boat / navasana

The boat strengthens the legs and core body while opening the chest and stretching the low back. Boat pose tonifies the kidneys and stimulates the reproductive and digestive systems.

Lie on your belly, with the chin on the floor, legs together and arms alongside the body, 45 degrees away from the sides, with the palms down.

Pull up the knee caps, squeeze the thighs and buttocks, engage mula bandha, and press the pubic bone down into the floor.

Inhale and lift the legs, head, chest, and arms off of the floor. Reach out through the fingers, toes and crown of the head. Keep the neck in line with the spine.

Drop the shoulders down and back and press the chest forward. Keep the legs, buttocks, and mula bandha strong, and keep the pubic bone pressing down into the floor.

Breathe and hold for 2-6 breaths.

To release: exhale and slowly lower the chest, head, arms and legs to the floor. Turn the head to one side, slide the arms alongside your body and rest.

a) To strengthen your low back bring the arms forward over your head.
b) Interlace the fingers behind your back, squeeze the shoulder blades together and lift the arms up.

Recent or chronic injury to the back, arms or shoulders, pregnancy, menstruation, or recent abdominal surgery.

bow, locust, cobra, crocodile.

Ahimsa, the yogic practice of non violence must be adhered to when engaging in the practice of hatha yoga. Respect your body's limitations and inner wisdom, if something feels wrong or dangerous, please do not do it.

Please consult your health care practitioner before starting a yoga, pranayama or other exercise program.