Core Strengthening

Effects & Benefits

People Experience Poses Differently

• The following effects may be associated with this category of poses.
• Knowing such common effects is typically useful for planning sequences. However, since there are no universal truths in how different people experience poses, please use caution with this information.
• For example, rather than telling students what to expect when practicing a pose or technique, you may wish to invite them to take note of effects on their breathing and their mind, and what they feel in their body.

See Also

• Wise Word Choice
• Inclusive & Accepting Word Choice
• Asana Categories Hub
• Planning & Sequencing Hub

• Core exercises build heat and strength.
• A strong core can be thought of as “building strength from the inside out” and is often correlated with positive psychological, emotional and spiritual states, including feelings of strength and resilience.
• Core strengthening supports the low back and can eliminate back pain.*
• Strong abdominal muscles support abdominal organs.**
• A healthy core improves posture.
• A healthy core improves digestion and elimination and in yoga is associated with healthy digestive “fire.” (See also Manipura Chakra.)
• A strong core improves athletic performance.

*Weakness in the core can result in “overrotations in the vertebrae of the lower back, which leads to degenerative disk disease and arthritis.” In addition, “[weak] abs often contribute to trouble in the sacroiliac joint.” (Rachel Brahinsky)

**”I like to think of our core musculature as a tightly wrapped package protecting the internal organs.” (Olga Kabel)