Easy Yoga Poses to Build Core Strength at Home
1. Plank Pose (Phalakasana)
A foundational core strengthener, the Plank works your entire abdominal region, including obliques and lower back.
How to do it: Start in a push-up position, hands under shoulders, body in one straight line. Engage your core and hold for 30–60 seconds.
Reps: 2–3 rounds with deep, steady breaths.
2. Boat Pose (Navasana)
Boost balance and activate deep abdominal muscles with this challenging hold.
How to do it: Sit on the floor, lift your legs to a 45-degree angle, and extend your arms forward. Keep your spine straight.
Hold: 20–30 seconds, for 3 sets. Increase time as your strength builds.
3. Side Plank (Vasisthasana)
This variation of the plank targets your side core muscles, or obliques.
How to do it: From Plank, shift weight to one hand, stack your feet, and lift hips. Raise your top arm to the sky.
Hold: 20–30 seconds per side. Repeat twice each side.
4. Cat-Cow Pose (Marjaryasana-Bitilasana)
A gentle way to warm up the spine and wake up your core muscles.
How to do it: On all fours, inhale to arch your back (Cow), exhale to round it (Cat), activating your abs throughout.
Reps: 8–10 rounds, breathing deeply with each movement.
5. Bridge Pose (Setu Bandhasana)
Strengthens the lower back, glutes, and core while opening the chest and hips.
How to do it: Lie on your back, bend knees with feet hip-width apart. Lift hips while engaging the core.
Hold: 20–30 seconds. Lower slowly. Repeat 3 times.
6. Forearm Plank (Makara Adho Mukha Svanasana)
An advanced variation that deepens core engagement while protecting wrists.
How to do it: Lower onto your forearms and toes, keeping your body aligned from head to heels.
Hold: 30–60 seconds. Do 2–3 sets with mindful breathing.
7. Seated Spinal Twist (Ardha Matsyendrasana)
This seated pose works your obliques and enhances core flexibility.
How to do it: Sit with legs extended, cross one leg over the other, and twist your torso toward the bent knee.
Hold: 20–30 seconds per side. Repeat twice on each side.
Tips for a Safer Practice
• Practice on a yoga mat for comfort and grip.
• Never push into pain—listen to your body's limits.
• Breathe deeply to enhance muscle activation and mental focus.
• Consistency is key: 3–4 sessions a week deliver the best results over time.
With mindful movement and regular practice, these yoga poses can transform your core strength—and your daily life—from the inside out.
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