Core Strengthening
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Yoga Techniques and Fitness
Overview
In this lesson, we examine core strengthening poses as a category, and ways to apply this knowledge in teaching.
Objective
Become proficient in the function and benefits of core strengthening poses, effective cueing for core engagement, and ways to promote a balanced approach to core health.
What You'll Get
Describe how true core strengthening differs from the way in which popular culture promotes strong abdominals. Explain benefits associated with healthy core strengthening and issues related to weak abdominals. Describe potential problems with the phrase, “engage your core” and other ways to cue core engagement. Provide examples of poses that use the abdominals as stabilizers and explain the type of movement needed to bring balance after core strengthening work. Give specific reasons why sit-ups and crunches are not the optimal core strengthening exercise for many people.
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)
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