper and lower back, your inner thighs, and your arms!</p><img src=\"https://media.graphassets.com/resize=width:600,height:400/6MnWOeVSQw6NMyVVSud6\" alt=\"Plank Pose\" title=\"olivia-bauso-hWgsxV_VQW0-unsplash.jpg\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" /><h2><br>2. Plank pose</h2><p>Many of you will be familiar with plank pose from yoga and/or other forms of exercise! Plank pose is practiced <em>a lot</em> in <a target='_blank' title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/yoga-online-classes\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/yoga-online-classes\">yoga</a>, particularly in the Sun Salutation series. But it’s also used as a transitional move when going from standing poses to floor poses. </p><p>I don’t know if there’s a part of your body that plank <em>doesn’t</em> strengthen! Clearly, your abdominal muscles will be engaged, but you’ll be squeezing almost every other muscle as well: glutes, thighs, back, and obviously your arms will be supporting a lot of your weight.</p><p><br></p><img src=\"https://media.graphassets.com/resize=width:600,height:400/6SaCXffaSIWEvQcS79WT\" alt=\"Side Plank Pose\" title=\"Side-Planks-600x400.jpg\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" /><p></p><h2>3. Side plank pose</h2><p>Side plank is not one you’ll encounter in every yoga session. It will be one you practice when you’re focusing on balance postures or in core yoga sessions – and maybe one you experience in a deliberately challenging yoga class.</p><p>Still. Visually, you know that plank pose works your obliques (yes, those love handles many complain about!). Internally, you’re also strengthening your arms, shoulders, inner thighs, upper and lower abdominal muscles, and your back. </p><p>Do you see the theme here? Your core comprises a lot of different muscles that support your body! Of note, you also have internal <em>and</em> <em>external</em> abdominal muscles. You even have transverse abdominal muscles. </p><p>All of these types of ab muscles work together to support your skeletal system, organs, and weight.</p><p></p><p>Now…moving on!</p><p><br></p><img src=\"https://media.graphassets.com/resize=width:600,height:400/Ld8zfDxSY6hpFkWww79L\" alt=\"High Lunge\" title=\"1High-Lunge.jpg\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" /><p></p><h2>4. High lunge</h2><p>Don’t discount this pose as one just for your legs! Because your back foot is not planted on the ground, there is a lot of balance required for this posture. Any time we have a yoga poses that requires balance, we almost automatically engage our core. Why?</p><p>Your body knows what it needs to remain stable and upright! You just may not always be aware of it. In high lunge, you’ll want to focus on engaging your core even though your body will do a lot of that for you automatically. You can consciously engage even more to stabilize you in this posture.</p><p>Once again, you’ll be working internal and external abdominal muscles along with many other muscles!</p><p><br></p><img src=\"https://media.graphassets.com/resize=width:600,height:400/CGzIxjyoSOS9ub8b60LJ\" alt=\"Down Dog Splits\" title=\"three-legged-dog-header-1024x512.jpg\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" /><p></p><h2>5. Down dog splits</h2><p>Think this pose is mostly focused on your arms and glutes? Think again!</p><p>If you don’t have semi-strong abdominal muscles, this pose will be particularly challenging for you. In a good way!</p><p>Whether your core is strong or not, though, this yoga pose works your core in ways other poses might not. Down dog splits work the deepest of your abdominal muscles almost exclusively, the transverse abdominis. </p><p><br>If you are familiar with any or all of these poses, I invite you to practice them regularly to develop or maintain a really strong core! If you need <em>more core</em> (ha ha get it?), or you’re unfamiliar with these core yoga exercises, I’d love to have you join me in the <a target='_blank' title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/yoga-for-core-and-muscle-strengthening-by-namrata\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/yoga-for-core-and-muscle-strengthening-by-namrata\">Yoga for Core and Muscle Strengthening class at MyYogaTeacher!</a></p><p>We offer 1:1 classes with authentic yoga instructors from the birthplace of yoga, India! And if you haven’t experienced virtual private yoga classes yet, MyYogaTeacher makes 1:1 classes affordable and accessible! PLUS, with your membership, you get:</p><ul><li><div><p><strong>Radiance! More energy, peace of mind, and better health &amp; fitness</strong></p></div></li><li><div><p><strong>42+ daily group yoga classes, 100% live!</strong></p></div></li><li><div><p><strong>Discounted yoga workshops, all live and interactive!</strong></p></div></li><li><div><p><strong>Making new like-minded friends from around the world</strong></p></div></li></ul><p><a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/pricing\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/pricing\"><u>Grab your 2-week free trial and check out your membership options here!</u></a></p><p></p>"},"category":["fitness"],"utmCampaign":null,"utmMedium":null,"utmContent":null,"utmSource":null,"utmTerm":null,"utmSearchString":null,"imageHyperlink":[]},"recommendations_group_class":[{"session_uuid":"34984c8c-4bb0-431f-b7f9-fb88e403f637","student_uuid":"55c03349-d37a-4675-b663-516daf6eeece","teacher_uuid":"edccff18-bea3-4386-b407-7330186ec910","teacher_name":"Shrutika Sharad Umarji","teacher_first_name":"Shrutika","teacher_slug":"shrutika-1","teacher_photo":"https://res.cloudinary.com/dgerdfai4/image/upload/v1651561790/teacher/photos/yjblzrfq9egkjco6madq.jpg","group_session_name":"Beginner's Yoga for Self Care","group_session_description":"Ready to experience a calmer, more energized life? 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