What is Boat Pose?

Boat pose, or navasana, is a seated yoga asana that requires core strength to hold the body in a "V" shape. Navasana forms part of the primary series of Ashtanga yoga and is popular in a range of styles of yoga because of its physical and mental benefits.

Instructions

• Sit with your legs straight ahead.
• Lift through the sternum and lean back slightly while engaging your abdomen.
• Draw your knees in toward your chest, balancing on your sit bones.
• Then slowly lengthen your legs until you are resting on your sit bones and your body makes a "V" shape.
• Lengthen your arms ahead of you until your arms are straight and parallel to the floor.

Cautions

• Avoid during pregnancy

Benefits of Boat Pose

• Strengthens the hip flexors, spine, and abdomen
• Improves digestion
• Stimulates the thyroid and kidneys