Can Yoga Make You Strong?

Want a tighter core, solid arms and sculpted legs? Not only can yoga make you more flexible and reduce stress, it can also make your body strong. By starting with poses like dolphin push-ups and half handstand, you can build and tone muscles throughout the body, and your mind will get a workout too. Now roll out your yoga mat and get ready to sweat! You’ll be amazed by what you can do.

Yoga for Your Core

Tighten your stomach and strengthen your back with these simple but challenging poses.

PLANK POSE

A commonly seen exercise, plank helps build strength in the core, shoulders, arms and legs.

Modify: You can modify this pose by placing your knees on the floor and by bending your elbows slightly.
Skip it: Avoid plank pose if you suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome or have any wrist sensitivities as it can be hard on your wrists. You might also skip it or modify if you have low back pain.
Be mindful: As you move into plank, use a deep inhale to broaden your chest through the shoulders and middle back. As you exhale, use that energy to engage the abs to strengthen the pose.

Excerpted from nytimes.com

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